Our top European destinations you should visit this spring

19 March 2024

Spring is an ideal time to head off on a European getaway. The weather is warm, the number of rainy days is on the decrease, and the crowds haven’t quite peaked in number. We have put together a collection of just a few of our fantastic European destinations you should visit this May and June.

Spain's Costa Brava

Spain’s Costa Brava, located in northeastern Spain along the Mediterranean coast, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, picturesque sandy beaches, and charming coastal towns. Popular destinations like Tossa de Mar, and Lloret de Mar showcase the region's rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious Spanish cuisine.

Image shows Tossa de Mar.

The city of Barcelona sits in the south of the Costa Brava region, just an hour from Lloret de Mar. Explore bustling streets known as the Ramblas, Gaudi’s incredible cathedral, the Sagrada Familia and the area built for the 1992 Olympics.

In May you can expect the temperature in the Costa Brava region to reach a warm 22°C, ideal for exploring, and relaxing on the beach. In spring the region hasn’t quite reach peak temperatures, and the crowds that come with it. If you are looking for a beach getaway, on the quieter side of things, visiting in May or early June could be perfect for you.

Andorra, Montserrat & Pyrenees

Andorra is a very small country of just 468 square kilometres, nestled in the Pyrenees Mountain range, between France and Spain. The spring temperatures are a little cooler here, but at an average of 15°C, it is still ideal for a May or early June holiday.

There is a lot to be explored in Andorra, from the historic La Seu d'Urgell's cathedral, to the beautiful old town. The village of Soldeu is well-known for its ski resort, as well as cozy mountain lodges, traditional Andorran cuisine, and breathtaking views of the Pyrenees mountains.

Heading just over the border into Spain is the city Puigcerdà. Just one of the many places to be explored in the Pyrenees Mountains. Visit the 12th-century Romanesque bell tower Gothic church of Sant Domènec, two of the very few buildings that survived the destruction during the Spanish Civil War. Puigcerdà is also known for its pretty streets, relaxed cafes, and fantastic restaurants. On Sundays, local market stalls sell clothes, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and wild mushrooms.

Rocamadour, a stunning cliffside village in France, is known for its dramatic setting and religious significance. Pilgrims flock to the Sanctuary of Rocamadour to visit the Black Madonna statue and the Chapelle Notre-Dame. The village also boasts medieval architecture, charming streets, and panoramic views of the Alzou Valley. Image shows Tossa de Mar.

Image shows Montserrat.

Montserrat, which means ‘serrated mountain’ is another highlight to be explored in this region. This rocky range offers magnificent views of some of the most unusual geological formations in the whole of Catalonia. Nestled between the peaks is the well-known site of the Benedictine Abbey, Santa Maria de Montserrat, which hosts the Virgin of Montserrat sanctuary, has links to the Holy Grail and is the centre of the Catalan faith.

The Beautiful Black Forest

The Black Forest is renowned for its rich green coniferous trees, half-timbered houses and rushing waterfalls, it’s no wonder that it is known as one of the most picturesque regions to visit in Germany!

Spring is the perfect time to visit Germany’s Black Forest. By the month of May, the snow and the majority of the rainy days are a thing of the past. Warmer weather begins to arrive in the region and brings with it flowering meadows, and stunning scenery.

When visiting the Black Forest there are a few charming towns you need to put on your list to visit. Starting with the oldest town in the region, Baden-Württemberg. The town has an attractive Old Town of towers, churches and fountains and is famous for its medieval centre which has changed very little in appearance since the 16th century.

You can’t visit the Black Forest without visiting the home of the Black Forest gâteau. Triberg is renowned for café windows filled to the brim with the delicious Black Forest Cherry Cake, you will need to enjoy a slice or two during your time here! This town is also the home of the world’s largest cuckoo clock, standing at the height of a two-storey building!

Image shows Schiltach.

There are several other towns that are a must-see in the Black Forest region including, Baden-Baden, Freudenstadt, Schiltach and Gengenbach. All known for their romantic half-timbered houses, and charming winding streets.

Tuscany Coast & Pisa

In need of an Italian adventure this spring? Tuscany could be just the destination for you. In May the crowds do start to grow in numbers, so some of the more popular landmarks and destinations are busy, but not as busy as the summer months can be. Expect temperatures of around 23°C throughout the region, in May.

Some say that spring is when Tuscany is at its best. The rolling countryside hills come alive with vibrant flowers, and vineyards, it comes as no surprise that this is the time of year that the region celebrates one of its best loved products, its wine!

You can’t visit this part of Italy without heading to Pisa. The town is famous for its iconic Leaning Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the architectural wonder of the Piazza dei Miracoli, which also includes the Cathedral and Baptistery. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to food, so make sure you give yourself enough time to try some of the traditional foods from the region.



Image shows Florence.

Florence is another destination to include on your Tuscany itinerary. The city has an impressive list of things to do and see and has the greatest concentration in the world of museums, churches, buildings and artwork, most famous perhaps being the Florence Cathedral, and Duomo. This incredible building stands tall over the city, and offers some of the best views. The historic centre of the city was named as an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, making it a hugely popular spot to visit for tourists.

Lake Garda & Venice

Last, and very certainly not least on our list of places to visit this spring is the stunning Lake Garda. Much like the Tuscany region, Lake Garda sees pleasant temperatures of about 23°C throughout May, increasing to an average of 27°C as you head into June.

Also, like Tuscany, it’s thought that May and early June are when Lake Garda is best to be explored. Sirmione is one of the most popular towns to visit in the region. Stroll along the streets of this medieval town, located on the southern bank of Lake Garda. In May and early June, you will want to visit the Flower House as it begins to bloom with purple bougainvillea. The cobbled streets are home to quaint cafes, serving delicious coffee and sweet Italian treats such a Cannoli, or a dessert of the Lake Garda region, persicata, made from delicious peaches, and sugar.



Image shows Sirmione.

Also on the itinerary is Venice. Start your visit here at St. Mark's Square, home to St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, showcasing some of the best architecture in the city. Soak up the spring sunshine, find a local restaurant and enjoy one of the many delicious dishes on offer. Venice is known for its seafood, and twists on Italian classic!

Your trip Venice won’t be complete unless you take a gondola ride along the picturesque canals. Pass under the famous Rialto Bridge and admire the colourful buildings lining the waterways.

Where will you be travelling this spring?

So, there you have it, the European destinations we think you should visit this spring! And what's more, we are giving up to £50pp off selected European holidays this May and June, just use the code SPRINGSALE at checkout. The only question now is, which one will you choose?