Where to Go in April
Easter escapes, Mediterranean warmth, and perfect city break weather
April is when travel possibilities explode. The Mediterranean warms up, European cities burst into spring, and it is still shoulder season in many destinations. Easter holidays fall in April most years, making this prime time for family getaways. Whether you want beach warmth, cultural exploration, or outdoor adventures, April delivers.
Easter Holiday Destinations
Easter in April means school holidays and higher demand, but also better weather across Europe and beyond. Book early for the best options.
Mediterranean Warming Up
April marks the transition in the Mediterranean. Swimming is still cool but possible, and the landscapes are lush and green before summer scorches everything.
Greece (3.5 hours)
April in Greece offers mild temperatures (18-22C), wildflowers, and ancient sites without summer crowds. Orthodox Easter often falls in April with unique celebrations.
- Athens - Perfect walking weather for the Acropolis and ancient sites. The city is alive with spring energy.
- Crete - The largest island is stunning in spring with gorges and wildflowers. South coast warming faster.
- Rhodes - Medieval old town, beaches warming up, and excellent value before peak season.
- Santorini - Iconic views without peak crowds or prices. Too cool for swimming but stunning for photography.
- Corfu - Green and lush, dramatic Orthodox Easter celebrations, Venetian architecture.
Orthodox Easter
Greek Orthodox Easter is a major event with midnight services, fireworks, and feasting. If your trip coincides, embrace it - just book restaurants in advance.
Croatia (2.5 hours)
April in Croatia means Game of Thrones locations without the crowds, stunning national parks with waterfalls at full flow, and pleasant 18-20C temperatures.
- Dubrovnik - Walk the walls without summer heat or cruise ship crowds. Old town is magical in spring light.
- Split - Diocletians Palace, ferry gateway to islands, and excellent restaurants.
- Plitvice Lakes - Waterfalls at their most impressive after winter snowmelt. Boardwalks may be wet but views are incredible.
- Hvar - The sunniest Croatian island is pleasant even before beach season begins.
- Zagreb - Underrated capital with excellent museums, cafe culture, and easy day trips.
Turkey (4 hours)
April offers the perfect climate for exploring Turkeys incredible historical sites. Temperatures of 20-25C make sightseeing comfortable, and tulip season in Istanbul is spectacular.
- Istanbul - Tulip Festival fills parks with millions of blooms. Ideal weather for Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and bazaars.
- Cappadocia - Hot air balloons over fairy chimneys in perfect spring conditions. Cave hotels still have availability.
- Ephesus - Ancient ruins without summer heat. Combine with Aegean coast beaches.
- Antalya - Mediterranean coast warming up (22C), old town charm, nearby ancient sites.
- Pamukkale - Thermal pools and travertine terraces are beautiful in spring.
Tip
Istanbul Tulip Festival typically runs late March to late April. Emirgan Park hosts over 3 million tulips - free entry and stunning photography opportunities.
City Breaks
April is prime time for European city breaks. The weather is pleasant, outdoor cafes are buzzing, and daylight hours are generous.
Paris (1.5 hours)
Paris in spring is cliched for a reason - it is genuinely magical. Temperatures around 16C, chestnuts blooming, and Parisians emerging from winter hibernation.
- Luxembourg Gardens - Spring flowers, chess players, and the perfect picnic spot.
- Seine walks - The riverbanks come alive with booksellers and sunbathers.
- Montmartre - Artists return to Place du Tertre, Sacre-Coeur views in spring light.
- Museums - Shoulder season means manageable queues at the Louvre and Orsay.
- Day trips - Versailles gardens are spectacular, Giverny opens (Monets garden).
Amsterdam & The Netherlands (1 hour)
April in the Netherlands means one thing - tulips. Keukenhof gardens are in full bloom, and the bulb fields create endless photo opportunities.
- Keukenhof - Seven million bulbs across 79 acres. Open late March to mid-May, peak bloom typically mid-April.
- Bulb fields - Rent a bike and cycle through the flower fields between Leiden and Haarlem.
- Amsterdam - Canal walks, Jordaan neighbourhood, Anne Frank House (book ahead).
- Kings Day - 27 April transforms Amsterdam into a massive orange street party.
Book Ahead
Keukenhof tickets must be booked online in advance - no walk-up sales. Book as early as possible for your preferred date.
More European Cities
- Rome (2.5 hours) - 20C temperatures, Easter celebrations at the Vatican, restaurants with outdoor seating.
- Barcelona (2 hours) - 20C and sunny, beaches walkable, Sant Jordi (23 April) sees the city filled with roses and books.
- Seville (2.5 hours) - Feria de Abril (if timing aligns) is Spains most colourful festival. Book a year ahead.
- Vienna (2 hours) - Opera season, coffee houses, and the Vienna Woods in spring bloom.
- Berlin (1.5 hours) - Parks coming alive, beer gardens opening, history and culture without summer tourists.
Adventure Destinations
April offers excellent conditions for outdoor adventures as the northern hemisphere warms up.
- Morocco (3.5 hours) - Perfect 25C temperatures, Atlas trekking, and the Sahara before summer heat.
- Jordan (5 hours) - Ideal weather for Petra and Wadi Rum camping. Spring wildflowers in the desert.
- Portugal (2.5 hours) - Algarve coast walks, Sintra palaces, Douro Valley wine country.
- Scottish Highlands (1.5 hours) - Longer days, spring wildlife, NC500 road trip season begins.
- Slovenia (2 hours) - Lake Bled, Triglav National Park, and emerging wine scene.
Tip
Moroccans Dades and Todra Gorges are spectacular in April with wildflowers and comfortable hiking temperatures before summer extremes.
Beach Holidays
If you need guaranteed beach weather in April, look further afield than Europe. The Mediterranean is warming but swimming is still cool.
- Canary Islands (4 hours) - Reliable 24C, warmest option close to UK. Sea still cool but pools are heated.
- Egypt (Red Sea) (5 hours) - Hot sun (28C), excellent snorkelling, and resort life at Hurghada or Sharm.
- Cape Verde (6 hours) - Year-round warmth (26C), emerging destination with beautiful beaches.
- Caribbean (8-10 hours) - Tail end of dry season with great weather before hurricane season.
- Maldives (10 hours) - Transitioning to wet season but still excellent. Possible late deals.
Family-Friendly Picks
Easter holidays mean traveling with children. These destinations offer the weather, activities, and infrastructure families need.
- Majorca (2.5 hours) - Family resort infrastructure, beaches starting to warm, cycling and coves.
- Algarve (2.5 hours) - Portugal family favourite with beaches, waterparks, and zoos.
- Cyprus (4.5 hours) - Warm enough for beaches (22C), waterparks open, ancient ruins for education.
- Tenerife (4 hours) - Guaranteed sun, Siam Park, and whale watching. The reliable choice.
- Florida (9 hours) - Theme parks before summer heat and crowds. Spring break winding down.
Money-Saving Tip
Easter holidays vary each year - sometimes falling in March, sometimes late April. This significantly impacts prices across all destinations.
Weather Comparison
Average April temperatures and conditions:
- Greece - 18-22C, 8 hours sunshine, occasional spring showers
- Turkey - 20-25C, 9 hours sunshine, pleasant
- Paris - 16C, variable but pleasant
- Amsterdam - 14C, tulips blooming, bring layers
- Canary Islands - 24C, 8 hours sunshine, reliable
- Egypt - 28-30C, very warm, desert conditions
Budget Guide
Approximate costs for a week (flights and accommodation for two adults). Easter weeks cost 30-50% more than non-holiday April dates.
- Greece - 500-1000 GBP per person (shoulder season value)
- Croatia - 450-900 GBP per person
- Turkey - 400-800 GBP per person (excellent value)
- Paris - 500-900 GBP per person
- Amsterdam - 500-850 GBP per person (premium during tulip peak)
- Canary Islands - 550-1100 GBP per person
Money-Saving Tip
The week after Easter often offers the best April value - Easter crowds have gone but weather remains excellent.
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