The clocks have sprung forward and the temperatures are on the upswing, so why not head across the pond to experience one of the continent’s best kept secrets: European springtime. In the spring each year, Europe comes alive with festivals and special events, while many of the southern regions of the continent begin to experience downright dreamy weather. What’s better? By traveling to Europe in spring you will sidestep a large chunk of the crowds and lower your chances of being agitated by overtourism.
Historic buildings along a canal in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Noppasinw)
The Netherlands
Let’s get the obvious one out of the way first: yes, there will be tulips, lots and lots of tulips. You’ll find them most famously at Keukenhof Gardens, but also across nearly the entire Bollenstreek region (particularly around the town of Hillegom), the city of Haarlem during its famous flower parade—said to be the largest spring festival in The Netherlands—and in parks and greenspaces all over the country. During spring, you might just spot them out your Dutch train window, too.
But that’s just the start of the fun in The Netherlands during spring as it’s also the time of year when the fun outdoor cheese markets begin for the year (Alkmaar starts their season on the last Friday in March) and King’s Day, the nation’s “national day”. On this day (April 26), the entire country dresses up in orange and throws a rollicking street party, and you’re more than welcome to get in on the fun.
PHOTO: Spring Fair in Seville. (Photo via Flickr/Sandra Vallaure)
Andalucia, Spain
Seville, the capital of this region of southwestern Spain, is Europe’s warmest city, making balmy temperatures throughout the spring season as close to a sure thing as you’ll find anywhere on the continent. And here’s the thing: it gets so warm here in summertime that you could make a case that this is the best time of the year to be here. When it comes to happenings, in addition to its iconic Holy Week celebrations, Seville holds a huge Spring Fair each year (May 5-11 in 2025) that sees fairground fun and traditions of the region poured together with lots of the local sherry wine served up in a favorite refreshing rebujito cocktail.
Elsewhere in Andalucia, the town of Jerez holds its annual fair on May 17-24, and in Cordoba, the city’s atmospheric flower-filled patios will have you swooning during the annual Courtyards Festival of Cordoba (May 5-18). Or, you could head to the beach on the Costa Del Sol, as while the breezes may be on the cooler side, the sun should still keep you toasty.
PHOTO: Taormina is a hilltop town on the east coast of Sicily. (Photo by Chelsea Davis)
Sicily, Italy
Much like Andalucia, Sicily in spring offers mild temperatures, plenty of sunshine and an escape from the often-overbearing temperatures of summer. Explore the layer cake of cultures and landscapes that have shaped this island through Sicily’s wealth of historical attractions, characterful cities & towns and natural attractions like Mount Etna, before diving head first into the great local food & drink al fresco.
There are also a few fun events in spring in Sicily with the Dance of the Devils (a unique experience where ‘devils’ parade through the streets) taking place in Prizzi near Palermo on Easter Sunday with cheese lovers heading to Vizzini for the annual Ricotta Cheese festival (April 24-25). Elsewhere, the gorgeous Baroque town of Noto will once again showcase millions of petals during its annual Flower Festival (May 16-20). This rite of spring transforms the town’s stately Via Nicolaci Street into a colorful canvas showing off fanciful displays of flowers for all to enjoy.
Morning View of Stuttgart Schlossplatz (Photo Credit: tichr/Adobe Stock)
Stuttgart, Germany
Sure, Munich may have the biggest Oktoberfest party, but underrated Stuttgart throws the biggest spring festival in Germany: Stuttgarter Frühlingsfest (April 19 – May 11). Held on the Cannstatter Wasen— the city’s beloved expansive riverside greenspace—the festival features carnival rides, beer tents, local food and traditional frivolity. The milder spring temperatures also make it much more pleasant to explore the blooms of the Wilhelma zoological & botanical gardens and the local vineyards, of which Stuttgart has many within the city limits.
Nice, France. (Photo via Office de tourisme de la Côte d’Azur) (Photo Credit: PHOTO: Office de tourisme de la Côte d’Azur)
Nice, France
This gorgeous city on the French Riviera made its name as a winter haven, attracting British aristocracy for months of mild temperatures and sunshine, hence the name of the city’s famed seaside promenade the Promenade des Anglais. So that means in spring you can still experience some of that original atmosphere as the temperatures here will be much warmer than in the north of Europe. There’s another great reason to see Nice in spring too: La Fete de Mai, a cultural event on Sundays throughout May, featuring traditional music & dancing and lots of local flavor.
Prague (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock)
Prague, Czechia
This spring, the Czech capital will host the 80th annual Prague Spring International Music Festival, promising its biggest and best celebration of classical music yet. During the month-long event (May 12 – June 3), the city will come alive with concerts and the sounds of some of the world’s finest chamber music ensembles and symphony orchestras. But this isn’t the only reason to see Prague in spring, as it’s the perfect time to enjoy the city and its illustrious architecture, sights and beer gardens with comfortable temperatures (highs average in the mid-60s in April & May) and less congestion than more popular times. Prague also hosts Easter Markets each year (April 5-27 in 2025), which see wooden huts filled with vendors selling Easter eggs and other seasonal goods & food fill squares all over the city.
Cherry trees blooming at Kungsträdgarden in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo Credit: Adobe Stock/Kayro)
Stockholm, Sweden
No, you probably won’t be strutting around in your swimsuit in the Swedish capital this spring, but you will find a city full of life after winter hibernation and plenty of fun things to do during the ever-increasing daylight. Spring sees the famed bloom of the cherry blossoms at the Kungsträdgården, where you can join the locals with a coffee & cake under the pretty pink leaves on a sunny day.
Then there’s the beloved local amusement park Gröna Lund, which opens its doors each year in late April or early May, Stockholm Art Week (May 13-18 in 2025) and Walpurgis Night, a historically rich rural tradition celebrated on April 31 in greenspaces around the city featuring family fun, local traditions and a bonfire. If there’s still some snow around when you visit, don’t fret, because some locals swear by the magic of being able to experience “winter beauty” without the dark nights and frigid temperatures of deep winter. And remember, it’s always steamy in the saunas, which are beloved in Scandinavia and offer up one of the most “local” things to do.
The Acropolis is the most famous attraction in all of Athens, Greece. (Photo Credit: GNTO / Y. Skoulas)
Athens, Greece
What better place to spend Spring Break than the birthplace of Western Civilization and the cradle of art, literature and democracy? All that and it’s got dreamy weather all season long. How dreamy you ask? Let’s just say that in April and May you are likely to have highs in the low to mid-70s (a far cry from the headline-grabbing brutal summer heat) and not see any raindrops.
This makes it the perfect time of year to visit the A-list sights like The Acropolis, Panathenaic Stadium and The National Archaeological Museum with fewer of your fellow travelers or take a walk up Filopappou Hill, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city. Or, you could just linger over long lunches at sidewalk cafes, sampling delicious Greek food specialties and sipping local spirits like ouzo or mastiha.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
