By mid-April, spring is well under way and in Portugal, Spain and the south of France, our villas are basking in the sun – and you could be too! With Easter just around the corner, here are some of our top tips for perfect, first class getaways…
Luxurious villas in the sun
We have lots of exquisite villas in some of the most gorgeous holiday destinations, from the Algarve, southern France and the Loire Valley, Spain and Ibiza.
All of our villas have pools, maid service and are luxuriously decorated. They’re hand-picked and located in the most idyllic settings. When you take a holiday at a Palmer & Parker villa, you know you’re getting the best there is.
Easter in the Algarve
For many people, spring is the best time to visit this lovely part of Portugal. The almond trees are in blossom, the delicate scented flowers creating a burst of colour and scent. Joined by the velvety fragrance of orange blossom, it definitely invokes a feeling of happiness that the winter is well and truly over.
Deep blue skies, lush vineyards, the golden sands of the beaches and whitewashed buildings of villages reflect the warm sun. Not too hot to cycle or hike, it’s the ideal time to take up a sport and there’s lots of choice in the Algarve including the new The Campus state of the art multi sports complex at Quinta do Lago. With temperatures around 20-25˚C, it’s also wonderful weather for dining al fresco.
It’s a relatively sleepy time of the year before the tourist crowds arrive but there’s still lots going on and at Easter there’s loads to do, from flower festivals to boat trips and of course shops filled with delicious chocolate and sugared almonds.
Inspired to visit Algarve at Easter? Take a look at our fabulous villasa in Portugal.
Easter in southern France
By April, the south of France has warmed up considerably. Vineyards are flourishing, the beaches are enticing, the countryside is filled with the scent of blossom from cherry, almond, lemon and orange trees.
Shops and patisseries are filled with drool-worthy sweet things like edible works of art. Chocolate bells are popular – in France chocolate is bought not by the Easter Bunny – but by flying bells! Church Bells are not rung in France between Good Friday and Easter Sunday as a mark of respect for the death of Jesus. Children are told, the bells have gone to Rome and return bearing chocolate.
Visit the south of France before the crowds to discover the authentic charm of Provence and the French Riviera. The markets are bustling, restaurants and cafés that closed for the winter now tempt you to while away an hour or two simply enjoying the atmosphere whist you watch the world go by and soak up some rays.
The average temperature is usually between 16-20˚C in April and gets progressively warmer through the month.
If we’ve inspired you to discover the gorgeous south of France for yourself, check out our holiday homes in France, from chateaux to villas…
Easter in Marbella
In Spain, Marbella comes to life in Spring but it’s a tranquil time of the year before the summer crowds arrive to enjoy some of the finest beaches and weather in Europe.
As trees and flowers bloom, the sun starts to heat up the sand and beachside restaurants become vibrant and buzzing with visitors.
This is the perfect time to visit for golf, hiking, tennis and all manner of activities including boat trips round the port. If you’re after a more relaxing break, why not enjoy a picnic on the beach or a drive into the mountains to admire the sun baked houses of Andalusian villages such as Casares and Gaucin or the village of Benahavis, which is truly charming but also a gastronomic paradise.
Easter brings parades galore to the area. Holy images are carried through the streets, sometimes followed by exuberant crowds, other times powerfully sombre. Even tiny villages hold parades and it’s a great way to experience the authentic way of life in this popular holiday destination.
Shops close on national holidays and everyone eats out to enjoy the day off, so book in advance if you have a favourite restaurant in mind and enjoy great Spanish tapas. With more than 1,100 restaurants to choose from in the Marbella area, there’s room for all and a whole lot of choice.
Have we whetted your appetite for Marbella? Check out our stunning luxury villas in Marbella.