Where to go on holiday in May

The pearl of Croatia's Adriatic coastline, Dubrovnik is unforgettable at any time of year, but it's especially seductive in May, just before the summer crowds arrive. This is the best time to enjoy the sunshine (without it being too hot), and the perfect time to explore the medieval Old Town at your own leisure. Spring is also a great time to enjoy the coast before the sea is crammed with kayakers and finding a restaurant becomes tricky.

In stylish Milan, spring is the best season for sightseeing. Navigli's canals are at their most bewitching, and the Pinacoteca di Brera will be spacious and peaceful, letting you enjoy fabulous art without the crowds. You can catch A.C. Milan or Inter Milan in action before the football season concludes. Or, if you're more of a design buff, Salone del Mobile (Milan Furniture Fair) brings world-class talent to show off cutting-edge furniture creations. It's the largest trade show of its kind and takes place annually in April - definitely worth a visit!

The island of Aphrodite is definitely at its best in spring. In May, temperatures will climb steadily, but resorts won't be heaving with tourists. The Cypriot landscape is also stunning – Cyprus becomes green and even more striking and charming. This is also the best time of year for sightseeing, road trips and hiking, thanks to the milder temperatures. Having said that, it's certainly warm enough for the beach and it will be warm enough to swim if that's what you're after! Towards the end of May, the end of spring is marked by a creative flower festival. Head to Paphos, Limassol or Larnaca to join in on the celebrations!

If you want non-stop spring sunshine, Tenerife has to be a strong candidate. While the climate is ideal for sunbathing and swimming, the island is peaceful and laid-back. It's not party season by any means. Instead, it's a place to relax and escape the gloomy skies back home and enjoy a range of outdoor activities. From climbing Mount Teide to submarine safaris, the great weather and relaxed atmosphere are just right for enjoying everything Tenerife has to offer.

May is a special time to visit Sicily – terrace restaurants become emblazoned with flowers, enotecas serve up this year's vintage and spring flowers bloom next to multicolored houses to make the island a photographer's dream. If you want some beach time, the waters of the Costa Smeralda reach 20°C by May, and the resorts start to ease into life for the coming season. There's no better time for a laid-back Sardinian break.

Spring is a very special time in Crete, and when you venture into the countryside, you'll see why. The island becomes a breathtaking work of art as wildflowers emerge and dramatic locations like the Samarian Gorge become even more impressive. And, with warm temperatures guaranteed, the beach beckons as well, making Crete hard to resist.

Bavaria's capital bursts into life as spring gets underway. Crowds capitalise on the sunshine to pack out the English Garden and Munich's lively beer gardens, while gorgeous floral arrangements decorate the city squares. Add in attractions like the Nymphenburg Palace and the Frauenkirche, and some of Germany's finest nightlife, and Munich has all the ingredients for a spectacular spring escape. What's more, at the beginning of May visitors can enjoy Frühlingsfest (or Springfest), an annual festival that has been dubbed Oktoberfest's little sister!

If you're still wondering where to go in May, why not head north to the Norwegian fjords? As winter melts away, it leaves a legacy of awe-inspiring waterfalls and flowers appearing in a riot of colours. It's a great time to explore Norway's natural heritage, and with longer daylight hours, you have plenty of time to. What's more, May 17th is Constitution Day - one of the country's biggest parties, so you're sure to have an amazing time. Live music fans might also be tempted by MaiJazz (also known as the Stavanger International Jazz Festival) or Bergen International Festival.

There's something uniquely exciting about New York in springtime. Central Park is a blaze of colour as the cherry trees bloom, and the mild weather makes a great backdrop for boat tours out to Liberty Island. But it's also the time when New Yorkers really shake off winter, and cultural life kicks into gear. From Frieze New York to the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival, it's a great time to explore.