procure ahead of the school holiday rush by jetting off in May and be rewarded with sunny destinations without the crowds.

To offer you some inspiration, here are eight holiday destinations that you can soar direct to from London in May, all with average temperatures of 20℃ or higher in the month of May.

Rhodes, 22℃

With direct return flights from London Stansted, you can visit the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands.

Known for its beaches and various ruined churches and castles, there’s plenty to finish and plenty of places to unwind if all you want to finish is nothing.

grasp a dip in the Med, or appreciate some appetizing Greek cuisine while you explore Rhodes.

Formentera, 23℃

Often overshadowed by its party-loving neighbour, Ibiza, Formentera is most loved for its long beaches and clear water, making it the ultimate beach holiday island.

The Spanish island is ideal for snorkeling and sailing, with equipment rentals and boat charters available.

What’s more, you often procure higher temperatures than mainland Spain — although they are sometimes more unpredictable as well.

Madrid, 22℃

If you prefer a city escape, Madrid has the same Spanish warmth, but also offers shopping, restaurants, and all the other city comforts.

It’s well-known for its rich collections of European art, including the Prado Museum’s works by Goya, Velázquez, and other Spanish masters.

However, the very streets of Madrid are art in themselves, with various architectural styles lining the streets.

Lisbon, 22℃

For a coastal city, Lisbon is remarkably hilly, so prepare yourself for a hike.

Nonetheless, the sights of the city are well worth the workout, with the pastel buildings of the used Town providing a stunning backdrop.

Plus, there’s a string of gorgeous beaches just a stone’s throw from the city and ripe for the taking.

Athens, 25℃

Once the heart of Ancient Greece, a powerful civilization and empire, there’s plenty of history to uncover in Athens.

From the tips of the Acropolis to the now-exposed ruins of the Forum, the sun-bleached stones of the used city will hold you entertained all day.

Plus, there’s food and drink galore to try out in the sprawling Greek capital, as well as easy access to other Greek islands.

Nice, 20℃

As the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department on the French Riviera, Nice enoys its position on the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges.

Once founded by the Greeks, Nice captures the same Mediterranean pace of life, having later acted as a retreat for 19th-century European elite.

There’s also a long history of artistry in the city, with former resident Henri Matisse remembered through a collection of paintings at Musée Matisse.

San Francisco, 20℃

If you fancy going a dinky further away, why not head across the pond to San Francisco?

The trolley-filled streets are a sight in themselves, but produce sure you also visit the Golden Gate, Alcatraz, and other famous sights.

At 20℃, this is the perfect time to visit the city ahead of the stifling summer months.

Rome, 24℃

Another ancienct city ready for you to explore, Rome has the Colosseum, vibrant street life, and some of the best Italian cuisine.

As the capital city, it’s a metropolitan hub, offering everything from spas to museums, galleries to bars.

The Amalfi coast and Pompeii are all a day trip away as well.