12 of the best places to go in Europe in spring

23.12.2024 - 21:05 / lonelyplanet.com

Dec 23, 2024 • 10 min read

Whether you’re on the coldest stretches of remote Scandinavian islands or the sunniest coast of Spain, the return of spring to Europe is always a welcome thing. The changing season brings warmer weather, blushing blossoms and the reopening of many hotels, tour operators and other businesses that may have shut down for the winter. 

Eager tourists could go on a food-filled city break or take an epic hike along a windswept coastline. Whatever it might be, we have plenty of travel inspiration right here, broken down by month to reflect the best weather conditions across the continent. Pinpoint the right trip for you with this guide of where to go in Europe during spring 2025.

Best for relaxation 

Spring comes early to the Algarve, mainland Portugal’s most southerly, sunniest and driest region. The mercury nudges toward 20°C (68°F) and rainfall declines, while blossom falls from the almond trees and wildflowers bloom: now’s the time to shake off the winter torpor and stretch out limbs and psyche alike. Yoga retreats are clustered along the Algarve’s southern coast and up towards the border with the Alentejo, offering classes and longer courses; many augment yoga and meditation techniques with other aspects of mindfulness and, in many cases, surfing. As the high season hasn’t kicked in yet, March offers good value and plenty of accommodation choice. It’s also prime time for walking the dramatic trails north along the Atlantic Coast and exploring the historic old towns of Faro and Lagos.

Best for spring blossoms 

The "snow of Mallorca" still blankets the hillsides of this Balearic island in March – not actual, frozen-water snow, but the pinky-white blossom of countless almond trees that give Mallorca its distinctive icing-sugar coating at the start of the year. And as the blossoms fall in early March, so the increasingly warm weather makes exploring a delight – before the arrival of masses of package tourists, but with plenty of sunshine to enjoy the beaches, roam traditional honey-hued towns and villages such as Deià, Fornalutx and Sóller, and hike the heights of the Serra de Tramuntana. It’s also a great time to go to Palma de Mallorca, one of Lonely Planet’s best cities to visit in 2025. The capital’s Old Town is a charming historic district, with wonderful palaces, museums, squares and the monumental cathedral. 

Best for exploring ruins 

The hand-shaped peninsula of the Peloponnese has some of Greece’s top beaches, best-preserved ancient and medieval sites, most appealing mountains and the original Arcadia. Somehow, though, it sees only a fraction of the tourists that besiege other corners of the country. March promises sparse crowds but clement temperatures for walking, and more