Want to get away this Easter? Good idea! If you can’t handle the thought of staying at home and stuffing yourself with too many Cadbury eggs, why not get away?
This year, Easter is later than usual, meaning better weather. Not only that, with the May Day bank holiday just over the horizon, you may be able to extend your holiday without burning up all of your holiday time.
The only question remains – where to go? Well, here are a few affordable ideas:
Frolic in Figueres: Easter in Spain
It’s not only the eggs on the roof of the Dali museum that make Figueres a perfect Easter destination – this lively city, in the heart of the Alt Empordá region, is perfect for a getaway, and the timing couldn’t be better: the legendary Figueres Comedy Festival coincides with Easter. You’re guaranteed a riotous time, even if you don’t speak Catalan!
When you’ve had your fill of surrealism and hilarity, you can head to the station. With Barcelona just 85 miles away, it’s definitely within range for a day-trip. Board a train and you’ll be there in less than two hours.
Flights from £86Accommodation from £44
Up North: Easter in Iceland
Easter is best celebrated with the elements, and that’s exactly what you’ll get in Iceland. Here you’ll have plenty of fire and ice, with the northern lights providing the perfect otherworldly glow for your Easter egg hunt.
There are also perks to coming during the off-season: if you get cold, just thinking about all the long queues you’re missing should keep you warm – if not, just jump into a hot spring.
Flights from £160Accommodation from £32
Crete, before the crowds
Crete in the summer can become a bit of a nightmare, as masses of tourists turn the fabled island into a bit of a ‘grecian churn’. However, April should be early enough to avoid the crush, and if you head to the land of the labyrinth for Easter you’ll find space on even the most notorious beaches for your towel.
When you’re ready for a break, head to one of the surrounding pubs for a refreshing pick-me-up. The bartenders may even have time for a chat before the rush of the summer season begins.
Flights from £326Accommodation from £20
Tulips and Canals: Easter in Amsterdam.
Spring starts off with a bang in the Dutch capital – or rather, with a bloom. While most cities show off their most explosive colours on New Year’s Eve with fireworks, things in Amsterdam are done a little differently.
Here, the most luminous season is undoubtedly the spring, when your senses will be amazed by millions of brightly coloured tulips. If that weren’t enough, the King’s Day festival on April 27th will provide you with another fluorescent display, as the entire city decks itself out in orange, the colour of the royal family.
Flights from £66Accommodation from £52
Italian Ice: Easter in Bergamo
By April, the sun’s heat can already be quite intense in Lombardy – just as well that in Bergamo’s old town, you’re never far from a gelateria. And this isn’t any ordinary ice cream. At the Gelateria Marianna, you can taste the original Stracciatella gelato from the shop that gave birth to the idea. If you are still hot, take a dip in the idyllic lake Iseo – a short 20 minute drive away.
Flights from £56Accommodation from £85
Make Merry in Derry: Easter in Northern Ireland
Thinking of staying a little closer to home? You don’t have to go far for spectacular views. Northern Ireland, with its serpentine, rocky coasts, romantic castle ruins, and endless beaches is the perfect place for a motor-tour, and the best part is you’ll have a chance of avoiding the crowds of tourists which plague many other Easter destinations.
The counties of Derry and Antrim are both packed with noteworthy sites, both natural and man-made – with the mystical Giant’s Causeway (famously used by Led Zeppelin for the cover of their album Houses of the Holy) a must-see destination for any traveller.
Flights from £56Accommodation from £58
Paschal Petra: Easter in Jordan
Petra is known the world over as a wonder of the world, but if you are planning a trip, don’t delay. The ancient city of the Nabataeans, partially carved into the sandstone rocks of the Wadi Musa in Jordan, can become unbearably hot once May gets going. If you want to see the place where Indiana Jones found the Holy Grail, Easter would seem like the right time to do it.
Flights from £304Accommodation from £16
Feasting in Fes: Easter in Morocco
Moroccan cuisine, I think we can all agree is amazing, but did you ever realise you too could become an expert chef? Spend an hour in El Attarine, the old herb market of Fes, and you’ll have all the ingredients you need – now just head to the kitchen! While brewing up a batch of fresh mint tea, you’ll assemble all your fresh produce to prepare a tagine. Don’t know your harissa from your harira? No matter, your cook, Lahcen will show you what to do!
Flights from £193Accommodation from £13
Placid Portugal: Easter in Alentejo
On the banks of the river Tagus, olive trees seem to dance dreamily in the breeze, their blurred reflections mirrored in the lazy stream as it winds its way on to Lisbon.
Outside Portugal’s capital, you’ll be able to shake off the hustle and bustle, and soon you’ll forget it completely – in Alentejo, one of Europe’s most pristine regions. At this time of year it’s a lovely sight, in full bloom and wonderfully free of crowds. If you are looking for something a bit livelier, the beach at Algarve is just a few hours away.
Flights from £122Accommodation from £78
Peerless Pyrenees: Easter in Andorra
Springtime in the Pyrenees is lovely, as the peaks begin to shake off their snowy coats and burst into life. Meadows and wildflowers take over, and the air fills with the calls of songbirds.
In Andorra, a tiny principality wedged in between Spain and France, you’ll experience all this, as well as the famed hot springs of Caldea – Europe’s largest spa. Sound relaxing? That’s not even the best part – as taxes are extremely low in this alpine nation, you’ll have more money to spend on what matters most – your enjoyment.
Flights from £70Accommodation from £48
Note: These rates are based on search queries made on KAYAK.co.uk on January 25th, 2017. The prices are quoted in GBP. Flight prices are based on results for a return economy flight search. Hotel prices are for double occupancy at base price. Prices are subject to change, may vary, or no longer be available.
