Discover some of the most exciting European destinations to visit in spring

Milder temperatures, longer days and trees and flours in bloom displaying an explosion of colours and scents. Spring in Europe is an awesome time to travel.

From north to south, east to west, there are many destinations perfect to be explored particularly in springtime. That said, spring will arrive at different times across the continent. The south will start to warm up already in March while it might take until around May for warmer days to arrive in the Nordics. On the other hand, this means you can enjoy an extended springtime when travelling to the south in March/April and hit the Nordics in May.

Below I have compiled a list of my favourite travel destinations in spring.

Mallorca, Spain: Almond blossom season

From late January to the end of February (which technically means it’s still winter), around seven million almond trees will tinge the whole island of Mallorca in white and pink. With typically nice weather but still moderate temperatures, this is the perfect time if you love hiking.

If you come in early February, you might be able to visit the annual almond fair hold in the historic town of Son Servera.

Otherwise, enjoy the islands most attractive spots, from Deja, Soller, Puerto Pollensa, Fornalutx, Valldemossa and of course the capital city of Palma with still moderate tourists. In fact, this time (and perhaps March) is the best time to discover the most authentic Mallorca mostly fee of tourists.

Andalucia, Spain

The southernmost Spanish region spots mild temperatures year-round and approximately 300 days of sunshine. Temperatures will start to hit 20°C and over in March, though this is also the month with the highest chance of rainfall. Meanwhile, April and May will already start to feel like early summer.

Places like Granada, Cordoba, Jerez de la Frontera, Malaga, and of course the region’s capital city Sevilla are best explored in early spring, when temperatures are still mild and visitor numbers more moderate. Meanwhile, the countryside is bursting into colours with almond and cherry trees in bloom from late March to early May (depending on the weather)

If you plan a springtime visit to Andalucia, try to avoid the Easter week when various processions are hold throughout the region drawing many visitors. In addition, the Feria de Abril takes place in Sevilla two weeks after the Easter weekend and will again attract a large crowd.

The Netherlands: Amsterdam and beyond

Amsterdam is a year-round destination and exploring the scenic canals has a different charm in all seasons. That said, Amsterdam and its surrounding area is one of the most beautiful places to visit in spring, especially from mid-April to mid-May when the large tulip fields are in full bloom.

The fields of Lisse are only around 40 kilometres away from the city. The same area is home to the perhaps most famous tulip garden in the world: Keukenhof Gardens extends over 32 hectares, boasting millions of tulip bulbs along with other flowers. It’s a view to behold but be prepared to find it crowded as it is perhaps one of the most popular European destinations to visit in spring.

Porto, Portugal

The colourful city located on the Porto River in the northern parts of Portugal has developed into a year-round destination, particularly thanks to the awesome local culinary scene around wine (including the local famous port wines), many top restaurants and the recently opened World of Wine district.

However, the city is particularly charming in spring which starts early in March when the days turn warmer and sunny. This is the time when life seriously starts to move outside, and street festivals and open-air art exhibitions will return in full force.

There is no better time to visit Jardins do Palácio de Cristal where you will find everything in bloom, or going on a Douro River cruise to explore the nearby Douro Valley before it gets too hot for excursions including hikes through the steep vineyards.

The Algarve, Portugal

Europe’s southwestern-most region is blessed with 300 days of sunshine, mild temperatures year-round, a breathtakingly beautiful rugged coastline with large white sandy beaches, a fantastic food scene (the area is home to more Michelin-stared restaurants than any other region in Portugal), and the area is Portugal’s latest up-and-coming wine region.

Easily accessible via Faro International Airport, the coastline from Faro to Cabo de Sao Vicente will be perfect to enjoy the first beach days of the year. Meanwhile, heading a few kilometres away from the sea the area’s almond and orange trees will burst into bloom as do lots of other flowers as well.

On the other hand, if you love surfing, come early (in March) to catch the famous monster waves at the western part of the Algarve.

Paris, France

Who’s not dreaming to spend spring in Paris? You will get all the great monuments, squares, parks, and museums with the city adding another beautiful layer with spring flowers and trees in bloom. Cherry blossoms and magnolias will be in bloom as early as end of March, wisterias will follow by the end of April and roses around mid-May.

Jardin du Luxemburg, Jardin des Tuileries, or the stunning Versailles Gardens are never more beautiful then during spring when they erupt in a sea of colours. This is also the time when the first music festivals of the air will kick off.

Keep in mind however, while it can be quite nice and warm already, spring weather in Paris can be unpredictable. Especially if you come in early spring, temperatures can still be on the cooler side.

In case you catch not so nice weather, the museums in Paris will offer many new exhibitions with the added benefit that visitor numbers are still more moderate.

If you plan to travel to Paris this year, keep in mind that the city will host the XXXIII Summer Olympic Games later in the summer. Though disruptions to travellers will be only moderate in the early months of the year, preparations for the event could still have impacts on travelling through the city and accessing certain locations even earlier on. Check my recent post Paris 2024 Summer Olympics: What to know if you plan to visit France this year for information what to expect when you travel to Paris/France this year.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

This is one of the best destinations for a spring break in Europe. With temperatures starting to warm up but far away from the summer heat, it’s the perfect time to explore the beautiful towns and villages lining the coast engulfed in the scents of orange blossoms and wisteria or go hiking through the steep hills to enjoy some of the most striking views over the coastline.

When there, take a trip to Capri which is another place that’s absolutely stunning with flowers and trees in bloom in springtime.

Best of all, visitor numbers will still be far from the busy summer months and hotels are still significantly cheaper (though cheap is a term that does not really work for the Amalfi Coast).

Sicily, Italy

Sicily seems to be a place where the sun always shines but it’s best explored in spring. Temperatures start to rise to around 20°C in March and come April/May it will already feel like early summer. Spring is definitely the best time to visit as still more moderate temperatures will allow you to thoroughly explore the island – which is starting to become almost unbearable during the scorching hot summer months.

The beautiful historic cities of Catania, Palermo, Ragusa, Noto, Trapani, Taormina, and Modica along with ancient Greek and Roman ruins (don’t miss the Valley of the Temples, the Temple of Segesta, or the Roman Theatre of Taormina), Scala dei Turchi (the white limestone cliff), Torre Salsa Nature Reserve, and of course an excursion on Mount Etna and the many beautiful beaches are even more fun to be explored without the large crowds that will descent on the island during the summer months.

Crete, Greece

Spring is the perfect time for a visit to the beautiful Greek island of Crete. Though temperatures are still on the moderate side (approaching around 20°C in April) significantly lower visitor numbers mean prices are more affordable. In addition, you can explore the many historic sites across the island without all the large number of tourists that will descend on the island in summer. The most interesting include the Palace of Knossos, the Archaeological Museum, Koules Fortress, and Agios Minas Cathedral in Heraklion, the old town and alleys of Chania and the nearby Botanical Garden.

The landscape will be awash with wildflowers offering some of the most stunning views, with often still snowcapped mountains in the background. And sunny days mean, you can already enjoy some time on the beach (albeit not in the water which will take some time yet to warm up).

Canary Islands, Spain

The Canary Islands are among the most classic destinations for a summer break in the winter when average temperatures remain at around 20°C (although nights can cool of significantly).

Temperatures will start to hit 25°C from around April and while the water will be still too cold for swimming after the colder winter months, you can easily spend your days on the beach.

Yet both Tenerife and Grand Canaria offer significantly more than beaches. When in Tenerife, think of exploring the picturesque towns such as Santa Cruz, Puerto de la Cruz, San Cristobal, and La Orotava, also called the town of the balconies; jeep tours to Mount Teide, the islands dormant volcano and tallest mountain in all of Spain, Hell’s Gorge, Anaga Rural Park, and the Pyramids of Güimar.

In Gran Canaria meanwhile explore the capital city of Las Palmas de Grand Canaria, the gorgeous village of Puerto de Mogan, Maspalomas Dunes, Nublo Rural Park with it’s iconic Roque Nublo (Nublo rock), Palmitos Park, and Pico de las Nieves, the highest spot on the island offering stunning views over the rugged landscape.

England

Though the English weather is unpredictable at any time, spring in the English countryside is an awesome time. There will be flowers and blooming trees everywhere and if you love hiking, the national parks including the Lake District, Northumberland National Park, the Yorkshire Dales, or North York Moors National Park will erupt in a sea of incredible colours. If long hikes are not so much for you, across the country numerous flower shows will offer a similar great spectacle.

Spring is also the best time to seek out some of the many food festivals springing up like mushrooms from around April into the early summer.

It is also a great time to explore London and some of the other larger English cities. Though in particular London is always full of visitors year-round, if you avoid coming for the weekend you will find the city is less crowded than during the peak summer season.

Germany

Springtime in Germany can be everything from still cold and rainy days (and even snow sometimes) to warm and sunny. If you are lucky and the weather is on your side, spring is definitely the most awesome time to plan a trip to Germany.

Thanks to a particular microclimate, spring in the Palatinate region starts early and the area along the famous German wine street (Weinstrasse) around Deidesheim, Gimmeldingen and Neustadt will erupt with pink and white almond blossoms from around mid-March.

Meanwhile, Bonn (the former German capital) has become famous for it’s stunning cherry blossom street. The city also has its own Cherry Blossom Festival, taking place annually in April.

Spring in Germany is the time when street festivals return in full force. Including hundreds of wine and flower festivals which take place from north to south in wine regions and all the larger cities as well.

April to June is asparagus season and you will find an abundance of activities around the white stalks from special asparagus menus in restaurants across the whole country to dedicated festivals in the asparagus growing regions.

If you always wanted to explore some of the most stunning German castles, then spring is the right time. First of all, those that will have closed for the winter season are now open again. In the gardens and parks surrounding them, flowers and trees will be in full bloom. Plus, visitor numbers are still way down compared to the peak summer season.

Final thoughts

Spring in Europe is one of the best times to travel. The destinations mentioned above are certainly among the most amazing during springtime. Though there are many, many more across Europe that would be perfect for a spring break. If you are planning to travel in spring and have another place you have always dreamed of visiting, go ahead and seek it out this spring.