Spain’s best cities.
April highlights: Alongside the Easter celebrations of Semana Santa, local events include the Palma International Boat show and regional foodie events in Andratx and Alcudia. Nearby you’ll also find Hiking day trips out of the city tempting due to the wildflowers along the more rural trails.
Beyond the April celebrations, Seville still serves up all of its famed attractions. Enjoy a flamenco show, visit the Alcázar of Seville – a patio-heavy fortress-turned-palace – and climb to the top of the towering cathedral for far-reaching cityscapes.
Cyprus
Make it happen: If you’re struggling to find flights to Slovenia directly – Ljubljana airport is small – consider other nearby cities, such as Trieste and Zagreb and then use a transfer service. Flight-free from the UK will take around 30 hours on FlixBus.
Thanks to the pedestrianised centre, it’s a delight to explore. Whether you’re relaxing at a wine bar along the canal banks – try the local Zelen grape, it’s delicious – climbing to the castle high above, or simply wandering between independent stores housed behind colourful facades, it’s a challenge not to fall under Ljubljana’s spell.
Accommodation options are available for all, ranging from luxurious resorts to more laid-back budget-friendly stays. You’ll find more laid-back resort destinations along the coast, such as Belek and Side.
Dodecanese Islands, Greece
You could also sail into Northern Spain with Brittany Ferries if you want to travel flight-free from the UK. Still, you’d likely want to sail with your car and make it into a two-country road trip, stopping at the likes of San Sebastian and Oviedo en route.
Highlights of this volcanic-defined adventure paradise include hiking to the Boca do Inferno viewpoint for panoramas over a glistening two-colour volcanic lake, surfing near black sand beaches, and experiencing the geothermal activity of Furnas.
The best country to visit in April depends on what you’re seeking. If you want beaches, head to Cyprus, Malta or Spain’s islands. The best European cities to visit in April include Palma de Mallorca for a city-cum-island break, Seville and Braga for Easter celebrations, and Copenhagen for a pre-peak season museum city break.
Make it happen: Seville’s airport doesn’t have the widest choice of flights, so if you’re struggling to find connections, you could also check Faro (Portugal) and then arrive by bus or Madrid (especially for inter-continental connections) and take the high-speed rail to the city.
Weymouth would make a decent base if you don’t have a car, and it can also be reached by a direct train service from London.
Make it happen: Antalya airport is well-serviced. The region is also popular for package deals like these from Love Holidays – including flights – from around £150pp for a room only or £210pp for an all-inclusive resort.
Not only do the turquoise waters offer plenty of relaxation opportunities, but there are also enough ancient sights and cultural attractions to explore if you get restless feet. The Old Harbour is excellent for a stroll, and you’ll spot reminders of Antalya’s previous life as a Roman Port, particularly at the imposing Hadrian’s Gate.
Discover more of the best places to visit in Europe by season and month:
Best European cities to visit in April
With plenty of waterfalls, canyoning adventures, and wildlife spotting opportunities in the deep blue, these islands are the perfect way to say hello to spring and embrace the great outdoors post-winter.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
When it comes to celebrating Easter in Europe, a weekend in Seville certainly strives for the top spot. This alone makes the capital of southern Spain’s Andalucia region one of the best places to visit in April in Europe.
One of Portugal’s best places to go in Europe in April is the northern city of Braga. Not only is this university home to one of Portugal’s most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the staircase-heavy Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte in Braga, but it also hosts Portugal’s most significant Easter celebrations.
While the mercury is a little lower in the Balearic Islands than in the Canary Islands – daytime temperatures usually reach around 18°C (70°F) – Palma de Mallorca is about much more than the beaches.
With temperatures thawing and the days getting longer, Copenhagen is one of the best European cities to visit in April. Not only are rain showers much less likely, but there are more than 50 excellent museums in Copenhagen and nearby to entertain if the rains do come.
Lake Komani is another breathtaking spot for a boat ride or rural stay, and the National Parks of Theth and Valbona provide plenty of outdoor activities. Albania’s UNESCO sites – including the picturesque towns of Gjirokastra and Berat – are ready and waiting for a side of culture.
Regarding Easter, of course, both Jerusalem and Bethlehem are important Christian sites. When I visited during Holy Week – even as an atheist – I was taken aback by the power of the processions and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre’s services.
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Make it happen: Copenhagen airport is well connected – including non-stop services to the US. The journey can take close to one day by train from the UK.
It might not be one of the most obvious choices, but if you ask me, Albania is one of the best places to visit in April in Europe, especially if you want to enjoy some outside adventures.
Let me introduce you to the region where I grew up, Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. This UNESCO-listed stretch of coast continues into East Devon and is hands down one of England’s best destinations.
Make it happen: Tirana is the main airport getaway to Albania. However, you can also check the budget flight options to Tuzla or consider flying to Corfu (Greece) and taking the short ferry to southern Albania.
Flight-free is possible by taking the overnight ferry from Barcelona or Valencia. If you’d prefer to book a package holiday, plenty of options are available in these nearby holiday resorts.
April highlights: Some April events you can enjoy in Ljubljana include the last days of the ‘Slovenian Music Days’ – a classical concert event – and Orto Fest, a month-long event mainly highlighting Slovenian bands and performers.
I wouldn’t suggest coming here during the UK’s Easter school holidays – it will be packed – but it is one of the best places to visit in April in Europe outside of those weeks, as from May onwards, England’s coastal destinations start to get much busier.
Copenhagen, Denmark
If you’re seeking the warmest place in Europe in April, you should head south. Some of Europe’s best places to visit in April are Cyprus, Malta, the Canary Islands and southern Spain and Portugal.
Make it happen: Tel Aviv airport is well served by international and inter-continental flights, and it will take around one hour to reach Jerusalem. Getting to Bethlehem is a little more complicated, as you’ll need to cross a border checkpoint. Still, it can be done by public transport.
A mini ‘city’ is built especially for the event, and fireworks, stalls, and traditions such as flamenco and equestrianism all feature. It’s the hottest ticket in town, and the casetas (tiny ‘houses’) are private to particular families or groups. However, some of these zones operated by public entities allow access to visitors.
Jurassic Coast, England, UK
Sun-seekers can’t go wrong with Cyprus, one of the warmest places in Europe in April for a beach holiday Not only are the island’s golden sands and turquoise waters usually basking in a pleasant daytime 22°C (71°F), but there are also plenty of things to keep you entertained away from the beaches.
Who wouldn’t want to spend spring break eating halloumi, island hopping, and drinking crisp, chilled wine while watching epic sunsets? Well, that is precisely what you can expect while exploring Greece’s Dodecanese Islands.
April highlights: Flowers are a feature, with the Tivoli Gardens opening up for the season at the start of April, while Copenhagen’s cherry blossom festival occurs towards the end of the month.
As Copenhagen was named the World Capital of Architecture in 2023 by UNESCO, you’ll also have plenty of modern architecture to appreciate as you cycle around the city. Other highlights include the colourful canals of Nyhavn, and the Tivoli Gardens, an extensive amusement park which opened in 1843.
The Jurassic Coast is also a great place for outdoor adventures in the UK. While April isn’t exactly beach temperature in England, the wildflowers combined with more reliable weather make the coastal trails very inviting during this period.
Make it happen: Mallorca airport is one of Spain’s most significant and busiest, a testament to it being one of the best islands to visit in Europe for a city break. Therefore you’ll find plenty of flight options from regional UK and EU airports and a new service direct from New York.
São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal
A final summary:
While Antalya is the gateway to Türkiye’s Mediterranean south coast, it’s technically in Asia. However, given part of Turkey is in Europe and Antalya’s proximity, I’d still class it as one of the best places to visit in April in Europe for a beach holiday.
Situated in the Aegean Sea, the Dodecanese archipelago consist of the 12 largest and best-known islands, plus more than one hundred smaller isles.
The clue of what makes this coastal marvel so fascinating is in the name. Crammed with geological features, countless fossils – some dating back more than 180 million years – have been found here. Even now, when you walk along the beach, you might stumble upon one yourself.
While each of these islands has a unique quality, São Miguel – the ‘capital’ and largest of the group – bundles everything together to give first-time visitors an adventurous introduction.
Albania
While Braga is one of the more underrated cities in Europe, the historical core has a charm to it. There are enough museums and attractions to keep you busy for a weekend at least – the palatial Biscainhos Museum is a good place to start – and it’s a great introduction to the culture of North Portugal beyond Porto and the Douro
But, what makes Jerusalem truly special at this time of year is that three religions, and three different celebrations, occur alongside each other.
Art is also well represented in Mallorca, especially the works of Balearic creatives. The best collections are on display at Es Baluard and Fundació Miró. Combine this with the compelling dining scene and first-class nightlife – a far cry from nearby Magaluf’s revelry –, and you’ve got everything you need for a city break but
Not only is Albania one of the best places to visit in April in Europe, but you can continue the adventure to nearby Balkan countries with a road trip to Montenegro or Bosnia & Herzegovina.
Make it happen: To arrive in São Miguel, you’ll need to fly as there is no long-distance ferry, just inter-island services. Direct flights depart major EU/UK cities and also from Boston and New York. Package holidays aren’t as popular here as in more beachy European destinations, although some options exist.
For a more festive atmosphere, Seville also hosts its annual Feira in April, one of the country’s most famous. While these occur in most cities and towns at different times throughout the year, Seville’s has been celebrated since 1846 and is regarded as one of – if not the – best in the country.
Where to go in Europe in April for Easter
Should you want more than a city break, you can easily visit spots such as Lake Bled and Vipava Valley yourself on public transport or book a one-week Slovenia tour to have a guide show you all this beautiful country’s highlights.
Braga, Portugal
If you’ve got more time, continue further south to explore some of the best places to visit in Cornwall before the summer crowds descend.
More April highlights: Alongside Semana Santa celebrations, April 25th is Portugal’s Freedom Day, when parades and celebrations occur in honour of the military coup that restored democracy to the nation.
Of course, another bonus of visiting before the summer season is that accommodation prices are usually lower. Given that the costs of travelling in Scandinavia can quickly drain your wallet, saving some Danish Krone on your lodging is certainly welcome.
You’ll want to rent a car to reach the best spots on the island easily. Alternatively, group tours are a good option – especially if you want to do some adventure activities. I like the local operator Futurismo, as they also include whale and dolphin spotting and greatly respect the environment. They offer a fair-priced one-week adventure tour which covers all the highlights.
Of course, a key consideration when planning where to go in Europe in April is deciding whether you want a beach escape, cultural trip, city break or adventure vacation. As such, I’ve broken my suggestions of the best places to visit in April in Europe into those four categories.
While these islands are some of the warmest places in Europe in April, with highs usually around 20°C (68°F), the evenings can get a little chilly. Still, if you avoid the Easter holidays, it can be an incredible time to visit to experience those whitewashed Greek corners without the crowds!
April is a great time to visit Europe. The weather is warming, outside activities are on the return, and prices are still fairly reasonable. However, try to avoid the Easter school holidays (dates vary) if you want to snag the best bargains.
Being one of the warmest places in Europe in April, you can expect daytime temperatures of around 21°C (70°F) and pretty much guaranteed blue skies.
Make it happen: The best way to explore the Jurassic Coast is to hire a car. However, you can hop between the main sights using public transport.
On a quick weekend city break, you’ll be able to visit a couple of those excellent museums – the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is a standout – and explore architectural treasures such as the Kastellet, a well-preserved fortress, and the Royal Palaces.
While the coast is starting to warm up – daytime temperatures might reach 20°C (68°F) – and summer crowds are yet to descend, the country’s beautiful beaches aren’t the main reason to visit in April.
April highlights: The feast of Agios Georgios in Pastida is celebrated across many islands on April 23rd. If Easter is later, then the date may be pushed back slightly.
Jerusalem and Bethlehem, Palestine
Of the cultural and architectural offerings, the most impressive is Palma Cathedral, which towers above the town. The religious masterpiece, well-endowed with Gothic grandeur, took nearly 400 years to construct. Other notable sights include the Royal Palace and the intriguingly-round Castell de Bellver.
Semana Santa is a HUGE event in Spain’s cultural calendar, so you’ll want to book your hotel and pre-book tickets to the city’s major attractions well in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on anything.
If you’re crying out to enjoy the return of longer and warmer days but on a hiking, cycling or sailing adventure rather than a beach, these are some of the best places to visit in Europe in April.
If you want to find the warmest place in Europe in April, you’ll need to head south. While temperatures are starting to rise across the continent, there’s still a chance of grey days and showers in northern Europe – although spring wildflowers bring the colour. So, to (almost) guarantee beach-friendly weather, you’ll want to consider some of these best places to visit in April in Europe.
Make it happen: First, you’ll need to decide which island to head for and consider which one delivers what you want in terms of attractions and cost. You can do a Skyscanner search to see the options for all the Greek islands broken down by price – if you’re coming from the US, seek routes via Athens.
The Semana Santa (Holy Week) celebrations in Seville run for the entire Easter week, and the streets are taken over by processions raising statues of Virgins towards the heavens. Countless clocked figures will solemnly pass by the crowd-lined streets. I find the evening processions perhaps the most captivating, even if it is in a haunting way.
April highlights: Alongside some Easter events, April is the start of the primary whale watching season, making sightings much more common. The Tremor music festival usually takes place on the first days of April or the last days of March.
Each of these has its own charm – and crystal-clear waters – so deciding where to go in Europe in April will depend on if you want a more volcanic and remote island outpost such as Nisyros, an affordable sun-kissed resort escape in Kos, or a mix of culture, heritage, and beach on the largest island, Rhodes.
