May is the month frequent Mediterranean travelers swear by. Cyprus is fully warm. Sicily's beaches open. The Greek islands are at their wildflower peak with the temperature finally at swimming threshold on most south-facing bays. Croatia's coast comes alive without the August crush. Portugal's Algarve is gentle. The point of May is that you can swim, eat outside until midnight, and not stand in line for anything.
The weather, the water, the feel
Cyprus air runs 27 C, water 21 to 22 C. Greek south coasts hit 22 C water by month's end. Sicily and southern Italy run 24 to 26 C air. The Algarve is variable but generally 22 to 25 C with water around 19 C, which is cool but accepted by anyone from the UK. Croatia's Dalmatian coast warms quickly mid-month.
Cyprus is bath-temperature compared to most Mediterranean choices in May. The south coasts of Crete, especially around Loutro and Plakias, are protected and warm faster than the north. Sicilian beaches around Cefalu and the Aeolian Islands are clear and quiet. Croatian beaches near Hvar and Brac are at the water's edge of comfortable for swims. The Algarve's east end around Tavira and Cacela Velha has shallow lagoons that warm fast.
Five destinations on the shortlist
Mediterranean
Cyprus
27 C / 81 F
Coral Bay, Aphrodite's Rock, Konnos Beach.
Mediterranean
Greece
25 C / 77 F
Crete south, Folegandros, Milos. Wildflowers everywhere.
Italy
Sicily
24 C / 75 F
Aeolians, Cefalu, Scala dei Turchi, Vendicari reserve.
Adriatic
Croatia
22 C / 72 F
Hvar, Vis, Korcula. Boat days are on.
Atlantic
Portugal
22 C / 72 F
Algarve east, Comporta, west coast for surf.
Insider planning tips
- Sicily ferry routes to the Aeolians fully reopen in May. Connection schedules are still light, so plan one-way at a time.
- Croatian ferries from Split to Hvar increase frequency mid-May. Off-peak fares end around the 20th.
- Algarve weather can still get an Atlantic front. Pack a sweater for evenings.
- Cyprus restaurants in tourist areas reopen for the season around late April. Confirm before booking dinner.
Where to stay
Cyprus villas around Latchi and Polis with private pools are at low season rates until late May. Greek island studios in Folegandros and Milos are at half their July rates. Sicilian agriturismi in the Madonie hills are wonderful and cheap. Croatian apartments in Stari Grad on Hvar beat the harbor crowd. The Algarve's Tavira and Cacela Velha rental scene is family-run, small, and well-priced before June 1.
Final word
May is a quiet luxury. The summer is real but the crowds haven't arrived yet. Use it.