10 spring destinations in Europe that you will fell in love with

Whether you want to soak up the sun, indulge in local flavors, or experience unique cultural events, these 10 destinations are perfect for a springtime escape.

Spring in Europe is pure magic—cities wake up from their winter slumber, flowers explode into full bloom, and food festivals become a legitimate reason to travel. Whether you want to soak up the sun, indulge in local flavors, or experience unique cultural events, these 10 destinations are perfect for a springtime escape.

1. Málaga, Spain – Sunshine, Picasso & Beachside Tapas

What it’s famous for: Endless sunshine, golden beaches, and being the birthplace of Pablo Picasso.

Málaga in spring is like a warm hug from the Mediterranean. With mild temperatures and fewer crowds, it’s the perfect time to explore this coastal gem. Stroll through the historic Old Town, admire the Moorish Alcazaba fortress, and soak up culture at the Picasso Museum. The beach bars (chiringuitos) start buzzing in spring, making it the perfect moment to enjoy seafood while feeling the sea breeze. Plus, Holy Week (Semana Santa) processions here are some of the most impressive in Spain, featuring dramatic parades and enormous religious floats.

Don’t miss:

Alcazaba & Gibralfaro Castle for panoramic views
Picasso Museum & his childhood home
Holy Week celebrations (if visiting in late March/early April)
Playa de la Malagueta for some early sunbathing

Hidden gem: Head to the Jardín Botánico-Histórico La Concepción, a lush botanical garden with exotic plants, waterfalls, and secret pathways—perfect for a springtime picnic away from the crowds.

What to try: Grilled espetos de sardinas (sardines on skewers) at El Tintero, where waiters shout out the dishes as they bring them to your table—Malaga’s most fun dining experience.

2. Zagreb, Croatia – Coffee Culture & Cherry Blossoms

What it’s famous for: A vibrant café scene, Austro-Hungarian charm, and blooming parks.

Zagreb in spring is one giant open-air café. Locals take their coffee culture seriously, and in April, café terraces spill into the streets as people bask in the sunshine. The city’s parks and squares explode in color—don’t miss Zrinjevac Park, which transforms into a fairytale of cherry blossoms. The Dolac market is at its freshest, offering strawberries, wild asparagus, and local cheeses. Plus, Zagreb is full of quirky museums, from the Museum of Broken Relationships to the Mushroom Museum (yes, that’s a thing).

Don’t miss:

Strolling through the Upper Town & Lotrščak Tower views
Zrinjevac Park & Maksimir Park in full bloom
Dolac Market for fresh produce & local crafts
Mirogoj Cemetery—Europe’s most beautiful cemetery (seriously!)

Hidden gem: Visit Medvedgrad Fortress, a medieval castle on Mount Medvednica, offering breathtaking views of the city and stunning hiking trails through the fresh spring greenery.

What to try: Try štrukli, a baked cheese pastry, at La Štruk—a tiny restaurant dedicated entirely to this delicious comfort food.

3. Rome, Italy – Springtime Romance & Carbonara

What it’s famous for: Ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and the best pasta of your life.

Rome in spring is like a postcard brought to life. The crowds haven’t yet reached summer madness, the orange trees are blooming, and outdoor dining is in full swing. Walk through the Roman Forum under soft spring sunshine, toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, and experience Easter celebrations at the Vatican. The Trastevere neighborhood is particularly charming in spring, with ivy-covered facades and cobbled streets leading to hidden piazzas.

Don’t miss:

The Colosseum & Roman Forum (fewer crowds in spring)
Vatican City, including St. Peter’s Basilica & the Sistine Chapel
Villa Borghese Gardens for a romantic spring walk
Piazza Navona for lively street performances

Hidden gem: Visit the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) on Aventine Hill—one of Rome’s most peaceful spots with a panoramic view of the city. Bonus: Check out the famous “keyhole” at the nearby Knights of Malta gate for a unique perspective of St. Peter’s Basilica.

What to try: Authentic carbonara at Roscioli, a legendary Roman trattoria known for its creamy, egg-based sauce (no cream allowed!).

4. Berlin, Germany – Beer Gardens & Cherry Blossoms

What it’s famous for: Street art, history, and one of the world’s coolest nightlife scenes.

Berlin shakes off the grey winter skies in spring, and the city transforms into a vibrant wonderland. Parks and riverside beer gardens come alive, and the cherry blossoms along the Berlin Wall Trail (Plänterwald) are absolutely stunning. May brings Karneval der Kulturen, a huge multicultural street festival with music, food, and parades. It’s also the best time to cycle through the city—Berlin has over 1,000km of bike lanes.

Don’t miss:

East Side Gallery for street art & history
Tempelhofer Feld, an old airport-turned-park perfect for picnics
May 1st celebrations in Kreuzberg—live music & street parties
Charlottenburg Palace Gardens in full bloom

Hidden gem: Check out Prinzessinnengarten, a hidden urban garden in Kreuzberg where locals grow herbs, vegetables, and flowers. It’s also a great spot for organic coffee and homemade cakes.

What to try: Currywurst with fries at Curry 36, the most famous street food stand in Berlin—open until the early hours for those post-party cravings.

5. Amsterdam, Netherlands – Tulip Fields & Canal Hopping

What it’s famous for: Tulip season, charming canals, and world-class museums.

Spring is the best time to visit Amsterdam, when tulip fields near the city burst into vibrant reds, yellows, and pinks. Keukenhof, the world’s most famous flower garden, is in full bloom. The city itself is at its prettiest, with people cycling along the canals, enjoying boat tours, and having picnics in Vondelpark. Plus, King’s Day on April 27 turns the city into a massive orange-themed street party!

Don’t miss:

Keukenhof Gardens (March–May) for 7 million tulips in bloom
A canal cruise through Amsterdam’s historic center
The Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum for some cultural immersion
King’s Day street parties on April 27

Hidden gem: Head to NDSM Wharf, a former shipyard turned into a creative hotspot with street art, quirky bars, and floating restaurants.

What to try: Poffertjes (mini Dutch pancakes) at Pannenkoekenhuis Upstairs, a tiny pancake restaurant in a historic canal house.

Pécs, Hungary – Colorful Zsolnay Tiles & Underground Tombs

What it’s famous for: A blend of Hungarian, Ottoman, and Roman influences, plus its vibrant art scene.

Pécs is one of Hungary’s hidden gems, especially beautiful in spring when its parks bloom and outdoor cafés come to life. The city is famous for its Zsolnay ceramics, which decorate many of its buildings, including the breathtaking Pécs Cathedral. As a former Roman settlement, Pécs is home to the Early Christian Necropolis, a UNESCO-listed site with underground tombs and frescoes. Spring is also the perfect time to enjoy a glass of Villány wine at a terrace bar while listening to live music in Széchenyi Square.

Don’t miss:

Pécs Cathedral & its panoramic tower views
Zsolnay Cultural Quarter for stunning ceramics and street art
Early Christian Necropolis for fascinating Roman history
The Mosque of Pasha Qasim, an Ottoman-era landmark

Hidden gem: Climb up to Tettye Ruins, an abandoned medieval monastery overlooking the city, surrounded by peaceful greenery and perfect for a springtime picnic.

What to try: Túrós csusza, a traditional Hungarian pasta with cottage cheese and bacon, best enjoyed at Blöff Bisztró, a cozy spot in the city center.

Valletta, Malta – Sun-Drenched History & Azure Waters

What it’s famous for: A fortress-like city with grand baroque architecture, stunning coastal views, and 300 days of sunshine.

Spring is the best time to visit Malta—before the summer heat kicks in and crowds flood the tiny island. Valletta, the capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage site packed with grand palaces, narrow golden-hued streets, and views over the Mediterranean. The Upper Barrakka Gardens burst into bloom in spring, making it the ideal spot to watch the Saluting Battery, where cannons are fired daily at noon. The city also hosts the Malta International Fireworks Festival in April, a spectacle of colorful explosions over the Grand Harbour.

Don’t miss:

St. John’s Co-Cathedral for its jaw-dropping Caravaggio paintings
The Grand Harbour ferry to the Three Cities for panoramic views
The ancient Mdina, a beautifully preserved medieval town nearby
Exploring Valletta’s underground wartime tunnels

Hidden gem: Wander through Lower Barrakka Gardens, a quieter alternative to the famous Upper Gardens, with unbeatable sea views and fewer tourists.

What to try: Rabbit stew (Stuffat tal-Fenek), Malta’s national dish, at Nenu The Artisan Baker, a traditional eatery serving authentic Maltese flavors.

Kotor, Montenegro – Fjord Views & Medieval Charm

What it’s famous for: A stunning bay often compared to a fjord, well-preserved medieval streets, and dramatic mountain landscapes.

Spring in Kotor is perfect—mild weather, blooming wisteria hanging from stone buildings, and the chance to enjoy the city before the summer cruise ship crowds arrive. The old town is a maze of cobbled alleys, tiny squares, and Venetian palaces, while the Bay of Kotor shimmers under the spring sun. For an unforgettable view, climb the San Giovanni Fortress at sunrise, when the bay is bathed in golden light.

Don’t miss:

San Giovanni Fortress hike for the best bay views
Kotor’s Old Town, a UNESCO-protected medieval masterpiece
A boat trip to Our Lady of the Rocks, a tiny island church
Perast, a postcard-perfect village just 20 minutes away

Hidden gem: Visit Lipa Cave, a fascinating underground system with stalactites and hidden tunnels—an unusual but amazing springtime adventure.

What to try: Njeguški pršut, a local smoked ham, at Konoba Scala Santa, a charming restaurant tucked away in Kotor’s old town.

Ghent, Belgium – Medieval Canals & Flower Markets

What it’s famous for: A fairytale-like old town, stunning canal views, and Belgium’s best-kept secret.

Often overlooked in favor of Bruges, Ghent is just as charming but with fewer tourists and more lively local culture. Spring is the best time to visit, as the Ghent Floralies (a massive flower exhibition) transforms the city into a floral wonderland. The medieval Gravensteen Castle looks even more magical under blue spring skies, and the Korenlei & Graslei quays are perfect for a canal-side beer.

Don’t miss:

Gravensteen Castle, a medieval fortress with epic views
St. Bavo’s Cathedral to see the famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb painting
A canal boat tour to explore Ghent’s stunning waterways
The vibrant Friday Market for fresh flowers and local treats

Hidden gem: Wander through Patershol, a historic quarter full of hidden alleyways, boutique shops, and fantastic tiny restaurants.

What to try: Waterzooi, a creamy Belgian stew, at De Graslei, a cozy spot with waterfront seating.

Dingle, Ireland – Wild Cliffs, Irish Pubs & the Friendliest Locals

What it’s famous for: Rugged Atlantic coastlines, traditional Irish music, and ridiculously charming locals.

Dingle is Ireland at its most picturesque. This small fishing town on the west coast is packed with colorfully painted pubs, dramatic cliffs, and rolling green hills. Spring brings mild weather, fewer tourists, and a burst of wildflowers along the famous Slea Head Drive. You can spend your days hiking along the Atlantic, sipping Guinness while listening to live folk music, and watching the sun set over the ocean.

Don’t miss: