21 Best Places To Visit In Europe In Spring For Sun, City Breaks, And Adventure
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After months of cold weather and grey skies, you’re probably itching for a getaway – and I don’t blame you, I am too! Whether you’re craving some much-needed sunshine or simply just need a change of scenery, spring is the perfect time to explore Europe.
From 20th March to 20th June, the continent starts waking up from its winter slumber. The crowds haven’t quite taken over yet, the weather’s warming up, and since it’s still off-peak season, you can usually snag some really cheap flights on Skyscanner.
So, if you’re looking for travel inspiration, you’re in the right place. Get ready to discover the best European destinations for a spring adventure! And hey, if you end up visiting one of these spots, let me know in the comments – I’d love to hear all about it!
If you're planning to explore Europe when the days get even sunnier and warmer, don't miss my guide to the best places to visit in Europe in summer!
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21 Best Places To Visit In Europe In Spring
7 Best Places For Sun, Sea and Sand In Europe In Spring
Algarve, Portugal
Highs: 21°C - 28°C
Lows: 9°C - 17°C
Relax on one of the 100 beautiful beaches.
Cliff walk from Senhora da Rocha to Praia da Marinha.
Marvel at the Ponta da Piedade cliff formations.
Explore Benagil Cave.
Sightseeing in Lagos, Silves, and Tavira.
Antalya, Turkey
Highs: 18°C - 31°C
Lows: 7°C - 18°C
Relax on the beautiful Konyaalti Beach.
Explore the gorgeous Old Town of Kaleici.
Visit the magnificent Hadrian’s Gate.
Go on a tour of the Duden Waterfalls.
Learn about the rich history at the Antalya Archeology Museum.
Crete, Greece
Highs: 17°C - 28°C
Lows: 10°C - 18°C
Relax on the beautiful Elafonissi Beach and Falassarna Beach.
Stroll through the stunning Old Venetian Port of Chania.
Explore the Arkadi Monastery.
Visit Balos Lagoon.
Discover ancient artefacts at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Cyprus
Highs: 19°C - 28°C
Lows: 9°C - 18°C
Soak up the sun at Makronissos Beach, Fig Tree, and Nissi Beach.
Explore the Kato Paphos Archaeological Park.
Visit the Archaeological Site of the Tombs of the Kings.
Enjoy a day at the Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark.
Wonder through the ancient ruins of Kourion.
Gran Canaria, Spain
Highs: 23°C - 26°C
Lows: 16°C - 19°C
Walk across the Maspalomas Dunes.
Sunbathe on the stunning Las Canteras Beach.
Visit the beautiful little town of Puerto de Mogan.
Explore the capital: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Venture inside a volcanic crater: Caldera de Bandama.
Malta
Highs: 18°C - 29°C
Lows: 15°C - 24°C
Be spoiled for choice with an array of picture-perfect beaches.
Stroll through the gardens of Upper Barrakka and Lower Barrakka.
Marvel at the Blue Grotto.
Learn about WWII history at the Lascaris War Rooms.
Visit the incredible megalithic temple: Ħaġar Qim.
Sicily, Italy
Highs: 14°C - 24°C
Lows: 7°C - 16°C
Plan some relaxation time at the local beaches.
Visit the beautiful Riserva dello Zingaro nature reserve.
Explore the Valley of the Temples.
Hike up Europe's most active and highest volcano: Mount Etna.
Take a trip to the old fishing port of Cefalù.
7 Best Places For A City Break In Europe In Spring
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Highs: 8°C - 18°C
Lows: 2°C - 10°C
Cruise down the famous canal network.
Visit one of the many world-famous museums (Van Gogh Museum or Rijksmuseum).
Stroll through the Red Light District.
Relax in Vondelpark.
Grab some tasty dishes at the Foodhallen food court.
If you end up planning a trip to Amsterdam, check out my 3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary for the ultimate guide to making the most of your time in the city!
Barcelona, Spain
Highs: 17°C - 26°C
Lows: 8°C - 19°C
Visit the wonderful Sagrada Família.
Stroll through the quirky Park Güell.
Explore the Gothic Quarter.
Sunbathe on the city beaches.
See some works of art at the Picasso Museum.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Highs: 14°C - 25°C
Lows: 8°C - 18°C
Walk the massive city walls.
Wander through the Old Town.
Go sunset kayaking to Lokrum Island.
Take the Dubrovnik cable car for wonderful panoramic views.
Explore Fort Lovrijenac.
Lisbon, Portugal
Highs: 19°C - 26°C
Lows: 11°C - 17°C
Visit the magnificent Praça do Comércio square, Belém Tower, and the Monastery of St Jerome.
Ride the 28 tram for wonderful views of the city.
Watch the sunset from the Miradouro da Graça.
Eat some delicious food at the Time Out Market Lisboa.
Visit the charming Portuguese town of Contra or any of the nearby beaches.
Paris, France
Highs: 13°C - 23°C
Lows: 6°C - 14°C
Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Spend the day at the Palace of Versailles.
Marvel at the artefacts at the Louvre.
Walk the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe.
Visit the Sacré Coeur for incredible views over the city.
Rome, Italy
Highs: 17°C - 29°C
Lows: 6°C - 17°C
Stroll through the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Marvel at the Pantheon.
Cross off one of the world's new seven wonders at the Colosseum.
Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain.
Visit the Vatican and the incredible Sistine Chapel.
Venice, Italy
Highs: 12°C - 24°C
Lows: 4°C - 16°C
Wander through the narrow streets to the Piazza San Marco.
Visit the incredible Doge's Palace and Saint Mark's Basilica.
Take a gondola ride down the Grand Canal.
Walk over Rialto Bridge.
Gaze upon the Bridge of Sighs.
Don't miss my 3-Day Venice Itinerary for the best way to explore this beautiful city!
7 Best Places For Adventure In Europe In Spring
Albanian Alps
Highs: 15°C - 27°C
Lows: 6°C - 17°C
Hike from Theth to Valbona or hike the Peaks Of The Balkans.
Visit the Blue Eye in Theth.
Ride The Lake Koman Ferry.
Walk to the Grunasi Waterfall.
Visit the Xhema Lake and the Old Mill of Valbona.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
Highs: 15°C - 26°C
Lows: 6°C - 16°C
Soaking up the sun on the beaches in the Amalfi Coast.
Go sightseeing in the towns of the Amalfi Coast.
Visit the Duomo di Amalfi.
Explore the Fiordo di Furore.
Visit the Emerald Grotto.
Just as stunning as the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany is a must-visit! Check out my 7-day Tuscany itinerary to explore Pisa, Florence, Siena, and the breathtaking Cinque Terre. I did this exact route and I absolutely loved it!
Causeway Coastal Route, Northern Ireland
Highs: 9°C - 17°C
Lows: 2°C - 10°C
Drive the Causeway Coastal Route from Belfast to Londonderry.
Marvel at the Giant's Causeway.
Walk the Carrick-a-Rede bridge.
Explore Dunluce Castle.
Visit the Mussenden Temple.
Equally as incredible as the Causeway Coastal Route is Scotland’s famous North Coast 500. I’ve put together a full guide after road-tripping it with two friends a couple of years ago!
Greek Island Hopping
Highs: 15°C - 27°C
Lows: 8°C - 18°C
Sail around the Greek Islands (possible 1-week itinerary from Athens > Mykonos > Naxos > Santorini > Athens).
Go swimming at the glorious Greek beaches.
Watch the sunset from Oia in Santorini.
Explore the Temple of Apollo in Naxos.
Visit Little Venice in Mykonos.
Iceland
Highs: 2°C - 11°C
Lows: -2°C - 7°C
Visit the Hallgrimskirkja church in Reykjavik.
Soak in the Sky Lagoon and Blue Lagoon.
Go on a Whale Watching trip.
Go on a tour of the Golden Circle.
Visit Iceland's most incredible waterfalls including Skógarfoss.
Sao Miguel, Portugal (The Azores)
Highs: 16°C - 21°C
Lows: 11°C - 15°C
Hike the Lagoa do Fogo Trail.
Be mesmerised at the Sete Cidades Lake.
Soak in the hot springs.
Visit the only tea plantations in Europe.
Prepare for incredible views at the Boca do Inferno Viewpoint.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Highs: 8°C - 22°C
Lows: 0°C - 13°C
Soak up the views of the Matterhorn from the Sunnegga.
Walk the Five Lakes trail.
Ride the Gornergrat Railway.
Go skiing or snowboarding.
Visit the Blacknose Sheep Farm and prepare for cuteness overload!!!
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