Best warmest places in europe in april

As the chill of winter fades, April emerges in Europe with sunny skies, blooming landscapes, and a cheerful spirit in the air. It’s a period of transformation when the continent begins to burst into color with the warmth of spring.

For travelers eager to swap out bulky jackets for light layers and soak up the pleasant weather, specific destinations are particularly warm and welcoming in April. This guide shines a spotlight on the warmest places in Europe in April if you’re seeking sunshine, moderate temperatures, and an early start to the summer season.

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The Southern European Sunshine Havens

The countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea tend to be the warmest spots in Europe during April. Benefiting from their southern location, these areas provide beach lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and culture vultures with sunny weather perfect for sightseeing, nature treks, or simply lazing by the seaside.

Canary Islands, Spain – Endless Summer Vibes

Part of Spain off the coast of Morocco and Western Sahara, the Canary Islands enjoy warm weather year-round thanks to their subtropical climate. In April, temperatures hover around 22°C to 24°C (72°F to 75°F), with places like Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura heating up early ahead of the summer swelter. Azure waters promise relaxation or adventure.

Whether you’re looking to hike dormant volcanoes, admire colonial architecture in cities like Las Palmas, or cycle along coastal routes, the Canaries offer an idyllic island escape.

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The Canary Islands are a fantastic destination in April, offering a mix of pleasant weather, natural beauty, and cultural events. Here’s a list of activities you can enjoy across the islands during your visit:

Things to do in the Canary Islands In April

1. Beach Hopping:
2. Hiking and Nature Trails:
3. Visit Timanfaya National Park:
4. Whale and Dolphin Watching:
5. Cycling and Adventure Sports:
6. Explore the Sand Dunes:
7. Local Festivals:
8. Winery Visits:

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Where to Stay in The Canary Islands in April

Paphos: The Cultural Hub:

Why stay here: Paphos is a UNESCO World Heritage site with rich archaeological sites, including the Tombs of the Kings and the Paphos Mosaics. It’s perfect for history buffs and those who love a blend of beach and culture.

1. Venus Beach Hotel: This hotel has a rating of 8/10 and is located in Paphos.
2. Avlida Hotel: With a rating of 4.1, this hotel is situated on Tombs of the Kings Ave.
3. Regency Boutique Hotel: Located on Iasonos, this hotel has a high rating of 4.9.
4. Nereus Hotel: Situated on Constantias 7, this hotel has a rating of 4.3.
5. Leonardo Plaza Cypria Maris Beach Hotel & Spa: This hotel, located in Yeroskipou, has a rating of 4.5.

Limassol: The Cosmopolitan Mix

Why Stay Here: If you enjoy a lively atmosphere with a mix of beaches, nightlife, and shopping, Limassol is the spot. It’s also great for foodies with its array of restaurants and cafes.

Accommodations: Find everything from high-end hotels to boutique stays. The marina area is particularly popular for its upscale options.

1. Harmony Bay Hotel: This hotel is listed as a cheap hotel on Booking.com and is located in Limassol1.
2. Royal Apollonia by Louis Hotels: Another option listed as a cheap hotel on Booking.com, situated in Limassol1.
3. Odysseia Hotel Kapetanios: This hotel is recommended as a cheap option in Limassol on TripAdvisor2.
4. Kapetanios Limassol Hotel: Also recommended as a cheap hotel in Limassol on Hotels.com

Ayia Napa: The Beach Lover’s Paradise

Why Stay Here: Known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, Ayia Napa is quieter in April before the summer crowds hit. It’s perfect for a relaxing beach holiday.

Accommodations: Resorts and hotels line the beaches, offering a range of choices from luxury to budget.

1. Napa Plaza Hotel: This hotel is listed as a cheap hotel on TripAdvisor and is located in Ayia Napa.
2. Atlantica Sancta Napa Hotel: Another option listed as a cheap hotel on TripAdvisor, situated in Ayia Napa.
3. Limanaki Beach Hotel & Suites: This hotel is recommended as a cheap option in Ayia Napa on Booking.com.
4. Flora Maria Hotel: One of the top budget hotels in Ayia Napa listed on Lodging World.
5. Rio Gardens Aparthotel: Listed as one of the best cheap hotels in Ayia Napa on Hotels.com.

Polis and Latchi: The Quiet Retreat

Why Stay Here: For a more laid-back and authentic Cypriot experience, these small towns offer beautiful scenery, lovely beaches, and access to the Akamas Peninsula.

Accommodations: Find family-run hotels, villas, and apartments that provide a peaceful retreat.

Cyprus – A Mediterranean Jewel

This island nation south of Turkey emerges as a sunny European gem in April when temperatures reach into the low 20s Celsius (above 70° Fahrenheit). Cyprus has something for every traveler between the modern allure of coastal cities like Larnaca, Limassol, and Paphos and the timeworn beauty of Nicosia’s historic core.

You can relax on palm-dotted beaches, discover ancient sites like the Tombs of Kings, and revel in the local cuisine with its Middle Eastern and Greek influences. Cyprus scores bonus warmth points for having one of the hottest and driest climates in the entire Mediterranean.

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The Southern Charms of Mainland Europe

Venture to the southern coasts and islands of mainland Europe in April, and you’ll be rewarded with pleasant weather to match the cultural riches. From Portugal’s Algarve region to the shimmering shores of Sicily, here are some top spots for warmth and sunshine.

Algarve, Portugal – Chic Beach Towns and Rugged Coastlines

Portugal’s southerly Algarve region attracts visitors with its 100 miles of dramatic Atlantic coastline dotted with golden sand beaches, sleepy fishing villages, and luxurious resort towns. In April, daily averages of 8 hours of sunshine and temperatures around 19°C to 22° make it ideal for activities like coastal hikes, boating, golfing, and all-around relaxation. Visitors can explore highlights such as the cliffs of Ponta da Piedade, take a food tour of Algarve’s many Michelin-star eateries, or discover local culture in towns like Lagos or Portimão.

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Check out Lisbon to Seville and 5 OFF THE BEATEN PATH BEACH CITIES IN PORTUGAL

Andalusia, Spain – Passion and History

The passionate Andalusian soul begins to awaken around April, beckoning travelers with UNESCO World Heritage sites, flamenco rhythms, and the warmth of the Costa del Sol. As temperatures hover in the high teens to low 20s Celsius across cities like Seville, Granada, and Malaga, visitors can soak up history in places like the grand Alhambra palace, witness religious spectacle during Holy Week processions, and experience festivals highlighting Andalusia’s diverse Moorish, Jewish, and Gypsy legacies.

With over 300 days of sunshine per year, Andalusia promises more than its fair share of warm and sunny memories.

Also, check out 1 Day in Malaga and Tbex Spain Andalusia

Sicily, Italy – Volcanic Landscapes and Azure Waters

Lapped by the warm Mediterranean, Sicily averages highs around 18 or 19°C in April, inviting exploration of landscapes shaped by the fires of Mount Etna and the island’s turbulent history. Beyond the rugged volcanic slopes, Sicily dazzles with Byzantine mosaics, Greek temples dotted along the coastline, and sumptuous pastries leftover from long-vanished Arab and Norman civilizations. Visitors in April can venture to hilltop towns like

Taormina, see aerial theater carved into stone in Syracuse’s quarries, or indulge in delicious cuisine highlighting pistachios, oranges, and tuna. With cultural riches as plentiful as the island’s 300 days of annual sunshine, Sicily makes an alluring sunny escape.

More Warm and Welcoming Destinations in April

Beyond beach havens, southern Europe lacks welcoming cities and regions bathed in spring sunshine. For urban adventures filled with culture and warmth, mark your maps with these destinations.

Lisbon, Portugal – Pastel City Overlooking the Tagus

While Lisbon enjoys mild weather year-round, April highs around 19oC make it perfect for hilltop rambles and leisurely tram rides without breaking a sweat. Spread across steep hills alongside the Tagus River estuary, Portugal’s capital wows visitors with sunset-hued architecture, the medieval alleys of Alfama, tasty local seafood, and soulful fado music.

Check out Stress Free Travel Tips to Lisbon

Barcelona, Spain – Avant-Garde Architecture and Sunny Plazas

April temperatures of 16°C to 20°C invite lazy afternoons getting lost in Barcelona’s galleries and gardens or admiring the weird and wonderful buildings of Antoni Gaudí. When you need a culture break, the 4.5 km golden coast of Barceloneta Beach offers Mediterranean relaxation just a quick metro ride away. Visitors can experience everything from an electric food scene to hilltop parks with panoramic views of the city glimmering below.

Photo by Florian Wehde on UnsplashMalta – Mediterranean History Under the Sun

Check out Spain with Kids and the 10-day itinerary for Spain.

Malta – Mediterranean History Under the Sun

This tiny archipelago between Sicily and North Africa averages around 19°C in April, offering visitors an early start to beach season along with 7,000 years of history. You can explore sites like the underground Hypogeum burial chambers, marvel at delicate filigree silverwork in the capital Valletta, or simply relax seaside with local wine and fresh seafood. With Malta having over 300 days of sunshine per year on average, it’s no wonder Game of Thrones and other film productions often use the islands as a warm and welcoming Mediterranean backdrop.

Athens, Greece – Ancient Ruins Meet Modern Chic

While Athens can still be brisk in April, average temperatures around 18°C make sightseeing comfortable amidst famous ancient landmarks like the Acropolis. Beyond important ruins, the city rewards visitors with a stylish side including world-class museums, a blossoming foodie scene, and hip urban districts to explore once you’ve gotten your fill of ancient history. When a dose of Vitamin D is needed, Athenians head to the nearby Athens Riviera with its chic coastal suburbs dotted with beaches.

Island Paradises Offering More Than Just Beaches

Sun-drenched islands fringe Europe’s southern coastlines, each boasting its own personality. Beyond glorious stretches of sand lapped by azure waters, these island havens tempt visitors with delightful fusion cuisine, crystalline interior lagoons, luxuriant subtropical valleys, and ancient wonders evoking legends.

Crete, Greece – Mountains, Markets, and Mythology

Crete averages around 19°C in April, making it delightful to explore the rugged mountains, traditional villages, and rich mythological history of Greece’s largest island. Visitors can discover the restored Bronze Age Palace of Knossos, wander through charming towns like Rethymnon and Chania with their labyrinthine Venetian alleyways, hike the towering Samaria Gorge, or simply relax on one of Crete’s palm-backed beaches as the first tourists return for summer.

With opportunities to enjoy local wine, olive oil, or a meal at a family-run taverna between sightseeing adventures, Crete captivates visitors with its warmth, scenery, and culture.

Photo by Alexander Slash on Unsplash

Madeira, Portugal

Lush Green Peaks and Coastal Delights As a Portuguese island group off the coast of Morocco, Madeira enjoys pleasant temperatures in April, averaging around 19°C. Its namesake main island wows visitors with a dramatic interior of volcanic peaks cloaked in primeval forests and terraced hillsides bursting with vineyards and flowers.

Coastal cities like the capital Funchal offer pastel-hued plazas to explore along with the chance to embark on whale watching adventures or sample Madeira’s famous fortified wine. With spring flowers like birds of paradise blooming against the emerald peaks and colorful village traditions like wicker toboggan rides to discover, Madeira brings together mountain majesty and maritime charm.

Warmest Places in Europe in April

Thanks to mild weather and thinner crowds compared to the summer season, April stands out as an exceptional time to soak up Europe’s southern sunspots. Temperatures are often warm enough for sunbathing and dips in the sea across favored destinations like the Canary Islands and Cyprus without intense heat setting in. Meanwhile, mainland cities and islands bursting with culture such as Barcelona, Lisbon, and Crete balance pleasant weather with plenty to discover.

While April generally avoids the summer rush, it coincides with events like Holy Week processions and the April Fair in Seville, Spain, so booking accommodation in advance is still wise for some prime destinations. Travelers also need to keep an eye on weather reports and pack appropriate layers, as some areas like Athens can still experience chillier days before properly transitioning to summer. Regardless, across southern Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, and associated islands like the Canaries, April provides ideal conditions to experience Europe’s unique blend of sun, culture, cuisine, and atmosphere.

Conclusion

With sunny skies, blossoming landscapes, cultural celebrations, and pleasant temperatures gracing favorite southern destinations, April stands out as a rejuvenating time to visit Europe. From the vintage-hued fishing villages of the Algarve to Cyprus’ sun-bleached ruins and the volcanic ridges of Crete, the continent awakens in myriad ways as the summer season gets an early start down south.

Whether you dream of strolling exotic palaces in Andalusia, savoring fresh Champagne cocktails along the Athens Riviera, or simply finding a slice of island paradise to bliss out beachside, Europe’s southern fringe twinkles with warmth and intrigue in April. So pack those sunglasses, slather on some sunscreen, and prepare your sense of adventure for sunny European travels minus the crowds and heat exhaustion of high summ