What to do on the May long weekend: ideas for a perfect getaway

The month of May is the prelude to summer and, with it, comes one of the most eagerly awaited breaks of the year: the May long weekend. For many, this short break translates into a magnificent opportunity to disconnect from the routine and organize a mini getaway with family, friends or even alone. It is not surprising that, at this point, the big question arises: what to do on the May long weekend. If you feel identified, keep reading, because in the following lines we will offer you varied options and practical tips so that you can make the most of those precious holidays.

Why is the May long weekend so special?

To understand the attractiveness of this date, it is worth highlighting some of its advantages:

Pleasant weather: In May, temperatures become milder and the days get longer. It’s the perfect time to practice outdoor activities without the sweltering heat of summer or the cold of winter.
Fewer crowds: Although this period can concentrate a lot of tourism, it does not usually reach the level of July and August. With a minimum of organization, it is possible to enjoy your destination without large masses of visitors.
Perfect duration: A long weekend is enough to disconnect, but not so long as to involve a huge investment of time or money. Therefore, it is the perfect time to improvise – or plan in detail – what to do on the May long weekend.
Varied options: From nature getaways to cultural plans, from coastal destinations to gastronomic routes, there are multiple things to do on the May long weekend adapted to all tastes and travel styles.

Ideas to make the most of the May long weekend

When you are wondering what to do on the May long weekend, it is worth reflecting on what your ideal idea of rest or adventure is. Below, we propose different themes, so that you can choose the one that best suits you.

1. Urban tourism

Visit charming cities: If you are passionate about culture, art and gastronomy, a city break is perfect. Cities such as Seville, Madrid, Barcelona or Valencia offer exhibitions, monuments, museums and a very lively nightlife.
Historical routes: May is an excellent month to walk without haste, enjoying streets and squares full of history. You could tour the monumental center of Toledo or get lost in the narrow streets of Granada.
Taste the local cuisine: Each city has its own culinary offer, with traditional dishes and avant-garde proposals. The May long weekend can be a great opportunity to discover new restaurants or go for tapas in lively neighbourhoods.

2. Coastal getaways

A preview of summer: If you’re looking for days at the beach and sea, the Spanish coast offers plenty of destinations where you can relax without the sweltering heat of July or August. You can opt for the Costa Brava, the Costa Blanca or the Costa de la Luz, each with its own particularities.
Water activities: Although the water may be cool, practicing sports such as paddle surfing, kayaking or diving is feasible at this time with the right equipment. Those who prefer quieter plans can simply choose to walk along the shore and enjoy the sea breezes.
Fishing villages: May is an ideal time to get to know traditional coastal towns, savour fresh seafood and watch spectacular sunsets over the sea.

3. Gastronomic routes

For many, the answer to what to do on the May long weekend has to do directly with good food:

Events and fairs: Several regions organize events where local seasonal products are showcased. From wine fairs to days dedicated to strawberries, there is always an interesting culinary festival at this time of year.
Tapas and pinchos: If you fancy a more casual experience, many cities sign up for tapas routes, offering themed tastings. The fun is to jump from place to place to try different specialties.
Wineries and wine tourism: If you are passionate about wine, May is an excellent time to visit wineries. You will discover the production process, walk through vineyards and taste unique wines.

4. Cultural and monumental plans

Historical heritage: Spain has numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If you are wondering what to do on the May long weekend and are looking for an enriching plan, visiting one of these enclaves can be fascinating.
Museums and exhibitions: Most museums take advantage of spring to organise temporary exhibitions and activities. Check the schedule in advance and book your tickets, especially if you are traveling to busy destinations.
Music or theatre festivals: May is starting to warm up in the field of festivals. You may find a cultural event or outdoor concert that interests you.

Nature and rural getaways

Lovers of tranquility and the outdoors are probably wondering what to do on the May long weekend to recharge your batteries in the middle of nature. Here are some options:

Hiking and natural parks The weather in May invites you to put on your hiking boots and explore routes through forests, rivers and mountains. Spain has protected areas such as the Picos de Europa, Ordesa and Monte Perdido or the Sierra de Cazorla, where the splendour of spring is imposing.
Sports activities If you are looking for adrenaline, you could venture out with rafting, climbing or simply mountain biking routes. These activities can be combined with short stays in rural accommodation, where you can savour the local cuisine at the end of the day.
Charming stays When it comes to organising yourself, it is advisable to select a place that mixes comfort and proximity to natural environments of interest.

In this sense, from Villa Engracia, we want to introduce you to our rural apartments. Here, in the heart of the green area of the province of Tarragona, we think of every detail so that you feel at home while enjoying contact with nature. From our facilities, it is easy to access trails, villages with history and wine routes that will surprise you with their beauty.

At Villa Engracia we love to welcome guests who are looking for different plans for these dates. We want you to completely disconnect and experience the environment at your own pace. We advise you on the most emblematic excursions, the gastronomic corners that are worth discovering and any other activity that makes your May long weekend an unforgettable memory.

Other options on what to do on the May long weekend

If none of the above proposals convince you, or you want something more specific, there are more things to do on the May long weekend that could fit your interests:

Wellness tourism: Booking a hotel with a spa or spa is perfect for those who need to relax and forget about the stress of everyday life. May, with its milder days, is the ideal time to combine thermal treatments and walks in the surroundings.
Family trips: If you are traveling with children, look for theme parks or excursions suitable for the little ones. It is possible to alternate cultural visits with days of children’s fun in places such as adventure parks or farm-schools.
Photo getaways: Are you passionate about photography? May gives you a special luminosity and landscapes blooming in all their splendor. Organize a route that takes you through natural settings, stone villages or wild coasts to immortalize the moment.

Tips to make the most of the May long weekend

Book early: It may seem obvious, but many people leave everything to the last minute and find themselves with sold out accommodations and activities. If you want to make sure you get good rates and schedules, plan your reservations in advance.
Check the weather: Although May is a mild month, it is always a good idea to check the weather forecast. Wearing appropriate clothes and an alternative plan (museums, indoor activities…) will prevent you from unpleasantness if the rain appears.
Be prepared for the unexpected: Traveling on holidays means that some shops and services may have special hours. Find out about transport schedules, restaurants, pharmacies on duty, etc.
Take care of the environment: If you go to a natural area, respect the trails, do not leave garbage and be aware of your ecological footprint. Practicing responsible tourism not only benefits the environment, but also improves the experience of all visitors.
Combine activity and rest: So much desire to make the most of your time can lead to overloading your schedule. Remember that the goal is to disconnect and enjoy. It leaves room for improvisation, for a leisurely coffee or simply to contemplate the landscape.

Conclusion

The May long weekend is a fantastic opportunity to break the monotony and live different experiences before the summer hustle and bustle arrives. The options on what to do on the May long weekend multiply, ranging from sports adventures and cultural visits, to quiet days on the beach or in the middle of nature. There are no limits to the things to do on the May long weekend, and it will all depend on your travel style and how eager you are to discover new places.

If, in addition, you want to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere with good connections to historical places, beaches and wine routes, at Villa Engracia we will be happy to welcome you. Our philosophy is to offer you a refuge where you recharge your batteries and experience the environment in your own way, with the confidence of having the support of a close team willing to help you with everything you need.

What are you waiting for to plan your next getaway? Whatever your choice, we wish you a May long weekend full of memorable moments and exciting plans.