The best destinations for spring holidays

Going on a trip is always a good idea. But going at the right time is even better. March, April and May are often the ideal months to explore the world without the inconvenience of high season. Pleasant climate, beautiful nature, lower prices and less crowded sites... This period is often synonymous with perfect conditions for discovering sublime landscapes and living authentic experiences. Here's why these destinations are the best to visit at this time of year.

Colombia, at the height of its beauty

Colombia offers an incredible range of landscapes, from Caribbean beaches to Andean mountains, rainforests and vibrant colonial towns. In March and April, conditions are optimal for exploring everything without suffering from the vagaries of the weather. Bogotá enjoys cool, sunny weather, perfect for strolling through La Candelaria and climbing Montserrate for a breathtaking view of the city. In Medellín, the "city of eternal spring", the weather is ideal for strolling through the Comuna 13 district and admiring its colourful frescoes. On the Caribbean coast, Cartagena and its beaches on the Rosario islands are bathed in radiant sunshine, while in the coffee region, the lush green plantations provide a spectacular backdrop. Finally, the Amazon jungle is accessible in good conditions, allowing you to observe exceptional wildlife in an exuberant natural setting.

Discover our mini destination guide.

Cuba, local magic under a perfect sky

Spring is one of the best times to discover Cuba in all its splendour. Havana is decked out in its finest colours under a clear blue sky, while music blares from the cobbled streets, creating a spellbinding atmosphere. In the Viñales valley, the tobacco plantations are lush and the mogotes, the emblematic rock formations, offer a backdrop worthy of a painting. In Trinidad, the colonial charm is evident in every alleyway, and the golden spring light sublimates the colourful facades. As for the beaches, the crystal-clear waters of Cayo Coco and Cayo Santa Maria are the perfect temperature for swimming and diving. Spring is also the ideal time to venture into the Sierra Maestra and discover the paths taken by the Cuban revolutionaries.

Discover our mini destination guide.

Cappadocia, the awakening of the enchanted landscape

Cappadocia is a region unique in the world, with its spectacular rock formations and valleys sculpted by erosion. In May, conditions are perfect for exploring this fairytale setting in brilliant light. The climate is mild, allowing you to explore the trails of the Amur Valley, the Pigeon Valley and the Red Valley without suffering from the summer heat. Göreme and its troglodyte dwellings reveal all their splendour, and the hot-air balloons that rise at sunrise offer an unforgettable spectacle. The caves and Byzantine churches carved into the rock are all the more fascinating in the spring light. The region's troglodyte hotels offer total immersion in this timeless world, and the evenings are ideal for tasting the famous Cappadocian wines produced in this fertile volcanic land.

Discover our mini destination guide.

Kenya, for nature lovers

Kenya is a veritable paradise for lovers of safaris and wide open spaces. In March, April and May, the vegetation is luxuriant, the landscapes are magnified by brilliant hues and the wildlife is in full effervescence. National parks such as the Masai Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo offer incredible scenes, with herds of elephants crossing the savannah and wild animals basking under the acacias. This is also an excellent time to visit the shores of Lake Naivasha and observe hundreds of bird species in idyllic surroundings. At this time of year, the reserves are less crowded, offering a more intimate and immersive safari experience.

Discover our mini destination guide.

Maldives, affordable luxury

The Maldives is a paradise destination that attracts travellers in search of idyllic beaches and turquoise waters. In May, the weather is still dry and sunny, but less crowded than in the high season. This is the ideal time to take advantage of the more affordable luxury resorts and savour the unique experience of bungalows on stilts. Conditions are perfect for diving and snorkelling: visibility is excellent and the coral reefs teem with marine life, with manta rays and whale sharks swimming in crystal-clear waters.

Discover our mini destination guide.

Seychelles, tropical perfection

The Seychelles offer a picture-postcard backdrop of pristine beaches, translucent waters and spectacular granite formations. In April and May, the sea is calm, perfect for diving and exploring the seabed. The islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are at their peak, with lush vegetation and ideal weather for rainforest walks. It's also a great time to spot giant tortoises on some of the unspoilt islands. The mild climate means you can fully savour the Seychelles experience, from lazing on paradise beaches to boat trips to deserted islands.

Discover our mini destination guide.

Reunion Island, colour and adventure

Réunion Island is a paradise of biodiversity, where every nook and cranny offers a breathtaking natural spectacle. April and May mark the end of the rainy season, which means greener-than-ever landscapes, waterfalls bursting with water and perfectly passable trails. Mythical hikes such as those in the cirque of Mafate or the Piton des Neiges offer grandiose panoramas under often clear skies. This is also the best time to explore the active but accessible Piton de la Fournaise, where you can walk on the frozen lava flows and watch the fumaroles escaping from the crater. The lagoons to the west, protected by the coral reef, reveal turquoise waters ideal for snorkelling, while the black sand beaches to the east offer a spectacular contrast. At this time of year, the Creole markets are in full swing, brimming with exotic fruits such as the José mango and the late letchi. Finally, April-May is also an ideal time to watch the whales that are beginning to arrive in Réunion's waters, making the sea outings even more magical.

Discover our mini destination guide.

Rajasthan, a palace in an ideal climate

Rajasthan is a land of kings and majestic palaces, where every city tells a story of conquest and splendour. March and April are the perfect months to explore this region of a thousand wonders. In Jaipur, the Pink City, the Palace of the Winds and the Amber Fort are revealed in golden light without the sweltering summer temperatures. In Udaipur, Lake Pichola sparkles, and a sunset cruise allows you to admire the city of the Maharajas in its most beautiful light. In Jodhpur, the Mehrangarh Fortress dominates a sea of blue houses, offering a breathtaking panorama. This is also the time of year when the Thar Desert is most pleasant to explore, with mild, starlit nights ideal for a traditional bivouac under the dunes. March also marks the festival of Holi, an explosion of colour and joy that transforms the streets into one giant celebration. In April, the markets abound with spices and sumptuous textiles, while palace hotels welcome visitors in a setting worthy of the Arabian Nights.

Discover our mini destination guide.

Bali, in all its splendour

Bali in May is the definition of a tropical paradise. It's the start of the dry season, which means a perfect climate with sunny days and nature still lush after the previous rains. In Ubud, the Tegallalang rice terraces are a vibrant green, offering postcard-perfect views. It's also the perfect time to explore iconic temples such as Tanah Lot, perched on a rock amid the waves, or Besakih, the island's largest Hindu temple, where religious ceremonies are in full swing under clear skies. Beaches in the south, such as Nusa Dua and Jimbaran, offer calm waters perfect for swimming, while surfers enjoy the steady swell of Uluwatu and Canggu. Diving and snorkelling enthusiasts are not left out: the island of Menjangan and the reefs of Tulamben abound in colourful coral and tropical fish. In May, Bali has not yet been invaded by the high tourist season, so you can enjoy the emblematic sites in a more peaceful atmosphere, while benefiting from lower prices on accommodation and activities.

Discover our mini destination guide.

Japan, a gentle spring

Japan in April is a veritable living painting. This is the month when the sakura, the famous cherry blossom trees, transform the country into a fairytale spectacle. Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka are decked out in shades of pink and white, attracting locals and travellers alike for hanami, the tradition of picnicking under blossoming trees. The climate is mild and pleasant, perfect for strolling through the historic districts of Kyoto, exploring the temples of Kamakura or strolling along the Sumida River in Tokyo. Apart from the sakura, it's also an excellent time to visit Mount Fuji, whose snow-capped peak contrasts magnificently with the blue spring sky. The Japanese countryside, from the Takayama Alps to the unspoilt villages of Shirakawa-go, is lush with nature as it begins to come back to life after winter. It's also a time of festivals, with traditional matsuri full of colour and entertainment. Finally, hot springs (onsen) are a must for relaxing after a day of exploring, especially in the cool mountainous regions of the north of the country.

Discover our mini destination guide.

Sri Lanka, beaches and mountains

Sri Lanka is a destination with many faces, and March-April is the ideal time to enjoy it to the full. In the Cultural Triangle, historic sites such as Sigiriya, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa reveal their treasures in a dry, temperate climate. In Kandy, the Temple of the Tooth and the botanical gardens of Peradeniya are bathed in light, offering enchanting walks. In the highlands, the tea plantations of Ella and Nuwara Eliya are brilliantly green, perfect for a hike to the famous World's End. As for the beaches, the southern waters of Mirissa and Tangalle are ideal for swimming and excursions to see dolphins and whales.

Discover our mini destination guide.

Thailand, paradise islands and traditions

Thailand in spring is a dream destination where you can take full advantage of the country's diversity in a climate that is still pleasant before the arrival of the wet season. In Bangkok, the crowds of the high season have dissipated, allowing you to visit the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and the floating markets in a more relaxed atmosphere. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, in the north, reveal all their cultural richness through their golden temples and lush mountains, where you can hike through breathtaking landscapes and cross traditional villages. April is also the time of Songkran, the Thai New Year, a not-to-be-missed festival when the whole country is transformed into a huge aquatic playground. In the streets of Bangkok, Chiang Mai and small towns, locals and travellers alike engage in giant water fights to celebrate the new year in a euphoric atmosphere. On the islands, April-May is an ideal time to explore the dream beaches of Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui and Koh Lanta, where the water is crystal clear and the scuba diving exceptional. The coral is teeming with life and the visibility is ideal for swimming with clownfish and sea turtles. Phuket and Krabi, while still lively, are more pleasant to explore with fewer tourists.

Discover our mini destination guide.

Share this article with your friends

en_GB