This article was originally published on The Real World, by Trafalgar
Easter is right around the corner, spelling spring time for the northern hemisphere and prime time to explore Europe, with balmy weather, shoulder season’s lesser crowds and long days on the menu. Perfect conditions to appreciate Europe’s cultural attractions, mouth-watering cuisines and jaw-dropping landscapes. After a dose of travel inspiration? Read on to discover 11 of the best Easter holiday destinations in Europe.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s picturesque parks, charming canals and wondrous walks come alive in the spring sunshine. Cycle lovers are in paradise here – with over 320 miles of dedicated cycle lanes to explore. History and art buffs can fuel their minds in the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum and Anne Frank House. For that spring feeling, admire 32 hectares of blooming flowers in Kuekenhof’s ‘Flower Strip’. We promise your heart will skip a beat here.
Florence
The small town feel of this medieval city is even more magical as flowers bloom. Take in the city’s stunning panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo square – painted a glowing gold by the sunset. Lean into the leisurely pace of local life here. Stroll through cosy side streets and picturesque plazas, cross Ponte Vecchio bridge and to get into the spirit, witnessing one of the world’s great ancient Easter traditions at the Duomo Cathedral: the ‘Explosion of the Cart’ (Scoppio del Carro). As four oxen haul a large cart, leading the parade to Piazza Duomo with many people dressed in historical costumes.
Paris
Oh, the ‘City of Lights’! A heart-swelling European stop. Now throw in church bells ringing, delicious glasses of evening wine outdoors and perfect cruise weather. Paris in spring is a must for even the slightest romantic. Walk the charming Champs-Élysées and Latin Quarter, visit the Place de la Concorde and the 19th-century Arc de Triomphe and to finish, a sunset picnic under the Eiffel tower.
Barcelona
Barcelona deserves its place among the best Easter holiday destinations in Europe. Pleasant (not-too-hot) weather greets your arrival. Shoulder season crowds mean your path is clear to the Sagrada Familia. Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished basilica will drop your jaw to the floor faster than you can say ‘who wants tapas?’ And his architectural brush touches many parts of the city. We recommend checking out the lively Las Ramblas strip, or sipping a cool Estrella on one of Barcelona’s nine beaches. Catalonia’s cosmopolitan capital is a can’t-miss.
Berlin
Germany’s capital is one of the most vibrant, charismatic and liberal cities in Europe, and spring is a great moment to absorb the positive energy here. Enjoy world-famous attractions like the Brandenburg Gate, Holocaust Memorial and Berlin Wall. Elsewhere, let loose at the Spring Festival (open this April), hop on its 60 rides and taste traditional German food like bratwurst and sauerbraten. Or watch Knights’ tournaments and fire shows at the Easter Ritterfest festival. Oh, and the wine and beer stands at Alexanderplatz are a must-stop for a refresher.
Dubrovnik
Dive into swimming season in Croatia. The ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’ is a stunning retreat during Easter, with warming waters and longer daylight hours giving an early summer feel to this charming coastal city. Easter is a quiet time to stroll Dubrovnik’s towering 13th century walls, kayak in the sun, visit the Maritime museum and stroll down picturesque pebbled beaches. Yes please.
Reykjavik
Mother Nature was definitely showing off when she made Iceland. An April visit to ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’ has sunrise at approximately 6am and sunset near 8pm, giving you good time to explore hot springs, volcanoes, lava fields and geysers. We recommend you bite into local chocolate, warm lamb meat or sip an ice-cold Icelandic beer (Paskabjor). To embrace the local life, bubble away in a traditional Icelandic outdoor hot tub or spa.
Prague
Prague is especially enchanting around Easter time. The historic Old Town Square is a serene setting to sit on cobbled outdoor cafes and watch the world go by. Or, stare at the magnificent Astronomical Clock (dating back to 1410) and other Gothic architecture. With the sun hanging in the sky into the evenings, you’ll have time to roam bustling markets, gorgeous gardens and Prague Castle’s outdoor area – which all open on 01 April. Stroll across the Charles Bridge at sunset to soak in the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’ in all its beauty. You may find it hard to leave the Czech capital.
Copenhagen
Colourful Copenhagen sparkles even brighter in spring, putting it on our list of top Easter holiday destinations in Europe. Don’t leave without gazing at Bispebjerg Cemetery’s alley of pink Japanese cherry trees. Stroll down the city’s canals, cycle idyllic lanes and admire colourful fishing houses. You must also tour round Tivoli gardens (a Denmark national treasure). Founded in 1843, this theme park inspired Walt Disney and Hans Christian Anderson with its fairytale feels. Enjoy the rides, munch on Danish hot dogs and listen to music.
Budapest
One for the romantics, Budapest is beyond beautiful around Easter time. Dip in the Szechenyi thermal baths to make the most of the balmy weather, enjoy a relaxing Danube river cruise, take a walking tour of the Castle district or roam through colourful parks. And last but not least, scale Gellert hill for a bucket-list worthy view of the city skyline in the afternoon sunlight.
Rome
Imagine tasting delicious coffee sitting at a street-side café. Standing before the Trevi Fountain, admiring the intricate architecture as you hear the water gently flow. Imagine gazing at the Colosseum, envisaging past gladiator battles. And no matter your religious beliefs, watching the Pope celebrate Easter at Saint Peter’s Basilica is a special experience.
Which of these Easter holiday destinations in Europe catches your attention? Ask your local Travellers Choice travel agent for assistance booking your Europe holiday or for more travel inspiration visit Trafalgar.com.
