Where To Go In April
Spring time comes into its own in Europe in April, meaning you don’t have to travel far to get a substantial dose of much-missed warm sunshine. With easy and cheaper jaunts, a quick weekender could swiftly be on the cards. Happily, April also holds the Easter holidays – so whether that means you can take a longer break, or avoid the holiday rush, it’s a month full of opportunity for travel lovers.
So, fancy a romantic Italian trip? Or an adventurous trek out to the Atlas Mountains? Whatever your holiday hotspot, here’s our guide to the best destinations if you’re thinking of an April holiday.
Stellenbosch, South Africa
At the tail end of Stellenbosch’s wine harvest, when the end of winemakers’ year is in sight and temperatures cool down to a more pleasant 22C, April is a magical season to pay a visit. You’ll not only get to see the vineyards in transition, but the cooler temperatures are ideal for outdoor pursuits like cycling from vineyard to vineyard.
The autumnal feel pervades the whole of this famous region, a 45-minute drive away from the capital of Cape Town. In the course of the month, locals slow down, the crowds disperse, and those looking for a more personal experience will find plenty to like. If you’re lucky, restaurants and vineyards might open the brand new vintage of wine – perhaps a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Chenin Blanc.
Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is a stunner of a coastline, but it can only be enjoyed at specific times of the year. Winter? Probably not. Summer? Yes if you like your clothes damp and your hair frizzy before you’ve even stepped foot outside. From this writer’s experience, spring is the ideal time to pay a visit. The temperature is in the teens, which is ideal for exploring the steep paths in the area, and it’s also when the famous Amalfi lemons become ripe and lemon season begins. If you don’t pick up the aroma as you amble around, you’ll certainly see it featured on menus, whether as tangy lemonade, fresh desserts and even the region’s signature tipple, limoncello.
The Amalfi Coast in April isn’t beach weather and the vibe isn’t as buzzy as it can be, but if your priority is authenticity and bang for your buck, April is the month to go.
California, USA
Comfortably the most important music festival in the western world these days, Coachella returns for another year in April. Taking place in the Colorado Desert, it needs a little preparation – like onsite camping and a seat on the shuttle from Palm Springs or LA. But the rewards are worth it, with Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber and Karol G topping a super strong bill – and that’s not to mention the strong party vibe it offers. The huge draws mean that the festival is already sold out, but you can join the waitlist on official resale sites, and if Plan A is a sightseeing expedition around the sunshine state of California, you’ll have a blast no matter what happens!
Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Trekking the Atlas Mountains is an achievable ambition for adventurous travellers. The base of Imlil is an hour away from Marrakech. It’s an easy three or four hour flight from the UK, and in April, prices are at their lowest, from £37 return. Once you’re there, plenty of tour operators offer multi-day treks where they take care of the logistics – so all you need is the physical fitness to hike in these stunning scenes.
April offers a range of weather: around sea level, you’ll be deep in the throes of spring, with all the floral beauty that brings – keep your eyes peeled for rare orchids, poppies and blossoms. At higher altitude, the colder weather brings more challenging conditions. So take your pick: choose a pleasant hike, or test your limits and revel in the range of extraordinary scenes.
Santorini, Greece
The crowds of Santorini make it tricky to see this stunning Grecian island in summer. But it’s popular for a reason: the blue-domed skyline rising from the side of a huge caldera is a mesmerising sight and shouldn’t be missed. To see it with blue skies and with fewer crowds, the shoulder season of April is an excellent month to visit. You don’t have to stay in Oia, the Instagrammable north tip of the island. Instead, stay in rustic villages like Megalochori or Karterados for better value and more authentic life, which is key in April when the strongly Greek Orthodox island celebrates Easter.
Most famously, the inland village of Pygros comes alive with a candlelit procession on Good Friday that gives the area a sombre glow. That’s followed on Saturday by fireworks that light up to give colourful skies. Easter Sunday is a day of family gatherings, so book tavernas in advance to ensure a spot on a busy day.
Wherever you plan to head this April make sure to protect your travels with Switched On Travel Insurance. Our feature packed policies cover gadgets automatically and provide 24/7 medical assistance. Find out more in the travel insurance section of our website.