The best places to visit in April
April is one of the best months of the year to travel. Spring is in full swing across Europe, the weather’s warming up without the summer crowds (yet), and plenty of destinations further afield are at their best. Whether you’re chasing cherry blossoms in Japan, beach days in the Canaries, or city breaks closer to home, these are some of the best places to visit in April.
Where to visit in Europe in April
Barcelona
April is when Barcelona really starts to come alive. The days are warmer, the evenings are longer, and there’s a buzz around the city as spring arrives. Temperatures can reach the low 20oCs, making it perfect for wandering through El Born, visiting Park Güell, and enjoying tapas on sunny terraces but it’s still early enough to avoid the summer crowds.
Find out how we spent a week in Barcelona here.
Basque Country
April is a great time to visit the Basque Country before the tourist season kicks off. The weather is mild and fresh, perfect for coastal walks and city exploring without the heat of summer. We loved Bilbao’s mix of industrial charm and art culture, and San Sebastián’s pintxos bars are just as lively but far less crowded this time of year.
Here’s how we spent a week in Basque Country.
Ibiza
April marks the start of the season in Ibiza. The beaches are quiet, most of the clubs haven’t yet opened, and the island feels relaxed and local. You’ll find hiking trails in full bloom, cafes reopening after winter along the coast, and crystal-clear water that’s just about warm enough for a swim... If you prefer slow mornings and sunsets to all-night parties, April is the perfect time to go to Ibiza.
Read our Ibiza travel tips here.
Sicily
Sicily in April is a dream. The island is green and full of wildflowers, the weather is warm but not scorching, and it’s still early enough to explore comfortably without too many other tourists around. You can climb Mount Etna (not guaranteed earlier in the year, due to the weather), wander Taormina’s ancient streets, or sit outside in Catania with a glass of wine and watch the world go by.
Find out how we spent a long weekend in Sicily here.
Lisbon
April is one of our favourite months to visit Lisbon. The city glows under spring sunshine, jacaranda trees start to bloom, and there’s a laid-back local vibe before the summer rush begins. It’s warm enough for al fresco dining in Bairro Alto and tram rides to Belém, but still cool enough for long days of exploring the hilly streets without overheating.
Read our Lisbon itinerary here.
Kefalonia
Kefalonia in April is peaceful and beautiful. The beaches are quiet, the water is starting to warm up, and the island’s olive groves and hillsides are covered in spring wildflowers. It’s the perfect month for hiking, exploring local villages, and enjoying Greek hospitality without the crowds and the scorching mid-summer heat.
Read our Kefalonia travel guide here.
Santorini
By April, Santorini is shaking off its winter quiet and welcoming the first visitors of the season. The weather is mild, the sunsets are as spectacular as ever, and the caldera views are all yours without the usual summer rush. It’s a brilliant time to photograph the blue domes, visit wineries, and stroll the cliffside paths in relative peace before the crazy summer crowds come in.
Find out how we spent a week in Santorini here.
The Albanian Riviera
April is a fantastic time to explore Albania’s Riviera before it fills up with summer visitors and festival-goers. The coastal towns are beginning to open up, the prices are still low, and the weather is pleasantly warm for hiking or beach walks. Expect blue skies, clear seas, and a relaxed local pace that’s perfect for early-season travel.
Here’s how to plan a trip along the Albanian Riviera.
Berlin
April in Berlin means outdoor cafes, parks in bloom, and the city finally emerging from winter. Berlin’s energy returns with spring festivals, beer gardens reopening, and street art tours in full swing without the need for multiple layers... You’ll still want a jacket for the evenings, but daytime exploring around Kreuzberg or Museum Island is perfect this time of year.
Find out how we spent a long weekend in Berlin here.
Warsaw
April is when Warsaw finally starts to thaw. You’ll see cherry blossoms in the parks, cafe terraces reopening, and a real sense of spring in the air. It’s still a bit brisk, but the sunshine makes exploring the Old Town, royal gardens, and riverfront walks feel fresh and energising.
Find out about our long weekend in Warsaw here.
Copenhagen
Copenhagen in April feels like a city easing into spring. You’ll still need a coat, but the canals sparkle under clearer skies, and bars, cafes, and restaurants start to pick up again. It’s a lovely time for cycling, visiting Tivoli Gardens as it reopens, and soaking up the Scandinavian charm before the summer crowds return.
Find out how we spent a long weekend in Copenhagen here.
Oslo
April in Oslo brings longer days, melting snow, and the first signs of spring in the parks and fjords. It’s still cool, but perfect for sightseeing and taking a boat trip around the harbour. The museums, saunas, and mountain views make it one of Europe’s most underrated city breaks at this time of year.
Read our Oslo itinerary here.
Paris
Paris in April really does live up to the cliché – the city in bloom. Trees along the Seine turn green again, cafe terraces fill with people, and you’ll start to see flowers in every park. It’s warm enough for long walks and river cruises, but still quiet compared to summer. There’s truly no bad time to go to Paris, but April feels especially romantic and intimate.
Read our itinerary for a weekend in Paris here.
Lille
April is a great month for a quick trip to Lille. It’s close enough for a spontaneous Eurostar weekend from London, and you’ll find the old town full of life again after winter. Expect fresh spring markets, outdoor dining, and beautiful light for photos around the city’s Flemish architecture.
Find out our tips for a trip to Lille here.
Dublin
Dublin in April is all about energy... The days are longer, pub gardens start to open, and festivals pop up across the city. It’s still cool enough for a cosy Guinness by the fire, but you’ll also want to be out exploring the cobbled streets, live music venues, and the coastline at Howth.
Here’s how we spent a weekend in Dublin.
The UK and Channel Islands
April is one of the best months to enjoy the UK before the crowds of summer. Coastal spots like Cornwall, Devon, and Guernsey are full of spring flowers and sunshine, and countryside walks are at their best. It’s a great time for a mini break with mild weather, fewer tourists, and plenty of seaside charm.
Discover our favourite UK and Channel Island escapes here.
The Azores
April brings lush greenery and wildflower blooms to the Azores. It’s a brilliant month for hiking volcanic trails, whale watching, and soaking in hot springs without the high-season crowds. The weather is mild and changeable so you might get a mix of sun and drizzle in a single day, but that’s part of the islands’ wild charm.
Find out how we spent a holiday in the Azores here.
The Canary Islands
April is ideal for visiting the Canary Islands. The weather is warm, sunny, and settled, but it’s still before the peak holiday season. It’s the perfect month for a mix of adventure and downtime. Hike the trails in Tenerife, surf in Fuerteventura, or relax on the beaches of Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.
Where to visit in Asia and Oceania in April
Japan
April is the month to visit Japan. Cherry blossom season is in full swing, and the whole country feels like it’s celebrating. From hanami picnics in Tokyo’s parks to pink-lined streets in Kyoto, it’s one of the most beautiful times to be there. The weather is mild, the food festivals are lively, and every corner feels picture-perfect. But be warned… It’s one of the busiest months for tourists.
Read our full Japan itinerary here.
Australia
April in Australia means warm, comfortable weather and autumn colours in the southern regions. It’s perfect for road trips, vineyard visits, and exploring cities like Sydney and Melbourne without the summer humidity. Further north, the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland are entering their dry season, making it a brilliant time to go diving or snorkelling.
Read our full three week Australia itinerary here.
South Korea
Like Japan, April is cherry blossom season in South Korea, too… and it’s just as spectacular. The weather is mild, the air is clear, and the streets of Seoul, Busan, and Gyeongju are lined with blossoms. It’s a festive time across the country, with outdoor events, street food, and plenty of photo opportunities.
Read our two week South Korea itinerary here.