We probably don’t need to work too hard to convince you of the glories of spring.
Following the long, dark – and let’s face it grey – months of winter, the start of spring promises a renewed chance to get outside.
Longer daylight hours, sunnier skies, warmer temperatures and the appearance of the year’s first flowers make spring many people’s favourite time of year.
Spring is also a great time to head off on your first holiday of the year. But what are the best places to visit in spring?
That’s what we’re here to find out!
The best places to visit in spring
1. New York City, USA
The deep snow that covers New York in the winter months is melting. The runners are returning to Central Park’s avenues – lined with the pink confetti blossom of their cherry trees. Rooftop bars dust themselves down and start to fill up.
Is there a better time to visit the city that never sleeps?
With warmth in the air you don’t have to jump from subway train to subway train or taxi to taxi. Instead, you can experience all New York City has to offer by hitting the streets on foot.
New York is a city with a phenomenal array of street art, from unofficial graffiti to sculptures by famous names.
Flowers also take over much of the city in spring with a plethora of garden-themed events.
Meanwhile, there are still plenty of things to do indoors. Just head to Broadway to catch a show before it makes it across the Atlantic to our shores.
2. Malta
Sitting slap bang in the middle of the Med, spring comes early to the Maltese Islands.
So if it’s a little post-winter warmth you’re after, touching down at Luqa International Airport should be high on your list of the best places to visit in spring.
From the airport the island of Malta is small enough – smaller even than the Isle of Wight – that nothing is far away.
Though the coat-clad locals might gently mock you for your eagerness, the island’s many beaches are already open for business.
Head to Mellieha Bay for classic Mediterranean beach vibes, or the likes of Fomm Ir-Rih Bay on Malta’s west coast for a quieter time.
Temperatures averaging 17-25°C mean spring is the ideal time for water sports, hiking and biking.
If you’re not big on physical activity, you can still enjoy a wander around the historic car-free streets of Mdina.
Just make sure you stop by the terraced outdoor tables of Fontanella, a city institution, for a large slab of cake.
3. Canary Islands, Spain
Though Spanish for centuries, the Canary Islands lie off the west coast of Morocco. This makes the islands the first part of Spain to warm up with the arrival of spring.
But beyond this, what makes the Canaries one of the best places to visit in spring is the fact the islands are the ultimate outdoor destination.
Natural pools make a good alternative to the sometimes choppy seas, while villages across the islands are festooned with decorations for traditional spring festivities.
If you don’t mind the water, spring is a great time to head out in search of Bryde’s whales off the coast too.
Fuerteventura and Lanzarote will be the warmest islands during the spring, and Fuerteventura is also the driest, getting almost no rain at all in April, for instance.
You also get to enjoy these holiday islands before the arrival of huge numbers of travellers that come later on in the year. Win win!
4. Cape Town, South Africa
Where can you get two springs a year? Cape Town, that’s where.
Located far beyond the equator, Cape Town’s seasons are flipped, meaning spring takes place during the UK autumn.
This is generally seen as the start of the best time to visit Cape Town. However, heading to South Africa’s ‘mother city’ in the UK’s own spring instead is a secret that’s slowly getting out.
Whichever spring you choose, visitors to Cape Town will find a city packed with attractions. The shops and galleries in and around Long Street are a great place to start.
But you won’t want to miss the cable car ride – or hike – to the top of Table Mountain. Or the chance to see wild penguins at Boulders Beach.
Escaping the city, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is a wonderful day out whatever the month. And if you’re into wine, the Cape Winelands are only a short drive away.
Just make sure it’s not you doing the driving if you’re planning to sample the produce of the region’s multiple vineyards!
5. The Alps, Switzerland
Long thought of as a winter destination due to its immense skiing, the Swiss Alps are also one of the best places to visit in spring.
Take a gander at pretty much any image of the Swiss Alps, and you’ll see why.
Blue skies stretch endlessly over mountain peaks including some of the highest in Europe, the Jungfrau, Eiger and Monch among them.
It’s still often possible to snap on a pair of skis or strap on a snowboard – depending on the year. If not, the hundreds of miles of hiking trails – often connected by efficient public transport – come into their own in spring.
And there’s never a bad time to sample Swiss cuisine, from fondue and rosti to chocolate and cake.
6. Lisbon, Portugal
We wrap up our pick of the best places to visit in spring with the Portuguese capital.
Filled with a rich and often unknown heritage, Lisbon isn’t short of grand architectural endeavours either.
Iconic landmarks include Belem Tower, alongside the ever-impressive São Jorge Castle.
It would be rude to visit Lisbon without taking a ride up and down its seven hills on one of its famous historic trams – made all the more delightful by blue spring skies, sun and exploding wild flowers.
That said, riding the rails won’t do a lot to help burn off the calories from Portugal’s tasty food scene.
For a main meal, opt for bacalao (salt-cured cod usually served with matchstick potato). And for a sweet kick, look no further than Lisbon’s own pastel de nata, or Portuguese egg custard tart.
