Chocolate eggs. New born lambs. Chicks – the egg laying kind, rabbits and daffodils. Yep, we’re talking Easter.
With the sun shining across many of Mystery Holidays favourite travel destinations and a feast of traditional festivals to look out for, there’s no doubt Easter is another top-notch time of year to search out your passport and travel, travel, travel.
Those of us looking to escape the 9-5 can also do so while making barely a dent in our annual leave entitlement.
Book off the days either side of the long Easter weekend, and you can have a ten day break while only officially being absent from work for four.
Sounds good? Of course it does.
So let’s take a virtual voyage among the very best places to visit at Easter!
What are the best places to visit at Easter?
1. Sicily
The Med’s largest island certainly puts on a show at Easter.
Though a part of Italy, Sicily has gone its own way for centuries, adopting elements of culture from the Middle East, North Africa, Iberian Peninsula and mainland Europe.
The result is a fascinating mix of traditions, making themselves known during the Easter period with a plethora of festivities.
Chief among them are the town celebrations of Holy Week, whether in the provincial capital of Palermo or towns such as Trapani – home to the centuries old Procession of the Mysteries.
Food plays a massive part in proceedings. Head to Modica or Ragusa to sample a baked pastry tart of sweet ricotta cheese flavoured with cinnamon.
In the countryside, Sicily’s fields are in full bloom with a carpet of wild flowers at this time of year.
However, it remains cool enough – temperatures don’t generally rise above 21°C – for exploration of either Sicily’s countryside or its architectural sights.
History lovers won’t want to miss the temples of Agrigento, or the marvellous views of Mount Etna from the ancient theatre at Taormina.
2. The Greek Islands
Scattered across the eastern Med, the Greek islands make our list of the best places to visit at Easter because of their incredible beaches.
From Corfu to Mykonos, there are no shortage of shoreline idylls from which to slap on the suncream and enjoy some much needed R&R.
Zante – also known as Zakynthos – is great for a beach break, with water sports by day and a great nightlife for when the sun goes down.
At the same time, the deep religious faith of Cretans and inhabitants of Santorini and Rhodes pretty much guarantee a long list of possible cultural delights visitors should keep an eye and an ear out for.
As a key destination for UK travellers for decades, those nervous of mangling the Greek language don’t need to worry.
Almost everyone you meet on the islands speaks English, ensuring the wonder of Santorini’s historic windmills and the sunsets of Mykonos won’t be lost in translation.
3. South Korea
The coolest destination in Asia in many people’s eyes, South Korea is one of the best places to visit at Easter without the country even celebrating the festival.
Take a mystery holiday to South Korea at this time of year, and there’s a superb chance to catch the cherry blossom season.
Famed in Japan, but also occurring in South Korea, the country’s parks and countryside ignite in whites and pale pinks.
It’s a time of year when South Koreans head outdoors with family and friends after their long – surprisingly snowy – winters. Don’t forget Pyeongchang hosted the Winter Olympics in 2018 to much fanfare.
Since Easter isn’t a big deal, you also won’t have to worry about unusual opening hours or attractions being closed when they are usually open.
And being lucky enough to steal a South Korean break with Mystery Holidays means you don’t have to worry about rising accommodation or flight prices either!
4. Miami, Florida
Did someone say Spring Break? Florida – Miami included – is firmly on the Spring Break circuit.
This is mainly down to the city’s subtropical climate, making it much warmer than the university towns in and around the New England states.
The result is a party atmosphere like no other, paired with near-endless patrolled beaches, a great array of dining options and (whisper it) a little culture too!
Gardens such as the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden take lush to a new level, while the big theme parks near Miami are all geared up for the new season.
So if you’re keen to let your hair down, eager to top up the tan, and looking get to know a fun bunch of people your age across the pond, we can’t recommend Miami high enough.
One of the best places to visit at Easter? You betcha!
5. Iceland
Tucked high in the North Atlantic ocean between Scotland and Greenland, Iceland certainly can’t match the Easter temperatures of the destinations we’ve already highlighted further south.
And arriving in Iceland at Easter can mean there’s still a lot of ice lying around. Iceland is a country that’s well named.
However, what a mystery holiday to Iceland at Easter can also deliver is great mix of winter activities and spring things to do.
The country’s snow covered interior still provides a playground for no shortage of winter sports – how about a spot of snowmobiling or glacier hiking?
Plus, night remains long enough that it’s possible to head out on tours to Iceland’s most celebrated attraction – the Northern Lights – even this late into the year.
At the same time, the warming temperatures welcome in a wealth of birds that escaped the harsh winter, keeping wildlife lovers happy too.
6. Marrakesh, Morocco
The best places to visit at Easter extend further – to the Moroccan city of Marrakesh too.
An excellent introduction to the traditions of the Arab world, we reckon Marrakesh is a great Easter escape because of its offer of relaxed digs.
Marrakesh is home to the country’s top selection of riads and dars – traditional mansion like homes built around an outdoor central courtyard.
Many of these riads and dars have been converted into boutique hotels. They keep visitors close to the action and give them a real sense of what it must be like to live in Marrakesh.
Others welcome day visitors to their hammams, spas and restaurants, so even if you don’t stay in one you can still visit.
