Top 5 destinations to visit this Spring

You don’t have to travel far to enjoy a pleasant springtime holiday. The weather has already warmed up in many destinations, making it the perfect time to explore new places or simply relax in the sunshine. And, with several public holidays falling between March and May, there are plenty of long weekends you can choose from that will help you make the most of your time off.

Whether you're looking for a city break or a beach holiday, we’ve got destinations to suit all tastes. Take advantage of this quieter travel time and book yourself a spring getaway. You won't regret it!

Enjoy the warmth of Cyprus in late spring, without the usual overwhelming heat seen in summer. Temperatures tend to be around 17°C to 23°C in May. Oh, and this is when the villages are particularly pretty, with their blooming wildflowers and almond trees! It’s an ideal time to explore the greater outdoors, whether that’s relaxing on quieter beaches, such as the family friendly Makronissos Beach in Ayia Napa that uniquely features an ancient burial site, splashing around in the waterparks, or delving into the picturesque sea caves found in the coastal Cape Greco National Park.

In May and June there’s one place you want to head to and that’s the northwest region of Istria, a pastoral land filled with ancient folklore. Visualise the scene: strolling through little hilltop villages with views of snow-capped mountains, golden fields, and rolling groves of olives and grapes. Speaking of which, this is a great time to take to the vineyards and enjoy wine tastings of long-aged, rare natural wines. Or you could head to the mountains for the crisp, fresh air, and to the forests to forage for the local spring delicacy of wild asparagus. Wherever you go, Croatia is a real delight! Stay on the Istrian Riviera, where you always have the sparkle of the Adriatic Sea to drink in. Venture into the narrow cobbled streets and piazzas of Rovinj for a distinctly Venetian vibe, minus the crowds.

Away from the summer throng, Lanzarote is a dream in spring. It’s the hottest of the Canary Islands, with average temperatures of 19°C, so you can comfortably hit its beaches. You’ll find several fairs and festivals throughout the island, whether that’s full moon parties, sporting events like the Spring Duathlon in Costa Teguise or the Ironman Race in Playa Blanca, or the popular religious event of Semana Santa in March/April, when the island comes alive. It’s also the perfect climate to hike Lanzarote’s volcanoes, and witness natural delights, such as the fresh shoots of native flora and migrant birds that pause here at this time of year.

The primavera season is an ideal time to visit Portugal, particularly in the warmer Algarve. Whether you’re looking for a long weekend or a fortnight’s getaway you can wind down with golf and spa treatments. You may have the odd drop of rain, but the average temperatures make up for it, between 10°C and 22°C! It’s an opportune time to hike or bike the trails along the Via Algarviana, and venture into the many nature parks with their delicate almond and cherry tree blossom. Feast on Easter sweet treats, usually laden with almonds unsurprisingly, and wander into villages teeming with historic castles, churches, and museums. If you’re a football lover then you can enjoy the drama of the final leg of the Portuguese League in May, or you could visit the Iberian Mask Festival in Lisbon, where you’ll find a celebration of local music and handicrafts.

While there are occasional rainy spells, you’ll often find the sun gloriously shining during the spring months of Santorini. Most of the hotels open by April, and the streets pop with inviting vibrant blooms. It’s a romantic, tranquil time to visit. The pace feels slower as you amble through the winding whitewashed streets, tucking into local food and wine along the way. You’ll often find the churches of Santorini alive with activity, as bells ring out to celebrate Easter. Take the pleasant afternoon hike up to Oia Castle and experience the grandeur of the sun setting over the beautiful half-moon shaped bay. If you're lucky, you may have it all to yourself! For a deeper dive into history, visit the ancient archaeological site of Akrotiri.

Where are you heading this Spring? At Sovereign Luxury Travel we have over 50 years’ experience in tailormade luxury holidays. We take care of all the finer details, so you don’t have to. Our Personal Travel Planners are on hand every step of the way to ensure your luxury holiday is memorable and enjoyable.             

Visit sovereign.com to start planning your next luxury escape today!

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