Springtime in Europe

There are many benefits to vacationing in the springtime, especially springtime in Europe. It is low season, so there are less crowds and more affordable prices. It is also a period where the temperature starts to get warmer, the days get longer and everything is reborn and alive again. Go for a hike, get to a beach or stay in a villa overlooking the mountains. There is much to explore in the great world of ours. If you are planning on holidaying in Europe, consider one of the following destinations to fully enjoy springtime in the Old World:

Amsterdam, Holland

Amsterdam may be one of the few European cities where spring is one of the busiest times of the year. Famous for its Dutch tulips and festivals, you will thoroughly enjoy Amsterdam in the spring. Try to time your holiday during 2 of the biggest holidays in Holland: Queen’s Day and Remembrance Day. April 30^th is Queen’s Day, a national holiday to celebrate the country’s (former) Queen. This holiday is like the Mardi Gras of the Netherlands, welcoming up to 2 million visitors annually with non-stop parties and live music in every part of the city. Another interesting aspect to this holiday is the city-wide free market rummage sales. Less than a week later, on May 4^th , is Remembrance Day followed by Liberation Day on May 5^th. Grab a coffee, kick back and relax at one of the many patios or parks, and enjoy some good old fashion people watching. Very entertaining!

Seville, Spain

Seville is an incredibly romantic European city with its ancient history and rich detailed architecture. Enjoy exploring this city filled with beautiful fountains, gardens and exquisite tiling. Spring is a special time of year in Seville: Two of the city’s most important events take place during that time. Semana Santa is a religious festival but also includes lots of celebrating into the wee hours of the morning. This is followed by the Spring Fair, also known as “the Feria”. This is a full week of celebration, parties, dancing and drinking with many late nights or all-nighters if you are up for it. Flamenco dancing also originated in the region of Andalusia, which is a combination of singing, song and dancing. Enjoy an authentic flamenco show at the Museo del Baile Flamenco (Flamenco Museum) or at one of the city’s dinner shows or bars.

Algarve, Portugal

Spring on the Algarve in Portugal is a wonderful time to visit with stunning scenery, vibrant wildflowers and plenty of activities to engage in, most notably golf. It is warm and one of the sunniest places in Europe during the spring. Great weather, scenic landscapes combined with fewer crowds and good value for your money make the Algarve a destination to be experienced. There are a couple of holidays celebrated in the spring including Liberation Day on April 25^th , complete with fireworks and live entertainment throughout the region. Olhao’s Clam Festival is also held from late March until early April. Music lovers won’t be disappointed as the Lagos Jazz Festival is held during April as well.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic, is a magical place to visit anytime of the year. But spring offers a variety of activities to enjoy, including the Prague Spring International Music Festival. This event showcases a variety of performing artists, symphony orchestras and chamber music from around the world. Enjoy Easter markets in the Old Town Square as well as in Wenceslas where you can purchase handcrafted Easter goods, enjoy traditional food and a variety of local music performances. Combine your sightseeing with athleticism by entering the Prague International Marathon also held in the spring.