Europe's sunniest place in May - beautiful island with 11 hours of sunshine and 23C heat

The is fast approaching, with many people looking to get away for some early . While there are plenty of to choose from, few can rival the sunniest spot in during May - a month often described as one of the .

It also means fewer crowds, cheaper prices and cooler evenings. And that's exactly what you'll find on the of Kos. According to travel experts at , Kos gets more sunshine than anywhere else in in May, with an average of 11 hours per day. That puts it ahead of hotspots like , and even the .

Temperatures are also ideal. According to , the island sees average highs of 23C and lows around 17C, with only 14mm of rainfall throughout the month.

The sea is around 20C, which might be a little fresh for swimming for some, but it's warm enough for sunbathing, walks along the beach or water sports.

According to , May is when the island is at its most beautiful - with blooming nature, pleasant weather and far fewer tourists than in peak summer.

All the shops, tavernas and hotels are open, but it still feels peaceful and relaxed.

The island is packed with things to see and do. Experts at say Kos is one of the best spots in Greece for a beach holiday, with long stretches of golden sand and crystal-clear waters.

Some of the most popular beaches include Tigaki, Paradise Beach, Kamari and Agios Stefanos.

Kos is also a great choice for history lovers. The ancient Asklepion is the island's most famous archaeological site, but there are also the Neratzia Castle, the Roman Odeon, and Casa Romana that are worth exploring.

There are also museums, churches and a tree said to have been planted by Hippocrates, the father of medicine.

The island also has a mostly flat landscape, which means it's perfect for cycling and there are dedicated paths running between major resorts.

Other popular activities include hiking, snorkelling, and sailing.

Getting to Kos is easy. The island has its own international airport (Kos Island International Airport - KGS), with direct flights from the UK offered by the likes of EasyJet, Ryanair, TUI and British Airways. Flights from London take around four hours.

Ferries also run regularly to and from other islands in the Dodecanese, as well as from Piraeus port in Athens.

According to and , Kos is well connected by sea, with services from Rhodes, Santorini, and nearby islands like Leros and Kalymnos.