With its iconic landmarks, stunning scenery and famously delicious cuisine, Italy has long ranked as one of our all-time favourite destinations. This Mediterranean marvel is often thought of as a summer spot, but plan your trip to Italy in May and you’ll be rewarded with warm weather, fewer crowds, springtime festivals and scrumptious seasonal food. Have we piqued your interest? Read on for our top five reasons to visit Italy in May…
For the weather
Italy, like much of the Med, has a reputation as a summer destination. We’re not here to say that summer in Italy isn’t beautiful, but it can get pretty hot: Syracuse recorded a scorching 49ºC in August 2021.
May, on the other hand, is pleasantly warm, with an average temperature of around 21ºC. Aside from the odd rainy day, you can expect clear skies and long days bathed in golden sunlight.
If, like us, you’re partial to an aperitivo al fresco, then May is the perfect time to visit. The warm daytime temperatures make for gloriously mild evenings, meaning you can enjoy a crisp Aperol Spritz on a restaurant terrace without worrying about sweating over your spaghetti.
Image by MasterLu / Fotolia.com.
For fewer crowds
Italy is home to an abundance of showstopping landmarks, but visiting them can feel somewhat stressful when you have to contend with the crowds. By visiting in May, you’ll avoid the peak summer tourist season, meaning you can appreciate the sights without craning your neck over crowds of camera-toting tourists.
While it’s much quieter in spring than in summer, May is when the tourist season begins in Italy, so hotspots like the Colosseum might still be busy. If you prefer a quieter holiday, bypass the big cities and instead head to Puglia for sparkling sea views and quaint coastal villages or Umbria for wildflower walks and truffle pasta (it’s a local specialty).
Image by Jerome Galland.
For springtime festivities
Next up on our list of reasons to visit Italy in May are the springtime celebrations. On the third Sunday of May, Italians celebrate the beginning of spring with elaborate infiorata, or flower festivals, which see artists form intricate mosaics on the city streets using only colourful flower petals. These festivals are held in several cities, but our favourite is Sicily’s Infiorata di Noto. Wander along Via Nicolaci, one of the city’s most enchanting streets, and admire the vibrant portraits of flowers and cultural and religious figures.
The Sagra del Limone (Lemon Festival) held in Monterosso is also a must-see spring event. This cute coastal town is encircled by lemon groves, and over the years the fruit has become a symbol of culture and tradition. In mid-May, the entire village comes to life, with sunshine-yellow lemons adorning the cobbled streets and stalls selling citrussy sweets and sweet cakes. Treat yourself to a scoop of lemon gelato, taste the tart jam or sample some sweet-and-sour limoncello – when in Monterosso, after all.
Image by Fani Kurti / Getty Images.
For outdoor activities
Italy is chock-full of natural beauty, and May’s wonderful weather and blue skies are perfect for getting outside and enjoying it. If you’re partial to a wander, why not take a hike through Cinque Terre National Park? This UNESCO World Heritage site is made up of five postcard-perfect Italian villages set on idyllic coastlines and linked by winding trails. May’s mild temperatures mean that you can hike without worrying about getting too hot – and, if you do happen to overheat, you can always stop off in one of the towns for a gelato.
If you prefer a more active holiday, head to the lakes to try your hand at some water sports. Lake Garda offers a variety of water sports which are perfect for youngsters and adults alike, including waterskiing, paragliding and kayaking. Spend the days out on the sparkling water before retiring to the lakeside to admire the backdrop of towering mountains and terracotta townhouses.
Image by Tom Morbey / Unsplash.com.
For the food
Look, we love everything about Italy, but if the top item on your itinerary is pizza, we don’t blame you. From butter-drenched cacio e pepe to perfectly sweet tiramisu, Italy’s culinary offerings are truly incredible. While Italian dishes are mouthwatering year-round, the country-wide love for cooking with seasonal ingredients means that each month offers a different delight. May marks the beginning of asparagus season, so expect fresh, green pasta sauces and creamy risotto dotted with asparagus spears. If you prefer a sweet treat, no worries: cherries and strawberries are also in season.
And if it’s a liquid lunch you’re craving? Head to Tuscany at the end of May for the Cantine Aperte. This wine tasting event allows both big and small wine producers to showcase the best of their selection, giving you the chance to learn more about the range of Italian vino varieties. And, in our opinion, there’s no better way to support small local businesses than by buying a bottle of bubbles. Saude!
Image by Lucy Laucht.
Written by Emma Begley | Header image by Hans Bernhard Huber / LAIF-REA.
