Top Places To Visit In April
April is actually a fantastic month in which to take a break, serving up the best of all worlds no matter which hemisphere you’re headed to. In Southern Europe, summer sun comes early so you can soak up some less intense rays and enjoy the uncrowded beaches of islands like Crete and Cyprus. For the snow bunnies among you, there’s still some high altitude skiing to be enjoyed throughout the Alps, and you may even get to feel the sun on your face when you stop for those apes ski refreshments. Venture further afield, and from South America to Southern Africa and all the way to South East Asia, natural wonders abound, and you can tick off plenty of far-flung destinations on that vacay bucket list.
No matter what your holiday jam, we think April serves up something for everyone. Whether you are looking to avoid the proverbial April showers and escape to sunnier climes or looking to discover some hidden gems, join us now on our whistle-stop Grand Tour of the best places to visit in April.
1. Tulips From Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Like many of Europe’s most popular cities, a visit any time of year is recommended, and Amsterdam has so much going for it. It’s packed full of chic and oh-so instagrammable boutique hotels and exceptional bars and restaurants. A visit in April to this Dutch city is simply stunning as it marks tulip season and it’s safe to say that the entire city bursts into life with a rainbow-hued sea of floral displays. A walk along the canals, exploring the top sites like the Vondelpark, the Anne Frank Museum and the opera house is a must-have. However, take the time to head out to the tulip fields of Keukenhof for a truly memorable experience.
2. Paris In The Springtime, France
For all the romantics out there, it may well sound like a cliche, but you really can’t beat Paris in the springtime. Audrey Hepburn said that Paris was always a good idea and we certainly don’t disagree. The temperature in April is pleasant enough to get outdoors with your travel camera and explore the tree-lined streets alive with their pink blossoms. Yet it’s cool enough to cozy up for a chocolat chaud in some cutesy little side cafe. The tourists are yet to descend in their hoards, so you have a chance of getting into the Louvre without queuing for hours and the views from the top of the Sacre-Coeur in Montmartre will take your breath away. Savor the sights, sounds, and flavors of this sophisticated city and fall in love again.
3. Easter Celebrations In Rome, Italy
OK, so it’s going to be busy, super busy especially if you specifically head to Rome to celebrate the long Easter weekend but quite frankly, where else would you be, whether you’re religious or not! Nobody celebrates Easter quite like the Romans, and you are guaranteed to experience a buzzing environment, plenty fo parades, ceremonies, and festivities. The weather is more bearable than the hot summer months so you will be able to enjoy the key tourist attractions but what we really need to mention is the food. Easter is a wonderful time to feast on traditional roast lamb and for dessert, marzipan pastries. All washed down of course with your favorite vino. A real treat for wine lovers.
4. Early Spring Sunshine Cretan Style, Greece
Looking to avoid the dreary, miserable weather and escape to the sunshine without going long haul? Then migrate to Crete where the temperatures should definitely be high enough for a day at the beach and April showers are highly unlikely. It’s still off peak so the crowds have yet to arrive and the prices are reasonable unless you book over the Easter break when you can expect a bit of a hike. There are plenty of beautiful beaches to explore, and the interior of the island will be lush, green and verdant. Head off the beaten track, up into the rugged mountains and discover a lazy little village where the taverna owners are likely to serve up house raki!
5. Mazes And Medinas, Marrakech, Morocco
If you’re looking for a Spring destination that combines excellent weather, plenty of rich history, natural beauty, and fantastic shopping, then you can’t go wrong with Marrakech or even Fez. You can spend hours wandering around the Medina’s in search of bargains, taking in all the fabulous sights and smells of the souqs where spices are piled up high next to luxury leather goods. April is warm enough also to warrant wafting around that boutique hotel courtyard you’re staying at in your designer kaftan. The hillsides and mountains are bursting with beautiful almond blossom, and the whole place just comes alive with color.
6. Safari Style, South African
For the less intrepid, more luxurious travelers among you, then South Africa is a wonderful place to head on safari, especially in April. It’s not too hot, but it’s certainly sunny, and it makes a great time to hit the road, discovering South Africa’s Winelands and enjoying a tour of the world-famous vineyards of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. For nature lovers, you can expect to spot lions and zebras on safari or meet fur seals at Dyer Island and penguins at Boulder Beach. All budgets and styles are catered for in South Africa and if you are nervous about driving away from home, then how about hopping on board for a luxurious train trip with Rovos Rail. It’s expensive, but you get to sleep in a sumptuous birth and enjoy fine dining while taking in the spectacular sights of South Africa.
7. The Salt Flats Of Bolivia, South America
Not just the salt flats, Bolivia, in general, delivers an almost otherworldly holiday adventure. All majestic landscapes, dizzying heights, and smoked plumed active volcanoes! April marks the end of the rainy season which makes the prospect of heading out in a 4×4 for some serious exploration a tantalizing prospect. The famous salt flats are still partially submerged in water, providing them with a striking mirror effect, reflecting against the vast open sky. Immerse yourself in the local culture, visit Spanish colonial cities, or even head off on the guided tour of your life into the Bolivian Amazon Jungle. Bolivia is quickly becoming a firm favorite, and La Paz has a pretty chic after-hours scene serving up stunning craft manly cocktails.
