THE SAVVY TRAVELLER

… for a last-minute villa bargain

As well as being a brilliant month to enjoy the Med, May is prime time for finding a bargain villa – as long as you avoid halfterm week. Agents know they won’t sell out and prices are cut sooner rather than later. Check specialists such as jamesvillas. co.uk, scottwilliams.co.uk, simpsontravel. com, villaselect.com for offers.

… to see the Ferrara Palio

The lovely medieval town of Ferrara, in Tuscany, has been holding its annual festivities in May since 1259. They are less fiercely competitive than the more famous palio in Siena, but they still culminate in a spectacular horse race in the Piazza Ariostea on May 27. This year’s dates are May 12-27 (paliodiferrara.it).

… to listen to the Prague spring

Prague’s annual festival is one of Europe’s great celebrations of classical music. This year’s outstanding performers include the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and, performing Bach cantatas, the Monteverdi Choir and the English Baroque Soloists under Sir John Eliot Gardiner (festival.cz).

… to watch whales in Madeira

May is a great time to visit Madeira. The purple jacaranda trees are in bloom and the Bryde’s whales return to the seas around the island. Several local companies run excursions to spot both Bryde’s and sperm whales, and a wide variety of dolphins (www.rota-dos-cetaceos.pt).

… to celebrate Madrid’s Fiesta

Madrid is one of the great party cities at any time of year, but from May 11-15 festivities spread to the streets as the Madrileños celebrate their patron saint. The feast day itself is marked by a procession on May 15 (esmadrid.com).