Europe affords up an alluring vary of causes to go to in April. The continent’s warmest spots are beginning to welcome again guests to their seashores because of rising temperatures. Easter ensures that locations similar to Seville and Braga are a few of the greatest locations to go to in April in Europe for seasonal celebrations. Plus, maybe quite importantly, there are nonetheless some low season offers nonetheless to be discovered.
The beginning of spring can also be a good time to get pleasure from metropolis breaks earlier than the crowds arrive. Unsurprisingly, this implies a few of the greatest European cities to go to in April (outdoors of the varsity holidays) are the likes of Paris, Rome, Barcelona and extra of Spain’s greatest cities.
However, quite than suggest the sometimes crowded capitals as a pre-summer suggestion, I’ve tried to transcend essentially the most obvious locations and spotlight another April options, every providing a seasonal speciality.
In fact, a key consideration when planning the place to go in Europe in April is deciding whether or not you need a seaside escape, cultural journey, metropolis break or journey trip. As such, I’ve damaged my strategies of the most effective locations to go to in April in Europe into these 4 classes.
Warmest locations in Europe in April for a vacation
If you wish to discover the warmest place in Europe in April, you’ll want to move south. Whereas temperatures are beginning to rise throughout the continent, there’s nonetheless an opportunity of gray days and showers in northern Europe – though spring wildflowers convey the color. So, to (virtually) assure beach-friendly climate, you’ll need to take into account a few of these greatest locations to go to in April in Europe.
Cyprus
Solar-seekers can’t go unsuitable with Cyprus, one of many warmest locations in Europe in April for a seaside vacation Not solely are the island’s golden sands and turquoise waters normally basking in a nice daytime 22°C (71°F), however there are additionally loads of issues to maintain you entertained away from the seashores.
From the traditional archaeological points of interest of Pahos – such because the 4th-century BC Tombs of the Kings – to the border-defined metropolis of Nicosia’s museums, Cyprus’ greatest points of interest are diverse and engaging. Although, tearing your self away from these attractive coastal spots similar to Nissi and Aphrodite’s Seashore would require a little bit of willpower!
Make it occur: Larnaca and Paphos are Cyprus’s two principal airports, served by legacy and funds airways in Europe. Flight-free choices embrace ferries from Greece and Turkey.
Dodecanese Islands, Greece
Who wouldn’t need to spend spring break consuming halloumi, island hopping, and consuming crisp, chilled wine whereas watching epic sunsets? Nicely, that’s exactly what you may anticipate whereas exploring Greece’s Dodecanese Islands.
Located within the Aegean Sea, the Dodecanese archipelago encompass the 12 largest and best-known islands, plus multiple hundred smaller isles.
Every of those has its personal appeal – and crystal-clear waters – so deciding the place to go in Europe in April will rely on if you’d like a extra volcanic and distant island outpost similar to Nisyros, an inexpensive sun-kissed resort escape in Kos, or a mixture of tradition, heritage, and seaside on the biggest island, Rhodes.
Whereas these islands are a few of the warmest locations in Europe in April, with highs normally round 20°C (68°F), the evenings can get just a little chilly. Nonetheless, should you keep away from the Easter holidays, it may be an unimaginable time to go to to expertise these whitewashed Greek corners with out the crowds!
April highlights: The feast of Agios Georgios in Pastida is well known throughout many islands on April twenty third. If Easter is later, then the date could also be pushed again barely.
Make it occur: First, you’ll must determine which island to move for and take into account which one delivers what you need by way of points of interest and price. You are able to do a Skyscanner search to see the choices for all of the Greek islands damaged down by value – should you’re coming from the US, search routes through Athens.
Antalya, Türkiye
Whereas Antalya is the gateway to Türkiye’s Mediterranean south coast, it’s technically in Asia. Nevertheless, given a part of Turkey is in Europe and Antalya’s proximity, I’d nonetheless class it as probably the greatest locations to go to in April in Europe for a seaside vacation.
Not solely do the turquoise waters supply loads of leisure alternatives, however there are additionally sufficient historical sights and cultural points of interest to discover should you get stressed ft. The Previous Harbour is superb for a stroll, and also you’ll spot reminders of Antalya’s earlier life as a Roman Port, notably on the imposing Hadrian’s Gate.
Being one of many warmest locations in Europe in April, you may anticipate daytime temperatures of round 21°C (70°F) and just about assured blue skies.
Lodging choices can be found for all, starting from luxurious resorts to extra laid-back budget-friendly stays. You’ll discover extra laid-back resort locations alongside the coast, similar to Belek and Facet.
Make it occur: Antalya airport is well-serviced. The area can also be in style for bundle offers like these from Love Holidays – together with flights – from round £150pp for a room solely or £210pp for an all-inclusive resort.
Greatest European cities to go to in April
Should you’re searching for a metropolis break quite than a seaside getaway, these are my picks of the most effective European cities to go to in April. In fact, outdoors of the Easter holidays, all main capitals are nice for visiting earlier than the pre-summer rush, however these spots even have one thing further to supply in April.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in April in Europe. Not solely will you discover a compact and cute capital metropolis, however loads of stunning day journeys into nature can be found on the town’s doorstep.
Whereas Ljubljana just isn’t a lot of a hidden gem in Europe lately, it nonetheless received’t be as busy as close by Venice or Dubrovnik over the Easter college holidays.
Because of the pedestrianised centre, it’s a delight to discover. Whether or not you’re enjoyable at a wine bar alongside the canal banks – strive the native Zelen grape, it’s scrumptious – climbing to the fortress excessive above, or just wandering between unbiased shops housed behind vibrant facades, it’s a problem to not fall below Ljubljana’s spell.
With a considerable college inhabitants and loads of fashionable espresso and wine bars within the centre, an evening out right here can also be nice enjoyable.
April highlights: Some April occasions you may get pleasure from in Ljubljana embrace the final days of the ‘Slovenian Music Days’ – a classical live performance occasion – and Orto Fest, a month-long occasion primarily highlighting Slovenian bands and performers.
Make it occur: Should you’re struggling to seek out flights to Slovenia instantly – Ljubljana airport is small – take into account different close by cities, similar to Trieste and Zagreb after which use a switch service. Flight-free from the UK will take round 30 hours on FlixBus.
Must you need greater than a metropolis break, you may simply go to spots similar to Lake Bled and Vipava Valley your self on public transport or guide a one-week Slovenia tour to have a information present you all this stunning nation’s highlights.
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
If you wish to mix the most effective of an April seaside journey with grand structure and lots of points of interest, take into account a metropolis break in Palma.
Whereas the mercury is just a little decrease within the Balearic Islands than within the Canary Islands – daytime temperatures normally attain round 18°C (70°F) – Palma de Mallorca is about far more than the seashores.
Of the cultural and architectural choices, essentially the most spectacular is Palma Cathedral, which towers above the city. The spiritual masterpiece, well-endowed with Gothic grandeur, took almost 400 years to assemble. Different notable sights embrace the Royal Palace and the intriguingly-round Castell de Bellver.
Artwork can also be properly represented in Mallorca, particularly the works of Balearic creatives. The most effective collections are on show at Es Baluard and Fundació Miró. Mix this with the compelling eating scene and first-class nightlife – a far cry from close by Magaluf’s revelry –, and also you’ve bought every thing you want for a metropolis break however
Palma can also be probably the greatest European cities to go to in April as you might make it a week-long keep and luxuriate in straightforward day journeys to a few of Spain’s hidden gems, such because the Serra de Tramuntana, or the idyllic harbour village of Port de Sóller, reached by a rickety classic practice.
April highlights: Alongside the Easter celebrations of Semana Santa, native occasions embrace the Palma Worldwide Boat present and regional foodie occasions in Andratx and Alcudia. Close by you’ll additionally discover Climbing day journeys out of the town tempting as a result of wildflowers alongside the extra rural trails.
Make it occur: Mallorca airport is considered one of Spain’s most vital and busiest, a testomony to it being probably the greatest islands to go to in Europe for a metropolis break. Subsequently you’ll discover loads of flight choices from regional UK and EU airports and a brand new service direct from New York.
Flight-free is feasible by taking the in a single day ferry from Barcelona or Valencia. Should you’d desire to guide a bundle vacation, loads of choices can be found in these close by vacation resorts.
Copenhagen, Denmark
With temperatures thawing and the times getting longer, Copenhagen is without doubt one of the greatest European cities to go to in April. Not solely are rain showers a lot much less probably, however there are greater than 50 wonderful museums in Copenhagen and close by to entertain if the rains do come.
On a fast weekend metropolis break, you’ll be capable of go to a few these wonderful museums – the Louisiana Museum of Fashionable Artwork is a standout – and discover architectural treasures such because the Kastellet, a well-preserved fortress, and the Royal Palaces.
As Copenhagen was named the World Capital of Structure in 2023 by UNESCO, you’ll even have loads of fashionable structure to understand as you cycle across the metropolis. Different highlights embrace the colorful canals of Nyhavn, and the Tivoli Gardens, an intensive amusement park which opened in 1843.
In fact, one other bonus of visiting earlier than the summer season season is that lodging costs are normally decrease. On condition that the prices of travelling in Scandinavia can rapidly drain your pockets, saving some Danish Krone in your lodging is definitely welcome.
April highlights: Flowers are a function, with the Tivoli Gardens opening up for the season initially of April, whereas Copenhagen’s cherry blossom pageant happens in the direction of the top of the month.
Make it occur: Copenhagen airport is properly related – together with continuous companies to the US. The journey can take near at some point by practice from the UK.
The place to go in Europe in April for adventures
Should you’re crying out to benefit from the return of longer and hotter days however on a climbing, biking or crusing journey quite than a seaside, these are a few of the greatest locations to go to in Europe in April.
Jurassic Coast, England, UK
Let me introduce you to the area the place I grew up, Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. This UNESCO-listed stretch of coast continues into East Devon and is palms down considered one of England’s greatest locations.
The clue of what makes this coastal marvel so fascinating is within the identify. Filled with geological options, numerous fossils – some relationship again greater than 180 million years – have been discovered right here. Even now, if you stroll alongside the seaside, you may come across one your self.
The Jurassic Coast can also be an ideal place for out of doors adventures within the UK. Whereas April isn’t precisely seaside temperature in England, the wildflowers mixed with extra dependable climate make the coastal trails very inviting throughout this era.
I wouldn’t recommend coming right here in the course of the UK’s Easter college holidays – it will likely be packed – but it surely is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in April in Europe outdoors of these weeks, as from Might onwards, England’s coastal locations begin to get a lot busier.
Should you’ve bought extra time, proceed additional south to discover a few of the greatest locations to go to in Cornwall earlier than the summer season crowds descend.
Make it occur: The easiest way to discover the Jurassic Coast is to rent a automotive. Nevertheless, you may hop between the principle sights utilizing public transport.
Weymouth would make an honest base should you don’t have a automotive, and it will also be reached by a direct practice service from London.
São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
Portugal is a well-liked vacation spot in April. Metropolis-seekers make a beeline for Lisbon and Porto, whereas seaside lovers get pleasure from the most effective issues to do within the Algarve. But, for me, the nine-strong Azores archipelago – situated within the Atlantic between Canada and the continent – are a few of Europe’s greatest locations to go to in April.
Whereas every of those islands has a singular high quality, São Miguel – the ‘capital’ and largest of the group – bundles every thing collectively to offer first-time guests an adventurous introduction.
Highlights of this volcanic-defined journey paradise embrace climbing to the Boca do Inferno viewpoint for panoramas over a glistening two-colour volcanic lake, browsing close to black sand seashores, and experiencing the geothermal exercise of Furnas.
With loads of waterfalls, canyoning adventures, and wildlife recognizing alternatives within the deep blue, these islands are the proper technique to say good day to spring and embrace the good outside post-winter.
April highlights: Alongside some Easter occasions, April is the beginning of the first whale watching season, making sightings far more frequent. The Tremor music pageant normally takes place on the primary days of April or the final days of March.
Make it occur: To reach in São Miguel, you’ll must fly as there isn’t any long-distance ferry, simply inter-island companies. Direct flights depart main EU/UK cities and in addition from Boston and New York. Bundle holidays aren’t as in style right here as in additional beachy European locations, though some choices exist.
You’ll need to lease a automotive to succeed in the most effective spots on the island simply. Alternatively, group excursions are a great choice – particularly if you wish to do some journey actions. I just like the native operator Futurismo, as in addition they embrace whale and dolphin recognizing and vastly respect the setting. They provide a fair-priced one-week journey tour which covers all of the highlights.
Albania
It won’t be one of the apparent decisions, however should you ask me, Albania is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in April in Europe, particularly if you wish to get pleasure from some outdoors adventures.
Whereas the coast is beginning to heat up – daytime temperatures may attain 20°C (68°F) – and summer season crowds are but to descend, the nation’s stunning seashores aren’t the principle purpose to go to in April.
As a substitute, I’d recommend specializing in inland adventures – or certainly coastal, similar to paragliding excessive above the shoreline – to get your early-spring adrenaline kicks. Within the towering Accursed Mountains (Albanian Alps), the winter snow ought to have principally melted by late March, opening up some epic climbing trails. The snow soften additionally aids white water rafting and kayaking on the Vjosa River.
Lake Komani is one other breathtaking spot for a ship trip or rural keep, and the Nationwide Parks of Theth and Valbona present loads of out of doors actions. Albania’s UNESCO websites – together with the picturesque cities of Gjirokastra and Berat – are prepared and ready for a aspect of tradition.
Not solely is Albania probably the greatest locations to go to in April in Europe, however you may proceed the journey to close by Balkan international locations with a street journey to Montenegro or Bosnia & Herzegovina.
April highlights: Whereas Albania has no official faith, Eid al-Fitr and Easter (Catholic and Orthodox) are celebrated in Albania. Different occasions embrace the South Outside Competition – a major occasion honouring all of the actions attainable within the nice outside – nevertheless, in 2023, this has been rescheduled for Might.
Make it occur: Tirana is the principle airport getaway to Albania. Nevertheless, you can even test the funds flight choices to Tuzla or take into account flying to Corfu (Greece) and taking the quick ferry to southern Albania.
Should you’d desire to discover Albania with a gaggle – and by bike – then this 10-day biking tour in Albania will enchantment, each for the itinerary inclusions and with the ability to journey with some new buddies.
The place to go in Europe in April for Easter
Whereas locations close to Rome, such because the Vatican Metropolis, may appear the obvious reply to the place to go in Europe in April for Easter, there are a lot extra locations with main seasonal celebrations throughout the continent. Simply keep in mind that often Easter falls in March, so it’s additionally value checking which dates sure celebrations, occasions and festivals will happen.
Braga, Portugal
It’s truthful to say that a lot of Portugal is neglected by worldwide guests, with most individuals selecting a weekend in Porto or Lisbon for his or her Portuguese metropolis break. Nevertheless, having lived on this magnificent nation for 5 years, I can let you know that’s a giant mistake.
One in all Portugal’s greatest locations to go in Europe in April is the northern metropolis of Braga. Not solely is that this college residence to considered one of Portugal’s most spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Websites, the staircase-heavy Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga, but it surely additionally hosts Portugal’s most vital Easter celebrations.
Throughout Semana Santa (Holy Week), Braga is awash with occasions and festivities, together with the legendary Lent procession, pilgrimages and live shows in spiritual areas. Chanting echoes via the streets, decorations add to the mediaeval metropolis’s appeal, and the night candle and torch-lit procession – led by the normal donkey, no much less – are notably spectacular.
Whereas Braga is without doubt one of the extra underrated cities in Europe, the historic core has a appeal to it. There are sufficient museums and points of interest to maintain you busy for a weekend at the least – the palatial Biscainhos Museum is an efficient place to start out – and it’s an ideal introduction to the tradition of North Portugal past Porto and the Douro
Extra April highlights: Alongside Semana Santa celebrations, April twenty fifth is Portugal’s Freedom Day, when parades and celebrations happen in honour of the army coup that restored democracy to the nation.
Make it occur: Porto is the closest airport to Braga, which is served by quick and long-haul flights, whereas Lisbon can also be an honest choose because the practice connection takes just some hours.
You could possibly additionally sail into Northern Spain with Brittany Ferries if you wish to journey flight-free from the UK. Nonetheless, you’d probably need to sail along with your automotive and make it right into a two-country street journey, stopping on the likes of San Sebastian and Oviedo en route.
Seville, Spain
With regards to celebrating Easter in Europe, a weekend in Seville definitely strives for the highest spot. This alone makes the capital of southern Spain’s Andalucia area probably the greatest locations to go to in April in Europe.
The Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations in Seville run for the whole Easter week, and the streets are taken over by processions elevating statues of Virgins in the direction of the heavens. Numerous clocked figures will solemnly go by the crowd-lined streets. I discover the night processions maybe essentially the most charming, even whether it is in a haunting manner.
With all of the completely different Brotherhoods internet hosting their very own procession and an Andalusian spin as a result of saetas – a kind of flamenco-style spiritual tune hailing from the area – nowhere else in Spain can evaluate to Easter. Nonetheless, Valladolid additional north has a equally revered occasion, if barely extra solemn.
For a extra festive environment, Seville additionally hosts its annual Feira in April, one of many nation’s most well-known. Whereas these happen in most cities and cities at completely different occasions all year long, Seville’s has been celebrated since 1846 and is considered considered one of – if not the – greatest within the nation.
A mini ‘metropolis’ is constructed particularly for the occasion, and fireworks, stalls, and traditions similar to flamenco and equestrianism all function. It’s the most well liked ticket on the town, and the casetas (tiny ‘homes’) are non-public to specific households or teams. Nevertheless, a few of these zones operated by public entities enable entry to guests.
Past the April celebrations, Seville nonetheless serves up all of its famed points of interest. Take pleasure in a flamenco present, go to the Alcázar of Seville – a patio-heavy fortress-turned-palace – and climb to the highest of the towering cathedral for far-reaching cityscapes.
Make it occur: Seville’s airport doesn’t have the widest selection of flights, so should you’re struggling to seek out connections, you might additionally test Faro (Portugal) after which arrive by bus or Madrid (particularly for inter-continental connections) and take the high-speed rail to the town.
Semana Santa is a HUGE occasion in Spain’s cultural calendar, so that you’ll need to guide your lodge and pre-book tickets to the town’s main points of interest properly upfront to make sure you don’t miss out on something.
Jerusalem and Bethlehem, Palestine
Okay, this isn’t fairly probably the greatest locations to go to in April in Europe, as Jerusalem and the West Financial institution are within the Asian continent. Nevertheless, given the geographical proximity, and the variety of spiritual celebrations in April, it’s a worthwhile consideration when asking the place to journey in April.
Placing political, private ideas, and human rights discourse apart for a second, I imagine visiting the Occupied Palestinian Territory of the West Financial institution – the Gaza Strip is almost not possible to go to as a traveller – is an important a part of visiting this a part of the world. I learnt lots throughout my time right here, and can perpetually really feel indebted to my information for all of his endurance, time and ideas as he confirmed me each day life in Palestine.
Concerning Easter, in fact, each Jerusalem and Bethlehem are vital Christian websites. After I visited throughout Holy Week – at the same time as an atheist – I used to be greatly surprised by the ability of the processions and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre’s companies.
However, what makes Jerusalem really particular right now of yr is that three religions, and three completely different celebrations, happen alongside one another.
Eid al-Fitr – one of many principal occasions on the Islamic calendar – is well known on the finish of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. Over the three-day occasion – which commences with early morning prayers at Al-Aqsa and different mosques – new garments, feasts and sweets are shared, with scrumptious meals served up at stalls throughout the Previous Metropolis.
The Jewish neighborhood celebrates Pesach (or Passover). Varied occasions happen over seven days that are bookended by two main holy holidays; the intermediate days often called Chol HaMoed. Israelis and Jews from internationally got here collectively in Jerusalem throughout this era, with essentially the most attended occasions normally being the companies and blessings on the Western Wall.
Make it occur: Tel Aviv airport is properly served by worldwide and inter-continental flights, and it’ll take round one hour to succeed in Jerusalem. Attending to Bethlehem is a bit more difficult, as you’ll must cross a border checkpoint. Nonetheless, it may be accomplished by public transport.
Should you’d desire to take a tour – and you actually ought to only for the teachings alone – I extremely suggest the corporate I used, Inexperienced Olive Excursions. A joint-owned Palestinian and Israeli operator, they don’t hesitate to debate the political and human rights state of affairs.
Need to uncover extra of the most effective locations to go to in Europe? Try my favorite Europe hidden gems, a few of the most spectacular underrated cities in Europe and extra concepts of the most effective European spring locations.
Uncover extra of the most effective locations to go to in Europe by season and month:
A ultimate abstract:
April is a good time to go to Europe. The climate is warming, outdoors actions are on the return, and costs are nonetheless pretty cheap. Nevertheless, attempt to keep away from the Easter college holidays (dates fluctuate) if you wish to snag the most effective bargains.
Should you’re looking for the warmest place in Europe in April, it’s best to head south. A few of Europe’s greatest locations to go to in April are Cyprus, Malta, the Canary Islands and southern Spain and Portugal.
The most effective nation to go to in April is determined by what you’re looking for. If you would like seashores, head to Cyprus, Malta or Spain’s islands. The most effective European cities to go to in April embrace Palma de Mallorca for a city-cum-island break, Seville and Braga for Easter celebrations, and Copenhagen for a pre-peak season museum metropolis break.
