Key Takeaways
- Plan spring travel to Europe early. Booking several months in advance can provide better availability, more choice, and potentially better pricing.
- Spring offers a strong Europe travel window. March through May can mean lighter crowds, milder weather, and easier access to popular attractions compared with peak summer travel.
- The right destination depends on the traveler. Amsterdam, Mallorca, Barcelona, and Madeira each offer a different spring experience, making travel advisor guidance especially valuable when matching clients with the right destination and stay.
As the weather turns crisp and we start hunkering down for winter, springtime sure feels far away. But the truth is, there’s no better time to start thinking about spring vacations than now, especially if Europe is a destination you or your clients have top of mind.
Not only can thoughts of tulips in bloom in the Netherlands, the beaches of islands like Mallorca, and tapas on the coast of Spain sustain us all through the dark days, long nights, and harsh chill of winter, but planning ahead is a commitment folks can make to themselves to see their travel dreams through.
Why Should You Book Europe Spring Travel Early?
The emotional aspect of planning now for European spring getaway can be clear to anyone, but there are also practical reasons to do so, too.
Travel industry experts recommend booking spring travel for Europe several months in advance, with six months being the sweet spot for best pricing and availability. Early booking is typically financially advantageous to customers as hotels offer competitive rates to secure their reservations for the year ahead. And we all know flights only become increasingly expensive the closer in to the travel date.
Plus, the spring months of March to May are prime shoulder season, which means lighter crowds, temperate weather, and better possibility to get into the area’s best attractions.
Where Should You Go in Europe in Spring?
While traveling to Europe in the springtime shoulder season is highly recommended, there are still some important factors to consider when choosing destination or timing. For instance, not all coastal areas will have emerged enough from winter to be swimmable by March or April. Therefore, if you want a beach destination, you’re best off choosing an island with a year-round warm climate and waters, or waiting until May. Or if you’re looking for a party scene in a destination known for it, you may still want to book now, but for peak summer, when beach clubs are guaranteed to be full.
Some European destinations may be rainier or more overcast than others in the spring, so if you don’t want to back an umbrella or if you want to spend time exploring outdoors, a good travel advisor will steer you away from a place they know to be more prone to showers. And in highly populated cities, school breaks and holidays may cause price spikes or availability bottleneck. In this case, travel advisors might guide you to a different week, month, or destination.
A travel advisor is ultimately the best person to ask where you should go for European spring break. However, ALG Vacations® is a close second, and these are the destinations and hotels we think you should have on your radar for your next trip overseas.
Sofitel Legend Grand Amsterdam – Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Best for: Something new somewhere old; a refreshing, modern, and luxurious way to have a historic experience in a storied city.
Spring is particularly charming in Amsterdam, but exceptionally so in a historic building betwixt two of the city’s quietest historic canals. In turns a 15th century convent, royal lodgings for European nobility, the Admiralty of Amsterdam, and the city’s official Town Hall, where Queen Beatrix was married in 1966, there’s a deep sense of immersion into the essence of Amsterdam at this gorgeous hotel just steps from the city’s best attractions. Dam Square, the Royal Palace, and the Red Light District are only minutes away by foot, leaving no question that you’re in the center of city life. Bridges, the Sofitel Legend Grand Amsterdam’s fine dining restaurant, brings even more local flair to the literal table, with organic ingredients sourced from nearby, as well as seafood and exceptional wine pairings.
However, other parts of Europe peek through its identity. Renowned French designer Sybille de Margerie brings the classical refinement of her homeland’s style and blends it with rich Dutch Golden Age elements. A Mediterranean-style inner courtyard garden is considered a hidden gem, and Oriole Garden Bistro’s greenhouse-like setting serves up casual, vibrant cuisine from that part of the continent to match. And a Turkish steam bath (hamman) adds another Mediterranean element to the finest luxury spa experience in Amsterdam, complementing features like a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, and state-of-the-art fitness center.
Iberostar Albufera – Mallorca, Spain
Best for: Families seeking quality time and a blend of nature and resort activities with the convenience of all-inclusive in an acclaimed vacation destination.
Mild weather and early blooms make Mallorca a picturesque destination for families before the summer break crowd rolls in, and this all-ages property within a megaresort complex provides a fuss-free way to enjoy both.
Built right next to the Albufera Nature Reserve, a protected coastal wetland with pine and olive groves and serene trails to wander down and spot birds from, family nature walks become a relaxing way to connect with the kids, teens, or the other adults on the trip. The Fit and Fun program provides other ways to stay active, with a fully equipped modern gym, instructor-led classes that include yoga, Pilates, spinning, and outdoor functional training.
Staying within the Playa de Muro beachfront complex Iberostar Albufera shares with Albufera Park Hotels gives all guests access to a grand total of seven pools (one of which is indoors!) and 10 bars and restaurants. Of these venues, six restaurants and three bars are Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa’s, which promises responsibly sourced seafood at applicable eateries – in keeping with its Wave of Change sustainability promise – and locally sourced ingredients. A 24-hour Star Café and ice cream parlor add charm and even more convenience. The property also boasts a spa, sports facilities, and Iberostar’s exclusive children’s and youth programs, Star Camp, which offers age-appropriate supervised activities like workshops, sports, and more, allowing the pros on staff to show the junior globetrotters a world of things to love about Mallorca.
Torre Melina Grand Melía – Barcelona, Spain
Best for: Vibrant city experiences and unique amenities and services with luxurious options in a cosmopolitan setting.
Located so far south, Barcelona’s weather is absolutely ideal for city wandering in the early spring, with temperatures that range in the 50s to the upper 60s until things start warming up in May. True, that means the Mediterranean Sea is a bit too chilly to do more than dip a toe into it, but you won’t miss that at all with so much to explore in this Catalonian capital.
For an unforgettable stay, choose Torre Melina Grand Melía, located on an upscale section of the Diagonal, next to the Polo Club and Camp Nou, and just 15 minutes from the airport. It’s known for its historic private gardens and natural lake, panoramic views, and seamless connectivity – including its own helipad for exceptional experiences like chopper tour to the Mas Igneus vineyard in Priorat and equestrian experiences at the aforementioned Polo Club next door.
Other luxurious amenities include its own refined and quiet beach club called Beso Pedralbes open seasonally for urban oasis vibes. And for those who prefer a sense of place rather than a city escape, there’s the new Entre Cielos rooftop with 360-degree views with drinks curated by 2024’s Best Bartender in Spain, Borja Insa; ERRE Restaurant, led by renowned grill master Iñigo Urrechu; and the Torre Melina Grand Café, which embraces European café culture and captures the sporting spirit of its surrounding. For even further relaxation, there’s an enormous spa with its own hammam, sauna, indoor pool, fitness area, and yoga room. A 60-minute session in the hammam and sauna are included for RedLevel guests, as well as exclusive access to the RedLevel Lounge and a complimentary experience driving the property’s electric Audi e-tron through the streets of Barcelona.
ALGVPro Tip: Can’t make it here in the spring? Consider it for festive season, with special experiences such as an artificial ice skating rink in the Gardens, wreath- and candle-making, and ornament decorating and sweets workshops. And for summer break, the Kids Club is open for all in July and August. 170 connecting rooms make it easy to travel together.
Hyatt Ziva Madeira – Madeira, Portugal
Best for: An all-inclusive, easy family vacation with familiar amenities, perks, and features in a culturally rich destination.
Spring is actually considered one of the sweet spots to visit Madeira, with temperatures that are comfortable and attractions that have yet to become crowded. Even more comfortable and uncrowded: staying at Hyatt Ziva’s first European five-star resort, which boasts its own marina and easy access to the region’s greatest hits.
Set on Madeira’s dramatic eastern tip, close to Ponta de São Lourenço, there’s easy access to Funchal, Laurissilva Forest, the hiking trails of the famous historic levadas (the 15th century man-made irrigation channels and aqueducts) of the island, and the volcanic coastline that has enchanted so many. Festival centers, restaurants, and cultural attractions are also nearby, but closest are the many amenities offered at the Hyatt Ziva Madeira itself.
You won’t have to go far to discover a nearby prainha – a natural volcanic sand beach – and right on site is a private pebble beach and a natural saltwater pool. Resort recreation includes the Kids Club, Core Zone for teenagers, a spa with a sauna and hammam, 24-hour gym, and family and relaxation pools. Plus, great dining is only ever steps away at this all-inclusive property, which has an international buffet, a grill, teppanyaki, French, Mediterranean, and local Portuguese restaurant on site. Seasonal half-board and bed & breakfast options offer more flexibility for those who need it, as do spacious family room categories and Preferred Club options.
The Bottom Line
Spring is a smart time to visit Europe, but the best trips start with early planning. Booking ahead can help travelers secure better availability and more options, while traveling in spring can offer milder weather and fewer crowds. With destinations like Amsterdam, Mallorca, Barcelona, and Madeira offering distinctly different experiences, working with a travel advisor can help travelers choose the right fit so they can plan ahead for an unforgettable spring getaway overseas.
