The Best Spring Break Destinations in Europe

Croatia boasts a number of coastal towns known for their party vibes. Hvar sits on the more glamorous side of the scale and this also makes it perfect for those who just want to relax on their break. This small island has lush vegetation which helps it stand out compared to its neighbours, but there’s also a historical side to Hvar. If you’re after a more sophisticated experience, then we would pick this spot over the likes of Pag Island or Split.

The stretch of sun-drenched coastline along the southwest of Turkey has collectively become known as the Turkish Riviera in recent years. Towns like Bodrum, Fethiye and Izmir are all popular but few visitors tend to explore more than one when holidaying. The Mediterranean makes for a stunning backdrop and you can even take a boat out to explore some of the harder to reach parts of the region. It’s easy to understand why travellers just want to stay put, however, as the beaches are sublime. A great advantage of an early season booking is that hotels that are otherwise unaffordable tend to have lower prices while they prepare for the traditional holiday period. That 5 star getaway could finally be within reach!

The ‘heel’ of Italy is an exceptional region popular with tourists throughout the year. The long coast is much easier to navigate by car than other parts of Italy, so you can comfortably move around at your leisure and take an unforgettable road trip south. Bari and Lecce are two major towns you’ll want to visit but its at the southernmost tip in Santa Maria di Leuca that you get that surreal sense of being at the end of the world. The summer can get a little too hot, so a trip a little earlier in the year is ideal. Oh, and you have to try the iced coffee while you’re here as its probably the best coffee in Italy!

There’s something magical about visiting historical European cities at this time of year. Prague, Munich and Paris also have a similar aura but its Vienna that is our pick for a spring break. As the winter chill fades, you’ll see various outdoor spaces starting to pop up from bars, cafes and even an artificial beach! The centrally located theme park is always good value and locals love a party. Vienna is a musical city but its not just classical that is popular here with a young student population thriving. The food scene is spectacular and if you want to try something really different head to JOLA – a vegan restaurant that serves a taster menu you’ll never stop raving about. You could also just pick up a cheap hot dog on the way home from a night out instead, something of a tradition here today…

Winter in Scotland isn’t really as bad as everyone says it is. Sure, you won’t see many blue skies above, but its not impossible to go out and enjoy a stroll either. Obviously if you want to really enjoy some time in the great outdoors then you need the climate to be marginally better than ‘not awful’ and that’s why a spring trip here is perfect. The islands off the west coast are great for sampling whisky and enjoying nature, and you can guarantee a warm welcome from locals. Scots get an extended Easter holiday and many students from the mainland head here if not spending time at home on their break. The summer months can get very busy and it can be expensive to stay anywhere nearby then, so avoiding the rush is the smart way to do this area. The isles of Islay, Mull and Jura are exceptional for their unspoiled beauty and you might even catch a glimpse of the northern lights too!