Published April 21, 2026

Soulful destinations for the May bank holiday: Mediterranean routes

5 original Mediterranean routes to rediscover this May bank holiday with Malco Rent a Car.

Soulful Destinations for the May Bank Holiday: 5 Routes (and a Car) to Rediscover the Mediterranean

The May bank holiday is not just any getaway. It is the dress rehearsal for summer. The days already have that golden light, Mediterranean temperatures are a gentle caress and, most importantly, the landscape has fully awakened.

At Malco Rent a Car we know that the destination matters just as much as the freedom to reach it. That is why we have selected five off-the-beaten-track coordinates. Save the map, choose your favourite model and get ready to switch off.

1. From Barcelona: The "Modernista" and Gastronomic Maresme

Modernisme in the Maresme, a route from Barcelona for the May bank holiday

45 minutes from Barcelona

Forget about the Costa Brava for a day and head north along the coast. May is the month of Llavaneres peas (the "green jewel" of the region) and seaside Modernisme.

The plan: Drive to Canet de Mar or Argentona. They are open-air museums without Barcelona's crowds.

The original touch: Visit the Casa Museu Domènech i Montaner and finish with a locally sourced rice dish at a chiringuito in Sant Pol de Mar, where the village still has that 1950s fishing-village charm.

2. From Castellón: The Architecture of Water in Fanzara and Olba

Street art in Fanzara, a route from Castellón for the May bank holiday

1 hour from the airport or Castellón city

If you are looking for something that breaks the mould, leave the beach behind and head up towards the Alto Mijares.

The plan: Make a stop in Fanzara, the village that became an open-air urban-art museum (MIAU) where graffiti coexists with the locals sitting out to enjoy the cool evening air. Then follow the winding road to Olba, a valley that feels like a micro-climate of absolute peace.

The original touch: A picnic by the River Mijares. At this time of year, the river flows powerfully and the green of the riverbank is almost electric.

3. From Valencia: The "Secret" Dunes of Canet d'En Berenguer

Beach and dunes at Canet d'En Berenguer near Valencia

30 minutes from Valencia

If you fancy a coastal vibe but want to escape the capital's hustle during the bank holiday, the north of the province hides a fine-sand secret.

The plan: Head to the Canet Lighthouse, one of the few that is still operational and open to visitors. It is the starting point for a walk along one of the best-preserved dune systems in the Valencian Community.

The original touch: Visit the Roman Theatre of Sagunto at sunset (right next door) and then have dinner at the harbour. It is the perfect combination of ancient history and sea breeze.

4. From Alicante: The Dry-Farmed Flower Fields in the Jalón Valley

Jalón Valley in spring, vineyards and wildflowers in Alicante

1 hour from Alicante

Alicante is much more than its blue coves. The interior in May is a nature spectacle.

The plan: Drive to Xaló (Jalón). Although the almond blossom has already passed, spring dresses the valley in green vineyards and wildflowers. It is the ideal time to visit its wineries (without rushing) and its famous flea market if you go on a Saturday.

The original touch: Head up to Bèrnia. You do not need to complete the full hiking trail; just driving along that mountain road with distant views of the Benidorm "skyline" is a cinematic experience.

5. From Málaga: The "Balcony of the Axarquía" and the White of Comares

Muscat grape vineyards in the Axarquía, a route from Málaga

50 minutes from Málaga

Málaga always faces the sea, but its true spring magic lies in the villages clinging to the mountains.

The plan: Set your course for Comares. Known as the "Balcony of the Axarquía" because it is built on a cliff edge, its streets are an Arab-origin labyrinth where the balcony flowers are at their peak in May.

The original touch: Follow the "Raisin Route". May is when the Muscat grape vineyards look their most beautiful. Buying local cane honey and olive oil directly from a cooperative is the best souvenir you can take home.

Malco's Tip for This Bank Holiday

Spring is the ideal time to try a hybrid SUV or travel with family or friends. The temperatures let you roll down the windows, switch off the air conditioning and breathe in the scent of orange blossom and sea salt that fills our roads in May.

Already got the keys? The road is waiting. Book your car rental with Malco and start planning your getaway.

Blanca Sanchez

Operations Director at Malco

Expert in operational process optimization and efficient management of business resources.