May Walking Holidays

Tried & Tested Routes - Every walking and cycling route we offer is thoughtfully crafted, curated, and tested by our team and local partners to deliver a truly rewarding experience. We obsess over the details - so you can enjoy the journey, not worry about the directions.  

Locally Owned Accommodation - Where you stay matters. That’s why we support small, locally owned, and family-run places that reflect the character of a destination and uplift the communities we travel through. 

Luggage Transfers - Travel light every day while we take care of moving your bags between accommodations. No need to carry heavy gear - just pack a day bag with your trail essentials. By the time you arrive at your next accommodation, your bags will be there waiting. 

Award-Winning Navigation App - Our intuitive app puts your entire trip at your fingertips - with easy-to-follow navigation, maps, and all your trip info to guide you every step of the way. Travel independently with confidence, knowing you’re always on the right path. 

 24/7 Support - Travel independently, but never alone. Our team is available around the clock, ready to help if you need it. Because we believe peace of mind should be part of every adventure. 

May is one of the finest months to walk. Here's why so many of our travellers choose it.

Quieter trails and towns. May sits just before the main walking season begins, meaning well-known routes and destinations are noticeably calmer. You'll have more space on the trail, easier access to accommodation, and a more relaxed atmosphere in the towns and villages you pass through. 

Great value travel. Travelling in May often means better availability and lower prices on flights and accommodation compared to peak months. You get the same high-quality walking routes - just with more value from your travel budget. 

Spring at its most beautiful. Flowers are blooming, trees are in fresh leaf, and wildlife is waking up. There's a vibrancy to the natural world in May that's genuinely hard to match at any other time of year. 

The weather gets it right. Milder temperatures and longer daylight hours make May ideal for outdoor activity - warm enough to enjoy, cool enough to keep moving comfortably, without the heat of summer or the chill of winter. 

Something for everyone. Whether you're drawn to coastal paths in spring sunshine or mountain trails with snowy peaks still visible on the horizon, May walking holidays offer a remarkable range of destinations to suit every preference and fitness level. 

A sense of renewal. There's something about walking in spring - the energy of the natural world coming back to life, the longer evenings, the feeling of possibility - that makes May walking feel genuinely restorative. 

Not too hot. Not too busy. Very much the Goldilocks of hiking months. For many of our travellers, this is when European hiking really comes into its own. 

Is May a good month for hiking?
Yes - May is widely considered one of the best months for walking holidays in Europe and beyond. Temperatures across most destinations are mild and comfortable for sustained daily walking, trails are quieter than in summer, and spring scenery is often at its most beautiful. 

What should I wear for a May walking holiday?
Layering is key in May. Mornings and evenings can be cool, particularly at altitude or in northern destinations, while midday walking can feel warm in southern Europe. We recommend moisture-wicking base layers, a lightweight mid-layer, and a packable waterproof jacket. Good walking boots with ankle support are essential for most routes, along with comfortable day-pack essentials: sun protection, a refillable water bottle, and a small first aid kit.

Are May walking holidays suitable for families?
Many of our May walking holidays are well-suited to families with teens who are comfortable walking several hours a day. Routes vary considerably in difficulty, and we're happy to help match the right trip to your group's experience and fitness level. Get in touch and we'll find the right fit for your family. 

Will there be crowds on the trails in May?
May sits in the shoulder season, before the main influx of summer walkers and tourists. You'll find most trails and towns noticeably quieter than in July or August - which means more space to walk, easier access to accommodation, and a more genuine experience of the places you're passing through. Popular routes like the Camino de Santiago do attract walkers year-round but May offers a lively yet manageable atmosphere compared to peak summer. 

Can I book a self-guided walking tour for May?
Absolutely. All of our walking holidays are self-guided, which means you walk at your own pace, on your own schedule, with everything arranged for you in advance. Your accommodation is booked, your luggage is transferred between stops, and our app and 24/7 support team are there whenever you need them. It's the freedom of independent travel, with the planning taken care of. 

Where isn't good to hike in May?
Due to weather conditions, route closures and seasonal availability, we don't offer walking holidays in May in the following destinations:

• Switzerland (most routes)
• Norway
• Alpine and high altitude walking in Austria and Switzerland, including the Dolomites and Tour du Mont Blanc 

These regions are better suited to late spring, summer or early autumn, when higher passes are clear and conditions are more reliable. We'd be happy to suggest the ideal time of year to walk any of these routes - just ask. 

Portugal is one of the best places to hike in May, with mild temperatures and fresh spring scenery make for steady, enjoyable walking from coast to countryside. The Algarve’s coastal paths are warm and comfortable, while Lisbon and Sintra combine forested hills with extraordinary cultural highlights. Porto and the Douro Valley offer green vineyard trails and riverside routes. And Madeira shines with its famous levada walks and clear coastal views. 

Spain is reliable and rewarding for May hiking in Europe. Andalucía offers warm, manageable temperatures for walking between white villages and olive groves, while Catalonia blends coastal paths, vineyards and historic towns without the summer crush. Mallorca delivers dramatic peaks, spring wildflowers and ideal conditions underfoot. For something a little different, the Canary Islands - especially La Gomera - offer mild weather and wonderfully quiet volcanic trails. 

May is one of the finest months to walk the Camino. Daily temps are comfortable for long walking days, and the pilgrim atmosphere is lively without feeling overwhelming.The Camino Francés, Portugués (Central and Coastal), Inglés and Primitivo all work beautifully at this time of year - steady walking conditions, a genuine sense of community, and none of the summer heat. For many of our walkers, these are among the most memorable hikes in May in Europe.