If you love shoulder season travel, then you’re going to love exploring Europe in April. It’s my favorite time of year to travel through Europe. As the continent emerges from winter to embrace the springtime weather, you’ll skip the summer queues and have many of Europe’s most popular destinations all to yourself. 

Head south for the best weather in April. Malta and Sicily are just heating up, while the Dalmatian Coast and the Greek Islands are wonderfully quiet as they warm up for the summer season. For the hottest climate, and almost guaranteed sunshine, take a flight to the Canary Islands or Madeira, where temperatures are well into the 20s (degrees Celsius) or 60s/70s (degrees Fahrenheit).  

Popular cities like Berlin, Budapest, Prague, and Edinburgh are all wonderful places in Europe to visit in April. The weather won’t be perfect, but you can jump into a museum while beating the peak season crowds. April is a great time for hiking on the Greek mainland or in the British region of Cornwall, while the snowy, otherworldly realms of Iceland offer a unique, wintry escape.  

With so many great places to visit in Europe in April, you might need help figuring out where to begin. That’s why we’ve compiled our list of the best destinations to visit for you. Stick to these fantastic towns, cities, regions, islands, and countries, and there’s no doubt you’ll have an incredible time exploring Europe this April!

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The 15 Best Places to Travel in Europe in April

1. Malta

Malta is the smallest country in the European Union, but this petite island nation is one of our favorite springtime destinations. What Malta lacks in size, it more than makes up for in history, heritage, culture, and excellent food, so get your flights booked early and prepare yourself for an action-packed adventure!

You’ll find Malta is perfectly located off the southern coast of Italy, somewhere in the Mediterranean Sea. This southerly location ensures that Malta has always been a meeting point between East and West, a fact that’s reflected in the nation’s unique language (Maltese has a mix of Arabic, Italian, and English influences) and cuisine (pizza, pasta, risotto, seafood, and a delectable rabbit stew are always on the menu!). 

The southerly location also means that in April, Malta has some of the warmest weather in Europe. Well connected to major European cities by budget airlines, you can be sunning yourself in heat of up to 21°C (70°F) in no time at all. Peak season has yet to begin, though, and you’ll have the pick of the resorts and boutique hotels to yourself. 

Explore the grand historic sights of Valletta (the EU’s smallest capital city), built by the Knights of St. John in the 16th century to defend their island home against Ottoman invaders. Take a boat ride across the famous Grand Harbour, enjoy an Aperol Spritz on a terrace, and visit ancient megalithic temples constructed by a lost civilization thousands of years ago. Then you can pop over to Gozo, Malta’s smaller sister island, where citadels, churches, and stunning coastal scenery await you. 

2. Canary Islands

The Canary Islands like to boast that they have the best climate in the world, and they’re not wrong. All year round, this beautiful archipelago enjoys warm weather and bright sunshine, meaning this is easily one of the best places to travel in Europe in April if you’re looking for some fun in the sun. 

The Canary Islands are technically closer to Africa than they are to Europe (which explains the excellent weather!), but the islands have long been an integral part of Spain and the EU – even if it is a three-hour flight from the mainland.

Daily highs of 23 °C (73 °F) are matched by lows of 17°C (63°F), and you can book a resort and spend your vacation lounging in the sunshine. But there’s more to the Canary Islands than this, and with seven distinct islands to choose from, you can enjoy everything from cycling to stargazing. 

On Gran Canaria, you’ll find a stunning mass of golden sand at the Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve and volcanic black sand beaches elsewhere. On Tenerife, you can take the cable car to the summit of Mount Teide, where otherworldly landscapes and dark skies await you at the top of Spain’s highest mountain. Fuerteventura’s shores were made for water sports, while La Gomera offers a quiet escape from the busier, larger islands nearby.  

3. Prague

Central Europe might not be the first region that comes to mind when you’re planning your trip to Europe in April but head to tourist hot spots like Prague, and you’ll beat the crowds. We love a bit of shoulder season travel, and while the Czech capital is overwhelming in summer, in springtime, it is a different city entirely. 

Temperatures won’t reach much higher than 11°C (52°F) on the warmest days, and rain is almost guaranteed, but this just means you’ll appreciate the warming qualities of a hearty bowl of goulash more than ever before. You can also beat the weather by seeing the best of Prague’s indoor attractions. 

Start with a visit to Prague Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century AD and to this day is the Office of the President of Czechia. Admire the Old Town Square, wait for the Astronomical Clock to chime (once an hour), and delve into history at the National Museum. 

If the rain holds off, take a walking tour of the city and see Prague through a local’s eyes, and if it doesn’t, well, there are up to 40 different breweries to be explored in the capital. Culturally, April is an interesting time to visit Prague. Easter markets are often held in the main squares and Prague Castle, while April 30th is “Witches Night,” when effigies of witches are burned to mark the end of winter. 

4. Porto

We love visiting second cities at the best times but give us a second city in the shoulder season, and we won’t think twice about booking a flight there. 

In Portugal, Porto is making a name for itself as an alternative to busy, bustling Lisbon (the nation’s over-visited capital), and it’s rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after places to visit in Europe in spring. Located on the beautiful banks of the River Douro, Porto is known for its colorful architecture and terracotta skyline, and it’s a city that’s a pleasure to get lost in. 

Porto is a lovely place for walking, but if the steep hills get to be too much, then a classic tram ride is just the way to get around. Enjoy stunning views of the city from the top of the 18th-century Clerigos Tower, be awed by the lavish interiors of the Se Cathedral, and don’t forget to visit the Palacio da Bolsa. 

Ribeira’s waterfront houses and public squares are always a hive of local activity, with great bars and restaurants serving wines from the nearby Douro Valley and Pasteis de Nata that are to die for. 

Take a cruise along the River Douro for a relaxing afternoon on the water, or hike into the valley in search of vineyards and rural scenes. Of course, no trip to Porto is ever complete without a Port tasting. Try Taylor’s Port Cellar or Graham’s Port Lodge for two of the most historic fortified wine producers in Portugal. 

5. Iceland

Iceland is one of the best places to travel in Europe in April – and one of the most unique. The otherworldly landscapes are still covered in thick blankets of snow and ice, while raging storms can appear abruptly out of nowhere to disrupt even the best-laid travel plans in an instant. 

But as the northern nation emerges from the dark depths of winter, Iceland’s days begin to get much longer as spring colors bloom among the ice. By the end of the month, there can be as many as 16 hours of daylight to enjoy, but during the still-dark nights, you have a chance to see the Northern Lights in rural destinations. 

Reykjavik’s many museums offer an easy escape from biting winds, while you can brave day trips to famous outdoor locations like Thingvellir National Park, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Great Geysir (all are part of the Golden Circle). 

Head all the way north to Husavik, and you can even catch the start of the whale-watching season. And if it all gets too cold, then just hop into a geothermally heated spa pool, like the Blue Lagoon or the Myvatn Nature Baths. 

6. Budapest

Budapest is one of Europe’s most popular city-break destinations – and for good reason. This is one of our top cities to visit anywhere in the world, and it’s a place we’ll happily return to any time of the year. If you’re looking for the best places to visit in Europe in April, why not pay Budapest a visit?

In April, the cold of winter is fast disappearing, replaced instead with a milder climate that’s great for sightseeing. April is also the shoulder season here, so you’ll find lower prices on flights and hotels and find it much easier securing tickets at peak times to the most famous bathhouses, including Szechenyi Baths and Gellert Baths.

You’ll love your stay in Budapest, and we recommend starting with a tour of Buda, where you can visit iconic sights like Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion. Enjoy sweeping views over the River Danube, then head into Downtown Pest, where you can visit The House of Terror, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Once night has fallen, it’s time to hit Budapest’s famed Ruin Bars for a night of quirky drinking and live music across the city. 

7. Albania

If you love an off-the-beaten-track destination, then Albania’s the perfect choice if you’re visiting Europe in April. The little-visited Balkan nation is emerging from the isolation of its communist era and the trauma that followed, and it’s set to become one of Europe’s top adventure travel destinations. 

Start your journey with a visit to Skanderbeg Square in Tirana, where you’ll see the capital’s best sights. The National Historical Museum delves into thousands of years of history, while the Bunk Art 2 Museum uses art to explore the harrowing communist history of Albania. Take the cable car to Mount Dajti, where you can enjoy supreme views of Tirana and pleasant spring hikes in a national park. 

There’s much more to experience in Albania. Head north to Shkodra, and you’ll find yourself on the banks of a cross-border lake lined by castles and brimming with wildlife. Take the ferry across Lake Koman, and you’ll find pristine hiking trails between Valbone and Theth in the Accursed Mountains. 

Back south, you can visit the remarkably well-preserved Ottoman-era Old Town in Gjirokaster, while the beach bars and clubs of Sarande are just starting to get busy as the sun starts to shine on the Albanian Riviera. 

8. Berlin

Berlin is a cultural icon and a fantastic destination to consider if you’re wondering where to go in Europe in April. The German capital is as trendy as it is historic, and there’s something here for everyone. 

Temperatures in April are mild, which means that conditions are excellent for sightseeing. If it’s your first time in the city, then you’ll want to start with the big hitters, including the likes of the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, and of course, the East Side Gallery marking the remnants of the Berlin Wall. Visit the Stasi Museum to learn about life under communist rule and be humbled by the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. 

On a rainy day, we recommend visiting Museum Island, where you can spend hours delving into world history among one of the finest collections of museums on the planet. There’s the Altes Museum (the old museum), the Neues Museum (the new museum), the Pergamon Museum, the Bode Museum, and so much more. 

On a sunny day, take a stroll through the Tiergarten before stopping for a classic combination of currywurst and beer. Alternatively, head on over to the old Tempelhof Airport, where the runways have been transformed into one of the city’s most popular recreational areas. 

9. Cornwall

Britain’s most southwesterly region is an unlikely April candidate, but it’s the best time of year to explore this often-heaving destination without the crowds. With mile upon mile of rugged coastline fringed by granite cliffs and white sand beaches, Cornwall is the UK’s most popular seaside getaway. At least, in summer it is. 

In April, things are remarkably different in Cornwall. There are no queues, no reservations are needed at restaurants, and you’re unlikely to get stuck in a traffic jam. Instead, you can enjoy the start of spring as the sun begins to shine through the winter clouds to light up the Atlantic coastline. 

Head to the far west, to places like Penzance and St. Ives, where you can visit art galleries and walk incredible sections of the South West Coast Path. At Tintagel, you’ll find the supposed birthplace of the legendary King Arthur, while on the southern coast, you can visit the eclectic town of Falmouth, home to a fabulous Maritime Museum and some of the best foodie options in Cornwall. 

10. Sicily 

If you’re looking for Mediterranean sunshine in April, then why not consider a Sicilian getaway? The Med’s largest island sits off the southern tip of Italy, and temperatures reach a max of 19°C (66°F) throughout April. That’s not bad at all for Europe in springtime, and while the Mediterranean Sea might be just a little bit too cold for swimming, there’s plenty more for you to do in Sicily. 

Start in Palermo, where Norman palaces and grand cathedrals form the historic backdrop to the Italian island’s capital. In Syracuse, Roman ruins tell the story of the island’s ancient history, while the Doric Temple in Segesta is one of the best-preserved testaments to the Greek world in Europe. Day trip to the Aeolian Islands, bask in the sunshine as you tour olive groves and vineyards, and indulge in the finest Sicilian pasta and the finest seafood in Catania. 

Adventure travelers will love exploring Sicily in April. The weather is ideal for walking, with the ultimate prize being a hike to the summit of Mount Etna, the tallest active volcano in Europe – which sits at 3,357 meters (11,013 feet) above sea level. 

11. Malaga

One of the best places to visit in Europe in April is Malaga, where temperatures are soaring to highs of 21°C (70°F) throughout the month. That warm weather is characteristic of Spain’s southern Andalucia region, where you’ll find more than just sunny beaches to keep you entertained. 

Malaga is one of the most historic cities in Spain, with a history stretching back to the first Phoenician seafarers who founded a port here several thousand years ago. The Carthaginians followed, and then came the Romans, who left the ruins of an amphitheater and a quirky fish sauce factory (an ancient delicacy), which you can see in the city center to this day. 

Then the Moors arrived, building the grand Alcazaba (part palace and part fortress), which today offers beautiful views over Malaga from its lofty perch. Take a tour of the Alcazaba, then stroll through the streets of the Old Town to visit the Catholic cathedral, the Picasso Museum, and the Pompidou Center. If you’re here during Easter, you’ll also become part of the significant Semana Santa celebrations, which take over Malaga during the last week of Lent. 

12. Greece

Greece is heating up nicely in April, and it’s a quieter time of the year to explore what is one of Europe’s most popular summer destinations.

Skip the queues in Athens, where the temperatures can hit 20°C (68°F) and where the Parthenon radiates in the spring sunshine. It’s a great time for hiking, and you might want to tackle walks through the stunning rock formations of Meteora or enjoy the ancient stroll from Delphi to Kirra.

The Greek Islands are glorious in April, and you’ll have the pick of the best boutique accommodation as they begin reopening for the coming season. Corfu is lovely without the summer crowds, while Crete – located much further south – typically has the highest temperatures in Greece in April. You could even plan a Greek island hopping trip, including iconic destinations like Naxos, Mykonos, and Paros in your itinerary.

13. Madeira

Madeira is quite something. Towering sea cliffs rise high above the Atlantic Ocean, vivid black sand beaches sear themselves into memory, and tantalizing Madeira wine will leave you wanting more. 

Without a doubt, the small archipelago of Madeira is one of our top picks for places to visit in Europe in April, not least because it’s one of the most diverse destinations to visit. Madeira is part of Portugal, even if the islands are closer to mainland Africa than they are to the European continent. 

This means you can expect high temperatures of up to 20°C (68°F), but given the highest peak is 1,862 meters (6,109 feet) above sea level, you can also expect the weather to change rapidly. 

Madeira is made for hiking. Venture into the stunning Valley of the Nuns in search of spectacular canyon scenery, or head into the Ribeiro Frio Natural Park to explore a misty forest of tall trees and beautifully mossy surroundings. 

You can spend your vacation touring wineries, gorging on seafood, or road-tripping around the islands. And if you love hanging out at resorts, then you can do that here too.

14. Dalmatian Coast, Croatia 

A few years ago, Croatia was one of Europe’s best-kept Mediterranean secrets. Things have changed quickly, though, and in summer, the country’s glorious Dalmatian Coast is heaving with holidaymakers. 

Visit Croatia in April, and you’ll see a different side of this popular European destination. Start your journey in Split, where mild temperatures don’t often go higher than 16°C (61°F) but where there’s an abundance of archeological sites to explore. Tour through the remains of Diocletian’s Palace, cycle to the long abandoned amphitheater at Salona, and admire the views from the walls of the Ottoman-built Klis Fortress.

Brave souls could take a dip in the sea – just about – and with calm seas, you could start venturing across to the vineyards and beaches on nearby islands like Vis, Brac, and Hvar. Continue south, and you’ll reach Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” where a glorious walled city built by the Venetians awaits you – and with none of the crowds!

15. Edinburgh

You have to be hardy to visit Scotland in April, but brave the unpredictable weather and you’ll have the streets of the Scottish capital to yourself.

Don’t let highs of 7°C (45°F) put you off, just pack a raincoat and a few extra layers of warm clothes, and you’ll acclimatize in no time. Start with a tour of Edinburgh Castle, where thousands of years of history await you inside an impressive fortress built atop a rocky crag. 

Delve into Scottish history and culture at the National Museum of Scotland, have a few drams at the Scotch Whisky Experience, and uncover local legends in the Greyfriars Kirkyard. 

Once you’ve walked the length of the famous Royal Mile, you can visit the stately rooms of Holyrood Palace (where the royal family stays when they’re in the city) before making the hike to the summit of Arthur’s Peak, a tall volcanic plug offering rugged views over Edinburgh. 

There you have it! The 15 best places to visit in Europe in April. What’s your favorite place to travel in Europe in spring?  

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