Top spots in Europe to visit this spring

One of the joys of being a student is being able to enjoy several weeks off during Christmas and Easter, and hence having the freedom to travel. If you’re thinking about where to go and what your next destination should be this Easter, here are some suggestions depending on what you are looking for, whether it be warmer weather, festivals, or cheap flights.

Hot weather

Easter means spring is officially here! Whether you’re missing the sun, or just want to start getting your summer tan ready early, here are some places worth considering:

(Southern) Italy

Islands like Sicily and Sardinia are ideal for sunbathing on beaches and enjoying pizza and gelato all day. Mulino Bianco biscuits are the nation’s favourite, so be sure to also give these a try! To spoil your Instagram, the views at Erice are particularly astonishing. Do remember, though, that the emphasis is on “Southern”. The picture below, taken between a journey from Venice to Bologna, confirms snow in Northern Italy last Easter.

Canary Islands

Some more islands to fulfill your beach dreams – even hotter than the above, with Fuerteventura only 100km away from Africa. Tenerife’s black sand-covered beach, Lanzarote’s lava fields and Fuerteventura’s North African style houses are just a few things to intrigue your interest. Explore exotic sights covered in volcanoes, a view rarely seen in Central Europe. And if you’re into clubbing, this is possibly your best option.

Portugal

Though some may unfairly call it too “trendy”, Portugal is still an exciting place to visit, with an enriching culture and delicious cuisine. A pastel de nata, or Portuguese custard tart, must be enjoyed (at least) once a day. The country offers sunny days, perfect for walking up to Sintra or lazily strolling around Alfama, Lisbon’s old town. Porto is also worth a trip, with Clérigos Tower offering spectacular views and the Lello bookshop ranked as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world.

Festivals

It’s always worth keeping an eye out for festivals across Europe, in case one happens to take place while you’re already abroad. Here are some notable ones happening this March and April:

Las Fallas (16-19 March) – Valencia, Spain

Why wasn’t Spain mentioned for hot weather? Because it is worth being mentioned for Las Fallas more! Picture fireworks, bonfires, music, and partying all night. The falla itself, a giant papier mâché, will be dancing around at the parade. Las Fallas might possibly be the loudest festival in Europe, so if you’re looking for fun and music, this fiesta is not to miss.

Keukenhof (21 March – 19 May) – Lisse, the Netherlands

Keukenhof Garden is known for being the largest bulb-flower garden in the world. It opens in March when its flowers have bloomed and we’re just finishing lectures, inviting everyone to join in and enjoy its beauty. It’s also not too far from Amsterdam and the Hague, so you could easily plan a trip visiting multiple cities. The Bloemencorso, a flower parade, also occurs on 13 April at the city of Lisse, not too far from Keukenhof.

Beer Festival (15-17 March) – Barcelona, Spain

Strong Beer Festival (15 March – 7 April) – Munich, Germany

What better age to drink than in your 20s, and what better time to drink than during the holidays? If you are a big lover of beer, try one of these festivals – they’ll let you drink more than enough to ensure you have a good trip. And if you’re up for a challenge, you could even try battling the German locals at the Strong Beer Festival in Munich.

Music Festivals at snow-covered mountains

For music lovers who need to go to (at least) one festival every year, why not try listening to music while also enjoying the astonishing views of the Alps? Although a bit pricier, it will be an experience you’ll never forget. Check out Snowboxx for world famous DJs (23-30 March), Snowbombing for electric and house music (8-13 April), Rock the Pistes for pop-rock (17-23 March), and Zermatt Unplugged for, though it may seem obvious, unplugged music (9-13 April).

Cheap flights

Finally, it’s worth noting that if you are able to leave before the holiday hype in April, you might be able to secure flights at a relatively low cost. During late March, destinations such as Stockholm, Frankfurt, and Oslo have been seen to have return flights for under £20 from London, and other popular destinations such as Barcelona, Lisbon, Malaga, and Nice have also offered flights for around £30. If there is a particular country or city you’ve been wanting to visit, Easter might be the perfect time to go.

Wherever you decide to head off to, remember to try and enjoy every moment. After all, it’s less about the destination and more about how you spend your time on the trip!