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20 November, 2023
Spring break in the Caribbean – our guide to the best destinations
Enjoy an unforgettable spring break in Europe with onefinestay
Published
20 November, 2023
Edited
20 November, 2023
Spring is one of the most picturesque times of the year, with the natural beauty of the countryside bursting into life, woodlands filled with bluebells in Northern Europe, and the sunshine warming up the sand on the beaches of the Mediterranean. From Easter festivals to sipping coffee on a Parisian café terrace, wandering along the beach in the south of Spain or witnessing London’s famous Changing of the Guard, a spring break in Europe is an unforgettable experience.
Our guide to the top spring break destinations in Europe includes tips on making the most of your time, activities and things to see and do, and how to plan your spring break in Europe with onefinestay.
When is spring break in Europe?
The time that spring actually arrives in Europe will depend on which country you are in. Europe is a vast continent ranging from the northern fjords and mountains of Norway to the sunkissed beaches of the French Riviera and the Spanish coast in the south. The further south you are, the earlier you’ll start to see the first signs of spring.
The most popular time for a spring break in Europe is from March to April. Spring break also coincides with Easter, one of the continent's most important holidays. If you're travelling through Spain and Italy in particular, you'll often get caught up in village Easter celebrations that give you a real sense of the culture and heritage of these places. As the spring break period also coincides with school holidays in Europe, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly attractions, events and activities on offer over that period.
Temperatures across Europe will vary during the spring, as will the weather conditions. March and April can still bring the occasional shower or blustery day to the more northern destinations, so it may be wise to pack an umbrella and an extra jumper to deal with the cooler evenings.
Head south towards the blue waters of the Mediterranean and southern Spain or the French Riviera, and the temperatures start to climb to around 18-21°C (64-70°F). However, as the spring starts to get going in the south, there's a good chance of even warmer days when you can enjoy those sandy beaches. The sea may still be a little chilly for paddling, but many of our onefinestay luxury villas in Europe have heated pools so you can enjoy a swim in the sunshine.
Best European cities to visit in spring
Europe is a huge area, so we've narrowed it down to our top four destinations to help you make the most of your spring break in Europe. Each one has its own unique charms, and you'll have a choice of some of the best luxury European villas, apartments and homes from onefinestay.
Rome: enjoy ancient ruins and masterpieces
Let’s start in glorious Italy and the Eternal City of Rome. This incredible destination is one of the very best European cities to visit in spring. The weather can be surprisingly warm, especially in April, and the city comes alive with outdoor cafés, shows and events. Easter celebrations around the Vatican are hugely important, with pilgrims flooding into the city from around the world.
Venues such as the historic Colosseum play host to outdoor events, and the fountains flow. Markets beg to be explored, and the surrounding countryside is bursting into bloom. Rome in the spring is, quite simply, beautiful.
There is so much to see in Rome that one visit is never enough. You'll find yourself falling in love with this historic city, its culture and, of course, the food. The top family activities in Rome in the spring include:
A visit to the Colosseum
The good weather during spring makes the Colosseum even more enjoyable (and photogenic). Ask your onefinestay dedicated concierge to pre-arrange entry tickets for you. Booking ahead means you can skip the queues and go straight to the views from the top of the Colosseum.
The petal shower at the Pantheon for Pentecost
This unique event is part of the spring celebrations in Rome, and big crowds flock to see thousands of rose petals flutter down from the oculus.
As this is part of the religious celebrations for Pentecost, there are no tickets. But it's a breathtakingly beautiful experience and one that's genuinely moving.
Cherry blossom time
If you miss the Pentecost petal shower, you can always take a stroll through the city parks and see the cherry blossom in full bloom. The best places to see this gorgeous and fragrant display are Laghetto dell’Eur, the Japanese Garden in the Rome Botanical Gardens, The Japanese Cultural Institute of Rome in the elegant neighbourhood of Parioli Alti, and Via Panama.
After all that exploring, you can relax in one of Rome's many fine restaurants, cafés and bistros, tasting authentic Italian food accompanied by some of the best wines in Europe. If Rome sounds like the perfect destination for your spring break in Europe, why not browse our fabulous selection of luxury Rome villas and apartments.
Paris: visit the City of Love this spring
France’s capital is certainly a sight to behold in spring: the parks, boulevards and gardens burst into bloom, and the sunsets from the top of the Eiffel Tower are spectacular. What’s more, with the temperature creeping up into the high-to-mid teens and even the low 20s°C (61-68°F), sightseeing is comfortable without being too hot. Our top places and attractions in Paris in the spring are:
Magical Magnolias
Spring in Paris sees the city’s natural beauty come to the fore, with cherry blossoms in full bloom and magnolia trees filling the parks with gorgeous flowers and a heady scent. The best place to see them is the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Jardin Palais Royal or the Champs de Mars.
Festival time
Spring sees several important festivals in the capital, including the International Art Show, the classical music of the Festival de Saint-Denis, and the renowned Paris Jazz Festival. You’ll find venues across the city, and many of the parks hold open-air music and cultural events during spring.
Cruise down the Seine
Running through the heart of the city is the Seine, where you can gently drift through the city and past its most famous landmarks while dining on fine French cuisine. It’s the perfect way to experience the city from a different perspective while embracing the culture and food of Paris.
Your onefinestay dedicated concierge can arrange bookings for Seine cruises to make your spring break in Paris one to remember.
You can find out more about Paris and our exclusive Paris homes and apartments.
London: enjoy a spring break in the city of royals
If you want pomp, ceremony, and centuries of royal history, you can't beat London in the spring. From the ancient ramparts of the Tower of London to the sharp silhouette of the Shard, the trendy markets and boutiques of Islington, or the exclusive flagship stores of Bond Street, London is vibrant, energetic, and exciting all year round. Here’s what to see and do in London if you choose this destination for your spring break in Europe.
Perfect Parks
In spring, London’s parks take on a freshness that floods the city's heart with natural beauty. You’ll find bluebell woods in Richmond Park and swathes of daffodils in Hyde Park. It’s a great time to get out and take some snaps or just go for a walk and breathe in the scent of spring.
Royal events
Most days, you’ll be able to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace's gates, the King's official residence in London.
It's a wonderful display with marching bands as one regiment hands over guarding the monarch to another. Spring also sees the opening of the Royal Mews, where visitors can peep into everyday life at the royal palace stables and marvel at the collection of gleaming golden state coaches.
Boutique shopping
While London is home to world-famous department stores such as Harrod's and Fortnum’s & Mason’s, there are also plenty of trendy boho boutiques to discover. Take a stroll through Portabello Market, dive into some vintage shopping in Camden Market, or check out the boutiques in Burlington Arcade.
After some retail therapy, relax with a traditional afternoon tea at the Savoy.
London is an incredible location for a spring break in one of the most exciting cities in the world. Discover more about this diverse and captivating capital or browse our premium London homes and apartments.
Costa Del Sol: savour spring by the beach
By the time spring comes around, we're all ready for a few days at the beach. While the temperatures aren't quite at the dizzy heights they reach in the summer, you can still pretty much guarantee warm sunshine and very little in the way of any showers in April. The Costa del Sol has been one of Spain's most popular family-friendly destinations for years, and the season starts early in this sunny hotspot, with luxury accommodation available from early spring onwards.
If you want plenty of sunshine and a chance to relax on the beach, the Sunshine Costa is, in our opinion, one of the best places in Europe to visit for a spring break by the seaside with the family. Here are a few highlights that make the Costa special:
A hot-air balloon ride
As the winds drop and calm, bright days bring clear skies and soft breezes, what better way to see the stunning natural beauty of Málaga than a hot-air balloon ride? Drift silently over the landscape, looking down on the stone forest of El Torcal in Antequera. It’s a never-to-be-forgotten experience.
Join in the festivities
During the spring months, you'll find a variety of food festivals across the region that not only allow you to try delicious local foods but also give you a glimpse into the culture of Málaga. Olive oil is at the centre of celebrations in Periana, or try zesty loquats in Sayalonga.
Beach life
The sea is starting to warm up, the sand is soft and the beaches of Costa del Sol are beckoning. During the spring they’re quieter too, so you’ll have plenty of space to stretch out and relax, or try some water sports such as paddleboarding or kayaking.
Other things to keep you entertained on your spring break in Costa del Sol include a visit to the Caves of Nerja, home to some of the oldest cave paintings in the world. Or watch an Andalucian horse show in Jerez. Your onefinestay dedicated concierge can arrange bookings so you can make the most of every second of your spring break in Europe.
Tempted by the wonderfully warm and sunny Mediterranean coast? Take a look at our enchanting Costa del Sol villas.
Planning your spring break in Europe with Onefinestay
A spring break in Europe is your chance to explore a wonderfully diverse and rich region that's full of surprises. In the spring, Europe bursts into life, and onefinestay can help you discover your perfect spring break in London, Rome, Costa del Sol, Paris, and elsewhere.
Not only can we help you find the most elegant and exclusive accommodation, but our dedicated concierges use their expertise and local knowledge to create a truly memorable experience for you and your family.
From booking early-bird tickets to avoid the queues to arranging for a personal chef to come to your villa and cook a special celebratory meal, they’ll work with you to create that perfect package. And if you have any questions, we’re on hand to answer your queries and personalise your onefinestay experience.
Now is your chance to start planning your escape with the best spring break destinations in Europe at onefinestay. Contact us now and let us take you on a journey that’ll create memories to last a lifetime.
