Summer is almost here and while for many that can mean surfing and soaking up the sun on sandy beaches, for others it can mean sunburns and relentless sweating. Not everyone was built to withstand the summer heat. And the good news is, we don’t all have to.
If you are not a fan of hot weather, there are plenty of spring destinations across Europe where you can enjoy an amazing travel experience. Below are just a few that I currently have in my travel list.
- Fjord Norway
The Norwegian fjords are indeed a stunning sight to behold. While there are more than a thousand fjords, the most iconic are located in Fjord Norway. These include the Geirangerfjord, the Nærøyfjord, the Lysefjord, the Sognafjord, and many more others.
The fjords are amongst Norway’s most popular attractions and draw visitors from all across the world. These magnificent waterways are an extension of the sea and are often intertwined, allowing sailors to cross from one fjord to another.
The fjords pass through massive cliffs providing boat riders with an awe-inspiring scenery. Additionally, there are great hiking trails along the fjords, and the region is easy to explore both on your own and through guided tours. In Alesund, the art nouveau town, you can indulge in different activities for Easter with kids.
- Crete, Greece
Warmth, sunshine, crystal clear sea... Crete is lovely in spring. The coastal town is one of Europe’s hot places in April and offers lots of attractions and activities. You can hike along the coastline or enjoy a swim. Popular spring sea activities in Crete include surfing, parasailing, snorkelling, kayaking, and yachting.
There is plenty of sightseeing in Crete. You can visit the Palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum or go shopping in the boutique-lined boulevards of Agios Nikolaos. When in Rethymnon, don’t miss the opportunity to look in on the narrow alleys of Old Town, which has been around since the 11th century.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum has a vast collection of art and artefacts, some of which span some 3000 years of history. From visiting the water parks to hitting the mountain bike trails,
- Nice, France
Warm weather and the Promenade des Anglais, Nice seems made for spring. The famous seafront stretches over 7km from La Colline du Château to Nice airport. Take a stroll along the La Prom as you take in the ocean view.
Nice is also a city of culture. The Musée Matisse, Villa Masséna Musée, and Musée National Marc Chagall are all worth a visit. You can also charter a yacht for a fun filled cruise.
The city provides a breath of fresh air and has amazing carnivals that you do not want to miss. While you are in town, you might want to visit the Vieille Ville or Old Town. The neighborhood is vibrant and has an excellent assortment of restaurants where you can enjoy delicious French dishes.
- Krk Island, Croatia
If you can’t visit Krk in the summer, come in spring. The “golden island,” as the island of Krk has been called since ancient times, has many different landscapes. While the north is almost bare, the southern part boasts green and gentle bays. The rocky hills of Krk provide fabulous hiking trails through the woods. You can also take morning or evening walks as you enjoy the blossoming nature by the seashore.
Krk’s weather is magnificent and provides a pleasant day out for ride boat or a yacht sail in the deep oceans. With its long indented coastline, coves, inlets, and secluded beaches, the island is ideal for sea lovers. From hiking to jet-skiing at Baška, parasailing at Njivice and windsurfing at Kornić, there are lots of things to do and see in Krk island.
If you are a history enthusiast, Krk could be your perfect spring get away. The island’s main town is home to Croatia’s key historical remains. The Frankopan castle towers over the city square, and the town medieval fortifications and Roman ruins are quite the sight. Along with this tangible historical backdrop, Krk town also has a picturesque marina and scores of world-class restaurants.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
Cruises and boat rides make Amsterdam the perfect spring destination. A tour along the canals is a great way to discover the city. You can visit art galleries, art museums, speciality museums, and there are also beautiful children’s museums in the city. The Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum boast significant collections and are among the top spring attractions.
Visit the Jordaan district, which was created in the 17 century during the Great Expansion. Dam Square is also another city point that’s worth checking out. This jam-packed space used to be the scene of Amsterdam’s central market in medieval times and is home to the Royal Palace, National Monument, and the gothic “New Church.”
A five-minute walk down the Damrak from Amsterdam Centraal is all you need to reach this fun-filled square. Free walking or hiring a bike are among the many ways you can enjoy Amsterdam on a budget.
- Athens, Greece
Athens frequently ranks among the best destinations to visit in Europe. The city oozes history and hosts world-class cultural attractions. With a recorded history going back over three thousand years, Athens merges the past and the modern splendidly.
Few sights compare to the Acropolis which is perched on a hill in the capital. The UNESCO World Heritage site is the most visited ancient site in Greece. Be sure to also visit Agora, the ancient gathering place as well as the temple of Olympian Zeus.
Athens also has great attractions for kids as well. Allou Fun Park in Rentis is one such destination which offers fun and entertainment for people of all ages. Isn’t it time you paid a visit to Athens?
- Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is the largest of the Spanish Islands. Its white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters, attract spring tourists from Europe and beyond. You can soak in the history by visiting the Old Town’s winding alleyways and immaculate courtyards.
There is nothing quite like sitting on the Magaluf Beach at dusk and watching the sunset after day-long excursions in the sea. Magnificent promenades line the sand and offer great shopping and dining options. You will get delicious seafood meals at the beachfront restaurants, and we won’t blame you if you Instagram it.
While many visitors to Mallorca stay in seafront hotels and flock to the island’s closest beaches, there are great secluded spots you can visit. Cala Figuera Beach, for example, is nestled between mountains in a quiet cove and boasts spectacular views and few crowds.
- Paris, France
Paris stands out as one of the best places to visit in the world. We all remember their first trip to City of Lights. Paris has more than enough to offer, from the neat city streets to the Haussmannian architecture. The Eiffel Tower is, without doubt, the most famous landmark in Paris, and it’s a must see when in the city.
While in Paris, Seine River cruise is another must-do experience. It’s a fun activity conducted by multiple operators who offer cruises up and down the river. You can also hire a chauffeur driven vehicle and tour around the city. Likewise, there are many places purchase Paris souvenirs and make your trip memorable.
Finally, Tour Montparnasse is a beautiful location with the best view of Paris and the Eiffel Tower. It’s even better if you can time your visit for sunset.
Wrap up
Spring presents a great time to tour Europe. Whether it’s the Fjords of Norway or the warm beaches of the Mediterranean, there are lots of things to see and do. So, saddle up and get ready to be mind blown by these amazing spring destinations.
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