Springtime! A season that epitomizes Nature’s freshness and warmth. Come March and April, springtime signals good weather, sunshine, blossoming trees, and thawing rivers, especially for countries in the western hemisphere that experience chilling sub-zero climates in the just preceding winter season. No wonder then that Europe’s Schengen countries make for the best springtime travel destinations, whether you are a lone wanderer or a family vacationer. Here are some of the best tourist places to view the Schengen spring in 2024!
France
France – the perfect balance of old-world, renaissance and modernization. The country boasts splendor in its springtime flowers and Nature at its best. France is a city of architectural wonders, the best known of which is the Eiffel Tower. Other monuments that share a super-like status include Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Champs Elysee, Versailles Palace, Gallaries Lafayette, and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Your camera will not tire of capturing France’s countless picturesque spots. But be sure to take home a more unique keepsake of your visit that the Parisian street artists of Sacre Coeur Basilica will gladly oblige you with.
Springtime temperatures in France play around 180C; however, sudden dips are common. So dress warmly and
always keep an eye on the city’s weather updates.
Italy
Uncover your adventuring spirit in the scenic locales of Italy! Lakes, hills, and charming villages make the country’s springtime perfect for picture postcards. The most widely acclaimed places to stay in Italy are Rome, Venice, Milan, Tuscany, and Naples. Other more picturesque towns leading away from the hustle-bustle of these large towns are Cinque Terre, Bellagio, Varenna, Lake Como, and Amalfi Coast. So, make sure you include them into your itinerary as well. Add to these Italian food and gelatos, and your family’s happiness scores will fly off the chart!
Spring temperatures in Italy vary from one city to the other. So don’t be surprised if you experience sudden weather shifts between Milan and Venice, for example. Typically though, temperatures range between 17 and 19OC. And if the sun is out, it might feel like summer is already here.
Germany
Germany is the second-most populous European country, and a meeting place of fascinating history and modern urbanization. Your spring itinerary for Germany should include places like Berlin, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich, the Rhine Gorge, and the Baltic Coast as springtime festivals begin to unravel. Easter is an important part of spring, and is celebrated in different ways across the land, combining German beer, food, and carnival rides.
German spring temperatures range from 8 to 19OC, with chance of an occasional snowstorm. The good news is that temperatures are similar across cities, so you won’t face weather changes compared to other Schengen countries.
Benelux
A portmanteau for Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg, Benelux has the most beautiful springtime views in the world. Tucked away in the countryside of Western Europe, the natural beauty of these three countries sets
them apart from their European counterparts. At Belgium, you’ll find Antwerp’s Chocolate Museum and the bluebells of Hallerbos. Netherlands is well-known for its tulip fields, the Dutch countryside, windmills, and the quaint town of Delft. And Luxembourg is famous for its vibrant city life, which you can easily cover in just one day. Expert explorers typically recommend a 10-day-trip to Benelux. All you need is a flight itinerary, a confirmed hotel booking from amongst the numerous places to stay, and reliable travel insurance.
While rain and sunshine are quite unpredictable in Benelux, you can expect temperatures ranging between 150C and 200C. And yes, don’t forget to pack a raincoat and a couple of umbrellas – just in case!
Switzerland
To truly enjoy Nature’s springtime bounty in Switzerland, hiking is the best option. Dense forest trails cover large sprawling acres of countryside, which are the window to the country’s breathtaking landscapes. Bern captures every traveler’s heart, with its panoramic views, as well as cultural and historic treasures. Of note are the Aare River, the Bear Pit, and Rosengarten with their much-loved Japanese cherry trees which are in full bloom during spring. Zurich occupies a close second with its traditional spring festival of Sechselauten which features parades in historical costumes, colorful flags, floral displays, and fireworks.
Other Swiss regions that figure in the must-see list are the fairytale locales and glacial lakes of Lugano; Grindelwald and the Trummelbach Falls of Lauterbrunnen; Murren; and Lake Geneva, Chateau Chillon, and the Promenade at Montreux.
Experiencing spring in Switzerland is every traveler’s dream, so if you are in a position to realize it, don’t miss this exotic opportunity. As most towns are several hundred meters above sea-level, expect temperatures between 8 and 15OC, and dress warm!
Spain
The quaint charm of Spain in springtime combined with its festive pre-Easter spirit and perfect daytime temperatures, make for a vibrant detour into history. Spain, which is part of the Andalusia region, is well-known for its sacred Semana Santa festivities, marked by colorful religious processions to commemorate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Other noteworthy places to visit are Seville, Cordoba, Granada, and the white- washed hilltop villages. Especially in Seville, don’t miss the flamenco shows and the cathedral which houses Christopher Columbus’ monument and tomb.
At 20 to 22OC, spring weather in Spain is amongst the most pleasant in all of Europe, with just a touch of rain, which enhances the local fervor. Add to this a dash of local drinks and cuisine, and your trip will surely be a memorable one!
With spring just around the corner, and millions of Europeans eagerly awaiting its arrival, it’s best to plan your perfect European getaway right now! Get your flight itinerary ready, complete with the hotel confirmation, travel insurance, and travel medical insurance for your most memorable European springtime vacation.