Best destinations to visit in April in Europe
Best destinations to visit in April in Europe
April is one of the most reliably pleasant months across Europe, with spring in full swing and summer crowds still weeks away.
Tulip season peaks in the Netherlands during April, drawing visitors to fields and gardens in full bloom for a few short weeks. Easter often falls within the month too, bringing a small surge of travel to cities and pilgrimage sites across the continent. Southern Europe warms up nicely by this point, comfortable for long days spent walking through cities without the summer heat. Northern Europe stays cooler and greener, with longer daylight hours making up for the milder temperatures. Outdoor cafes and terraces also start filling up again across much of the continent as the weather improves, a welcome sign after a long winter.
The destinations on our list for Europe reflect that same mix of blooming gardens, mild cities and quieter northern stretches.
Lists by region
City in France
Paris
The city of love, art and history
The Parisii, a Celtic tribe, settled on an island in the Seine and gave this city its name. Notre Dame cathedral reopened in December 2024 after a fire in 2019. April is mild with highs near 16 degrees Celsius and cherry blossoms in parks. Showers are common, so cafes and museums are useful backups.
Country
Netherlands
Land of canals and culture
Located on the North Sea, this low lying country has canals, windmills and large flower fields. Tulip fields in the Bulb Region are usually in bloom from early to late April. King's Day on 27 April is a national holiday with street markets and orange clothing. Showers are common, so pack a light jacket.
City in Italy
Florence
The cradle of the Renaissance
Each Easter this city holds the Scoppio del Carro, when a cart of fireworks is lit outside the Duomo. Easter falls in March or April. April is mild and sunny, which is good for walking between museums and bridges. The Iris Garden is open for a few weeks from late April.
Island in Italy
Sicily
Sun, Sea and Ancient Secrets
Spring is warm on this island, with highs near 20 degrees Celsius in April and wildflowers on the hills. Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe, can have snow near the summit in April. The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento is a large ancient Greek site. Cassata is a popular Easter sweet.
Country
Switzerland
Alpine beauty meets urban charm
Zurich holds the Sechseläuten spring festival each April, with guild parades in historic costume. The festival ends with the burning of a snowman figure called the Böögg. April is cool, with spring flowers in lower areas and snow still in the mountains. Some mountain lifts and hotels in this country close in late April.
Region in Italy
Amalfi Coast
Italy's Coastal Gem
Amalfi was a powerful maritime republic in the Middle Ages and this coast still has medieval towns. In April the weather is mild, lemon terraces are green and crowds are smaller than in summer. Seasonal ferries link the main towns from spring. The coast road is narrow, so buses and boats are useful.
Island in Greece
Crete
A Journey Through History and Nature
As the largest island in Greece, this island has mountains, gorges, beaches and Minoan ruins. Knossos near Heraklion is a large Minoan palace site from the Bronze Age. April is good for hiking and wildflowers are in bloom. The Samaria Gorge opens on 1 May each year, so April hikers pick other trails.
City in Portugal
Lisbon
Sun-soaked streets and rich history
Compared with many European capitals, this city is warm and sunny in April, with highs near 20 degrees Celsius. Pastéis de nata, small custard tarts, are sold in many bakeries. Alfama, Baixa and Belém are good areas to explore on foot or by tram. Sintra is an easy day trip by train.
City in Spain
Seville
Andalusia's Heartbeat of History
As the capital of Andalusia, this city is a major centre of flamenco, tapas and spring festivals. The Feria de Abril is a week of dancing, music and sherry held in tents after Easter. Orange trees are common on the streets and the Real Alcázar has large gardens. Book ahead for the Alcázar.
Island in Greece
Santorini
Breathtaking Views and Blue Domes
Dramatic and photogenic, this island forms a curve around a flooded volcanic crater with white villages on the cliffs. Fira and Oia are the main villages, linked by a walking path along the rim. Many hotels and restaurants reopen in April, so check opening dates before booking. Highs are near 19 degrees Celsius.
Region in Portugal
Douro Valley
World's oldest wine wonderland
April is mild in this valley, with some rain and highs near 19 degrees Celsius. Vines are leafing out on the terraced hills and prices are lower than in harvest season. Port wine has been made here for centuries and many quintas offer tastings. Boat trips start from Pinhão and Régua.
City in Spain
Córdoba
A timeless blend of cultures
Calm and historic, this Andalusian city is known for the Mezquita, a mosque that became a cathedral. Its old Jewish quarter has narrow whitewashed lanes and small courtyards with flowers. April is pleasant with highs near 22 degrees Celsius and orange blossom in the air. The Roman Bridge crosses the Guadalquivir River.
Town in Greece
Aegina
Authentic Island Charm Near Athens
Set in the Saronic Gulf, this island is a short ferry ride from Piraeus, the port of Athens. April is mild with wildflowers on the hills and few crowds. The Temple of Aphaia, built around 500 BC, stands on a pine covered hill. Local pistachios are a popular treat.
Museum
Keukenhof
Blooming tulip paradise in springtime wonder
Unlike most gardens, this one is open for only about eight weeks each spring, from late March to mid May. It has about seven million bulbs each year, including tulips and daffodils. The garden is near Lisse, a short trip from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport by bus. Peak days can sell out, so book ahead.
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