Where to Travel in April: 9 Incredible International Destinations in Full Bloom

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April is one of the dreamiest months to travel—plain and simple. Winter has officially lost its grip, spring is blooming across the Northern Hemisphere, and shoulder season perks (like thinner crowds and better prices) are still in full effect. It’s that sweet spot where tulips take over fields, cherry blossoms blanket city parks, and the weather finally invites long walks, al fresco meals, and golden-hour strolls.

Whether you’re craving flower-filled road trips, ancient ruins without the summer heat, or an early escape to island life, April offers something for just about every kind of traveler. From the tulip fields of the Netherlands to the sun-drenched streets of Seville and the sacred valleys of Peru, these are 10 destinations that shine brightest in spring.

Ready to swap your coat for a carry-on and chase that April sunshine? Let’s go.

Netherlands

April is the best time to see the Netherlands in bloom. The country’s iconic tulip fields hit peak color, and spring sunshine brings cities and countryside to life. With fewer tourists than in summer and longer, sunnier days than in early spring, it’s the perfect time for biking, museum-hopping, and chasing flowers without the chaos.

Highlights

• Strolling the flower-lined paths of Keukenhof Gardens, one of the world’s most famous spring displays.
• Cycling through the vibrant fields in the Bollenstreek (Flower Strip) near Lisse.
• Exploring Amsterdam in shoulder season—its canals, markets, and cafés are lively but not overrun.
• Wandering Haarlem or Utrecht for quieter historic towns with beautiful springtime ambiance.

Japan (Cherry Blossom Season)

April is Japan at its most iconic. Cherry blossom season typically reaches full bloom across Tokyo, Kyoto, and much of Honshu in the first half of the month, turning parks, temples, and riversides into pastel dreamscapes. It’s also one of the most festive times of year—locals picnic under the trees, lanterns glow after dark, and spring foods make their way into markets and cafés. Combine all that with mild weather and a deep sense of seasonality, and you’ve got a bucket-list-worthy spring escape.

Top Experiences

• Join the locals for hanami (flower-viewing picnics) under cherry trees in spots like Ueno Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and along the Meguro River in Tokyo.
• Wander the philosopher’s path in Kyoto or visit Maruyama Park lit by lanterns during peak bloom.
• Time your visit with a regional sakura festival, where street food, music, and celebration fill the air.
• Sample seasonal treats like sakura mochi, matcha parfaits, and sakura-flavored lattes.
• Visit historic temples and shrines framed by blossoms—from Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto to Himeji Castle surrounded by pink petals.

Italy (Rome, Tuscany & the Amalfi Coast)

April is when Italy starts to show off. Wildflowers bloom in the countryside, city piazzas buzz with life again, and coastal towns like Positano and Sorrento begin to reopen for the season—without the crowds and heat of summer. From ancient ruins in Rome to rolling Tuscan hills and sparkling Mediterranean views, Italy in April is all about sunshine, springtime charm, and la dolce vita at its most relaxed.

Top Experiences

• Wander through Rome’s historic center, from the Colosseum to Trastevere, as wisteria blooms on terrace walls.
• Take a scenic road trip through Tuscany, stopping at hilltop towns like Montepulciano and Pienza while the fields are green and vineyards begin to wake up.
• Visit the Uffizi Gallery and admire Renaissance masterpieces, then sip wine along the Arno River in Florence.
• Hike the Path of the Gods along the Amalfi Coast or simply enjoy seafood and lemon everything in Positano or Ravello.
• Enjoy springtime dishes like carciofi alla romana (Roman-style artichokes), asparagus risotto, and fresh sheep’s milk cheeses straight from the farm.

Spain (Andalusia in Full Spring)

April in Andalusia is bursting with energy, color, and tradition. It’s the heart of spring festival season, when cities like Seville and Córdoba come alive with flamenco, flowers, and late-night celebrations. The weather is warm but not scorching, the orange trees are in bloom, and the region’s patios, plazas, and historic streets feel straight out of a postcard. Whether you’re after Moorish architecture, cultural immersion, or tapas in the sun, Andalusia in April delivers.

Top Experiences

• Experience Feria de Abril in Seville, a week of flamenco dresses, horse parades, music, and dancing until sunrise.
• Visit the Alcázar of Seville and Mezquita of Córdoba, where Islamic architecture meets Spanish heritage in jaw-dropping fashion.
• Wander through Córdoba’s flower-filled patios, which begin to open in late April as part of the Festival de los Patios.
• Take a sunset walk along the Alhambra walls in Granada, followed by traditional tapas hopping in the old quarter.
• Drive through white villages (pueblos blancos) like Ronda or Vejer de la Frontera, with wildflowers and olive groves stretching to the horizon.

Greece (Islands & Ancient Mainland)

April is one of the best times to explore Greece before the summer crowds and heat arrive. The weather is pleasantly warm—perfect for sightseeing, hiking, or sipping wine by the sea—and many islands begin to reopen for the season. Wildflowers carpet the countryside, ferry schedules start to pick up, and Easter (if it falls in April) offers a chance to witness deeply rooted local traditions. From ancient ruins to sparkling coastlines, it’s Greece in a softer, quieter light.

Top Experiences

• Explore Athens with spring in the air—climb up to the Acropolis, then linger in Plaka’s charming cafés and alleyways.
• Hop over to Santorini, Naxos, or Paros while ferry service resumes—expect cooler prices and fewer cruise ships.
• Hike the Samaria Gorge or coastal trails in Crete, where April sunshine brings out the island’s rugged beauty.
• Discover Delphi or Meteora without peak-season crowds, soaking in ancient energy and epic landscapes.
• If visiting during Greek Orthodox Easter, join a midnight candlelit procession or share a traditional roast lamb feast with locals.

Turkey (Istanbul, Cappadocia & the Aegean Coast)

April is one of the best months to explore Turkey. The weather is comfortably warm across most of the country, wildflowers are blooming, and Istanbul’s tulip gardens are in full swing. It’s shoulder season, so major sights like Hagia Sophia and Ephesus are less crowded than in summer, and Cappadocia’s skies are filled with hot air balloons almost daily. Whether you’re in it for ancient ruins, surreal landscapes, or city-meets-culture energy, April serves Turkey at its best.

Top Experiences

• Wander the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, where tulips bloom in Gülhane Park and along the Bosporus.
• Wake up early to float over Cappadocia in a hot air balloon, then explore the region’s fairy chimneys, cave churches, and underground cities.
• Visit the ancient ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world, without the summer sun beating down.
• Sip Turkish tea on a rooftop terrace with a view of the Istanbul skyline, or cruise the Bosphorus at golden hour.
• Head to the Aegean coast (like Izmir or Alaçatı) for coastal breezes, olive groves, and relaxed seaside towns just before the summer crowds roll in.

South Korea (Cherry Blossoms & Spring Festivals)

April is one of the most beautiful times to visit South Korea. The country bursts into bloom with cherry blossoms, magnolias, and forsythias lining parks, city streets, and countryside trails. Festivals pop up everywhere, the weather is mild and sunny, and outdoor life is in full swing. Whether you’re sipping iced Americanos in Seoul’s hip cafés or hiking temple trails surrounded by pink petals, South Korea in April is equal parts high-energy and heartwarming.

Top Experiences

• Catch peak cherry blossoms at Yeouido Park in Seoul, Gyeonghwa Station in Jinhae, or alongside ancient walls at Gyeongbokgung Palace.
• Visit during the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival, Korea’s largest, where trees bloom above rivers and old train tracks.
• Explore Gyeongju, Korea’s ancient capital, where tombs, temples, and historic sites are framed by blooming trees.
• Hike through Bukhansan National Park just outside Seoul or along seaside trails on Jeju Island with spring flowers all around.
• Dive into Korea’s café culture—expect beautiful spring-themed drinks, cherry blossom desserts, and rooftop views galore.

Peru (Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu)

April marks the start of the dry season in Peru’s Andean region—meaning clear skies, green landscapes left over from the rains, and ideal hiking conditions without the crowds that descend later in the year. It’s the perfect time to visit Machu Picchu, explore ancient ruins, and take in the country’s dramatic mountain scenery while the trails are still relatively quiet.

Top Experiences

• Wander the cobblestone streets of Cusco, where colonial architecture meets Incan stonework, and the Andes loom in the background.
• Ride the train (or hike the Inca Trail) to Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most awe-inspiring archaeological sites.
• Visit traditional villages and colorful markets in the Sacred Valley, where llamas graze among Incan terraces.
• Sample Peruvian cuisine—from alpaca skewers to fresh ceviche—in Cusco or Lima before heading into the mountains.
• Extend your trip to Lake Titicaca or the Rainbow Mountain for even more jaw-dropping views and high-altitude adventures.

California (Superblooms, Road Trips & National Parks)

April is one of the most spectacular months to visit California. The weather is warm but not too hot, the coast is clearing from winter storms, and the deserts and valleys erupt with wildflowers during superbloom years. It’s also an ideal time for a road trip—think Highway 1 with ocean views, hiking in Yosemite before the summer crowds, or wine tasting in Napa while the vineyards start to leaf out.

Top Experiences

• Chase the wildflower bloom in places like Antelope Valley, Anza-Borrego Desert, and Carrizo Plain, where hillsides explode in color.
• Hike to waterfalls in Yosemite National Park, where snowmelt fuels some of the most powerful falls of the year.
• Drive the Pacific Coast Highway from Big Sur to Santa Barbara, with wildflowers on one side and cliffs on the other.
• Explore Joshua Tree or Death Valley for desert landscapes in their brief moment of spring glory.
• Sip your way through Napa or Sonoma as the vines awaken and the tasting rooms fill with springtime sun.

April is when the world really starts to wake up—and there’s no better time to plan a trip that leans into the season. From tulip fields in the Netherlands to cherry blossoms in Japan and Korea, ancient ruins in Peru to wildflower-covered hills in California, this month offers a perfect balance of color, culture, and great weather.

Whether you’re craving a spring festival, a mountain escape, or a quiet coastal town just before summer crowds arrive, these April destinations prove that shoulder season is one of travel’s best-kept secrets. So pack light, lean into spontaneity, and let April show you just how beautiful the in-between season can be.

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