Top 5 European Cities for a Spring Long Weekend Getaway
Spring presents the perfect opportunity for a long weekend escape to Europe, combining mild temperatures, reduced tourist numbers, and vibrant cultural scenes. As the shoulder season unfolds, these destinations offer an ideal balance of exploration and relaxation without the summer heat and overcrowding. Here are the five best cities to visit for a memorable spring break.
Split, Croatia
Often overshadowed by Dubrovnik, Split serves as a compelling alternative with abundant attractions. Direct and affordable flights from the UK make it easily accessible. While it can be a gateway to island-hopping adventures, Split itself is a destination worth exploring in depth.
The city is home to the vast Roman Diocletian's Palace, constructed between 295 and 305 CE, comprising over 200 buildings and ranking among the largest Roman remains globally. This living monument houses thousands of residences and businesses within its ancient walls. The picturesque Riva waterfront, lined with boats, offers a scenic promenade for leisurely walks. Spring visits are particularly rewarding, with fewer tourists and comfortable temperatures for roaming.
Where to stay: Hotel Ambasador, located just a five-minute walk from Split's UNESCO-listed Old Town and overlooking the Riva Promenade, provides an ultra-modern base with panoramic views, a tranquil spa, and a rooftop infinity pool. Spring rates start from £131 per night for a classic room with a street view.
Saint-Tropez, France
British Airways is launching a new flight route from London City Airport to Toulon Saint-Tropez in May, offering a more direct connection to this glamorous French Riviera hotspot. Renowned for its luxury yacht-filled marina and status as a playground for the elite, Saint-Tropez excels in people-watching, upscale beach clubs, shopping, and fine dining with Mediterranean vistas.
Visitors can wander through the narrow streets of La Ponche, the historic fishing district, unwind on the famous Pampelonne Beach in Ramatuelle, or stroll through the iconic Place des Lices.
Where to stay: Lou Pinet boasts an unbeatable location adjacent to Place des Lices, featuring one of the largest swimming pools in Saint-Tropez, a luxury spa, and top-class eateries. Nightly rates begin at £479 on a bed and breakfast basis.
València, Spain
With summer temperatures that can exceed 40 degrees Celsius, spring is an optimal time to visit València. The city enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, with March averaging only three rainy days, ensuring favorable weather. Despite catastrophic floods in 2024, València has remained open to visitors, blending rich history in the Old Centre with stunning golden sandy beaches.
La Malvarrosa offers a bustling promenade with bars and restaurants for people-watching, while La Patacona provides a quieter alternative. For a wilder experience, the dune-backed shores of El Saler and La Devesa, set within Albufera Natural Park, are ideal.
Where to stay: Novotel Valencia Lavant, a 15-minute walk from downtown, features a rooftop pool and Sky Bar with impressive views. It is particularly family-friendly, with 66 connecting rooms and 24 family rooms. Spring prices start from £134 for a standard double room.
Florence, Italy
Florence, the Renaissance City, is a must-visit for enthusiasts of history, art, and architecture, with direct flights to Florence and nearby Pisa enhancing accessibility. This walkable city is perfect for a weekend break, and spring offers more pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds for exploration.
The city boasts an exceptionally high concentration of art galleries, including Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Ospedale degli Innocenti, and Galleria dell'Accademia, home to Michelangelo's famous David statue. Often described as an open-air museum, Florence's alleyways and cobbled streets are adorned with masterpieces of Italian sculpture in public spaces.
Where to stay: Il Tornabuoni, centrally located steps from the Duomo and Arno River, is housed in a 13th-century palace blending historic architecture with contemporary interiors. Double rooms are available from £349 per night on a bed and breakfast basis for two people.
Athens, Greece
Visiting Athens in summer can mean sweltering heat and large crowds, but spring offers temperatures between 16 and 25 degrees Celsius, typically dry conditions ideal for all-day sightseeing and beach visits. Key historical sites include the 3,000-year-old Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
The Ancient Agora, dating back to the 6th century BC, once served as the heart of Greek city life. Beyond ancient wonders, modern Athens thrives with street art, cultural events, and a dynamic culinary scene, making for an exciting long weekend.
Where to stay: Opening in April, Conrad Athens The Ilisian offers sweeping views of the Acropolis, the largest pool landscape in central Athens, and an urban rooftop garden with a running track. Rooms start from £349 per night on a bed and breakfast basis.
