12 Top Tropical Beaches To Escape to in May
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After a winter filled with long, cold, bleak days, there’s no better way to relax and recuperate than on a tropical beach. Luckily, the world has countless tropical beaches, and we don’t have to wait until summer for the best weather to enjoy them.
Most tropical destinations are warm in May, and accommodation, food, and drink are more affordable. Better yet, the rainy season is still at least a month away. With that in mind, there’s arguably no better time to plan a beach vacation. However, with so many beaches to choose from, you’ll need help finding the best.
To learn more, here are 12 top tropical beaches to escape to in May. The following beaches offer glorious sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and warm weather.
Koh Kradan Beach, Koh Kradan Island, Thailand
Picking the best beach in Thailand is almost impossible. However, Koh Kradan is hard to beat when it comes to finding the perfect balance of warm weather (89.6°F/36°C in May), a laid-back lifestyle, a glorious golden sand beach, and turquoise waters.
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Koh Kradan is only a small island in Southern Thailand, but it’s widely regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in the Trang province. When you’re not walking along this sandy beach or hiking through its surrounding forest in search of the best views, you’ll enjoy kayaking around the island, snorkeling in the sea, and taking a boat trip along the coast.
Read also: Top Exotic Beach Destinations
Shoal Bay, Antigua
You’re probably not surprised to see the Caribbean on this list. After all, the Caribbean is home to some of the best tropical beaches in the world. Shoal Bay, Antigua, is a top place to visit in May. Here, you’ll find almost 2 miles (3 kilometers) of crystal-clear blue water, coral reefs teeming with marine life, and a long stretch of white sand beach flanked by palm trees.
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Aside from being the ultimate place to relax in 86°F (30°C) heat in May, Shoal Bay is a hub for snorkeling and diving. If that’s not quite your thing, maybe a relaxing boat tour is instead. On the other hand, you could just stay at the beach and relax at one of the bars and restaurants while admiring the views.
Read also: Most Beautiful Beaches in the World
Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece
Navagio Beach, more famously known as Shipwreck Beach, is one of the most photographed destinations in Greece. Home to an old shipwreck from the 1980s, this slice of paradise sits in a beautiful secluded cove along Zakynthos’ northwest coast.
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Navagio Beach, surrounded by towering cliffs, has warm white sands and crystal clear blue waters that can only be reached by boat. In May, temperatures can reach 77°F (25°C), so you’ll want to dip your toes in the refreshing water. Swimming in the waters while admiring the impressive scenery that surrounds the beach is something you won’t soon forget. Keep in mind that the beach is temporarily closed from time to time due to fear of landslides. Visit the top of the cliffs to capture the iconic photograph of Navagio, too!
Read also: Must-Visit Beaches in Greece
Myrtos Beach, Kefalonia, Greece
Another fantastic beach in Greece with bright blue waters and all-year summer vibes is Myrtos Beach. Located northwest of Kefalonia Island in the Ionian Sea, Myrtos Beach is nothing short of spectacular. Surrounded by towering cliffs, this vast crescent-shaped beach has been ranked as one of the best beaches in the world several times.
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Almost 1.5 miles long (2.4 kilometers), this pristine pebble beach is perfect for relaxing, swimming, and generally just living life at a slower pace. In May, temperatures here reach 73.4°F (23°C), so you might want to rent an umbrella to avoid sitting in the sun all day.
Read also: Must-Visit Greek Islands
Cala Goloritze, Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is famed for its magical coastline with vibrant towns and beautiful beaches. However, Cala Goloritze on the island’s east side is arguably the best. This tropical beach was created by a landslide in 1962. It’s near the town of Baunei.
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Most recognizable for its 470-foot (143-meter) limestone pinnacle, Cala Goloritze is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With maximum temperatures of 71.6°F (22°C), you can enjoy the warm weather in tranquility. This beach has a small stretch of white sand and ridiculously clear blue water. You can reach it on foot via a 2.4-mile (4-kilometer) hike or jump in a boat.
Read also: Spectacular Beaches in Europe
Varadero Beach, Cuba
Varadero Beach, Cuba, is one of those dreamy beaches you’re likely to see on your Instagram feed or the front cover of a luxury travel magazine. Promising relaxation, sunshine, and good vibes, this beach is a thing of beauty.
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If you simply want to relax, this long stretch of white sand beach is the perfect place to kick back and soak up the sun. However, it’s also home to various watersport activities, such as surfing and sailing, if you want to try something new. After a day of absorbing the May sun and its 91.4°F (33°C) temperatures, cool down at a local bar with a refreshing Piña colada.
Read also: Must-Visit Caribbean Islands
Matira Beach, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is one of the world’s most luxurious tropical vacation destinations, so it’s no surprise that the island’s main beach, Matira Beach, makes this list. If you’ve always dreamt of waking up in an overwater bungalow, looking out over tropical crystal-clear waters, and diving into the sea, Matira Beach is the place for you.
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Offering impressive views of Bora Bora’s iconic mountain landscape, this white-sand beach is lined with palm trees, providing protection from the 86°F (30°C) May temperatures. It has many coral reefs to explore, and there are even charming local bars on the sand. We can picture you with a cocktail in hand on the beach already!
Read also: Best Hidden Beaches in the World
Anse Source D’Argent, La Digue, Seychelles
With temperatures of 77°F (25°C) to 86°F (30°C) and a dry, not-so-humid climate, the Seychelles is a great May vacation destination, especially if you need to relax and unwind. Luckily, the Seychelles is home to some incredible tropical beaches, Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue Island being one of the best.
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An incredibly photogenic destination, this beach is cloaked in sparkling white sand and dotted with enormous granite boulders. With tall, lush green palm trees and transparent turquoise waters to go with it, you’re in for a real treat. To enjoy the beach, find a secluded spot and relax, or grab a kayak and paddle around the island.
Read also: Underrated Tropical Destinations
Natadola Beach, Viti Levu, Fiji
Natadola Beach on Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, draws travelers from around the world with wall-to-wall sunshine, natural beauty, and a wide range of recreational activities. Laid-back vacationers can paddle in the gentle turquoise waters, sunbathe on the white sand, and admire the palm-tree-lined coastline.
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Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts can participate in various activities, including horseback riding, snorkeling, and surfing. May is a great time to visit Natadola because flights, accommodation, food, and drink are more affordable. Better still, May temperatures in Fiji range from 70°F to 82°F (21°C to 28°C).
Read also: Visa-Free Exotic Destinations
Ramla Beach, Gozo, Malta
May is the perfect time to visit Gozo, Malta, for a beach vacation. The tourist season hasn’t yet arrived, but the weather is still favorable, with daily temperatures of 75.2°F (24°C). For a peaceful beach retreat in Gozo, visit Ramla Beach on the island’s northeast coast.
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Here, you’ll find a quiet beach with few amenities – toilets, a handful of cafes, an ice cream van, deck chairs, and umbrellas – a spacious stretch of ochre sand and beautifully blue turquoise waters. With very little to do at Ramla Beach besides snorkeling and swimming, no excuse is needed to sit back, relax, and watch the world go by.
Read also: Hot European Beach Destinations in May
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman Island, Cayman Islands
We’ll end our list with the tropical paradise that is Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman Island. This palm-tree-lined crescent of white sand beach at the island’s western end is famous for its natural beauty. In May, travelers can expect average temperatures of 84.6°F (29.2°C) and more affordable accommodations.
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A winner of ‘The Caribbean’s Best Beach’ award, you’ll spend most of your time at Seven Mile Beach relaxing, swimming, and eating delicious food in one of the nearby cafes or restaurants. However, snorkeling, cycling, and boat trips are also popular if you want to do something more active during your visit.
Read also: Must-Visit Caribbean Beaches
Ipanema Beach, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro is renowned for its vast stretch of golden sand, turquoise waters, impressive views, and fiery sunsets. This gorgeous beach stretches for a total of 1.9 miles (3 kilometers), so you can easily find somewhere quiet to relax. Alternatively, you can participate in beach sports like volleyball or take to the water on a surf lesson.
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However, if you simply want to relax and unwind, kick back, sunbathe, and stroll along Ipanema with the warm sand between your toes and the refreshing breeze blowing through your hair. In May, temperatures in Rio rise to 78.8°F (26°C), so don’t forget your sunscreen!
Read also: Top Tropical Destinations Across The World
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