Europe presents up an alluring vary of causes to go to in April. The continent’s warmest spots are beginning to welcome again seaside guests because of rising temperatures. Easter ensures that locations similar to Seville and Braga are a number of the finest locations to go to in April in Europe for seasonal celebrations. Plus, maybe slightly importantly, there are nonetheless some low season offers nonetheless to be discovered.
The beginning of spring can be a good time to take pleasure in metropolis breaks earlier than the crowds arrive. Unsurprisingly, this implies a number of the finest European cities to go to in April (exterior of the varsity holidays) are the likes of Paris, Rome, Barcelona and extra of Spain’s finest cities.
However, slightly than suggest the usually crowded capitals as a pre-summer suggestion, I’ve tried to transcend essentially the most obvious locations and spotlight another April alternate options, every providing a seasonal speciality.
After all, a key consideration when planning the place to go in Europe in April is deciding whether or not you desire a seaside escape, cultural journey, metropolis break or journey trip. As such, I’ve damaged my options of the very best 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 deliver the color. So, to (nearly) assure beach-friendly climate, you’ll need to take into account a few of these finest locations to go to in April in Europe.
Cyprus
Solar-seekers can’t go improper 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 often 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’ finest points of interest are various and interesting. Although, tearing your self away from these beautiful coastal spots similar to Nissi and Aphrodite’s Seashore would require a little bit of willpower!
April highlights: Cypriots love a celebration, and there are many festivals in Cyprus all year long. Throughout April, Orthodox Easter is a large occasion (some years, it is going to fall in March), and the one-day-only Latchi Fish Competition (often the third Saturday of the month) can be value having fun with in case your go to aligns.
Make it occur: Larnaca and Paphos are Cyprus’s two major airports, served by legacy and price range 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 ingesting crisp, chilled wine whereas watching epic sunsets? Properly, that’s exactly what you possibly can count on whereas exploring Greece’s Dodecanese Islands.
Located within the Aegean Sea, the Dodecanese archipelago include the 12 largest and best-known islands, plus multiple hundred smaller isles.
Every of those has its personal attraction – and crystal-clear waters – so deciding the place to go in Europe in April will rely on in order for you a extra volcanic and distant island outpost similar to Nisyros, an reasonably priced sun-kissed resort escape in Kos, or a mixture of tradition, heritage, and seaside on the most important island, Rhodes.
Whereas these islands are a number of the warmest locations in Europe in April, with highs often round 20°C (68°F), the evenings can get a bit chilly. Nonetheless, in the event you keep away from the Easter holidays, it may be an unbelievable 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 resolve which island to move for and take into account which one delivers what you need when it comes to 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 worth – in the event you’re coming from the US, search routes by way of Athens.
Antalya, Türkiye
Whereas Antalya is the gateway to Türkiye’s Mediterranean south coast, it’s technically in Asia. Nonetheless, given a part of Turkey is in Europe and Antalya’s proximity, I’d nonetheless class it as among the finest locations to go to in April in Europe for a seaside vacation.
Not solely do the turquoise waters supply loads of rest alternatives, however there are additionally sufficient historic sights and cultural points of interest to discover in the event you get stressed ft. The Previous Harbour is great 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 possibly can count on 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 be fashionable for package deal offers like these from Love Holidays – together with flights – from round £150pp for a room solely or £210pp for an all-inclusive resort.
Finest European cities to go to in April
When you’re on the lookout for a metropolis break slightly than a seaside getaway, these are my picks of the very best European cities to go to in April. After all, exterior of the Easter holidays, all main capitals are nice for visiting earlier than the pre-summer rush, however these spots even have one thing additional to supply in April.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is among the finest locations to go to in April in Europe. Not solely will you discover a compact and cute capital metropolis, however loads of lovely day journeys into nature can be found on the town’s doorstep.
Whereas Ljubljana shouldn’t be a lot of a hidden gem in Europe today, 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 – attempt the native Zelen grape, it’s scrumptious – climbing to the citadel excessive above, or just wandering between impartial shops housed behind vibrant facades, it’s a problem to not fall beneath 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 be nice enjoyable.
April highlights: Some April occasions you possibly can take pleasure in 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: When you’re struggling to search 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.
Do you have to need greater than a metropolis break, you possibly can 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 lovely nation’s highlights.
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
If you wish to mix the very best of an April seaside journey with grand structure and plenty of points of interest, take into account a metropolis break in Palma.
Whereas the mercury is a bit decrease within the Balearic Islands than within the Canary Islands – daytime temperatures often attain round 18°C (70°F) – Palma de Mallorca is about way more than the seashores.
Of the cultural and architectural choices, essentially the most spectacular is Palma Cathedral, which towers above the city. The non secular 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 be nicely represented in Mallorca, particularly the works of Balearic creatives. One of the best 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 acquired all the things you want for a metropolis break however
Palma can be among the finest European cities to go to in April as you might make it a week-long keep and luxuriate in simple 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 Mountaineering day journeys out of the town tempting as a result of wildflowers alongside the extra rural trails.
Make it occur: Mallorca airport is one in every of Spain’s most vital and busiest, a testomony to it being among the finest islands to go to in Europe for a metropolis break. Due to this fact 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. When you’d desire to guide a package deal 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 among the finest European cities to go to in April. Not solely are rain showers a lot much less possible, however there are greater than 50 glorious museums in Copenhagen and close by to entertain if the rains do come.
On a fast weekend metropolis break, you’ll have the ability to go to a few these glorious museums – the Louisiana Museum of Fashionable Artwork is a standout – and discover architectural treasures similar to Christiansborg Palace, one in every of Denmark’s royal residences, and the Kastellet, a well-preserved fortress.
As Copenhagen was named the World Capital of Structure in 2023 by UNESCO, you’ll even have loads of trendy structure to understand as you cycle across the metropolis. Different highlights embrace the colorful canals of Nyhavn, and the Tivoli Gardens, an in depth amusement park that opened in 1843.
After all, one other bonus of visiting earlier than the summer time season is that lodging costs are often decrease. On condition that the prices of travelling in Scandinavia can shortly drain your pockets, saving some Danish Krone in your lodging is actually welcome.
April highlights: Flowers are a characteristic, with the Tivoli Gardens opening up for the season firstly of April, whereas Copenhagen’s cherry blossom competition happens in direction of the tip of the month.
Make it occur: Copenhagen airport is nicely related – together with continuous providers 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
When you’re crying out to benefit from the return of longer and hotter days, however on a climbing, biking or crusing journey slightly than a seaside, these are a number of the finest 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 in South West England. This UNESCO-listed stretch of coast continues into East Devon and is arms down one in every of England’s finest locations.
The clue of what makes this coastal marvel so fascinating is within the identify. Filled with geological options, numerous fossils – some courting again greater than 180 million years – have been discovered right here. Even now, while you stroll alongside the seaside, you would possibly bump into one your self.
The Jurassic Coast can 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 counsel coming right here throughout the UK’s Easter college holidays – will probably be packed – but it surely is among the finest locations to go to in April in Europe exterior of these weeks, as from Might onwards, England’s coastal locations begin to get a lot busier.
When you’ve acquired extra time, proceed additional south to discover a number of the finest locations to go to in Cornwall earlier than the summer time crowds descend.
Make it occur: The easiest way to discover the Jurassic Coast is to rent a automobile. Nonetheless, you possibly can hop between the primary sights utilizing public transport.
Weymouth would make a good base in the event you don’t have a automobile, 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, seaside lovers take pleasure in the very best issues to do within the Algarve, and blossom seekers set their sights on Fundão, the nation’s cherry capital. But, for me, the nine-strong Azores archipelago – situated within the Atlantic between Canada and the continent – is one in every of Europe’s finest 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 all the things collectively to present 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 right approach to say hiya 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 way more widespread. The Tremor music competition often 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 is no such thing as a long-distance ferry, simply inter-island providers. Direct flights depart main EU/UK cities and in addition from Boston and New York. Bundle holidays aren’t as fashionable right here as in additional beachy European locations, though some choices exist.
You’ll need to hire a automobile to achieve the very best spots on the island simply. Alternatively, group excursions are a superb possibility – 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 significantly respect the atmosphere. They provide a fair-priced one-week journey tour which covers all of the highlights.
Albania
It may not be one of the apparent decisions, however in the event you ask me, Albania is among the finest locations to go to in April in Europe, particularly if you wish to take pleasure in some exterior adventures.
Whereas the coast is beginning to heat up – daytime temperatures would possibly attain 20°C (68°F) – and summer time crowds are but to descend, the nation’s lovely seashores aren’t the primary motive to go to in April.
As a substitute, I’d counsel 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 largely 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 facet of tradition.
Not solely is Albania among the finest locations to go to in April in Europe, however you possibly can proceed the journey to close by Balkan international locations with a highway 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 Out of doors Competition – a big occasion honouring all of the actions doable within the nice outside – nonetheless, in 2023, this has been rescheduled for Might.
Make it occur: Tirana is the primary airport getaway to Albania. Nonetheless, you may also examine the price range flight choices to Tuzla or take into account flying to Corfu (Greece) and taking the quick ferry to southern Albania.
When you’d desire to discover Albania with a bunch – and by bike – then this 10-day biking tour in Albania will attraction, each for the itinerary inclusions and with the ability to journey with some new mates.
The place to go in Europe in April for Easter
Whereas locations close to Rome, such because the Vatican Metropolis, might sound the obvious reply to the place to go in Europe in April for Easter, there are lots extra locations with main seasonal celebrations throughout the continent. Simply do not forget that sometimes 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 ignored by worldwide guests, with most individuals selecting a weekend in Porto or Lisbon for his or her Portuguese metropolis break. Nonetheless, having lived on this magnificent nation for 5 years, I can let you know that’s a giant mistake.
Certainly one of Portugal’s finest locations to go in Europe in April is the northern metropolis of Braga. Not solely is that this college residence to one in every 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 non secular areas. Chanting echoes by means of the streets, decorations add to the mediaeval metropolis’s attraction, and the night candle and torch-lit procession – led by the normal donkey, no much less – are notably spectacular.
Whereas Braga is among the extra underrated cities in Europe, the historic core has a attraction to it. There are sufficient museums and points of interest to maintain you busy for a weekend a minimum of – the palatial Biscainhos Museum is an effective 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 navy 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 be a good decide because the practice connection takes only a few hours.
You would additionally sail into Northern Spain with Brittany Ferries if you wish to journey flight-free from the UK. Nonetheless, you’d possible need to sail along with your automobile and make it right into a two-country highway 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 actually strives for the highest spot. This alone makes the capital of southern Spain’s Andalucia area among the finest locations to go to in April in Europe.
The Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations in Seville run for your entire Easter week, and the streets are taken over by processions elevating statues of Virgins in 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 non secular music hailing from the area – nowhere else in Spain can examine 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 instances all year long, Seville’s has been celebrated since 1846 and is thought to be one in every of – if not the – finest within the nation.
A mini ‘metropolis’ is constructed particularly for the occasion, and fireworks, stalls, and traditions similar to flamenco and equestrianism all characteristic. It’s the most well liked ticket on the town, and the casetas (tiny ‘homes’) are non-public to specific households or teams. Nonetheless, a few of these zones operated by public entities permit entry to guests.
Past the April celebrations, Seville nonetheless serves up all of its famed points of interest. Get pleasure from 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 alternative of flights, so in the event you’re struggling to search out connections, you might additionally examine 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 nicely upfront to make sure you don’t miss out on something.
Jerusalem and Bethlehem, Palestine
Okay, this isn’t fairly among the finest locations to go to in April in Europe, as Jerusalem and the West Financial institution are within the Asian continent. Nonetheless, given the geographical proximity, and the variety of non secular 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 inconceivable to go to as a traveller – is a vital a part of exploring this a part of the world. I learnt loads throughout my time right here and I’ll perpetually really feel indebted to my information for all of his persistence, time and ideas as he confirmed me every day life in Palestine in addition to well-known places similar to Bethlehem and Jericho.
Concerning Easter, after all, each Jerusalem and Bethlehem are necessary Christian websites. After I visited throughout Holy Week – at the same time as an atheist – I used to be stunned by the ability of the processions and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre’s providers.
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 major 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 group celebrates Pesach (or Passover). Varied occasions happen over seven days, that are bookended by two main holy holidays; the intermediate days are generally known as Chol HaMoed. Israelis and Jews from the world over got here collectively in Jerusalem throughout this era, with essentially the most attended occasions often being the providers and blessings on the Western Wall.
Make it occur: Tel Aviv airport is nicely served by worldwide and inter-continental flights, and it’ll take round one hour to achieve Jerusalem. Attending to Bethlehem is a bit more sophisticated, as you’ll must cross a border checkpoint. Nonetheless, it may be achieved by public transport.
When you’d desire to take a tour – and you actually ought to only for the teachings alone – I extremely advocate 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.
Wish to uncover extra of the very best locations to go to in Europe? Try my favorite Europe hidden gems, a number of the most spectacular underrated cities in Europe and extra concepts of the very best European spring locations.
Uncover extra of the very best locations to go to in Europe by season and month:
A last abstract:
April is a good time to go to Europe. The climate is warming, exterior actions are on the return, and costs are nonetheless pretty affordable. Nonetheless, attempt to keep away from the Easter college holidays (dates differ) if you wish to snag the very best bargains.
When you’re searching for the warmest place in Europe in April, you must head south. A few of Europe’s finest locations to go to in April are Cyprus, Malta, the Canary Islands and southern Spain and Portugal.
One of the best nation to go to in April relies on what you’re searching for. In order for you seashores, head to Cyprus, Malta or Spain’s islands. One of the best 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.
