Esteja você nas partes mais frias de ilhas escandinavas remotas ou na costa mais ensolarada da Espanha, o retorno da primavera à Europa é sempre algo bem-vindo. A mudança de estação traz temperaturas mais amenas, flores rosadas e a reabertura de muitos hotéis, operadores turísticos e outros negócios que possam ter fechado no inverno.
Viajantes ansiosos podem desfrutar de uma escapada urbana repleta de saborosos pratos ou embarcar em uma caminhada épica ao longo de uma costa ventosa. Independentemente da atividade escolhida, temos inúmeras ideias de viagem aqui, organizadas por mês para refletir as melhores condições climáticas por todo o continente. Use este guia para encontrar a viagem ideal para você na Europa durante a primavera de 2025.
Março
1. O Algarve, Portugal
Ideal para relaxar
A primavera chega cedo ao Algarve, região mais ao sul, mais ensolarada e mais seca do continente português. O termômetro se aproxima de 20°C (68°F) e as chuvas diminuem, enquanto flores caem das amendoeiras e flores silvestres despontam: agora é a hora de sacudir a letargia do inverno e esticar tanto os membros quanto a psique. Retiros de ioga se aglomeram ao longo da costa sul do Algarve, indo até a fronteira com o Alentejo, oferecendo aulas e cursos mais longos; muitos complementam técnicas de ioga e meditação com outros aspectos de atenção plena e, em muitos casos, com surfe. Como a alta temporada ainda não começou, março propicia bom custo-benefício e ampla escolha de acomodações. Este também é o momento ideal para percorrer os trilhos dramáticos ao norte ao longo da costa atlântica e explorar as cidades antigas históricas de Faro e Lagos.
2. Maiorca, Espanha
Ideal para ver flores na primavera
“A neve de Maiorca” ainda cobre as encostas desta ilha Balear em março – não é neve de fato, mas sim a flor rosada-branca de inúmeras amendoeiras que conferem a Maiorca seu peculiar aspecto de glacê no início do ano. E quando as flores caem no começo de março, o clima cada vez mais quente faz da exploração um prazer – antes da chegada de hordas de turistas, mas com muita luz solar para aproveitar as praias, passear por cidades e vilas tradicionais de tons dourados como Deià, Fornalutx e Sóller, e realizar caminhadas nas alturas da Serra de Tramuntana. É também um momento maravilhoso para visitar Palma de Mallorca, uma das principais cidades para se visitar em 2025 pela Lonely Planet. A Cidade Velha da capital é um distrito histórico encantador, com belos palácios, museus, praças e a imponente catedral.
3. Peloponeso, Grécia
Ideal para explorar ruínas
A península em forma de mão do Peloponeso possui algumas das melhores praias da Grécia, sítios antigos e medievais bem conservados, montanhas encantadoras e a original Arcádia. De alguma forma, entretanto, recebe apenas uma fração dos turistas que invadem outras partes do país. Março oferece multidões escassas, mas temperaturas amenas para caminhar, e uma variedade maior de opções de acomodação a preços razoáveis. Pontos obrigatórios para visitar incluem Olímpia, onde os Jogos Olímpicos foram realizados por mais de mil anos; a cidadela de Micenas, envolta em lendas homéricas; o anfiteatro com capacidade para 14.000 espectadores em Epidauro; e o porto bizantino de Monemvasia. A selvagem península de Mani oferece ótimas caminhadas, especialmente em torno do Desfiladeiro de Výros, assim como vilarejos encantadores, enquanto a costa oeste possui algumas das melhores areias da Grécia. A comida é fresca e fabulosa: Kalamata é famosa pelas suas azeitonas gordas, enquanto berinjelas, peixes e mel aparecem em muitas iguarias locais; não perca os vinhos tintos Agiorgitiko.
Dica de planejamento: Ônibus, trens e balsas partem de perto de Atenas em direção ao Peloponeso. Verifique horários de ônibus: os serviços podem ser reduzidos fora da alta temporada.
4. Istanbul
Ideal for a city escape
One may argue the most exquisite gem of Istanbul: the marvelous sixth-century Hagia Sophia? Expansive, luxurious Topkapı Palace? The domes, minarets and intricate azure tile patterns of the Blue Mosque? Discover them all to make your own decision, and in March, as the season begins to transition to warmer climates at the end of the low period, you can appreciate bargains, fewer crowds and more amiable weather.
Yet reserve time for the finest heirloom the Ottomans gifted to the globe: cuisine! What other reason would explain the enormity and liveliness of the Spice Bazaar? From uncomplicated kebabs to lavish meze banquets and the sumptuous eggplant wonder, imam bayaldi, it’s rare to find a culinary experience as luxuriant as Turkish. In recent years, a selection of outstanding food-centric walking tours and cooking schools have emerged in Istanbul, granting the chance to merge a springtime city retreat with a gastronomic refresh.
Travel suggestion: Situate yourself in the Sultanahmet locale, on the west (European) bank of the Bosphorus, for straightforward access to the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar and most historical landmarks.
April
5. Lake Maggiore, Italy
Ideal for sophistication
Northern Italy isn’t lacking stunning lakes. Lake Como, Garda, Lugano, Iseo – each possesses its own distinct allure, and have attracted visitors since the era of the Grand Tour. As the affluent erected lavish residences along their banks, competitive building resulted in the emergence of some truly stunning landscapes – be they formal or classical, floral or lush. None, however, match the wedding-cake opulence of lsola Bella on Lake Maggiore, where in the 1600s, Count Borromeo designed a 10-level, 37m-high (121ft) garden for his beloved Isabella. Visit in April, just as it opens for the season but before the throngs increase, to savor its Baroque magnificence in relative tranquillity. This is a prime month to visit Maggiore overall, as the lake’s charming towns awaken – Cannobio, Stresa and Verbania, where the extravagant botanic gardens at Villa Taranto await your admiration, open from April.
Alternative route: Little Lake Orta, approximately 20km (12 miles) west of Maggiore, is equally enchanting. Venture to the lovely cobblestoned, pastel-toned village of Orta San Giulio and set sail to Isola San Giulio to admire its 12th-century basilica.
6. Azores, Portugal
Ideal for wildlife observation
Positioned a significant distance at 1500km (932 miles) from Portuguese lands, the Azores’ nine islands are indeed isolated. With origins from seabed volcanoes that rose, the mid-Atlantic cluster of islands is a realm filled with rugged rocks, dark beaches, volcanic tubes, crater bodies of water, and soaring peaks, yet it remains lush, with superb wines in production.
April unveils spring blossoms, notably the magnificent azaleas, along with captivating aquatic wildlife; 24 out of the planet’s 80 whale types are seen near the Azores. Another less frequent sight is tourists: April provides a tranquil experience. Embark on a boat excursion to glimpse these ocean giants, or view from cliffside vigias, which are former whale-hunting watchtowers now utilized by eco-travelers. Head to Pico Island to conquer Portugal’s tallest peak (2351m/7713ft), explore lakes while birdwatching and admire flowers in Flores, or plan a cycling adventure in Terceira, known as the “lilac island.”
7. Lošinj, Croatia
Perfect for outdoor pursuits
Feeling fatigued after the lengthy, bleak winter? A remedy could be a spring trip to Croatia’s “Island of Vitality,” Lošinj. Physicians since the later 1800s have been aware of Lošinj’s healing mix, combining sunshine (over 2500 hours yearly), crystal-clear water, and fresh air perfumed with pine and medicinal plants.
During July and August, the sands are bustling – yet in April, you might enjoy the ancient harbors, pine woods, fishing villages, seafood eateries, and the picturesque Adriatic embraced Čikat Bay largely alone. Multiple lodgings provide spa services centered on well-being, but a self-guided approach is just as easy: wander around over 250km (155 miles) of trekking and cycling paths, inhaling the pine-infused breeze in Pod Javori and Čikat’s forest areas, along with the Garden of Fine Scents in Mali Lošinj. Look for dolphins at sea, and go to the adjacent Cres island to observe the stunning griffon vultures. See? You already feel improved.
Planning advice: Certain enterprises, such as dolphin-watching boat tour services, might not commence until May.
8. Las Alpujarras, España
Ideal for picturesque hamlets
A succession of white-washed villages adorns the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada – the area referred to as Las Alpujarras – where shelter was found by the Moors after their expulsion from Granada in 1492. In numerous aspects, this area remains more Moroccan than Spanish, distinguished by its traditional agricultural settlements. April stands out as the perfect period for a visit, whether to bask in warm spring rays, trek enticing paths amid blossoming citrus groves, or perhaps acquire knowledge of local gastronomy – several venues offer guidance or courses where you can master dishes from almond and garlic soup to hearty stews. Semana Santa (Easter) festivities, typically taking place in April, feature grand processions, with the possibility of snowshoeing in the high Sierra still available. A chain of splendid beaches – far quieter before the height of summer – lies just a short distance to the south.
May
9. Connemara, Ireland
Ideal for a road journey
Untamed and breathtaking Connemara possesses a bit of all: sparkling lakes (loughs), sea isles and bays, heather-covered bogs, rugged peaks and formidable fortresses (some are luxury accommodations), not to mention a vibrant Irish heritage. You can combine pursuits, scenic excursions, traditional taverns and historical landmarks as per your preferences.
May offers pleasant weather – one of Ireland’s least rainy periods, with temperatures reaching approximately 15°C (59°F) – encouraging exploration both inside and outside. Traversing the Sky Road, which traverses Connemara from Clifden, reveals vistas of the boldly contoured shoreline; the R334, along the Lough Inagh Valley, presents views of the Maumturk peaks on one flank, and the Twelve Bens on the opposite. Be sure to make frequent halts during your journey: at Kylemore Abbey, featuring its Gothic chapel, Victorian grounds and lakeside setting; at the steep Killary Harbour; and at Roundstone village’s art studios.
10. Loire Valley, France
Ideal for culinary delights
No waterway rivals the Loire in splendor. Draped with weeping willows, bordered by wine estates and accompanied by a procession of châteaux, palaces, and charming towns, it holds an unparalleled status. History abounds, stretching from Joan of Arc connections in Orléans to the royal sepulchers at Fontevraud’s abbey, alongside exquisite wine and dishes at Michelin-decorated eateries or homely family inns – added to which, in May, markets brim with strawberries and asparagus.
Any indulgence can be countered by picturesque canoe rides and walks or cycling along the riverfront. While such a remarkable location draws visitors, May is considerably quieter than peak summer. One can appreciate the valley’s array of fortresses – massive Chambord, river-crossing Chenonceau, elegantly decorated Cheverny – ahead of the bustling period, or opt for lesser-known châteaux such as Brissac, Brézé, and Beauregard.
11. Îles Féroé
Idéal pour des paysages épiques
Un ensemble de 18 petits îlots de basalte se dressent dans l’Atlantique Nord, les îles Féroé sont un lieu de drame humain et naturel, de falaises vertigineuses et de cascades grandioses, de villages de pêche isolés, de fermes aux toits en herbe et vestiges de colonies vikings antiques. En mai, quand le climat devient plus sec et agréable, les territoires sortent de leur torpeur hivernale : oiseaux marins migrateurs arrivent en millions pour se reproduire – macareux, fous de Bassan, petits pingouins, fulmars, cormorans, mouettes tridactyles, guillemots – et les attractions rouvrent leurs portes.
Rendez-vous dans les colonies bruyantes d’oiseaux marins à Mykines et Vestmanna, explorez le port de pêche et le cœur médiéval de la minuscule capitale Tórshavn, et visitez des endroits reculés comme Saksun, où le musée agricole fascinant montre combien la vie a été éprouvante pour les Féroïens au fil des siècles. Mais par-dessus tout, imprégnez-vous simplement des vues de piles maritimes vertigineuses, terres hautes animées par les cris de courlis et de bécassines, fjords et hameaux littoraux ainsi que cascades assourdissantes. Il pleuvra probablement. Puis le soleil. Puis le brouillard. Puis encore du soleil. Et ce sera d’autant plus magique.
Astuce de planification : Prenez l’avion pour l’unique aéroport international des Féroé, Vágar, puis louez une voiture ou – si vous vous sentez intrépide – un vélo : la plupart des routes sont relativement calmes avec des distances assez courtes, bien que les collines soient abruptes, les vents forts et les tunnels effrayants.
12. Bosnie-Herzégovine
Idéal pour un peu de tout
Si les voyageurs parviennent à atteindre la Bosnie-Herzégovine, ils se rendent principalement à Mostar, ce qui est formidable – la ville ottomane et son pont emblématique sont splendides. Mais ce coin souvent méconnu des Balkans a bien plus à offrir que seulement Mostar, en particulier en mai, lorsque les fleurs fleurissent et que la température maximale moyenne est d’environ 18°C (64°F).
Commencez dans le sud, dans la vieille ville fortifiée de Trebinje ou à Počitelj, située sur une colline, un petit centre médiéval pittoresque mais souvent épargné par les foules ; l’impressionnante cascade de Kravica – la réponse de l’Herzégovine au Niagara – est à proximité. Rendez-vous à Mostar, puis poursuivez vers le nord, peut-être au village montagnard de Lukomir, où vous découvrirez les habits, la cuisine, les habitations et l’hospitalité traditionnels. Après quelques nuits hédonistes dans la capitale Sarajevo, dirigez-vous vers les lacs, la cascade et le centre historique de Jajce. Encore plus au nord, la rivière Una gronde – la fonte des neiges rend l’eau très excitante en mai, parfaite pour les excursions en rafting et en canoë autour de Bihać.