LISSE, NETHERLANDS

The Netherlands bursts into life in spring, making it one of our favorite spring break destinations in Europe. Known as the ‘world’s flower shop’, the country bursts with sprawling fields of flowers and beautiful gardens.

One of the best places to soak up the splendour of a Dutch spring is Keukenhof Park in Lisse, known as the ‘Garden of Europe’. Around seven million tulips and 800 varieties of tulips are planted in the flower garden every year, turning the park into a rainbow of colours.

Keukenhof Park is easily accessible, only a 30-minute drive from Amsterdam or The Hague. The gardens are only open from mid-March to mid-May, perfect for a spring break in Europe!

STAVANGER, NORWAY

When you think of Norway, you probably think of snowy peaks and icy fjords. But spring tells a different story, with milder weather and blossoming trees. Stavanger is a great place to start, with rows of traditional houses and pretty flowers lit up in the sunshine.

Explore the nearby beaches along the Jaeren coast or put on your hiking boots to hike the famous Kjerag Mountain. Or head to Bergen to see Norway’s nature melt away after the long winter. Discover the waterfalls and glacial hikes of the nearby Hardangerfjord region, one of the most tranquil places on Earth.

TUSCANY, ITALY

Spring in Europe is all about blossoming trees and fields of flowers, and Italy is no different. Travel to the hills of Tuscany during April and May and you’ll find a field of red poppies. One of the best places to see the beautiful scenery is the Val d’Orcia region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Val d’Orcia offers green hills, impressive Cyprus trees and traditional farmhouses. You can also soak up all the iconic landscapes in the mild spring temperatures before the sweltering summer heat arrives. Che bello!

SEVILLE, SPAIN

Spain is a dream destination for spring holidays in Europe – the hardest part is choosing where to go! We love the Andalusia region, where almond blossoms burst into bloom in spring, surrounded by rolling hills and mountain peaks.

Visit Seville, the land of tapas, oranges, flamenco, Europe’s oldest royal palace and Santa Maria de la Sede, the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Stroll around the Plaza de España or enjoy the fantastic Feria de Abril which takes place in Seville every year at the end of April.

You can also head to the Basque region in northern Spain, with its unique cultural traditions and spectacular nature. Stop by San Sebastian in spring for golden beaches, world-class food, great Belle-Epoque architecture and fluffy white flowers in the Old Amara neighbourhood.

LJUBLJANA, SLOVENIA

With its baroque quarters, beautiful river and beautiful natural landscapes, Ljubljana is one of the best spring holiday destinations in Europe. We love discovering the Slovenian capital by bike, gazing at the spring flowers.

You can also canoe along the river, surrounded by quiet cafés and ice-cream shops. When you’ve explored the city, you can head to the magical Lake Bled, the Postojna Caves, Lake Bohinj and the mountain village of Radovljica, all less than an hour from Ljubljana.

ENGLAND, UNITED KINGDOM

Great Britain is spectacular in spring, with blossoming gardens, flowering trees and rolling green hills. Perhaps the most iconic sights, however, are the bluebell woods. Spring is the best time to stroll through the English countryside, illuminated by a carpet of bluebells.

Some of the best places to see the beautiful blue and purple hues are the Blickling Estate in Norfolk, the Lake District in Cumbria, Sheffield Park in East Sussex, Holwell Lawn in Dartmoor National Park and Hatchlands Park in the Surrey Hills.

PROVENCE, FRANCE

From Paris to Provence, France is a classic springtime destination in Europe. The best time to explore the country is in spring before the crowds and heat arrive in summer. You’ll see the sprawling lavender fields, lush vineyards, pine forests and olive groves of Provence, while the French Riviera glistens in the sunshine.

Discover hilltop villages such as Gordes and Ménerbes in the Luberon mountains, explore the medieval Palais des Papes in Avignon and relax in the glamorous seaside towns of Cannes and Saint-Tropez along the Côte d’Azur. From late June, drive to the Dordogne region, where you’ll see rolling fields of sunflowers in bloom, a breathtaking ode to spring.

LISBON, PORTUGAL

Lisbon is a great destination all year round but is particularly wonderful in spring. The pleasant temperatures and sunny days make this city such a pleasure to explore, with fantastic bars and restaurants, beautiful architecture, sandy beaches and vibrant pops of colour on every cobbled street, usually in the form of historic facades.

It is also an ideal base for day trips to magical places such as Sintra, Cascais and Évora. We love Obidos, a small medieval town in the countryside, with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and rose gardens lining the historic streets.

Obidos is also a cherry-producing country. You can visit the fragrant cherry orchards with the bright Judas trees at their most vivid in spring. Don’t forget to try some ginja, the delicious local cherry liqueur. You can even drink it in chocolate cups in Obidos – it sounds like springtime heaven!

CRETE, GREECE

The beauty of the Greek islands is no longer a secret, as the busy summer season attracts huge crowds. But if you want to experience the Aegean without the tourists and scorching heat, choose Greece as your next spring destination in Europe.

You’ll still find dreamy beaches, dazzling blue waters and charming villages, but without the heat and crowds. Crete is particularly beautiful, as more than 1,700 species of wildflowers and plants come to life across the island. Explore the mountain meadows for fragrant flowers and wild herbs.

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND

Switzerland is stunning in spring, as sparkling lakes thaw and hiking trails begin to bloom after winter. Visit Zurich in April to enjoy Sechseläuten, the city’s Spring Festival. You’ll see colourful parades and the lighting of the bonfire crowned with a snowman called Böögg. Legend has it that the faster the fire reaches the snowman’s head, the better the summer will be.

Other beautiful spring destinations in Switzerland include Montreux, with budding flowers, fresh air and breathtaking mountain scenery. Meanwhile, Zermatt still offers fantastic skiing in April, and you’ll miss the busy winter crowds too!