Where is hot in April in Europe
By Mark Hodson, Editor of 101 Holidays
April is a great time to travel to the Mediterranean – you can expect up to nine hours of sunshine and temperatures in the low 20s, though it will feel warmer in the sun. The further south you go, the hotter it will be. So a two-hour flight from the UK will usually guarantee warm weather, but if you want to feel the heat of early summer, you’ll need to fly four hours or more.
1. Cyprus
The Mediterranean island of Cyprus is about as far south as you can get before you bump into the Middle East. In fact, it’s on a similar latitude to Lebanon and Tunisia. After that long flight, you can look forward to near-guaranteed hot weather. However, at this time of year it’s good to explore the island rather than just lie on a sunbed. This range of holiday experiences includes fly-drives and a self-guided walking holiday. Another option is to head to Turkish-speaking North Cyprus which is generally cheaper because it’s outside the Eurozone. It has some great beaches and the port town of Kyrenia makes a good base.
2. Crete
The most southerly of the Greek islands, Crete is a large island with a huge variety of holiday options. Avoid the resort of Malia, which is full of boozy young Brits, and head to one of the pretty resorts such as Chania, or head into the countryside where you should stay at a boutique hotels or rent one of these stylish houses. There is lots of good walking on the island, most famously the Samaria Gorge, and it’s worth renting a car to explore some of the island (it’s big, so don’t be too ambitious). The food is excellent and the people very friendly. If you get a chance to visit during Orthodox Easter, that can be very exciting.
3. Southern Turkey
Turkey is a vast country. If you visit Istanbul in April you can expect temperatures of 16ºC but head to the south – the Aegean Coast – and you’ll enjoy highs of around 22ºC and more. This part of Turkey can be sensational in April, with sparkling seas (a bit chilly for swimming), lovely sunsets and wild flowers on the hillsides. These holidays are focussed on the most beautiful regions of the country’s south coast. For more details see Turkey expert Annabelle Thorpe’s guide to the best holidays in Turkey.
4. Malta and Gozo
The sister islands of Malta and Gozo offer exciting possibilities with great weather in April. Malta is packed with history and culture and is a great destination if you want to explore rather than just lie on a beach. Sleepy Gozo is quieter, more remote, with lovely beaches, walking and cycling paths, and famous dive spots. You should be able to pick up some special offers in April. For hotels, we recommend the Westin Dragonara Resort and The Xara Palace Relais & Chateau on Malta, and the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz and Ta’ Cenc on Gozo.
5. Seville
Of all Europe’s cities, Seville is known for being unbearably hot in summer when temperatures can top 40ºC. But it’s also among the most beautiful cities in Europe, and it’s the home of tapas and flamenco. The Moorish Real Alcazar, and the giant cathedral, are not to be missed. April is a busy time in Seville. People come from across Andalucia to take part in the Feria (April Fair) and you may in town for Semana Santa, the raucous and beautiful week leading up to Easter. See the best hotels in Seville.
6. Canary Islands
The Canaries offer year-round sunshine, though temperatures can be a bit chilly in winter. By April they are warming up nicely, though it’s not too hot for some sightseeing on Tenerife where you can explore San Cristóbal de La Laguna and Spain’s highest peak, the dormant volcano, Mount Teide. Lanzarote has 300 volcanic cones and several white beaches, plus great windsurfing. If you really want to escape the crowds, fly to tiny La Palma.
Last updated: 22 September 2017
