Hottest Places in Europe in April: Where to Go for Warm Weather

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If you’re planning a trip to Europe in April, you might be wondering where the hottest places to visit are. While springtime in Europe can be unpredictable, there are a few destinations that tend to have warmer weather and plenty of sunshine during this time of year.

Whether you’re looking for a beach vacation or a city break, there are several options to consider. In this guide, I cover the hottest places in Europe to visit in April.

Spain: Costa Del Sol, Valencia and Seville

If you’re looking for a sunny and warm destination in Europe in April, Spain is a great option. The southern region of Costa Del Sol is known for its beautiful beaches and warm weather, with temperatures averaging around 22°C (72°F) in April.

While in Costa Del Sol, I recommend taking one of the boat trips such as this catamaran cruise or this dolphin watching boat trip.  if you’re looking for something more thrilling you could go paragliding. Costa Del Sol also has a really good waterpark called Aqualand, and you can get tickets online here to avoid queueing.

Valencia, on the east coast of Spain, is also a great option, with temperatures averaging around 20°C (68°F) in April. The city is known for its beautiful architecture and delicious food. Here’s some of the best things to while in Valencia:

  • Old Town Tour, Wine & Tapas: Take a tour around Valencia’s old town, and after enjoy an evening of wine tasting and a 10-course tapas in an 11th-century monument. Check tour availability here.
  • Catamaran Cruise: Hop on board a catamaran, and enjoy a cruise along the Mediterranean Sea. Opt for the sunset cruise for the best experience as you watch the sunset over the med.
  • Visit Valencia’s science museum: The Principe Felipe Science Museum is one of the best museums in th city, and is suitable for all ages. You can buy skip-the-link tickets online, or get a combo ticket that gives you skip-the-line admission to 2 of the best museums + the Oceanografic Aquarium in Valencia for a discounted price.You can buy the combo ticket here.
  • Visit the Caves of San José – Take a day trip from Valencia to the Caves of San José where you’ll get to explore the underground river by boat. You’ll be able to see the UNESCO-listed cave paintings, and the caves geography as you cruise along in the boat. This guided tour includes transport from Valencia.

Seville is also a great destination for warm weather in April. With temperatures averaging around 24°C (75°F), you can enjoy the city’s beautiful parks and historic landmarks without feeling too hot. Seville is known for its stunning cathedral and the Alcázar of Seville, the oldest palace in Europe that dates back to the 14th century. A great way to see the Cathedral, Giralda, and Royal Alcázar is on a guided tour, such as this. 

All three destinations offer a variety of activities and attractions, from soaking up the sun on the beach to exploring historic landmarks and trying delicious local cuisine. Keep in mind that April is a popular time to take a vacation to Spain, so be sure to book your accommodations in advance.

The Canary Island’s: Lanzarote and Tenerife

If you’re looking for a warm and sunny destination to travel to in April, the Canary Islands are an excellent choice.Lanzarote and Tenerife, in particular, are actually the hottest place in Europe in April.

Lanzarote is known for its volcanic landscapes and beautiful beaches. The average temperature in April is around 22°C (72°F), making it a great place to soak up some sun and relax. Some of the top attractions on the island include Timanfaya National Park, the Jameos del Agua caves, the César Manrique Foundation and the cactus farm.

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and offers a great selection of activities for you to enjoy. In April, the average temperature is around 23°C (73°F). Some of the top things to do on the island include seeing Teide National Park, exploring the historic city of La Laguna, and relaxing on one of the southern beaches such as Costa Adeje.

With their beautiful landscapes, and good weather, if you’re looking for a warm and sunny destination to visit in April, Lanzarote and Tenerife are both excellent choices

Italy: Rome and Sicily

In April, Italy is a great destination if you’re looking for warm weather and sunshine. Two of the warmest areas are Rome and Sicily.

Rome

The Roman Forum, in rome on a sunny day
The Roman Forum, in Rome

Rome has an average temperature of 19°C in April making it one of the warmest cities in Europe. The city is known for its historical architecture, delicious food, and culture. 

Some must-visit attractions in Rome include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Vatican City. Rome is home to many beautiful parks, such as Villa Borghese and the Appian Way Regional Park.

While in Rome, you could take a tour. Below are some of the tours I recommend considering:

  • Priority Access to the Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: With this tour, you’ll get a guided tour with priority access that let’s you skip the queues to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.
  • Visit the Vatican: You can stroll around The Vatican City for free but if you’d like to see any of the museums or the Sistine Chapel you’ll need a ticket. If you’re interested in learning more about the Vatican and Catholicism I recommend taking a guided tour. You could take a guided group tour that gives access to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter’s Basilica, or opt for a private tour such as this.

A lot of Rome’s main attractions including the Colosseum are not wheelchair accessible. If you are a wheelchair user or have difficulties walking and are arriving by cruise, I recommend checking out this accessible tour. You could also check out the tours offered by Rome & Italy Accessible Travel.

Sicily

The Marsala Salt Pans in Sicily
The Marsala Salt Pans in Sicily

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea with an average temperature of 20°C in April. The island is known for its stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and delicious cuisine.

Some must-see attractions in Sicily include the Valley of the Temples, Mount Etna, and the historic city of Syracuse. I also recommend visiting the Marsala Salt Pans, which turn a beautiful pink shade due to the salt content. Sicily also hastons of beautiful beaches, such as San Vito Lo Capo and Mondello Beach.

The best way to get around Sicily is by car, but you could also look into tours and day trips such as:

  • Mini Cruise to Favignana and Levanzo: This mini-cruise departs from Trapani and takes you to the beautiful island of Favignana where you can enjoy crystal clear waters, and it’s beautiful beaches before heading to the Levanzo fishing village. Check availability here.
  • Mount Etna Guided Hike + Cable Car: Mount Etna is one of the most active volcanos in the world, and one of the largest in Europe. You can take a day trip where you’ll get to ride up a cable car 2504 meters up the mountain before hiking with your guide to the Barbagallo craters – the highest allowed point on the mountain. Along the way, you’ll get to enjoy stunning views across Sicily and see the mountain’s moon-like landscape. Check availability here.
  • Piazza Armenia and Valley of the Temples: Take a day trip from Catania, and discover 2 of Sicily’s UNESCO World Heritage sites; Piazza Armenia and Valley of the Temples. Learn about Sicily’s archaeological heritage, and visit the Villa Romana di Casale at Piazza Armenia. Then head over to the Valley of The Temples where you’ll discover the ancient Greek city of Akragas. Get tickets here.
  • Full-Day Etna and Wine Tour from Catania: Take a wine-tasting tour to Etna where you’ll get to enjoy sampling some of the best Italian wines. You’ll also get to enjoy a walk through Etna Park and see a lava flow cave! It’s an awesome experience and well worth seeing. Check availability here.

Greece: Crete, Kos and Rhodes

If you’re looking for a warm European destination in April, Greece is a great option. The islands of Crete, Kos, and Rhodes are particularly popular due to their warm temperatures and stunning scenery.

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and boasts a range of landscapes, from rugged mountains to golden beaches. In April, temperatures can reach up to 20°C, making it a great time to explore the island’s many attractions. Why not check out the ancient ruins of Knossos? Or hike through the Samaria Gorge, enjoy a Balos Gramvousa Cruise. You may also enjoy simply relaxing on one of the island’s many beaches. If you’d like to explore natuer, you could also visit the Botanical Park & Gardens Of Crete.

Kos is another popular Greek island, known for its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife. In April, temperatures can reach up to 19°C, making it a great time to explore the islands whilst they’re less crowded. A great way of exploring the islands is by water. So while in Kos, you could hire a speed boat or take a tour to the 3 nearby islands – Kalymnos, Plati, and Pserimos. Another fun thing to do that’s family-friendly is to visit the Lido water park. Another awesome thing to do is, to watch the sunset at Zia. If you need transport, I recommend booking a tour to Zia that includes transport to and from Kos such as this

Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and is known for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and medieval architecture. In April the city gets to around 20c so it’s a great time to go on holiday here, especially if you’d like to escape the summer crowds and bag yourself cheaper hotels + flights. Whilst in Rhodes I recommend visiting the ancient acropolis of Lindos by taking a boat trip, exploring the medieval old town on a bike tour or as part of a private food tasting tour, or simply relax on one of the island’s many beaches. You may also enjoy taking a catamaran cruise, around the beaches on the east coast of Rhodes including Anthony Quinn Bay and Kalithea Bay.

Portugal: Algarve and Madeira

If you’re looking for some of the hottest places in Europe in April, Portugal’s Algarve region and Madeira Island are definitely worth considering. With average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C, you’ll be able to enjoy plenty of sunshine and warm weather during your trip.

In Algarve, I’d recommend staying in Albufeira. It has a beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. It’s also great for dolphin watching, and I recommend taking a dolphin watching boat tour or one of the many other Albufeira boat trips. I also highly recommend exploring the town’s historic center, which features traditional architecture, narrow streets, and charming cafes and restaurants.

On Madeira Island, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, and canyoning. The island is also known for its lush greenery, stunning landscapes, and unique flora and fauna. You can visit botanical gardens, natural parks, and scenic viewpoints to take in the island’s beauty. One of the best ways to explore the island is to take a tour, such as this full day tour that’ll take you to the Skywalk, Porto Moniz Volcanic Pools, and Fanal.

Cyprus: Limassol and Ayia Napa

If you’re looking for a place to soak up the sun and enjoy the beautiful beaches in Europe, Cyprus is a great destination to consider. Limassol and Ayia Napa are two of the hottest places to visit in Cyprus in April.

Limassol, located on the southern coast of Cyprus, is known for its long stretches of sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. The city is also home to many historical landmarks, such as the Limassol Castle and the Limassol Archaeological Museum. In April, the average temperature in Limassol is around 22°C, making it an ideal destination for those seeking warm weather. A great way to explore Limassol is to take a walking tour with a local, who will share with you their insider & local knowledge of the city.

Ayia Napa, located on the eastern coast of Cyprus, is another great place to stay. The town is known for its vibrant nightlife and beautiful beaches, such as Nissi Beach and Makronissos Beach. In April, the average temperature in Ayia Napa is around 20°C, so it’s great for a beach holiday without the crowds. A great way of exploring the waters around Ayia Napa is to take the Blue Lagoon Cruise (which also stops so you can go for a swim). I’d also recommend considering the Nicosia Old Town Tour, which is one of the last divided cities in the world. You’ll get to learn and see how the city has been split between Greece and Turkey, and experience two different cultures in one city.

Both Limassol and Ayia Napa have a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts. So if you’re looking for a destination with warm weather and beautiful beaches in Europe to visit in April, Limassol and Ayia Napa in Cyprus are definitely worth considering.

Malta: Valletta and Gozo

Malta is a great choice for a spring holiday. The island nation of Malta is located in the Mediterranean Sea and has a pleasant climate year-round, with temperatures averaging around 20°C in April.

Valletta, the capital city of Malta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see destination for those interested in history. The city is home to numerous historic buildings, including St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Grandmaster’s Palace, and the National Museum of Archaeology.

A great way to explore the city is to join a walking tour, such as this small group tour that’ll give you insight into the city’s history and a good taster of what Valletta has to offer.

Gozo, Malta’s second-largest island, is a tranquil and laid-back destination that’s perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The island is home to stunning beaches, picturesque villages, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling.

To get to Gozo, you’ll need to take a boat trip from the mainland. You can either opt for the Gozo ferry, which departs from Ċirkewwa or by taking a boat trip. I recommend hopping on the Gozo, Comino, and The Blue Lagoon Boat Trip as this way you can enjoy Gozo’s best sights plus the caves around Comino Island and The Blue Lagoon with its stunning scenery.

If you’re more interested in the island’s history, I recommend taking a tour that’ll take you to the Citadel of Rabat, a historic fortress that dates back to the 16th century; and the Ggantija Temples, a prehistoric temple complex that’s believed to be one of the oldest free-standing structures in the world. This tour includes the ferry ticket plus pick up from your hotel. Book the tour here.

Malta is a fantastic destination for anyone looking for a warm and sunny getaway in Europe in April. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and laid-back lifestyle, Malta is an amazing place for a vacation.

Turkey: Bodrum and Antalya

If you are looking for a warm and sunny destination in Europe in April, Turkey is a great option. Two of the hottest places in Turkey at this time are Bodrum and Antalya.

Bodrum is a popular resort town located on the Aegean coast. In April, temperatures in Bodrum average around 20°C (68°F), making it a great time to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities. You can also explore the town’s historic sites, such as the Bodrum Castle and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus.

Antalya, located on the Mediterranean coast, is another great option for a warm April vacation. Temperatures in Antalya can reach up to 25°C (77°F) in April, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and outdoor activities. You can also visit the Old Town of Antalya, which is full of historic sites and charming streets.

I recommend taking this tour to the Old Town. On this tour you’ll get to ride the Tünektepe Cable Car which offers amazing views over Antalya. Next, you’ll explore the historic city of Kaleici where you can see the Hadrianus Gate & other historical sights. After you’ll head to the Lower Duden waterfall in Lara. Book the tour here.

While in Antalya you could also go scuba diving, or join a tour that offers a range of activities including ziplining, rafting, and a quad bike safari.

Both Bodrum and Antalya offer a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts. While in Turkey I really recommend tasting the loca cusine, which includes dishes such as kebabs, meze, and baklava.

Need to book a flight?

I recommend using Expedia to find cheap flights. Compare multiple airlines to find the cheapest tickets.

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