May is one of the best months for traveling. With spring in full swing in the Northern Hemisphere and the arrival of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere, travelers have a wide range of destinations to choose from. There’s something for everyone. The best locations for photographers are places that are interesting without being overrun by tourists. That’s why in this article, we’ll focus on lesser-known destinations or places where the tourist season hasn’t yet peaked.  

Europe just once. Scorching temperatures in summer can make many European destinations bearable only for the hardiest of travelers. Spring is a much better time to visit. We begin our journey with a visit to the island of São Miguel, which at this time of year resembles a botanical garden in bloom. From there, we continue to Thailand’s Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, a stunning mix of white-sand beaches, lush jungle, and limestone cliffs. Then, it’s on to the Balkans, to mysterious Transylvania in Romania, and the vast Lake Skadar, shared by Montenegro and Albania. As always, we’ll take a break closer to home, in the Žďárské Vrchy to enjoy springtime.

1. São Miguel, Portugal

São Miguel is the largest of the islands in the Azores and offers the most varied range of natural beauty. Particularly striking are the signs of volcanic activity in the form of craters, crystal-clear lakes, and ever-present thermal springs. This unique landscape can be explored again and again, as the unpredictable Atlantic climate brings constantly-changing weather. Photographers enjoy wandering through the Água de Pau caldera or the area around Sete Cidades, with its sweeping views. Or you can visit the thermal town of Furnas. The surrounding farming towns and villages, like Mosteiros, Maia, or Nordeste, are also worth a visit, each offering its own take on slow living. 

One of the island’s main attractions is the ubiquitous hydrangeas, which don’t begin blooming until June. If hydrangeas are what you’re after, plan your visit for early summer. But why go in May? Even without the hydrangeas in bloom, the island is lush and green, the waterfalls are overflowing, and tourist crowds haven’t arrived yet. Avoid visiting in mid-summer when it’s hot, humid, and busy. May might bring more rain, but the shifting light and ever-changing landscape make it an ideal destination for photographers.

2. Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Thailand

Like São Miguel, Khao Sam Roi National Park in Thailand can see increased rainfall in May, as it marks the beginning of the rainy season which lasts until October. However, the rain is still mild in May and usually falls in the afternoon, so a little planning goes a long way. The park offers not only beautiful empty beaches like Dolphin Bay, but also picturesque limestone cliffs and jungles rich with diverse wildlife.  

The park’s most iconic spot is the Phraya Nakhon cave. A 2-3 hour hike leads to this monumental cave. But beware, the hike can get quite steep in places. At the center stands the tomb of King Rama I, above which is a sunken ceiling and a huge hole. If you arrive around 10:30-11:00, the sunbeams pour through the opening directly on the tomb. Try to capture this magnificent spectacle using different angles and focal points. A wide-angle lens is especially useful.  

3. Transylvania, Romania

You’ve likely heard of historic towns like Graz, Kutná Hora, Halštat, or Banská Štiavnica, all famed for their preserved medieval architecture. But did you know similar places exist in the Balkans? They just may be a bit rougher around the edges. Nowhere is more apparent than in Transylvania, Romania, where towns founded by Transylvanian Saxons in the Middle Ages still retain their unique charm. 

Sighișoara is the smallest and most beautiful of the historic towns in Transylvania. Rightly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it preserves its medieval atmosphere better than anywhere else. The town is situated on a hill, full of winding streets and picturesque houses. It’s worth spending at least two nights here to capture different lighting conditions and fully soak in the ambiance. 

In Brașov, Sighișoara, and Sibiu, you can find a fascinating architectural quirk—windows that resemble eyes. These “eye windows” can be found in other Balkan countries like Albania. Moreover, Romanian cities are set in the mountains, so everywhere you go, there are plenty of elevated spots to photograph these architectural details.

4.  Skadar Lake, Montenegro/Albania

The largest lake in the Balkans, Lake Skadar straddles the border between Montenegro and Albania. There are countless nooks and crannies to explore here, preferably by car or boat. One personal favorite is the northeastern part around Virpazar and Vranjina in Montenegro. You can arrange boat rides with locals or hike up Velji Vrh for beautiful views of the entire lake area. In Albania, the most accessible part of the lake is near the town of the same name, Skadar, home to the famous Rozafa fortress.

Several rivers also flow into the lake, creating countless photogenic spots. One of the most famous is the Pavlova Strana viewpoint, from which you can see the winding Crnojevića River. You can reach it by car or even bike from the small town of Rijeka Crnojevića.

5. Žďárské vrchy, Czechia

The Žďárské vrchy (Žďár Highlands) offer plenty of rewarding spring hiking. They will delight you with their dense forests and unique rock formations, which are less frequented than those in Adršpach or Teplice. In addition to the well-known town of Devět Skal (Nine Rocks), you can also find Drátenická skála and Pasecká skála.

As you explore the hills, the soft spring sunlight offers great conditions for photography. If you can, spend the night in the area so you have a better chance of capturing beautiful sunrise and sunset photos.