12 Best Places to Visit in Europe in the Spring for a Magical Escape

1. Andalusia’s White Villages, Spain

The White Villages of Andalusia, scattered across the Andalusian region in southern Spain, is for me the best European destination to go to in spring.

The weather is perfect, with mild days averaging 60–75°F (16–24°C), and wildflowers blanket the hills. April is ideal—sunshine fills the cobblestone streets, and it’s just before the summer crowds arrive and the sun starts to scorch. 

There are tons of must-sees, but if I should recommend 1 or 2, I’d say Ronda, Frigiliana, and Setenil de las Bodegas, where homes are built into rock formations.

Prefer renting a car for flexibility to explore the most stunning villages at your own pace.

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

The Netherlands’ capital city is magical in spring with blooming tulips and sunny canals.

March to May sees temperatures around 50–60°F (10–16°C), perfect for outdoor activities. April is the sweet spot—Keukenhof Gardens are in full bloom, and King’s Day on April 27 transforms the city into a vibrant street party.

Rent a bike to explore the countryside, where tulip fields create a rainbow-like landscape. And make sure to book Keukenhof tickets in advance and visit early in the morning to avoid crowds.

3. Cinque Terre, Italy

Cinque Terre, located on Italy’s Ligurian coast, is simply stunning in spring with mild temperatures around 60–70°F (16–21°C).

May is ideal—wildflowers are in bloom, the sea sparkles under the sun, and crowds are lighter compared to peak season.

Don’t miss the Sentiero Azzurro trail between Monterosso and Vernazza for stunning coastal views, or a sunset aperitivo at Manarola’s cliffside bars for a romantic setting.

Pack sturdy shoes for the trails and take the ferry between villages for incredible views of the colorful towns from the water.

4. French Riviera

Bathed in golden sunlight and blooming with life, the French Riviera along France’s southeastern coast transforms into a Mediterranean dream in spring.

With mild weather averaging 60–70°F (16–21°C), April and May offer sunny days and fewer crowds.

Explore coastal towns like Cannes, Monaco, and Antibes, or hike the Esterel Mountains for incredible views of the Mediterranean. Don’t miss the colorful markets in Nice and the fragrant gardens of Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild, which bloom beautifully in spring.

If you have time, take a ferry to the Îles de Lérins for a peaceful escape, but make sure to pack layers for breezy evenings by the sea.

5. Istanbul, Turkey

Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a springtime gem with mild weather (55–70°F / 13–21°C) and vibrant energy. April is the ideal month to visit during the Tulip Festival when parks like Emirgan and Gülhane burst with colorful blooms.

Wander the historic streets of Sultanahmet, visit the Hagia Sophia, and enjoy a ferry ride on the Bosphorus with crisp spring breezes.

Explore the bazaars early in the day for smaller crowds and enjoy tea or any Turkish delicacy at a rooftop café for stunning views of the city’s skyline.

6. Soča Valley, Slovenia

Nestled in western Slovenia near Bovec (about 2 hours from Ljubljana), the Soča Valley comes alive in spring with its dazzling turquoise river and blooming alpine scenery.

With temperatures averaging 50–65°F (10–18°C), May is ideal—snowmelt feeds the turquoise Soča River, making it perfect for rafting and kayaking.

The surrounding mountains come alive with wildflowers, creating stunning hiking trails like those to Tolmin Gorge or the Great Soča Gorge. Don’t miss the WWI Kobarid Museum for local history.

7. Granada, Spain

Tucked into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in southern Spain, Granada comes alive in spring with its rich history and blooming landscapes.

With pleasant temperatures ranging from 60–75°F (16–24°C), April is perfect for exploring without the intense summer heat.

The Alhambra, surrounded by blooming gardens, is a must-see, and the city’s narrow Albaicín streets feel alive with color and energy. Don’t miss the patios adorned with spring flowers or the Semana Santa processions.

If you decide to go there, plan in advance: book Alhambra tickets about 3 months in advance to secure your spot. And of course, make sure to enjoy free tapas with your drinks at local bars—a Granada tradition you’ll love!

8. Peloponnese, Greece

In the heart of southern Greece, the Peloponnese is where ancient myths meet blooming spring landscapes, creating a perfect getaway. Just two hours from Athens, it’s perfect for a spring escape with mild weather averaging 60–70°F (16–21°C).

April is ideal, as wildflowers blanket the hills, and archeological sites like Epidaurus and Mycenae are serene without summer crowds. Visit Nafplio, one of Greece’s prettiest towns, and hike through the verdant Lousios Gorge.

Explore small villages for authentic local cuisine, like freshly made spanakopita, and pack comfortable shoes for exploring ruins and trails in the blooming countryside.

9. Edinburgh, Scotland

Scotland’s capital city is outstanding in spring when the city’s parks and gardens burst into bloom.

With temperatures ranging from 45–60°F (7–15°C), April is ideal for exploring, as the cherry blossoms in Princes Street Gardens and the Meadows are at their peak.

Don’t miss taking a hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views or visit the Royal Botanic Garden to see spring flowers.

Plan your trip during the Beltane Fire Festival on April 30 for a unique cultural experience, and pack layers for those crisp Scottish mornings and evenings.

10. Madeira, Portugal

Madeira, a Portuguese island in the Atlantic, is a spring paradise with mild weather averaging 65–75°F (18–24°C).

April is the perfect time to visit for the Madeira Flower Festival when Funchal’s streets come alive with vibrant parades and stunning floral displays. Hike the island’s lush levada trails surrounded by blooming wildflowers, or take in panoramic ocean views from Cabo Girão.

Visit early in the morning for cooler hikes and fewer crowds, and don’t miss a taste of bolo do caco (traditional garlic bread) from a local market.

11. Aarhus, Denmark

Denmark’s second-largest city is a vibrant spring getaway from Copenhagen, about 3 hours by train.

With temperatures ranging from 50–60°F (10–16°C), May is the perfect month to enjoy its blooming parks and lively atmosphere.

Take a stroll through the Aarhus Botanical Garden or explore the open-air museum Den Gamle By. Spring also brings outdoor events like food festivals at Aarhus Street Food.

Head to ARoS Museum for panoramic city views from the Rainbow Panorama and enjoy the waterfront at Dokk1 for a relaxing afternoon in the sun.

12. Mallorca, Spain

Mallorca, the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, offers perfect spring weather with temperatures around 60–70°F (16–21°C).

Located just a short flight from Barcelona, it’s ideal to visit in April when almond trees bloom and the island is lush with greenery.

Explore the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, a UNESCO site, or take a scenic drive to the picturesque village of Valldemossa. Don’t miss hiking Cap de Formentor or relaxing on quieter beaches like Cala Figuera.

🔍 Want to travel during another season? Check out these guides:

• Best Places to Visit in Europe in the Summer
• Best Places to Visit in Europe in the Fall
• Best Places to Visit in Europe in the Winter

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That’s a wrap! Of course, there are many more beautiful places to enjoy in the spring in Europe, but I had to draw the line somewhere.

Hope you could’ve found your next destination here. If this is the case, don’t hesitate to comment below! 🙂