In April, spring has officially set in across Europe, bringing warm breezes along the beaches of the south or making the meadows of inland areas bloom. And then comes Easter with its traditions blossoming across the continent and, most importantly, with a few days to devote to travel and rest. Whether you are in search of a brilliant Irish city or want to discover the hidden corners of Portugal, here are six destinations for your April holidays.
In April, the Festival Internacional do Chocolate floods Óbidos with delights © asife
Extremadura, Portugal
In 1282, Princess Isabella of Aragon was so enchanted by the beautiful hills of Óbidos that her new husband, the 'poet king' Dom Dinis of Portugal, gave them to her as a wedding gift. This city resurrected from the past is even sweeter today and especially in April, when the Festival Internacional do Chocolate floods Óbidos with delights, including monumental sculptures made of chocolate itself. Can't be here for the festival? No problem: you can enjoy chocolate all year round, sometimes moulded into the traditional cups from which the famous cherry liqueur, Ginja de Óbidos, is drunk. First, visit the most̀ important historical sites: the Moorish walls, the medieval castle, the churches decorated with azulejos, the 16th century aqueduct and the labyrinthine streets lined with small white houses full of holes. Then head to the west coast of Extremadura: in Ericeira, Peniche and Nazaré you will find excellent seafood, beautiful beaches and some of the most popular breaks in Portugal.
Galway is second to none when it comes to nightlife entertainment ©Rihardzz
Galway, Ireland
The fourth largest city in the Republic of Ireland is second to none when it comes to nightlife entertainment, with legendary clubs and restaurants: in classic pubs, such as The Crane, O'Connor's, Tigh Neáchtain and Tig Coílí, you can drink to the beat of the bodhrán (drum), flute and flute, while at Róisín Dubh you can listen to live contemporary music and in trendy bars sip cocktails, rather thań stout. The food is fabulous too, whether in Michelin-starred restaurants or at the city market, best on a Saturday. Try the famous Galway Bay oysters, as April is the end of the season for these succulent seafood. You can also alternate entertainment and culture: during the Cúirt International Festival of Literature, the city is overrun with poetry, theatre, cinema and more. Shop in the ideally named Shop Street and admire the historical monuments: the Spanish Arch, Lynch's Castle and the even older St Nicholas Church and Hall of the Red Earl. Then, enjoy the craic of the Irish night.
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Île de ré, France
In the words of the Greek playwright Euripides in the 5th century BC, 'the sea washes away all ills'; and indeed, over the last century, thalassotherapy, a seawater-based treatment, has become much sought-after, especially for skin care.
The pretty Île de Ré, off the west coast of France and with many thalassotherapy spas, is the ideal place for a spring cleanse. In April, you can also relax in the sun on the sparkling beaches and enjoy the island's famous oysters. You will also find quiet paths to stroll on, cycle paths and cafés that are not too crowded with Parisians arriving in the summer. If the sun doesn't want to come out, explore the island's rich history, from the pretty little churches to the imposing 17th century fortresses that surround the main town, St-Martin-de-Ré, where you can also take refuge in the lively covered market selling seafood and local cheeses.
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Andros, Greece
On Ándros, the second largest island of the Cyclades, tourism is kept at bay by the wealthy ship owners who have made it their residence. The rugged hinterland and Aegean beaches are mostly unspoilt, while fumes and springs keep the vegetation thriving. Ándros has also been certified as a European Leading Quality Trails by the European Hiking Federation, for its exceptional network of trails (170 km), formerly mule-tracks repurposed by volunteers from the Andros Routes project.
In spring, which is warm but not too warm (highs of 18-20 °C), gorges and meadows are full of wild bores and fruit trees and businesses open for the season. Hóra (or Ándros), the main town on the promontory, is an excellent base, with its beautiful villas and archaeological and contemporary art museums. From here, organise day trips to the Panachràntou monastery, the ruins of the 13th century Faneromeni castle or the healing spring of Apikia. Or walk the 100-km trail across the island, passing through small villages, plateaus covered with fragrant vegetation, the remains of the ancient capital Palaiopolis and the small resort of Batsi.
According to myth, Aphrodite was born in Cyprus from the foam of the waves crashing on the rocky beach Petra tou Romiou © MJW Boutique Travel
Western Cyprus
According to myth, Aphrodite was born in Cyprus from the foam of the waves that washed up on the rocky beach Petra tou Romiou. It's a popular spot, but in April you'll probably have it all to yourself: it's too cold to swim, but the highs are over 20°C, there's little rain, sunshine and enough wild holes to please the goddess.
Set off from Pafos, European Capital of Culture 2017. Walk among the ancient Tombs of the Kings, admire the Roman villas and beautiful mosaics in the Archaeological Park, and stroll along the seafront and the narrow streets of Upper Pafos, where ruins and colonial buildings alternate with modern buildings. For sea and surf, the best place is Sandy Beach near Chloraka. Then drive to the spectacular Avgas Gorge, the lush Akamas peninsula (home to the Baths of Aphrodite), the traditional villages of the Akamas Plateau dotted with stone churches and folk museums, and the beautiful Latchi beach. Also look out for spring specialities such as kleftiko (baked lamb) and Easter faounes, savoury pies made with herbs and cheese.
Lošinj, Croatia, is called the Island of Vitality ©Croatian Way
Lošinj, Croatia
Feeling worn out after a long winter? The best recipe is a visit to the 'Island of Vitality' in Croatia. Since the end of the 19th century, doctors have recognised the healing properties of Lošinj: a potent potion made of sunshine (morè than 2500 hours a year), clear water and clean, pine-scented air and medicinal herbs. The elites of Vienna and Budapest, including the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph, built impressive villas and hotels here, and even today the beaches are full in July and August.
In April, however, you can have historic harbours, pine forests, fishing villages, fish restaurants and the beautiful Čikat Bay, washed by the Adriatic Sea, all to yourself. Several hotels have spas that cater for health and wellness, but it's also easy to do it yourself: stroll along over 250 km of walking and cycling paths, inhale the scent of pine trees in the forest parks of Pod Javori and Čikat, and the aromas of the Fragrance Garden in Mali Lošinj. Keep an eye on the sea for possible dolphin sightings and head to the island of Cres to watch the magnificent griffon vultures. See? You're already feeling much better.
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Published in March 2022