10 excellent suggestions for spring break getaways in Europe for 2024

Spring in Europe showcases a breathtaking spectacle for those seeking a quieter experience.

Visit to enjoy peaceful hikes to stunning Mediterranean beaches that are nearly deserted, observe wildlife waking from its winter slumber, and marvel at the vibrant wildflowers blooming on mountains, in lush valleys, and along the coastline. As the weather warms, towns and cities come alive with a gentle buzz, filling cafes and hotels, yet the major attractions remain much less crowded than during the summer.

Whether you're interested in the charming hill towns of Northern Mallorca, Norway’s beautiful Southern Fjords, or the puffin-filled islands of Pembrokeshire, our guide to the 10 best spring break spots in Europe has something for everyone—some well-known, others perhaps less explored.

1. Western Algarve, Portugal

If you associate the Algarve with all-inclusive resorts and budget package vacations, you’re missing out. Head west to discover a thrillingly rugged and less-touristy aspect of this southern region of Portugal. You'll find no high-rises, just charming whitewashed villages. Here, cliffs plunge into the roaring Atlantic, and stretches of golden sand are adorned with dunes. During spring break, when the coast is dotted with wildflowers, you might just have the beach all to yourself. The surfing here is exceptional—visit in March for the massive winter waves, or come in April and May for more manageable surf conditions.

The iconic lighthouse at Cabo de São Vicente marks the last piece of land many Portuguese explorers saw before embarking on their journeys into the unknown. Heading north from here reveals a stunning array of beaches: the rugged Praia do Amado, the wave-battered Carrapateira, and the crescent-shaped Praia da Arrifana, nestled near the Moorish castle town of Aljezur. You’re now in the heart of Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina, a nature reserve featuring cliffs, wetlands, and salt marshes, home to wildlife such as otters, wildcats, Iberian lynx, and ospreys.

2. São Miguel, The Azores

In the middle of nowhere, you say? Consider The Azores for your spring break! These stunning subtropical volcanic islands, scattered across the mid-Atlantic like stepping stones, feel like a hidden paradise, complete with rugged, waterfall-laden cliffs, deep-blue crater lakes, and lichen-covered cloud forests reminiscent of Jurassic Park. Despite their remote vibe, these islands are still part of Portugal (and thus Europe).

Most likely, you’ll land on São Miguel, the largest island and a fantastic base for exploration, offering a taste of everything that makes this archipelago special. The geothermal wonders of Furnas take center stage, featuring hissing geysers, a turquoise crater lake, inviting hot spring pools, and the stunning botanical gardens of Terra Nostra, blooming with pink azaleas in spring. To the west, the expansive caldera and twin lakes of Sete Cidades mesmerize visitors, said to have been formed by the tears of a green-eyed princess and a blue-eyed shepherd.

Ponta Delgada, the capital of São Miguel, is a charming town filled with whitewashed mansions adorned with basalt trim and elegant balconies. It also serves as the departure point for whale-watching tours led by marine biologists with Futurismo. You can spot dolphins and sperm whales throughout the year, but excitement peaks in April and May when migratory species like blue, fin, and sei whales arrive.

3. Corfu, Greece

While overtourism may have overshadowed the largest of the Ionian Islands, spring is when Corfu's natural beauty truly shines. This is the idyllic season marked by crisp light, where wildflowers envelop olive groves, fireflies dance, owls call in the night, and the peaks of Albania, just 2km (1.25 miles) across the azure Ionian Sea, still wear their winter snow. Orthodox Easter brings with it enchanting candlelit parades.

Spring offers warm but not scorching temperatures, ideal for exploration. Trek a section of the 220km-long (137 miles) Corfu Trail (be sure to bring a GPS or map), from Kavos in the south to Agios Spiridon in the north, often enjoying solitude alongside the soothing waves and ringing goat bells. Alternatively, journey between stunning turquoise bays along the west coast, like the cliff-lined, monastery-crowned Paleokastritsa and the pristine, nudist Myrtiotissa.

Culture enthusiasts will fall for Venetian Corfu Town (Kerkyra), with its twin fortresses designed to defend against the Ottomans, a labyrinth of charming old streets, and the elegant Liston arcade perfect for people-watching and sipping frappés. Interested in a scenic drive? Navigate the winding roads to the ancient stone village of Old Perithia, then cross the Dinogo karst plateau to reach the impressive summit of 906m (2972ft) Mt. Pantokrator.

4. Lake Constance, Germany

Straddling three countries—Germany, Switzerland, and Austria—Lake Constance is the third largest lake in Central Europe, and it’s a sight to behold. In summer, the shores become crowded, so visit during spring break for a more tranquil experience, complete with vibrant cherry and apple blossoms in the orchards, blooming rhododendrons and tulips in lakeside gardens, and a sprinkle of snow still gracing the nearby Alps. This is the perfect season for biking along the 273km-long (170 miles) cycle path that encircles the lake, passing vineyards, a castle, a harbor, and a picturesque half-timbered town. If you tire out, ferries are available to connect various points, and bikes are welcome on board.

On the German side, the Roman-influenced city of Konstanz boasts a remarkable cultural heritage highlighted by its towering, 1000-year-old Münster. Don't miss the stunning Mediterranean gardens and baroque palace at Mainau, the UNESCO-listed prehistoric pile dwellings at Pfaulbauten, and the charming, castle-crowned, vineyard-covered Meersburg. Here, you can savor local wines and indulge in the thermal waters of its lakeside, mountain-view spa.

5. Madeira

Known as the 'island of eternal spring' for its subtropical flora and consistent warm climate, Madeira becomes a botanist's paradise in spring, showcasing a vibrant array of lilies, orchids, passion flowers, broom, jacaranda, wisteria, red hot poker trees, and star jasmine. The most stunning displays are featured on floats and costumes during Funchal's spectacular Flower Festival parades in April and May.

Situated closer to Africa than to Portugal, this breathtakingly rugged island, with its cliff-lined and mountainous terrain, is most inviting during spring. Hike along the levadas—15th-century irrigation channels winding through lush laurisilva forests that evoke a Middle Earth setting. For a taste of urban life, visit the capital, Funchal, for wine tasting, experience a thrilling ride down Monte’s steep streets in a wicker toboggan with a Carreiro, and enjoy fragrant walks in the Jardins Botânicos da Madeira. Craving a view? Check out the glass-floored skywalk at Cabo Girão, perched atop one of the world’s highest sea cliffs.

6. Northern Mallorca, Spain

Before dismissing Mallorca as just a tourist trap, consider that this Mediterranean gem transforms in spring, blossoming with purple rosemary on cliffs that drop into sapphire waters. The last pink-white almond blossoms dust the meadows like confetti, while the sound of goat bells echoes along hiking trails that lead high into the rugged, cave-riddled limestone of the UNESCO-listed Serra de Tramuntana in the island’s northern region.

Ah, the north! This is where Mallorca reveals its wild side, and spring break is the perfect time to explore it—whether on foot, by bike, or during a road trip. With a week, or even better, two, you can map out an incredible adventure. Start with the cliffside coastal road leading to Cape Formentor and its pine-studded beach, then wind westward to the sunlit town of Pollença, where life unfolds on café terraces. Next, the Ma-10 ascends into the mountains, leading you to the Renaissance-baroque Monestir de Lluc, adorned with Gaudí-inspired details, and a string of picturesque hill towns like Fornalutx, the eyrie-like Deià (once home to poet Robert Graves), and orchard-laden Sóller, complete with its vintage train, modernist buildings, and galleries featuring works by Picasso and Miró.

7. Pembrokeshire, Wales

Wales isn’t just about rain. When the sun shines in spring, it feels like the world has been refreshed, with daffodils swaying in hedgerows, bluebells carpeting broadleaf forests, and lambs joyfully bounding across meadows. In the southwestern corner of the country, Pembrokeshire shines quietly, featuring smuggler's coves relentlessly battered by the Atlantic and ancient rocks shaped since the age of dinosaurs. Nature truly showcases its beauty during spring break, with vibrant flowers (primroses, violets, bluebells, pink thrift, sea campion, and oxtail daisies) and a flurry of migratory birds returning to these wind-kissed shores.

The ideal way to discover the area? Connect with a section of the 186-mile (299km) Pembrokeshire Coast Path, which weaves over stiles, gorse-covered cliffs, beach-dune landscapes, secluded coves, and headlands from Amroth in the south to St Dogmaels and its historic Benedictine abbey in the north. The trail showcases breathtaking beaches such as Barafundle Bay and Broad Haven South, dramatic headlands like Strumble Head and Dinas Island, the stunning St Davids with its medieval cathedral, and numerous ancient standing stones, Iron Age hillforts, and sites rich in Celtic legend.

For an intimate wildlife experience, take a boat to the islands. Puffins return in their thousands to the cliff-lined Skomer (in May, you can spot the first pufflings emerging from their burrows), while nesting guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, kittiwakes, and shags gather on the RSPB reserve of Ramsey Island.

8. Lake Geneva

While other regions of Switzerland are still shaking off winter on the slopes, Lake Geneva enjoys a milder climate. Nestled along the southern shore, Geneva shines in spring—before the tourist crowds arrive, its parks and botanical gardens along the Quai du Mont Blanc burst with azaleas and rhododendrons, and the majestic Mt Blanc in the nearby French Alps sparkles in the clear light. Aside from Easter, it’s tranquil, making it perfect for admiring the soaring, colorful Jet d’Eau fountain or for running, walking, or cycling around the lake (bikes can be rented from Genèveroule).

The beauty of Lake Geneva lies in its accessibility by boat or train. Take a day trip to Lausanne, which boasts a hilly medieval center, Olympic history, and a vibrant cultural scene at Plateforme 10, a trendy arts district in repurposed train sheds. Alternatively, enjoy a picnic among the steep terraced vineyards of the UNESCO World Heritage Lavaux. Montreux, a place that captivated Lord Byron and the Shelleys in the 19th century, still exudes an old-world charm today. For a touch of springtime magic, wander along the mansion-lined shores to the fairy-tale Château de Chillon, especially stunning at sunset.

9. Southwestern Fjords, Norway

Norway is often categorized as a winter wonderland (think northern lights and Arctic snow) or a summer destination (with its midnight sun), but spring break reveals the hidden charm of the Southwestern Fjords. While northern areas may still feel chilly, the southern regions are warming up beautifully, showcasing longer days, blooming wildflowers, and cascading waterfalls fueled by melting snow. You can kayak, hike, cycle, swim (if you're adventurous), or simply relax on a waterfront terrace in picturesque port cities like Bergen and Stavanger, enjoying the first sunlit beers of the season.

Stavanger serves as an excellent base for exploring the Lysefjord by boat, where dramatic cliffs soar above vibrant blue waters. This area is home to some of Norway's most breathtaking hikes, including Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and Kjeragbolten, along with chic accommodations like The Bolder.

Between here and Bergen lies a stunning array of fjords to discover, including the majestic Hardangerfjord, known for its thousands of blossoming fruit trees in spring, magnificent waterfalls, and idyllic retreats like Woodnest that offer a serene escape into nature.

10. East Coast Sardinia, Italy

While summer may be the popular choice, springtime in Sardinia outshines it. As the island awakens from winter, the outdoors flourishes with vibrant jacaranda blooms, golden broom adorning the hills, and a carpet of wildflowers and aromatic macchia. With the summer crowds still a distant memory, you can find great deals on sea-view hotel rooms or enjoy a peaceful stay at an agriturismo nestled among olive groves and vineyards, perfectly timed for spring break activities.

During the hot summer months, lounging on the beach is the only option, but spring offers an explosion of outdoor adventures, particularly along the rugged east coast. Engage in hiking, rock climbing, kayaking, and road biking along the winding SS125. Here, the jagged limestone mountains of the Supramonte meet stunning views of the azure sea, with the Golfo di Orosei boasting secluded coves accessible only by boat or hiking, from the ravine-enclosed Cala Luna to the enchanting white-pebble Cala Biriola and the breathtaking Cala Goloritzè.

Visit now to enjoy the trails and stunning landscapes almost to yourself—whether it's a challenging hike through a lush, quiet valley to the enigmatic Bronze Age ruins of Tiscali, or a half-day trek to Gola Su Gorropu, where towering 500-meter (1640-foot) limestone walls rise above a boulder-strewn gorge known as ‘Europe’s Grand Canyon.’ In this tranquil season, you may even catch glimpses of mouflon and golden eagles, as spring in Europe never fails to amaze.