The best holiday destinations for May 2017

From exploring the markets in Marrakech to lazing on a beach in Malta, there are plenty of exciting holiday destinations that are best explored in May

It comes as no surprise that May firmly remains a popular month for those wanting to escape and get a bit of sunshine.

Not only are there two bank holidays that allow you to save some precious annual leave when booking a long weekend, but it's also when temperatures in countries such as Morocco or Bulgaria start to rise, yet remain bearable.

You don't need to go long-haul in order to have a sun-soaked spring break - in fact there are plenty of European countries which are ideal at this time of the year, and the best part is you don't need to break the bank to go exploring.

Holidaygems.co.uk have shared their top five holiday destinations for May - and we've taken a closer look at why they should be on your travel wishlist...

1. Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is renowned for its bustling markets (Photo: AFP)

The flight to Marrakech from the UK is just under four hours, making it an ideal city break over a long weekend. Temperatures begin to rise although they tend to stay around 21C so you won't be overheating as you explore the Moroccan capital's world-famous markets.

Jemaa el-Fnaa is a great place to start, as the square is full of stalls carrying an impressive array of trinkets which you can haggle over with vendors. If the high-energy atmosphere proves too much, we recommend heading to the much more tranquil Jardin Majorelle and taking in the breathtaking gardens.

How to get there: Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways all offer direct flights to Marrakech.

2. Pula, Istria County

The Roman Arena in Pula (Photo: Moment Editorial)

History buffs should head to Istria, a peninsula shared by Croatia, Slovenia and Italy which is filled with magnificent ancient ruins. The Roman Arena in the city of Pula is particularly impressive and offers unparalleled views of the Adriatic Sea.

With temperatures up to 22C in May, the weather will suit those wanting to hike through the countryside. Winemaking is at the heart of local culture so wine is considerably cheaper than in the UK, while foodies should make sure to taste dishes from local food markets, especially the fresh fish.

How to get there: Ryanair offers direct flights to Marrakech in May with prices starting from £19.99 each way.

3. Paphos, Cyprus

The ruins of Kourion in Paphos (Photo: iStockphoto)

With temperatures of 24C, endless sunshine and culinary delights including local pastries, wine and fresh seafood, you'll be forgiven for wanting to spend your break in Paphos lying on a beach to soak up the rays, only moving to tuck into local cuisine at the food markets or heading out to restaurants in the evenings.

However, if you do one cultural thing during your trip, make it a visit to the ruins of ancient city Kourion.

The archaeological haven is a UNESCO World Heritage site, with awe-inspiring features including a Greco-Roman amphitheatre.

If you're planning a longer break, then you may also want to pay a visit to Mount Olympus, which towers over the landscape - we suggest hiring a car and stopping off at the picturesque village of Omodos for spectacular sights of the scenery.

How to get there: Thomson offer direct flights to Paphos from London, Manchester, Leeds and Birmigham.

4. Malta

Malta boasts stunning architecture especially in capital city Valletta (Photo: AFP)

With golden beaches, unique architecture and jaw-dropping sights such as the Roman Catacombs, it's not surprising that Malta has firmly established itself as a go-to holiday destination.

Game of Thrones fans may recognise the breathtaking landscape which featured in the hit TV series - and with temperatures around a manageable 20C, it's not difficult to go exploring.

The capital, Valletta, boasts an impressive range of Medieval buildings, not to mention it overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. Make sure to stop by the St John Co-Cathedral, which is filled with intricate carvings and artwork from iconic Italian painter Caravaggio.

How to get there: easyJet offer direct flights to Valletta from Manchester, Newcastle and London Gatwick.

5. Bulgaria

Bulgaria's Golden Sands is a popular resort (Photo: Photononstop RM)

With a flight time of just over three hours from the UK, Bulgaria's popularity has soared in recent years as it becomes a go-to for those wanting a beach break.

Its Golden Sands resort has flourished with a host of all-inclusive hotels, a vibrant nightlife and countless bars and restaurants - meanwhile, there's family-friendly Sunny Beach with plenty of kids clubs and activities to keep little ones entertainted.

Despite the hordes of tourists making their way to its idyllic beaches, Bulgaria remains relatively cheap - in some places you can even get a pint of beer for just 45p!

How to get there: easyJet offer direct flights to Sofia from Manchester as well as London's Stansted and Luton, with prices starting from £30.99 each way.