Where to go on holiday in May: 10 top destinations in Italy

Italy, with its countless historical and cultural attractions, beautiful landscapes, and excellent gastronomy, is an ideal destination for any month of the year.

The bright colours of blossoming landscapes and mild temperatures make May one of the best months to visit the Bel Paese, avoiding excessive heat and summer overcrowding.

May is the ideal month for any trip. Lovers of art and history can choose to visit one or more art cities, visiting monuments and museums and also enjoying the atmosphere of the Italian piazzas while sipping a good coffee or a glass of wine in the open air.

Those looking for a balance between culture and nature can dedicate themselves to discovering Italian hamlets by the sea, lake, hills or mountains!

May is also one of the best months for a hiking holiday. If you love travelling by walking, read our article on the main hiking trails in Italy and choose your favourite route.

Finally, thanks to the mild temperatures, you could also take your first swim of the season!

Choose the destination that inspires you most among the 10 must-visit destinations in Italy in May, and get ready for an unforgettable trip!

The six Pontine islands make up a wonderful archipelago situated opposite the beautiful coast of Lazio.

The larger and best known is Ponza, a top-rated summer destination. May, therefore, is the ideal time to enjoy the gentle spring sun and the beauty of its places away from the summer crowds.

Ponza attracts many tourists mainly for the charm of its spectacular landscape, its charming old town and its splendid beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters.

After the sunset, the island goes wild to the sound of music with open-air discos.

Otherwise, for those who prefer a quiet evening stroll, Ponza offers stunning night-time scenes. Finally, the island is also a popular destination for snorkelling enthusiasts.

Ponza can be reached from the ports of Anzio (the closest), Terracina and Formia.

Those who wish to dedicate a few days to a city of art can choose between Rome and Naples. Anzio and Terracina are closer to Rome. Formia is closer to Naples.

Discover Naples with the Napoli Pass❯

Goethe defined Taormina as a piece of paradise on Earth, and even today, the tens of thousands of tourists who visit this Sicilian town confirm the great writer's words.

Situated near Mount Etna, Taormina is one of the most famous locations in Sicily and the world. It has an invaluable historical, cultural and archaeological heritage enriched by its enchanting location by the sea.

Its mammoth Greco-Roman theatre, breathtaking views and elegant medieval streets will enchant you, especially if you reach Taormina in spring, away from the dreaded heat of the long summer days.

Finally, to the south of Taormina, you'll find Isola Bella, a tiny islet linked to the mainland by a thin strip of land continually submerged and resurfaced by the tides.

This wonderful Mediterranean pearl has been a natural reserve since 1998.

For centuries, the dense Mediterranean maquis that covers it and the wild, impervious paths around its perimeter have enchanted poets and writers.

Discover Taormina's Ancient Theatre with a guided tour❯

Some of Lazio's naturalistic jewels are hidden a few kilometres from Rome.

Among them, we suggest the beautiful Castel Giuliano waterfalls in Bracciano and the Castelli Romani. 

Created by streams and small rivers, Castel Giuliano waterfalls and others in the area are lost in the dense Lazio bush, creating an unexpectedly wild place close to the capital.

The waterfalls and the surrounding environment that adorn them are a perfect destination for spring walks and hiking trails surrounded by lush and spectacular nature.

In this regard, there are several itineraries to reach them; almost all are easy to walk, but you may encounter slightly more challenging stretches. 

After a pleasant trip to enjoy the silence of nature, it is worth visiting the village of Bracciano and the lake of the same name: you will be enchanted.

If you want to explore the territory around Rome, you can explore the Colli Albani and the Castelli Romani. 

To better organise your trip, read our article about a 4-day itinerary to discover Castelli Romani!

Discover lake Albano by kayak❯

During May, the Region of Liguria organises events and initiatives to discover a still little-known side of this splendid slice of Italy. 

Liguria, in fact, is home to no less than 18 protected land areas that include the numerous natural parks dotting its perimeter, stupendous regional nature reserves and both state and regional protected marine areas.

The outdoor activities are many and invite tourists and residents alike to be amazed and enchanted by the natural and cultural beauty of the region.

Trekking routes, diving in marine areas, birdwatching, guided tours in the parks, horse trekking, climbing, routes for hidden views overlooking the sea, nature photography, mountain-bike routes and more, art exhibitions and fair stands offering tastings of local food and wine products.

In short, discover Liguria in May and have an all-round experience!

Discover the 5 terre by boat❯

Cycling enthusiasts should not miss the May appointment with cycle tourism in Tuscany.

In particular, we recommend discovering the Val di Chiana, an immense natural expanse straddling the Tuscan provinces of Siena and Arezzo and the Umbrian provinces of Perugia and Terni.

The area is a flourishing agricultural centre, rich in luxuriant land and green pastures, from which some of the most renowned Made in Italy products such as wine, oil and cheese are produced.

The valley is also home to beautiful art cities, including the Etruscan Chiusi, Chianciano (famous for its thermal baths), and Montepulciano, one of Italy's best wines producer and a must for slow tourism lovers.

After these brief hints on places to visit in the Val di Chiana, we would like to suggest some routes to take by bike - easy, medium and difficult - to discover its natural wonders. 

- Tour from Torrita di Siena to Montepulciano (about 30 km) through the beautiful Sienese hills covered with vineyards;

- For a scenic but decidedly more challenging route, we recommend the tour from Chiusi to Monte Cetona;

- From Sarteano, you can cycle around Monte Cetona, crossing the heart of the mountain. A swinging cycling tour made up of continuous changes of gradient.

Discover the Cellars and Wines of Montepulciano❯

Dozza, just outside Bologna, welcomes its visitors in May with numerous events and activities.

This medieval town is rightly included in the prestigious list of I Borghi più belli d'Italia (the most beautiful villages in Italy) thanks to its enchanting urban, artistic and natural beauty.

It locates on the crest of a hill, and its historical centre preserves the original and splendid medieval building fabric.

The mighty Rocca Sforzesca overlooks Dozza from the highest point of the town. It keeps magnificent ancient frescoes.

After all, art is everywhere in Dozza: the village is an authentic open-air museum whose streets, walls and squares are adorned with hundreds of colourful works of contemporary art.

If you love nature, Dozza also offers many excursions and scenic routes to be taken on foot or by bike. 

Also, as mentioned above, in May, you can participate in several local initiatives, most of them dedicated to food and wine tours among the irresistible flavours of Emilia-Romagna. 

Finally, a 40-minute drive away, you will find Bologna, another beautiful city of art that combines history, culture and tasty traditional dishes!

Discover Bologna with a guided tour of the historic centre❯

One of the Amalfi Coast prides is the evocative Path of the Gods, a 10 km walk in the wilderness that attracts thousands of foreign and Italian tourists every year.

This thrilling outdoor adventure leads through the winding, unspoilt rocky path connecting Agerola to Positano.

The breathtaking views will make the walk less tiring. What do you need?

A mild spring day, hiking shoes and a camera to capture what will seem like paradise on Earth.

After this beautiful walk, you can also discover the other wonderful places in the area, Sorrento, Amalfi and Ravello in the first place!

Discover the Sorrento Peninsula on a cruise.❯

If you are a mountain lover, we suggest a trip to the beautiful village of Saint-Pierre.

This small town in Valle d'Aosta, inhabited by just over 3000 people, is the ideal place if you want to breathe fresh air and reconnect with the world.

The stunning Alpine scenery (731 metres of altitude) is softened by the mild temperatures of May, making Saint-Pierre a perfect spring destination.

This pretty little town is nestled in extensive apple orchard and vineyards, giving the landscape a charming, colourful hue.

Finally, the imposing castle dominates Saint-Pierre and makes the scenery almost fairytale-like.

And to end on a high note, as well as relaxing in nature, you also have some beautiful spas within a half-hour drive!

Relax at the thermal baths of Pré Saint Didier.❯

Far from the hectic summer life of the coast, the Sardinian hinterland hides enchanting villages that looks almost frozen in the past.

Spring is the ideal time to discover these beautiful places; here is one of them.

San Pantaleo, a small hamlet in the municipality of Olbia, has just over a thousand inhabitants, but its liveliness will surprise you.

This oasis of peace is located on the slopes of Monte Cugnana.

Its panoramic position offers a breathtaking view of the enchanting Costa Smeralda, located just a few kilometres away.

The natural environment is wild and isolated, but its charm is irresistible. Ancient and modern buildings coexist in perfect harmony.

In addition, painters, sculptors, goldsmiths and ceramists' workshops populate the village and adorn it with elegance.

The town's art market is a popular destination for local and foreign artists who, attracted by the beauty of the area, take refuge here to capture its essence in the peace of silence.

Finally, the village offers many opportunities for outdoor activities: you can go trekking and hiking in the woods or walk the paths through the greenery. 

In Friuli Venezia Giulia, just a short distance from the border with Slovenia, are the beautiful Fusine Lakes, set in a spectacular natural theatre.

Located just a few kilometres away from the pretty town of Tarvisio (province of Udine), the water complex of glacial origin consists of two little neighbouring lakes (Lago Superiore and Lago Inferiore) surrounded by thick coniferous forests and framed by imposing peaks.

The colours of the surrounding nature reflect in the crystal clear waters, offering a chromatic panorama that changes according to the season: warm colours in autumn and dreamy white during the winter snowfalls.

The light of spring and summer, on the other hand, provides a backdrop worthy of the most beautiful fairytales.

The lush nature embracing the lakes turns emerald green, the warm sunlight falls on the mountains and the waters, enhancing its beauty.

The paths surrounding the Fusine Lakes will take you on an amazing journey through the unspoilt nature typical of Alpine lakes.