Thinking of going away for the Easter break? Look no further. There are hundreds of fantastic places in Europe where you can travel for a much-needed getaway that will suit everyone. Whether you’re seeking sun, looking for a city break, or travelling with kids, Europe boasts a huge variety of locations with fantastic attractions and tourist spots.
Whatever you’re looking for in a holiday, you will find it in this list of the best places to visit in Europe this Easter. Food and wine, art galleries, historic architecture, entertainment, and more, these places have it all.
Easter City Breaks
The city of Palermo in Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island off the coast of southern Italy, is rich in history and boasts beautiful Baroque architecture intermingled with the ruins of ancient Greek temples. It is the perfect historical city getaway. While you’re there, be sure to visit the 12th century Palermo Cathedral with a gorgeous interior and ornate tombs. For a bit of culture, why not visit the famed Teatro Massimo for an evening of opera from Mozart to Puccini. For foodies, head to the Piazza Marina for local dishes and wine, street food, and bars. There is also an antique market here on Sunday mornings.
The second-largest city in Croatia, Split, is a beautiful place for a city break. On the coast of the Adriatic Sea, Split is the perfect mixture of city break and beach getaway. While visiting, the old town is a must to experience amazing markets nestled among Italian Renaissance architecture. Split is also home to the Cathedral of Saint Dominus, the oldest catholic cathedral in the world. This coastal city is renowned for its seafood, caught fresh and local, so is a must-try.
Easter Sun Holidays
For fun in the sun this Easter, the Spanish island of Mallorca has it all. There are plenty of destinations to visit, all of which have a different feel. Known for its nightlife, it’s the place to get your party on, and also boasts beautiful sandy beaches. There is no shortage of fun to be had in Mallorca, with numerous waterparks around the island as well. For a bit of history, why not head to the capital city Palma and take in the Moorish Almudaina Royal Palace or visit one of Mallorca’s scenic villages such as Pollença?
While it is renowned primarily for its nightlife and club scene, Ibiza can also be a beautiful beach retreat. Away from the clubbing mecca of Ibiza town, the Balearic island has much to offer. Ibiza is covered in white sandy beaches for some relaxation in the sun. Also found here are quaint Spanish villages, offering a scenic and laid-back day out. If you’re staying on the island, you will find no shortage of wonderful restaurants.
Easter Family Holidays
If you’re travelling with the family, you’ll want something everyone can enjoy. Dubrovnik in Southern Croatia has plenty of things to do for all the family. This small city is home to the gorgeous Gradac Park, a natural oasis looking over the sea where adults can relax while younger family members can run and play. The park is not far from the city’s old town where you can enjoy small shops and local cuisine nestled together along scenic walkways. For a laid-back day, Banje Beach is the perfect spot for everyone. If you’re after something more exciting to do with your family, visit Dubrovnik’s escape room and challenge yourself.
With small beaches along the coast as well as cliffside villages to wander, the Amalfi Coast in Italy is a great family destination. Maiori and Minori are particularly good for families. Visit Minori for boat tours and family-friendly hiking trails. The town is also home to the wonderful San de Riso pastry shop where everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. The whole of this coastal region is a wonderful place for a laid-back family holiday.
Where to go For Easter in Italy
Italy as a whole is known for its beautiful scenery and history, offering a variety of different landscapes to visit. Lake Como in the foothills of the Alps boasts hiking trails in the Grigne Mountains and walks along the Fiumelatte River, named for its distinctive white hue, which only flows from March to September through Verenna. The area is also home to beaches situated on the otherwise rugged shoreline. Why not spend a day in the city of Como and take in the breath-taking Renaissance architecture?
Another quiet retreat in the South of Italy is Puglia. The must-go destination here is its capital, Bari. Bari’s old town is a beautiful place to spend the afternoon meandering through winding pedestrian pathways and visit the harbour to take in the aquamarine sea. There is no shortage of scenic villages and towns, which you can explore to your heart’s content. The Puglia region is also a fantastic spot for foodies. The cuisine is based on simple traditional ingredients, all sourced locally. The cheese burrata is a dish you can’t leave without tasting.
Easter Holidays with Kids
Travelling with children can be tiring. It’s important to find a location with lots for them to do so you can relax. Mallorca is a fantastic location for kids. With multiple waterparks and family-friendly beaches, they’ll be content all day every day. The Island also has a multitude of evening shows that children and adults alike will enjoy. Take them to the city of Palma to see the landmarks and take in the history or let them wonder in awe at the sea life housed in Palma Aquarium. For something more adventurous, head to La Reserva Galatzó where you can all enjoy rock climbing, zip ling and see the animals at the nature reserve. For adults, there is a wide array of great bars and restaurants.
For something less full-on but still child-friendly, the French Riviera is home to multiple family-friendly locations. In Nice, visit the Promenade du Paillon a beautifully curated park full of plants and trees that has fountains for the kids to run and play in, alongside a designated play area. Don’t let them get too worn out to take a walk around the coastal city and visit the beach though. Ideal for families with children is also Azur Park in Gassin, where you will find rides and attractions for children of all ages.
Easter Holiday Ideas for Couples
Looking for a romantic getaway? Head to Italy. Florence in Tuscany is a fantastic location for couples. Florence is known for its art and you can see work by some of the world’s most famous artists, including Botticelli and da Vinci in one of Florence’s many museums. You can also see Michelangelo’s Statue of David at the Galleria Dell’Accademia. Wander the streets flanked by Renaissance architecture or take a boat ride down the river Arno before heading to one of the many restaurants for a romantic dinner. Whilst there, you must seek out the Mercato Centrale, a huge food and wine market where you will be spoiled for choice with samples.
Rome, the capital of Lazio and of Italy itself, is also a wonderful destination for lovebirds. Rich in history, Rome is a beautiful backdrop for romance. Among the sites are some of the most famous in the world including the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Spanish steps and, Vatican City where you will find St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Make sure to throw a coin in Trevi Fountain and make a wish. With a wealth of culture, Rome also boasts world-class cuisine.
Easter Holiday Destinations in France
France is renowned as one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world. Bordeaux is a gorgeous location for an Easter break. With a temperate climate, this city in the southwest of France is wonderful in the spring. First and foremost, Bordeaux is known for its wine, so a few wine tastings, and perhaps some bottles to take home, are a must. Bordeaux also has fantastic cuisine and is particularly known for its oysters. For some culture, visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which is home to European paintings and sculptures from the 15th to the 20th century. Of course, no visit to the city would be complete without a bit of retail therapy at one of the many high-end shops.
Brittany is a picturesque destination on the west coast of France. A historic region, Brittany offers an array of interesting cultural attractions. Take a trip to one of the many castles in the area to learn about the history of the area and perhaps hear a legend or two. For nature lovers, a visit to the Brocéliande Forest can’t be missed. This forest is enchanting and is the birthplace of Arthurian legend. Be sure to also make a visit to Rennes where you will find yourself surrounded by medieval architecture. There is no shortage of museums in Rennes either, from world-class paintings to a modern planetarium.
If you’re looking for a getaway this Easter break, there are clearly plenty of options for everyone. Take the whole family on a seaside retreat in Spain where the kids can run free in the sun. If cities are more your thing, a romantic weekend in Rome is ideal. Perhaps you need to slow down for a week and visit one of Italy’s many picturesque regions.
Whatever it is you’re looking for in a holiday, Europe has it all to offer.