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We are slowly approaching the busiest months for European beach holidays. Flights will become more expensive, beaches will be packed and many places will be overcrowded. For many travellers, that takes away from the experience.

May, however, is often one of the best times to visit a seaside town. The weather is warm, restaurants and bars are open, and you can explore without peak-season chaos. It is ideal for anyone who wants sunshine without the height of summer crowds. And there is one coastal destination in particular that stands out at this time of year.

That town is Zadar in Croatia. Located in northern Dalmatia on the Adriatic Sea, Zadar sits around 100 miles north of Split and acts as a gateway to the Zadar Archipelago.

In May, average temperatures are around 20C, with daily highs often reaching 25C towards the end of the month.

Ryanair operates direct seasonal flights from London Stansted, with fares in May starting from £17.

The journey takes around two and a half hours. The airline also runs routes from Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and Edinburgh, while easyJet flies direct from London Gatwick.

Zadar is frequently described as Europe's best seaside town because of its mix of history, beaches and modern culture.

In 2016, it was voted European Best Destination, beating cities including Paris and Madrid.

One of the best places to visit is the Old Town. It is built around the Roman Forum, founded between the 1st century BC and 3rd century AD.

Nearby stands the 9th-century Church of St Donatus, one of the city's most recognisable landmarks, built using stone from the Roman structures. St Anastasia's Cathedral, the largest church in Dalmatia, also overlooks the square.

Tourists also go to see The Sea Organ, which is located on the seafront. It uses the movement of the waves to create music through underwater pipes.

Next to it is the Greeting to the Sun, a circular installation made of glass plates that collects solar energy during the day and produces a light display at night.

But one of the biggest highlights is the sunset. Even famous director Alfred Hitchcock famously said in 1964 that "Zadar has the most beautiful sunset in the world," and visitors still gather along the waterfront each evening to watch it.

One person wrote in a review on TripAdvisor: "I've been all over the Mediterranean, from the Amalfi Coast to the Greek Islands, and Zadar is hands down the best seaside town in Europe.

"Why? Because it actually feels real. While places like Dubrovnik are beautiful but feel like a museum, Zadar has this amazing energy where locals actually live and hang out. On top of that, the sunsets are just breathtaking."

Another added: "If you want a beach holiday that isn't just sitting in a resort, this is the place. The water is clear, and you can literally just jump off the pier in the middle of town to cool off. Definitely my favourite seaside spot in Europe."

The city also offers easy access to nature. The Kornati Islands, an archipelago of 89 uninhabited islands and reefs, can be explored on boat trips from the harbour.

Paklenica National Park and Krka National Park are also within reach for day trips.