by LAURA KERRY, Editor, Condé Nast Johansens
Spring marks the beginning of holiday season for many European destinations but where are the best spring breaks in Europe located, complete with the best luxury hotels and spas? Our team of Local Experts has been busy identifying the greatest tourist hotspots from classic favourites to emerging newcomers.
The town of Sirmione, home to Scaligero Castle
Lake Garda, Italy
Lake Garda’s climate is a refreshing 14°C/57°F on average in the spring. Considered a little cold for some, this means the number of tourists heading to the area tends to be a manageable size, so as not to overcrowd and pack hotspots to their limit. Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake at 143 square miles/370 square km and yes, swimming is permitted. Bordered by the mighty Dolomite mountains, Garda is home to one of the best-preserved castles in Italy: the Scaligero Castle dating back to the second half of the 13th century, located on the south shore. Other highlights include various Roman ruins such as Grotte di Catullo, long sandy beaches, plus pretty towns Desenzano del Garda, Lazise, Torri del Benaco, Malcesine, Riva del Garda and quaint Limone sul Garda. Milan and Venice are within easy reach too; a simple train journey away. At the Lake’s very northern tip, the Liberty-styled Lido Palace provides a heavy dose of glamour, luxury spa facilities and mouth-watering food. To the east of the lake, there’s Color Hotel style & design, complete with a Michelin Starred restaurant, and Madrigale Panoramic, Lifestyle & Soulful Hotel surrounded by nothing but green space high above Lake Garda. And at it’s southern edge, Il Mansio Locanda demonstrates how luxury hospitality can be achieved with a plant-based, ethical and sustainable philosophy.
The Crystal Palace at the Buen Retiro Park, Madrid, Photo by Victor Ovies Arenas/Getty Images
Madrid, Spain
Ok, so there may be a little rainfall in Madrid during the spring but the average temperature is a walk-in-comfort 12ºC/54ºF with the potential to reach a very warm 26ºC/79ºF in late spring. Visit during this season and enjoy some of the city’s most famous festivals, pretty cherry blossom at the Quinta de los Molinos Park, Easter parades, the Rastro street market, and San Isidro celebrations in honour of Madrid’s patron saint with religious events, dancing, bullfights, concerts, street parties and more. The Zurich Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Madrid will also be coming to town in April. Part of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series – the world’s biggest running circuit – this momentous occasion is attended by runners from all over the world and musicians on more than 20 stages. Spring also sees the Royal Botanic Gardens bloom in all their glory and the four-month race season begin at La Zarzuela racecourse, just north-west of Madrid city centre. Situated a stone’s throw from the Reina Sofia Museum, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, Prado Museum, Plaza Mayor and Gran Vía is Palacio de Atocha by CoolRooms Manor Hotels, which delivers on its cool moniker from Las Letras neighbourhood, which is renowned as the home of Madrid’s gastronomy. In the very centre of the city is *Barceló Torre de Madrid set within an iconic 1950s sky sky scrapper; an attraction itself for its avant-garde architecture.
The Eiffel Tower framed by pink blossom
Paris, France
Spring sees Paris come to life with buzzing street markets and busy café terraces framed by pink cherry blossom. The season begins with temperatures at an average high of 12°C/54°F in March, ending with a very warm 20°C/68°F) in May, which encourages tourists to return to the city, however, not in their droves. Fewer tourists means that iconic sites such as the Trocadero Gardens, Eiffel Tower, Square Jean XXIII, Notre Dame Cathedral and Parc du Champ-de-Mars are so much more pleasant to explore, and navigating public transport is less frantic. Approximately 15 minutes by foot across the river from Parc du Champ-de-Mars is the legendary Hôtel Plaza Athénée on Avenue Montaigne. In operation for over 112 years, this grande dame is an icon in the city and fashion world whose Dior Spa honours the House of Dior with grace and effortless style. A further 15 minutes east by car, between Place Vendôme and Opéra Garnier, resides Hôtel Westminster – Paris, frequented by the Duke of Westminster during the 19th century, now a bastion of Parisian sophistication and five-star hospitality.
Ermoupoli on the island of Syros, George Papapostolou photographer/Getty Images
Syros, Greece
Quiet, less touristy and cooler in springtime – ranging from an average of 15°C/59°F in March to 22°C/72°F in May – the Greek island of Syros promises a stress-free holiday and opportunity to soak up all the sites, tastes and sounds devoid of long queues and waiting times. Syros is home to the capital of the Cyclades islands: Ermoupoli, a buzzing hub of colourful mansion houses, the 19th-century Miaouli Square and impressive Apollo Theatre modelled on Milan’s La Scala. Looking down on Ermoupoli is the town of Ano Syros built by the Venetians circa 1200 AD, now a classic example of whitewashed Cycladic architecture linked by winding lanes dotted with flower-filled courtyards and shops. In beachy contrast on the west coast, the sandy shorelines of Galissas, Kini and Delfini provide plenty of peaceful sunbathing bliss, while the popular southern coastal towns of Vari, Megas Gialos, Agathopes, Posidonia and Finikas offer up a more lively atmosphere and shallow waters ideal for visiting families. Overlooking the ocean from Kini’s serene coast is the six-bedroom Pino di Loto Boutique Bed and Breakfast owned and run by the Rigouzzo family. The Rigouzzos and their team are very happy to organise boat tours, hiking trips, windsurfing lessons and wine-tasting sessions, or alternative past times yoga, Pilates classes or massages in their WellnesT spa area. For those who prefer grass beneath their feet, the northern island’s countryside and quiet villages of Mytakas, Papouri, Rihopos and little San Michali are idyllic spots for sampling local dishes and authentic Greek life.
Fontana Pretoria statues, Palermo, Gary Yeowell/Getty Images
Palermo, Italy
Late spring is a fantastic time to visit south Sicily’s Palermo when the temperature rises and the Sirocco winds bring a warm embrace. The landscape starts to light up in florescent green and flowers blossom in all colours of the rainbow while temperatures range from 24°C/75°F in the day, dropping to 13°C/55°F at night in March and April. This is literally a hot ticket destination and as the season progresses, May’s soaring temperature prepares everyone for the scorching summer ahead and promises pleasant swimming conditions. Palermo itself is packed with incredible architecture and mosaics dating from the Norman, Arabic and 19th-century Liberty style, all waiting to be explored. And vibrant markets selling the freshest fruits, vegetables and seafood lend an exciting atmosphere to the streets. Residence-turned-museum-hotel *Palazzo Arone dei Baroni di Valentino is a showpiece of the city’s historic significance from its 16th-century architecture to precious antiquities and unique objets d’art displayed throughout its six bedrooms and two apartments. Just over an hour from the city, is the rural idyll of *Susafa offering the opportunity to experience Sicily’s slower pace of life in low-key comfort accompanied by five-star hospitality. Meanwhile, ADLER Sicilia, located next to Sicily’s Torre Salsa Nature Reserve, provides expert spa pampering and yoga programmes in untouched Mother Nature.
The Bay of Kotor as seen from Heritage Grand Perast
Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
Lying in southern Europe with a coast on the Balkans, Montenegro has near-perfect weather during the spring months with sunny days boasting an average temperature of 16 °C/61 °F, which often reaches the low twenties. Very popular during the summer months, the Bay of Kotor, aka the Boka, borders the Adriatic Sea in southwestern Montenegro, so visiting during the spring allows you to avoid the crowds. This Venetian-built coastline is lined with chic boutiques, traditional restaurants, historic churches and several noteworthy towns to see. Namely its namesake, Kotor, whose old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Plus, Herceg Novi, found at the entrance of Kotor Bay, with origins back to the 14th century, and the utterly bewitching small town of Perast built around just one main road directly beside the Bay’s still water. Despite its diminutive size, Perast comprises 16 churches and 17 palazzos. One of these palaces has been converted into the elegant Heritage Grand Perast hotel beside the Bay of Kotor’s waters. Awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status, this former royal residences is now home to a luxury spa, outdoor pool, indoor and outdoor restaurants and 130 rooms and suites.
The botanical garden in Funchal, Madeira, tbralnina/Getty Images
Funchal, Portugal
Springtime means the Flower Festival in Madeira. Every May, beautiful displays of tropical flowers showcase the rich, volcanic land of the island, and its Sunday parade has become a particularly noteworthy occasion comprising hundreds of dancers alongside huge floral floats marching through the main streets of Funchal. Madeira’s year-round pleasant climate is a shorts and T-shirt affair in late spring and although a burst of heavy rain is to be expected, the weather is on average 14.4°C/57.9°F to 21°C/69.1°F so it never feels uncomfortably cold. Walking beside the 1,350-mile network of levadas and around the World Heritage-listed laurisilva forest is exceptionally enjoyable this time of year when the greenery is popping and the heat is bearable, and the hardy visitor may be tempted to join the locals in the lukewarm sea. Funchal’s Quinta da Casa Branca and Quinta Jardins do Lago are two of the finest hotels in the city with all the luxury trimmings set in magnificent gardens filled with a range of local and international varieties of plant life. Presiding above the city, commanding special views, is Quinta da Bela Vista and to the west, reached within 20 minutes, is the century-old 1905 Zino’s Palace awaiting to charm and take care of you. Almost next door, reached within a few minutes’ by car, the designer Estalagem da Ponta do Sol boasts uninterrupted views of the Atlantic from on high.
Godard F/Andia/Getty Images
Colmar, France
Pretty, quirky Colmar comes alive during the spring, particularly at Easter during which time the town is decorated in spring colours, puckish rabbits, flowers, cheeky chickens and eggs beside the river bordered by trees covered in bright green leaves. Spring also sees the streets buzzing with markets selling all manner of knick-knacks and produce including plants, beauty products, jewellery, toys, ceramics, fine wines, beers and cheeses. The markets are part of the Spring Festival held from 6th to 30th April, during which time Saint Matthieu Church and the Salle des Catherinettes regularly host classical and jazz concerts. Master chocolatiers display their elaborately decorated chocolate eggs whilst craftsmen showcase their unique products and top chefs present new menus accompanied by incredible fine Alsatian wines. The Alsace Wine Route ends just south of Colmar, so there are plenty of opportunities to sample Riesling wines, Pinot Gris and Gewürztraminer varieties that the region is known for, plus many other organic wines. All the while, those with a sweet tooth will delight in the abundance of pastries such as the traditional lamala, an Alsatian lamb cake popular during Easter. In Colmar’s Little Venice neighbourhood, the canal-side *Hôtel Le Maréchal provides rest and relaxation by the bucketload, plus exquisite fine dining at its irresistible A l’Echevin Alsatian restaurant. Just a five-minute walk from here is the equally serene *L’esquisse Hotel & Spa in Colmar’s green Le Parc du Champ de Mars. A Spa by Clarins is housed within this modern retreat along with the 2 Michelin Starred JY’S (Jean-Yves Schillinger) restaurant.
The 18th-century Churchill Arms pub in Kensington, London
London, England
Weather is an important talking point for the Brits and springtime marks longer days and warmer climes from 6°C/43°F to 18°C/64°F, which thrills many Londoners. Outdoor London gradually opens up with the capital’s parks and gardens coming alive once again, both in flower and popularity with meandering locals and visitors. Attractions such as Shakespeare’s Globe theatre tours, The Cutty Sark, Kew Gardens, London bus tours and Thames River boat trips and tours garner more appeal. And fun activities, that can sometimes be hampered by the weather, are back on the agenda for many such as the London Eye, ZSL London Zoo, Tower of London, and themed walking tours including Sherlock Holmes, Jack The Ripper, and Downton Abbey. Must spring events range from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and The Last Night of the Spring Proms to the FA Cup Final in May and St George’s Day this year will be celebrated with live music, food and drink, and family-friendly activities on 23rd April in Trafalgar Square. Close to all this action are the following luxury hotels promising upscale comfort, superior service and a thoroughly nice time: Kimpton Fitzroy London; Middle Eight; The Athenaeum Hotel & Residences; The Guardsman; The Mandeville Hotel; Great Scotland Yard Hotel; The Prince Akatoki London; Town Hall Hotel; The BoTree; The Mandrake; The Gore London – Starhotels Collezione; The Capital Hotel, Apartments & Townhouse.
Springtime in Prague
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague in the spring is a meander-at-your-own-pace experience with fewer tourists obstructing views or treading on your toes. The weather remains fresh with temperatures between 4°C/39°F and 17°C/63°F, but reaches upwards of 25°C/77°F in May. Some rain is likely, however, when the attractions are as varied and numerous as they are here, you can venture in and out of the cold; choose to take a boat trip along the Vltava River, visit the reopened Vrtba Garden Prague and/or Baroque Vrtba Garden, kick back in a beer garden (which reopen in April) and head inside to check out the Baroque details of Trojský zámek palace or step into a cosy pub. Prague’s Old Town is the city’s most photographed area where a labyrinth of passageways lead to the Old Market Square, historic Jewish Quarter, Old Town City Hall, Týn Cathedral, the Astronomical Clock, and St Nicholas Church. Not to mention the world-famous 14th-century St Charles Bridge, all of which is within easy reach of *The Emblem Hotel Prague, an incredibly relaxed haven where both guests and members are welcome to work, rest, eat, meet and play.
*Not currently a member of the Condé Nast Johansens collection
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