best places to visit spain april

Spain in April | Weather, Festivals & Things to Do When Visiting

Can’t wait until summer to go on vacation in Spain? Then don’t!

If you visit in Spring, you’re guaranteed blue skies and comfortably warm temperatures; perfect for soaking up some culture.

If you don’t love the sweaty tourist vibe, April is the perfect time to explore Spain’s cities and munch your way through the best of Spanish cuisine. Paella in Valencia, anyone?

And if you weren’t already convinced, April is one of the best months for Spanish festivals , with a bunch to choose from. There’s Semana Santa, Fería de Abril, and San Vicente Ferrer Festival, to name but a few.

Since April is the start of the tourist season in Spain, it’s best to research where you plan to travel early to save money. It’s worth the climbing costs since the weather in Spain in April is warm but there are fewer crowds than in the peak of summer.

Spain’s Weather in April

If you’ve ever seen the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s, you’ll remember the iconic line, “The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plane”. And whilst we hope your plane is waterproof, we can vouch for Spain’s beautiful weather in April.

Areas along the Mediterranean coast have wonderful weather, as do Benidorm and Marbella in April, and the same goes for the Balearic and Canary Islands. But don’t expect to see the locals dressed for the beach. If you want to blend in, dress for spring in light layers.

Weather in the South of Spain in April

Andalusia is the most southern part of Spain and home to the provinces of Córdoba, Cádiz, Sevilla, Jaén, Almería, Málaga, and Granada.

While not scorching hot (but who wants flaming heat anyway?) Andalusia has the perfect weather for perusing historic towns and landmarks before grabbing some tapas. Expect highs of up to 75°F, cooling down slightly at night.

Weather-wise, southern Spain is nicer than northern Spain in spring, with the latter area experiencing rainfall and colder temperatures.

Weather in Mainland Spain in April

The weather in inland Spain is a little unpredictable in spring. Pack for cooler temperatures and expect the unexpected. By that, we mean the odd rain showers.

Warning: Yes, we know we said it could be chilly, but in recent years record high temperatures have been recorded in mainland Spain. Make sure to research current weather conditions just before your trip for the most accurate information.

Best Places to Visit in Spain in April

We’ve rounded up some of the best cities to visit during your trip to Spain in spring. Take your pick, or do them all.

In warm southern Spain, get set for t-shirt weather in the beautiful city of Valencia. Can’t wait to kick back and relax? Grab a cerveza at a rooftop bar after a day of sightseeing and sunbathing. Stick to parks for the latter since the sea doesn’t warm up until closer to summer.

If you’re feeling cultural, there’s plenty going on in April to tickle your fancy. We love the Kite Festival on El Cabañal Beach. Marvel at huge kites in fantastical shapes, or cheer on your favorite competitor in the acrobatic kite flying contests.

For an authentic Valencian experience, look no further than San Vicente Ferrer Festival. This annual celebration honors Valencia’s patron saint with fireworks, bullfights, and open-air shows.

We’ll admit, the weather in Madrid in April isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Pack a jacket as temperatures can get a little chilly, between 41°F and 65°F. On the plus side, spring isn’t quite the tourist season yet, so you’ll avoid the crowds by visiting at this time.

For those grayer days, head to the famous art museum, the Prado, before snacking on churros dipped in hot chocolate in the shelter of a Churrería. Still hungry? Dodge the showers at Mercado de San Miguel, one of the oldest, prettiest (and, more importantly, covered) food markets in Madrid.

Visiting the coast in April is always a good idea in Spain. The Mediterranean climate means lots of sunshine and highs of 66ºF. Perfect for seeing the sights, but perhaps not for swimming – unless you’re really brave.

Barcelona’s weather in April is far more predictable than in Madrid, so don’t worry about getting caught in the rain. Do plan for cooler evenings and pack layers.

Of course, a trip to Barcelona wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Sagrada Familia, but we recommend getting your fill of the artist Gaudi with a visit to the lesser-known Casa Vicens too. This beautiful Arab and Orientalist-inspired mansion is a feast for the eyes. Afterward, stroll in the nearby Parc Güell to check out his ceramic work.

Sunny Seville is a brilliant option for your April vacation, not least for the beautiful weather. Spring feels like summer here, with temperatures reaching highs of 75ºF.

As Seville is one of the warmest parts of Spain in April, plan your historical sightseeing slightly earlier in the day to avoid the midday heat. Failing that, make sure to bring plenty of water out and about with you to stay hydrated.

Get ready for a party (and some culture) in Seville in April, with Semana Santa and Feria de Abril being held within weeks of each other. These two festivals are celebrated nationwide and are the perfect opportunity to take in the Spanish culture. Think parades, dancing to Sevillanas, the traditional folk music in Seville, and tons of tapas and Sangria.

Visiting Spain in April | Events and Festivities

Here are our top picks for Spain’s festivals in April.

Semana Santa

Holy Week, or Semana Santa, is Spain’s version of Easter. Expect to see colorful religious processions, as well as plenty of floats depicting the Passion of Christ. It’s a feast for the eyes.

That being said, don’t be shocked by the outfits , which look similar to those worn by a more negative group. The white conical hats and robes are actually a symbol of mourning and not linked at all.

Top Tip : Semana Santa is an official holiday, meaning that prices for accommodation and travel will be higher than usual. It’s one of the biggest festivals in Seville , so be prepared and book early if you plan to stay there.

Fería de Abril (April Festival, Seville)

If you’ve been wondering, “is April a good time to go to Spain?” allow this festival to convince you. Get ready for a weekend of live music, colorful marquees, flamenco dancing, and all the street food you could need.

This is all rounded off with an epic firework finale. Truly magical.

Final Thoughts on the Weather in April in Spain

While not quite as hot as summer, and certainly not swimming weather yet, April is still a great time to visit Spain.

Road trips in Andalusia, shopping in Madrid, or simply sightseeing and snacking are all better in milder temperatures. At least, we think so anyway. So what are you waiting for?

Shake up your spring break plans and head to Spain this April!

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Spain in March: Activities, Climate, and More

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Weather in Spain in April: A Guide to Spain’s Regions

By: Author Laura Bronner

Posted on Last updated: November 28, 2023

Spain in April is magical. Whether you want warm beaches, spring in the city, or thawing in the mountains, there’s something in Spain to enjoy during the start of spring.

As winter fades into memory and the promise of spring takes hold, April graces Spain with a delightful transformation. This is a month when the landscapes burst into bloom, and the country’s diverse regions welcome the warmth of the sun.

In this comprehensive guide to April weather in Spain, we embark on a journey through the Iberian Peninsula to explore the nuances of climate, festivals in Spain in April, and the many outdoor adventures that define this vibrant month.

From the blossoming almond trees in Andalusia to the lively celebrations of Semana Santa, join along as we uncover the diverse tapestry of offerings in April in Spain and the unique experiences it unfolds.

A Quick Overview of April in Spain

If you are wondering what it is like in Spain in April, wonder no more. As April arrives in Spain, the country experiences a notable shift in weather patterns.

• Average Temperature : Across Spain, April introduces milder temperatures, with daytime highs ranging from a comfortable 15°C (59°F) to warmer 21°C (70°F) in many regions. Evenings are generally mild, offering pleasant conditions for outdoor activities.
• Precipitation : April marks a decrease in rainfall compared to previous months, creating drier and more inviting atmospheres. While some regions may experience light showers, overall precipitation levels diminish, allowing for enjoyable outdoor pursuits.
• Snow : Snow becomes a rarity in most regions, especially in lower altitudes. Mountainous areas, such as the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada, may still offer opportunities for late-season skiing but are transitioning toward milder conditions.
• Sea Temperatures : Coastal areas start to witness a gradual increase in sea temperatures, making beach activities more inviting. However, the waters are still relatively cool, ranging from around 14°C (57°F) to 19°C (66°F), depending on the specific region.

As Spain awakens to the warmth and vibrancy of April, its diverse regions offer a myriad of experiences, blending the beauty of nature with the cultural richness that defines this enchanting country.

Flowers are in bloom in April in Spain.

Barcelona: Gaudi’s Blooms and Seaside Dreams

Barcelona awakens in April with the arrival of spring, unveiling a city adorned in nature’s vibrant hues. A haven for art and culture, Barcelona in April is one of the best times of year to visit.

Spend three days in Barcelona exploring the history, going on some fun Barcelona food tours , and then hop on a fast train to the even warmer city of Zaragoza for a lesser-visited escape.

As winter’s chill fades, the city invites travelers to stroll through sun-dappled streets, exploring iconic landmarks and savoring the unique blend of history, art, and coastline that make Barcelona a springtime delight.

• Average Temperature : Barcelona in April boasts mild and pleasant temperatures, with daytime highs averaging around 17°C (63°F) climbing into the low 20s later in the month.
• Precipitation : April sees an average of 10 rainy days in April with about 28mm of rain.
• Snow : Snow is exceedingly rare in Barcelona during April.
• Sea Temperatur e: While the Mediterranean Sea warms up, it remains relatively cool at around 15°C (59°F).
• Activities : April is tapas weather. Simple as that. This is your time to sit in the city’s sunny plazas and squares, catching some warm rays, and enjoying a bubbly glass of cava. You can also take a leisurely bike ride through a lesser-trodden neighborhood like Gracia.

Get yourself to the Costa Brava for stunning views of the coastline at this time of year.

Northern Spain: Basque Breezes and Coastal Charms

In Northern Spain, April marks the emergence of a milder climate. The landscape remains lush with green vistas that extend from the rugged mountains to the picturesque coastline.

Moderate precipitation sustains the verdant charm of Basque Country and Asturias. Higher elevations may still catch the occasional snowfall, adding a touch of winter’s farewell. Coastal areas beckon with a maritime allure.

April invites nature enthusiasts to explore the cultural tapestry woven into the scenic landscapes of Northern Spain.

• Average Temperature : Northern Spain in April boasts milder temperatures, with daytime highs around 15°C (59°F).
• Precipitation : The region experiences moderate precipitation, averaging approximately 100mm during April.
• Snow : Limited to higher elevations, snow is a possibility in April in Northern Spain.
• Sea Temperature : Coastal areas feature inviting sea temperatures around 12°C (54°F).
• Activities : In April, venture off the beaten path in Northern Spain by hiking the scenic trails of Picos de Europa or exploring the lesser-known coastal villages like Lastres . Hop onto a piece of the Camino del Norte to see the coastal cities between Bilbao and San Sebastian. Embrace the local gastronomy scene with a sidrería tour in Asturias, sampling the region’s renowned cider and indulging in authentic seafood dishes.

Northern Spain at this time of year is perfect for hiking.

Malaga and the Costa del Sol: Sun-Kissed Andalusian Bliss

April is a great time to visit Malaga and the Costa del Sol . Minimal precipitation creates an idyllic environment for the region’s golden beaches and historical exploration in Malaga.

The vibrant Andalusian coast comes alive, inviting beachgoers to indulge in the Mediterranean allure. Explore all of the great things to do in Malaga , visit the beach clubs of Marbella , or rent a car in Malaga and get out to explore all of the fun day trips from Malaga that are perfect in this April weather.

With the sea offering a cool embrace, April in this coastal paradise is a blend of historical charm, seaside relaxation, and the blossoming flowers of Andalucia’s white towns .

• Average Temperature : Malaga and the Costa del Sol have some of the most pleasant temperatures in Spain in April, with daytime highs around 21°C (70°F).
• Precipitation : This is the last month that usually sees rain with about 41mm.
• Snow : It rarely snows in Malaga.
• Sea Temperature : The Mediterranean Sea warms up to an enjoyable 18°C (64°F).
• Activities : Beyond the beaches, April in Malaga invites you to discover the Moorish influences in the Alcazaba fortress or meander through the historic streets of Soho, one of the best neighborhoods in Malaga .  Experience the coastal charm in lesser-known towns like Nerja, and savor local delicacies at beachfront chiringuitos.

Enjoy the Costa del Sol in April.

Valencia: Paella Perfected Under April Skies

Valencia welcomes April with a delightful embrace of spring. Spring in Valencia is one of the best times to visit this city to enjoy all of the best things to do in Valencia , explore all of the day trips from Valencia , and do it all with fewer tourists and cooler temperatures than mid-summer.

As the temperature rises, Valencia really comes alive. Explore the architectural wonders of the City of Arts and Sciences, stroll through the charming Old Town, and savor the renowned paella against a backdrop of mild and enjoyable weather.

April in Valencia is a celebration of culture, gastronomy, and the city’s warm and welcoming ambiance.

• Average Temperature : Valencia in April welcomes delightful spring weather, with daytime highs around 21°C (70°F).
• Precipitation : The city experiences minimal precipitation, averaging 39mm, creating a comfortable atmosphere for exploration.
• Snow : Snow is virtually unheard of in Valencia during April.
• Sea Temperature : The sea temperature remains cool, around 16°C (61°F).
• Activities : Get outside in April in Valencia.  Explore the murals in the Russafa and El Carmen neighborhoods. Escape the urban bustle by exploring the Turia Gardens, transformed from a riverbed into a lush park. Join locals in the tradition of “horchata” tasting, a refreshing drink made from tiger nuts. Enjoy a traditional Spanish breakfast al fresco in one of the city’s many plazas. Or head out to start exploring the nearby beaches in Valencia . The weather will most certainly be warm enough for some beach volleyball!

Madrid: Spring Strolls in the Spanish Capital

April transforms Madrid with a gentle touch of warmth. Light precipitation means that allows locals and visitors can explore the cultural richness of the city without carrying an umbrella around all day.

As spring takes hold, enjoy two days in Madrid to stroll through iconic parks like Retiro, explore renowned museums like the Prado, and embrace the vibrant nightlife. The tapas bars in Madrid are some of the best in Spain!

The improving weather sets the stage for outdoor activities and vibrant city exploration in April.

• Average Temperature : Madrid in April transforms with mild temperatures, offering daytime highs around 18°C (64°F).
• Precipitation : The city experiences light precipitation, approximately 50mm, creating a comfortable environment for exploration.
• Snow : Snow is uncommon in Madrid during April.
• Activities : Delve into Madrid’s local life in April by exploring the historic Lavapiés neighborhood, known for its multicultural atmosphere and diverse food scene. Escape the city bustle with a visit to El Capricho Park, Madrid’s hidden gem, and partake in outdoor activities like paddle boating in the Retiro Park lake.

Catalonia is a wonderful place to explore in Spain in April.

Alicante: Costa Blanca’s April Radiance

April in Alicante brings with it a gentle warmth. The city, nestled on the Costa Blanca , is a hive of activity in the spring. Considering it is often named one of the warmest places in Spain in winter , you can imagine how good the weather gets as we inch closer to the summer months.

Low precipitation in April creates an ideal climate for those seeking sun-soaked days on the beautiful beaches.

The inviting Mediterranean waters, while still cool, are warm enough for Northern European beachgoers to enjoy the coastal charms.

Alicante in April is great for visitors to explore not only its historic sites but also the vibrant coastal towns and engage in water sports, all with a wonderfully warm and comfortable spring climate.

• Average Temperature : Alicante in April has warm temperatures, with daytime highs around 20°C (68°F).
• Precipitation : The region experiences minimal precipitation, around 25mm, creating an ideal environment for enjoying the outdoor lifestyle of Costa Blanca.
• Snow : Snow is a rare occurrence in Alicante during April.
• Sea Temperature : The Mediterranean waters remain cool at around 16°C (62°F).
• Activities : In April, venture beyond the beaches of Alicante by exploring the Santa Bárbara Castle at sunset for breathtaking views of the city. Embrace the local market scene at Mercado Central, where you can sample fresh produce and regional specialties. Take a scenic hike in the Montgó Natural Park for a nature-filled escape. There are tons of great things to do in Alicante to keep you busy on an April trip to Spain.

Flowers are ever-present in Spain in spring.

Almeria: Desert Blooms in Spain’s Warmest Spot

April in Almeria offers a touch of warmth, marking the arrival of spring in one of Spain’s hottest climates. The pleasant temperatures create the perfect atmosphere for outdoor enthusiasts.

Minimal precipitation allows the unique landscapes of the Tabernas Desert and the Sierra de Alhamilla to flourish. While the Mediterranean waters remain relatively cool, around 15°C (59°F), you can still enjoy plenty of sunshine and it may even cool you off after a hot hike in Cabo de Gata .

April in Almeria offers visitors the option to go hiking in the Sierra de Alhamilla, discover the captivating landscapes of the Tabernas Desert, or simply enjoy the lovely beaches around Almeria.

• Average Temperature : Almeria in April experiences pleasant temperatures with daytime highs averaging around 20°C (68°F).
• Precipitation : The region experiences minimal precipitation, approximately 15mm, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploration.
• Snow : Snow is exceptionally rare in Almeria during April.
• Sea Temperature : The sea remains relatively cool, around 18°C (64°F).
• Activities : Discover the unique landscapes of Almeria in April by exploring the lunar-like terrain of the Tabernas Desert. Enjoy birdwatching at Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park, a haven for migratory birds. Dive into the region’s cinematic history by visiting the Oasys Mini Hollywood theme park .

Seville: Flamenco Flourishes in April’s Warm Embrace

April transforms Seville into a blooming paradise. If you want some warm but not hot weather while visiting Seville, this is the perfect time of year to plan your trip.

Light precipitation adds a touch of freshness without dampening the city’s spirit. As an inland destination, Seville doesn’t concern itself with sea temperatures, but the Guadalquivir River and the city’s historic fountains become refreshing havens.

April in Seville is a time of cultural celebrations, lively festivals, and exploration amidst iconic landmarks like the Alcazar and the Seville Cathedral, all under the warm and welcoming skies. There are so many amazing things to do in Seville and April is one of the best months to do them thanks to the warm weather.

• Average Temperature : Seville in April transforms into a springtime paradise, with daytime highs around 22°C (72°F).
• Precipitation : The city experiences light precipitation, averaging 57mm over only 7 days in the entire month.
• Snow : Snow is exceedingly rare in Seville during April.
• Activities : April in Seville means that you can immerse yourself in local traditions by attending a flamenco show in the historic Triana district. Escape the crowds by exploring the Alameda de Hércules, a lively square favored by locals for its trendy bars and artistic vibe. Take a leisurely boat ride on the Guadalquivir River for a unique perspective of the city. Or hop on a Seville tour to the ancient Roman city of Italica to see some incredibly well-preserved mosaics.

Head to Ibiza or the Canary Islands in spring for warm sunny beaches.

Ibiza: April’s Beats in the Balearics

April in Ibiza offers visitors a gentle transition into spring. There are warmer temperatures that are perfect for al fresco dining, yoga on the beach, and budding flowers covering the walls of the main town’s white-washed buildings.

Light precipitation in April enhances the island’s natural beauty without interrupting the festivities.

The weather in April in Spain’s Balearic Islands allows for carefree exploration of early-season parties and the stunning landscapes that define Ibiza. While you may not be able to enjoy the beach clubs in Ibiza to their fullest, there are still tons of great things to do in Ibiza at this time of year.

The sea temperature rises slightly, adding the chance to enjoy some fun water activities before all of the tourists start arriving in hoards.

• Average Temperature : Ibiza in April has pleasant temperatures, boasting daytime highs around 17°C (63°F).
• Precipitation : The island experiences light precipitation, around 36mm.
• Snow : Snow is virtually unheard of in Ibiza during April.
• Sea Temperature : The sea temperature rises to around 15°C (59°F).
• Activities : Beyond the party scene, April in Ibiza offers tranquility. Explore the lesser-known places to stay in Ibiza like the village of Sant Joan de Labritja, known for its bohemian charm. Embark on a coastal hike along the cliffs of Es Vedrà, and indulge in a farm-to-table dining experience in the heart of the island.

Canary Islands: April’s Tranquil Tides and Volcanic Vibes

April in the Canary Islands is utterly delightful. The archipelago, scattered amidst the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the few places in Europe where you can start laying at the beach in April.

Lush landscapes, adorned with the unique flora of the islands offer a visual feast to visitors. April invites exploration, whether it be lounging on pristine beaches, hiking through diverse terrains, or indulging in water sports amidst the inviting waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

• Average Temperature : The Canary Islands maintain a mild and pleasant climate in April, with daytime highs around 22°C (72°F).
• Precipitation : The region experiences minimal precipitation, averaging 10mm.
• Snow : Snow is virtually nonexistent in the Canary Islands during April.
• Sea Temperature : The sea is relatively warm, with temperatures around 19°C (66°F).
• Activities : Discover the underwater world by trying snorkeling or diving in the crystalline waters of El Hierro. Attend local festivals, such as the Fiesta de la Cruz, to experience the vibrant culture of the islands.

April in Spain is one of the best times to go hiking in the region.

What Else is Happening in Spain in April?

As the cold winds of winter turn into slightly warmer breezes, April in Spain turns into one of the best places to be at this time of year.

Amidst the temperate spring weather in Spain, several noteworthy festivals offer locals and visitors alike the opportunity to partake in some wonderful parts of Spanish culture.

Holy Week (Semana Santa)

Spain’s Holy Week transcends religious observance, transforming into a captivating cultural spectacle. From the solemn processions in Seville to the intricate religious displays in Granada, Holy Week is a poignant reflection of Spain’s deep connection to its Catholic heritage.

This always takes place in the week leading up to Easter Sunday. So it is not always in April, sometimes it is in March in Spain .

April Fair (Feria de Abril) in Seville

Seville’s Feria de Abril is a jubilant showcase of Andalusian culture. The Real de la Feria transforms into a colorful extravaganza, where locals clad in traditional attire dance Sevillanas, and horse-drawn carriages parade through the fairgrounds.

It’s a fantastic celebration of music, dance, and camaraderie under the radiant spring sun. Be sure to book your Seville accommodation at least a month or more in advance. Things book out quickly for this festival and it brings visitors from all over the world.

Moors and Christians Festival

Held in various regions, the Moors and Christians Festival is a spirited reenactment of Spain’s medieval history. Elaborate parades, vibrant costumes, and mock battles commemorate the Reconquista, blending history and folklore in cities like Alcoy and Villajoyosa .

San Jorge (St. George’s Day) in Catalonia

Celebrated primarily in Catalonia, San Jorge or Sant Jordi in Catalan , is a day of cultural significance and romantic tradition. The day involves the exchange of books and roses, with streets adorned with literary and floral displays.

The city squares transform into open-air book fairs, where people celebrate literature, love, and the spirit of Catalonia.

• Travel to Spain Seasons

Spain in April: 6 Travel Tips, Activities & Weather

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April is one of the most exciting months to visit Spain, as the city’s blossoming spring flowers are complemented by tons of unique events and activities.

The number of tourists has yet to peak, the weather is just perfect (you’ll see why later), and there are several festivals and celebrations to choose from if you visit Spain in April.

In this article, I’ll give you the things you should consider, the weather and climate forecast by region, and the best places to travel during these months so you can plan your trip accordingly and take advantage of the top activities.

If you haven’t seen it yet, here’s the guide for visiting Spain during Spring.

🌸Read more: 10 Reasons Why Spring is the Best Time to Travel to Spain

Table of Contents ▼ ▶

Perfect month to travel? Fewer Crowds and Pleasant Weather Awaits!

In Spain, we have always considered our holidays in June, July, or August or during Holy Week or other holidays. 

But the high season in Spain runs from November to April in places like the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands. 

However, in places like Andalusia, Madrid, or Castilla y León, the high season begins at Easter.

Still, generally speaking, April and Spring are excellent times to travel to Spain, as it is still shoulder season, with a template climate and fewer crowds.

Yes, some local festivals can make prices skyrocket, but many of these parties offer enriching experiences that make your travel adventure x10 better!

Experience the Enchanting April Fair in Seville

Without a doubt, the highlight of Spain in April is the Seville Fair. If you travel to Spain during these dates, you should expect the whole country to look forward to that week.

One of the biggest reasons why planning a trip during these dates is a good reason is to witness this beautiful party that Spanish people live with heart and soul. 

It is one of the most important festivities in the city and the country, taking place every year for a week.

Attending the fair is the best way to learn about the Spanish culture, as you will see everyone dancing in the street, and the genuine and open character of the Sevillians invites everyone who passes by to join in the celebration.

When I tell you that thousands of people gather here to spend a glorious day, I’m not exaggerating. It is one of the most fun tourist attractions.

Horse-drawn carriages bring the attendees in traditional flamenco outfits. The city center gets full of “ casetas”  with the typical products of the land while drinking wine, singing, and dancing. And thousands and thousands of colored light bulbs lit up until late at night.

📌Read more: Seville Fair Guide for non-locals. Must-read before you go!

Witness the Most Awaited Semana Santa Processions

Semana Santa is the spring break equivalent in Spain. It begins with Palm Sunday, also known as “Domingo de Ramos,” and ends on Easter Sunday**.**

You should know that Easter in Spain is not about bunnies or colorful eggs. Holy Week is an important holiday that remembers the path of Jesus Christ before being crucified. 

During these dates, Spaniards remember the scenes of the passion and resurrection of the Son of God. They reenact history with processions in which everyone can participate. 

This creates the perfect scenario for everyone who wants to experience a unique cultural tradition while traveling to Spain. Probably one of the best months ever to plan your vacations. 

Plus, it is an ideal holiday to try delicious traditional dishes. 

📌Read more:   Why is Easter so Special in Spain? Holy Week Customs & Best Cities

It is a time to share with family, and students usually return home to enjoy this week with loved ones. 

Many Spaniards also travel during this time, as it is a time meant to share with family, and students usually return home to enjoy this week with loved ones.

Dress for the Season: Layer Up and Adapt to the Changing Climate

One thing that surprises people the most when they first travel to Spain is the outfits. Spaniards serve 10/10 looks on every occasion. 

To avoid sticking out, keep in mind that people in Spain usually dress according to the season instead of the weather. That means that even if it’s warm enough to bring your summer outfits out for a walk, you won’t see them wear them since it’s not summer yet.

So, what should you wear during April in Spain?

I mean, if you are very into fashion and want to blend in, I suggest packing light layers, Spring outfits, jackets, lightweight scarves, and clothing you can easily remove since the weather changes a lot during the day.

On the other hand, if you value comfort, bring some weatherproof gear in case it rains and a mix of Summer and Spring clothing. It will be warmer depending on how close to Southern Spain you are.

You will mostly have cooler mornings and warmer afternoons. The temperatures are delightful at night but will increase as Summer peeps. 

Delight in Blooming Gardens and Perfect Picnic Spots

In April, you can already witness the rhythms of the dynamic streets coming back to life.

This means that parks, gardens, and the outdoors are ideal for kicking off the picnic season!

April is when you can take advantage and walk through the parks of Spain with greater tranquility, so the breeze is delightful, the blue sky and the sun complement the landscape, and there is no unbearable heat in between.

In this way, you ensure the most romantic afternoons and beautiful and memorable excursions you can have.

I recommend Maria Luisa Park in Seville, the beautiful Laberinto de Horta Park (Barcelona). Of course, nothing is better than a  tortilla de patata  or a  bocata de calamares  in El Retiro in Madrid.

Opt for Bus Travel - Convenient and Reliable Transportation Across Spain

Plan your itinerary, and make reservations in advance to save money and time on transportation. Travelers often complain that train prices are much higher than they expected. But it gets so much better if you plan before arriving. 

Buses are a much cheaper alternative to trains, which people often forget about and do not consider.

The biggest and most famous bus company in Spain is Alsa, the one with the most routes, but there are several other options such as Avanza Bus, Hife, Inter Bus, and Socibus.

Prices vary greatly depending on how far in advance you book and the day you travel. You can have a glimpse of the fees from Tuesday to Friday and find a big difference in rates with the weekends.

Here are the best activities you should do in the cities that can or cannot be missing from your list for these dates.

Madrid and Barcelona are essential, because being the two main cities they have a lot of tourist attractions, a lot to see, and offer many experiences.

Also, Spring offers the perfect setting for traveling and touring thanks to pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and an excellent climate overall. 

• 30 Best Things to Do in Madrid: Fun Activities & Food!
• 22 Best Things to Do in Barcelona: Fun Activities & Food!

So, April is an ideal time for a city break. However, if you want to enjoy the islands, know that Ibiza, Mallorca, and Menorca are great options since they are almost deserted. Still, they are even better for cycling, hiking, and wandering through the Islands. 

Now let’s see what else this beautiful country offers us.

In Madrid, an hour later means endless afternoons to enjoy the good weather. Temperatures range from around 41°F to 64°F, so you should take the opportunity to visit the best terraces and have a glass of wine with a tapa. These are the best places:

And if you are more of sunsets, then you cannot miss the most beautiful sunset in the Temple of Debod or see the skyline of Madrid from the top on a trendy rooftop taking advantage of how cosmopolitan and modern this city is.

In addition, the first music festivals arrive, theater appointments and many other activities will never make you bored.

Other than eating, drinking, and partying, we Spaniards do many other things, and first of all, this city is all about culture. For this reason, during April, you can enjoy “El Prado at Night,” a new initiative of the Museo del Prado that allows access to different exhibition spaces and a distinct cultural program.

📌Read more: Prepare for Madrid’s Weather: Advice from a local + 4 Tips!

When Spring comes in Barcelona, an afternoon at the Ciutadella with some refreshments will make all your afternoons better. With temperatures around 45°F to 64°F, one of the top activities to do in Spring is renting a boat and rowing in the park’s central pond lake.

You can also plan a picnic! Go to the closest supermarket store, grab some snacks, and spend a lovely morning or afternoon at the beach.

📌Read more: Prepare for Barcelona’s Weather: Advice from a local + 7 Tips!

In addition to getting to know the main landmarks, it is time to get lost in the streets, walk as much as you can, and discover the true essence and vibes of this enchanting city that so many expats get to call home.

If you could only do one thing during April in Spain, it should be to visit the city of Seville. Yes, you read that right above Madrid, Barcelona, or any other paradisiac beach town.

Seville is the place to be in April because of the festive spirit to which the city awaits the biggest and most important celebration of La Feria de Sevilla.

It is a once on a lifetime experience that any visitor should have on their bucket list for the amount of cultural and historical knowledge they can get by simply admiring the outfits, looking at many years of tradition passed by to generations, and get impressed by the charm, the beauty, and the friendliness of Sevillanos.

April and May are hot and warm in Seville; the temperature will go from 27° / to 14°, so be mindful of your hydration! I know a fair is a place for walking, dancing, and fun drinking, but don’t forget to drink water throughout the day and get under some shadows.

And don’t get impressed because that heat only aggravates as Summer arrives! So take the opportunity and visit Seville now since the nights still tend to be lower in temperature.

📌Read more: Visit Seville in Spring: 10 Best Activities, Places & Food

Remember that Seville’s April Fair is a genuinely local party; some people consider it exclusive, but that is part of the tradition! If you have any friends in Spain, contact them to get the whole experience, and if not, feel free to leave us any questions :)

Traveling to Tarifa in April is a destination few know and underrated, but I am here to tell you about it.

Tarifa is a Spanish municipality in the province of Cádiz, Andalusia, in the extreme south of the country, off the coast of Morocco. April is when it begins to transition from very low to the low season—a perfect moment to take advantage of and enjoy this beautiful place.

It has minimum temperatures of 14°C and maximum temperatures of up to 20°C. The weather is lovely, but it is a good idea to have some warm clothes just in case. Although at the end of the month, you can take a dip.

One of the things we enjoyed the most was family trips to Tarifa. You can delight yourself with beautiful mountain sceneries and natural wonders.

This is an excellent town for a getaway and to get to know hidden gems with fewer visits that locals do not often mention. Plus, you will have the sweetest sleep of your life!

Read more: Travel to Tarifa: 5 Best Activities, Food & Attractions

Lanzarote - Canary Islands

I wanted to save the Canary Islands for Summer, but Lanzarote is different; let me tell you why.

After a long and cold winter, the body most desires a little warmth, views of the blue sea, and being surrounded by nature.

Lanzarote is the northernmost island. Therefore the seasons hit in different ways, and Spring is particularly special, so the activities are more related to hikes, excursions, and even views of desert landscapes (you can literally see a cactus garden)

Spring is the breeding season, so nature and bird lovers can delight in all the flora and fauna that abound in this land.

The sunsets and views are beautiful, so the hiking trails become a must for those who want to witness breathtaking landscapes.

On the other hand, cycling and mountain biking are ideal for this climate in this season of the year. While in other warmer Canary Islands, it is worth waiting a little longer to get lost in its paradisiacal coves, Lanzarote offers adventure for this season.

The temperature in Spain in April varies depending on where you are and the region. This is why I am leaving you a table with the average temperature in March for the different areas for more accuracy.

However, keep in mind that these temperatures can vary, so I recommend that you check the specific weather app for the city or town you visit on the days you visit to avoid surprises and plan according to the weather.

Now that you know these travel tips, I hope this article has brought valuable insights and suggestions for travelers visiting us in April!

I really encourage you to choose this month since it is probably the best decision you’ll ever make.

Besides the vibrant April Fair in Seville, the cultural significance of Semana Santa, and the advantages of visiting during the shoulder season, the country offers the perfect weather and time of the year to explore the big cities and do activities that will enhance your travel experiences in Spain compared to other months!

What are you waiting for to plan your trip?

Spain Travel Guide: 25 Ultimate Tips (By a Local Travel Agent)

Although Spain is fine for any time of the year since it offers different weather, activities, and attractions for all times, Spring takes the medal.

I always tell my friends and those who ask me when it is better to come to Spain to consider the months between April-June; I feel that with the number of activities such as the April fair, the ideal climate to get to know the big cities, and the extra hours it has the day, it becomes the perfect place for a getaway.

READ NEXT: Spring in Madrid: 13 Best Places to See & Things to Do

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April in Spain: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

TripSavvy /  Derek Abella  

Whether you're visiting Barcelona in northeastern Spain or traveling to the sunny Canary Islands, April is a great time to plan a vacation to Spain, though the weather and events vary by region .

Along with warmer weather—and despite a few spring showers—you can also expect cities across the country will take the opportunity to host a variety of seasonal events, festivals, and parties including the week-long Semana Santa and Easter celebrations.

When picking out where to go in Spain in April , it really comes down to what you want to do and what you want to see during your travel. All of Spain's best cities are relatively warm this time of year, but you should be sure to check out the regional weather before you go.

Spain Weather in April

Depending on where you're staying during your trip to Spain, you're likely to experience vastly different weather no matter what time of year you visit. However, the climate around the entire country is usually comfortably warm throughout April, getting gradually warmer as the month progresses.

The southern Spanish region of  Andalusia experiences overall warmer weather than the northern portion of the country, which tends to be cooler and also rainier. If you're visiting San Sebastian in the Basque Country or Galicia in the northwest, make sure you have waterproof clothing or an umbrella.

Coastal cities like Barcelona, Valencia, and Malaga, tend to have a more steady Mediterranean climate, with sunny days and mild changes between daily highs and lows. But cities inside Spain's interior, such as dead-center Madrid, experience more drastic fluctuations—days in April can be surprisingly hot while the evenings get cold. Madrid is also more likely to experience surprise rainstorms, so be prepared just in case.

What to Pack

A good rule of thumb to keep in mind when visiting Spain in April: layers. Bring scarves, cardigans, light T-shirts, and similar clothing items that can easily be layered. Temperatures can be quite chilly in the mornings and evenings but are generally pleasant during the day in most places, so it's good to have options.

Keep in mind that Spaniards usually dress according to the season—not the weather. That means that even if it's sunny and warm, don't be surprised if you see locals wearing light jackets and long pants (it's not summer yet, after all). Keep this in mind if you don't want to stick out. 

While some places are rainier than others, you never know when an unexpected shower will hit. A compact umbrella that can easily fit into your handbag or backpack is always a good thing to have when out and about in Spain in April.

April Events in Spain

As the weather gets warmer throughout the month, cities around Spain host annual and special events in celebration of spring each April. The longer days and late sunsets in Spain bring out locals and visitors for a month full of music, cultural, religious, and culinary events.

• Semana Santa is one of the most important festivals in Spain, especially in the southern province of Andalusia. This is spring break in Spain, so many Spaniards are traveling during this time as well and the prices reflect that. Celebrations take place throughout the week leading up to Easter Sunday, usually during the first weeks of April but it can also fall in March.
• Fería de Abril is literally the "April Fair," and it's the biggest event of the year in the southern city of Seville. It starts two weeks after Semana Santa and for an entire week, you'll find people partying in the streets, concerts in plazas, and flamenco dancers showing off their moves.
• La Passió , a performance of "The Passion of the Christ," takes place every weekend from mid-March until early April in the town of Esparraguera, Catalonia, near Barcelona.
• The  Human Rights Film Festival  takes place in San Sebastian near the end of April, the same city that hosts the prestigious San Sebastian International Film Festival later in the year.
• Bando de la Huerta is a colorful street festival complete with dancing, parades, and floats that takes place in the city of Murcia and always begins on the Tuesday after Easter.
• The  Sant Jordi Festival  is a local celebration that combines Valentine's Day traditions with a celebration of the lives of Cervantes and Shakespeare, who both died on the same day. It takes place in the Catalonia region on April 23 every year, when lovers typically gift books to one another.
• Festimad  is a festival of musical diversity in Madrid that takes place over two weeks and typically begins at the end of April. Artists of all genres put on performances in venues all across the Spanish capital and you can find nightly concerts to attend.
• The Cata de Vino Montilla-Moriles is a huge tasting event featuring local wines in the southern province of Córdoba. The region is especially known for its sweet dessert wines.

April Travel Tips

• April is generally considered the start of the high season throughout much of Spain. As a result, accommodation prices can be higher than they were during the winter months, and hotels book up quickly. Try to reserve as far in advance as possible.
• Semana Santa, the week before Easter, is the spring break equivalent in Spain. Everyone is out of school and many Spaniards are also traveling during this time, so flights, trains, and accommodations will be extra expensive during this week.
• No matter where you go, remember to check the weather ahead of time and pack accordingly to avoid getting taken by surprise in the case of an unexpected rain shower.

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Spain in April: A Perfect Guide You Are Looking For!

April brings beautiful Spring days creating a perfect time of the year to visit Spain. The weather is clear and sunlit but also not too warm making outdoor activities extra joyful. April is also a month full of festivals that carries a lot of delight for the Spaniards. 

Weather in Spain in April

Temperature during the daytime will hover around 62 degree Fahrenheit but might dip into the 40s at night. The Mediterranean coast will bring you more warmth so that you can enjoy your sunbath on the alluring beaches of Spain and its offshore islands. Swimming in the ocean might not be a good idea as the water would be too chilly for that. You will experience more heat as you travel to the South.

In the regions of Andalusia, temperature might rise to 75 degree Fahrenheit and might not touch the 40s during the nighttime. Tours of historic Andalusian cities like Malaga, Seville and Cadiz are recommended during this period of time. 

As the beaches begin to open with the coming sunny days you can expect quite a number of visitors on the Mediterranean coast and on the islands but it won’t be as swelled up as in the summer holiday season. Tourists crowd the city of Seville during the huge festivals. The airfares and hotel prices are still on the lower side which usually shoots up during the vacation season. 

• Madrid : 66F(19C)/44F(7C)
• Barcelona : 65F(18C)/50F(10C)
• Sevilla : 75F(24C)/53F(12C)
• Canary Islands : 72F(22C)/61F(16C)

Spain Tour Package Starting @ ₹74,660

Pristine beaches. Exotic Stays. Tapas & wines. Quirky Festivals

What to Pack for Spain in April

One thing to always remember when packing for Europe is layering ! Get scarves, cardigan, light t-shirts, light jacket. Temperature can be chilly in the mornings, but please in the evenings. Local people dress according to the weather and not the climate, so you will have to match up with the weather and the environment too.

What to do in Spain in April

As Andalusia experiences scorching heat during the summer months, Spring is the ideal span to make a visit. Plus you shouldn’t miss the biggest festival in the city of Seville that involves plenty of food, fun and flamenco dancing. Beach resort cities and islands like Marbella, Ibiza, Mallorca, Malaga and Alicante are popular attractions during this sunny season. Also a road trip along Spain’s Costa del Sol would be a perfect addition to your plan. 

Apart from the beaches and big parties, the country can offer you a food tour as well. You can enjoy the appetising cuisine of food markets and tapas bars in Madrid. San Sebastián is known for its pintxos (small snacks).You can also witness the religious position of Spain in the early days of April when the Semana Santa, or Holy Week is celebrated.

The marina in Ibiza town has hundreds of yachts lined up along the coast.Head to Carrer Andenes, and you will see bars, cafes and restaurants. You can take up a walk in the old town which is basically a sand stone fortress. Once the sun goes down get on for what you are actually in Ibiza for. It’s the party land. Yo can find great beach clubs and pubs. You can witness lots of concerts and music festivals which keep on taking place time to time. You can head to Ibiza Town for non-stop partying. Clubs like Amnesia, Space, Pacha, Sankeys and Privilegeare your go to locations. Usually people take flights from anywhere in the mainland Spain. All the accomodations here are lesbian and gay friendly.

Also read : Attractions in Ibiza

2. Marbella

Marbella is like a cut price version of Monaco, beaches are the bonus here. Go for water activities here, delicious tapas with sangria, visit historical buildings. Marbella Old Town is a must visit, it dates back to 15th century. You can find typical Andalusian houses with fresh flowers in the balcony. Just a 2min walk from the plaza Naranjos there’s a Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation which dates back to 17th century. It is nicely ornamented with paintings and statues.

3. Alicante

This town south of Valencia is mostly famous for its party culture and gorgeous beaches. Alicante’s main attraction include its old town, hilltop castle, art collections, history, fine foods, nightlife and fiery fiestas. It offers a well blend of history and cuisine. Being a compact town all the happening spots are at a walkable distance. City is well connect by train to Madrid and Barcelona. Airport also is just 20mins from the city centre.

Also read : 10 Best Things to do in Alicante

Events to attend in Spain in April

• Semana Santa : The Holy Week is celebrated in the early April to remember the passion of Christ. The cities and towns see a series of processions to celebrate this grand festival. If you want to experience a majestic celebration, move to the city of Salamanca or Andalusia and the cities like Seville and Malaga.

2. Feria de Abril : Two weeks after Semana Santa a massive party hits the city of Seville. As it is the birthplace of flamenco music, the festival involves a lot of parades and dancing. The celebration goes on for a week complemented by daily bullfights, drinking and eating. The festivities stay up till the early hours of the morning. 

Every weekend, the town of Esparraguera, Catalonia near Barcelona holds La Passio, a performance of “The Passion of the Christ” from mid March until early April. At the end of April, San Sebastian presents the Human Rights Film Festival. 

3. Bando de la Huerta : Every year on the Tuesday after Easter, a joyous festival takes place in the city of Murcia which is filled with parades and dancing.

4. Sant Jordi Festival : It is a local celebration in the region of Catalonia on 23rd April to mark the day of death of both Shakespeare and Cervantes. It involves a tradition of gifting books to your lovers combined with Valentine’s Day traditions. 

Festimad is a music festival that usually begins at the end of April in Madrid where artists of different genres perform across the capital. Music lovers should miss the night concerts that happen during these two weeks. 

5. Cata de Vino Montilla : Cordoba, the region famous for its sweet dessert wines holds a big wine tasting event featuring local wines. 

Planning your Spain trip in April? Check out Spain holiday packages or Spain honeymoon packages offered at Pickyourtrail and make a memorable Spain holiday!

Frequently Asked Questions

In general, lodging prices may be slightly higher than during the low season, but lower than during the peak summer season. It is a good idea to book ahead of time, especially if you are visiting during Holy Week or other popular events.

Yes, April is a lovely month in Spain, with blooming flowers and lush landscapes, especially in parks and gardens. The countryside can be particularly scenic during this time.

Absolutely! April’s mild weather makes it ideal for outdoor activities. During this time, Spain has numerous hiking trails and beautiful natural reserves that are ideal for exploring.

It all depends on your preferences. Seville for Holy Week, Barcelona for its cultural scene, Granada for its historical appeal, and the Canary Islands for warmer beach weather are all excellent choices.

Flamenco shows are popular all year in Spain, and April is no exception. For an authentic experience, seek out performances in cities such as Seville, Granada, or Madrid.

Nishant Gurav

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Travel to Spain in April: Weather, Top Destinations, Events

The month of April embraces tourists with warm, sunny weather, as springtime officially starts. Unlike the bitter-cold weather from December to March, this month brings few spring showers but the temperature is relatively warmer. Traveling to Spain in April is all about the beaches , as the temperature rises to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Travelers can still experience cold mornings and nights, but the temperature’s gradually increasing each day. It’s the perfect weather to do outdoor activities and explore historic cities, plazas, and other attractions . Andalucia is definitely one of the top destinations for quiet beach holidays in coastal cities.

More than the scenic views, attractive weather conditions, and outdoor activities, April is also an exciting month because of the host of events. The Holy Week or Semana Santa is probably the highlight of April, as people from across the world join traditional processions. León, Salamanca, Segovia, and Avila are considered Tourist Interest locations for remarkable parades .

Discover what April in Spain feels like for travelers who are coming at this time of the year.

Table of Contents

Spain Weather in April

Spring in Spain is not too cold and warm, so the weather is pleasant for lots of exploration. The average temperature at daytime is 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but going south , the heat rises to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The Mediterranean coast already feels like summer, but the heat is still manageable.

Visitors can head to the southern coast to experience warmer weather, which peaks at 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Beaches in this region are starting to get busy, with locals flying here to swim and relax.

Anywhere else is pleasantly hot, but waters on the northern coast are still not good for swimming . As mentioned, there are a couple of rain showers at this time of the year, but the sun resurfaces almost immediately.

The capital Madrid also experiences good, sunny weather, but some nights, the temperature dips to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Best if visitors can still bring jackets at night to be comfortable while visiting tapas bars and other attractions.

Barcelona is warmer than Madrid, thanks to the sea breeze, but some nights can also feel bitterly cold at 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Overall, daytime weather is perfect for walking tours and exploration, while night time calls for a warm cup of chocolate drink.

Top Destinations to Visit

Because Spain in April weather feels warmer, the best destinations to visit are coastal cities and towns. The cities of León, Salamanca, Segovia, and Avila are the highlight of April because of the traditional processions in celebration of Semana Santa .

León

Bold, striking architecture, delicious foods , breathtaking local scenes—León easily captures the hearts of visitors for its charm and history. Every nook and cranny is worthy of exploration, with Roman influences that cascaded from design, culture, and traditions.

León is only a small city but it’s always packed with pilgrims who are on their way to the Santiago de Compostela. The grand monuments are well-preserved, rubbing elbows with the soaring towers. The famous 13th-century cathedral is picturesque, with magnificent stained-glass windows that are truly a work of art.

Coming here at this time of the year is rather pleasant because the streets are bustling with people at Calle Ancha. This long stretch of land is brimming with gourmet restaurants, artsy cafes, and souvenir shops .

Gaudí’s traces are also in León, a neo-Gothic castle-like building that houses the city’s museum. The Casa Botines is a modernist building built in 1891. Initially, it was built as houses but was turned as a headquarters for a bank. The structure is still intact and the architecture is preserved even after a century.

León’s Old Town is also a must-visit, lined up with quaint restaurants every street. Famous local dishes include cecina or dry meat, Valdeon cheese, that usually come with free tapas.

WHERE TO STAY? Best hotels in León .

The city of Salamanca isn’t only a mecca for glorious Iberian hams but also for ornate sandstone architecture and vibrant public squares. Awarded the UNESCO World Heritage City for the existing pre-Ancient Roman buildings and structures, Salamanca is absolutely scenic.

The impressive skyline filled with Baroque-style architecture is a memorable sight. From the cathedral, university, public library , and museum, unique architecture is visible. Casa de las Conchas’ unique stone shells façade and Plateresque design stand out from the rest. About 300 carved stone shells are tucked neatly, which symbolizes the order of Santiago.

Just nearby is the University of Salamanca—Spain’s prestigious and oldest university. The Plateresque architecture is evident here, which is why it’s considered among the most beautiful universities in the world.

The Plaza Mayor radiates in the city, considered as the main attraction. It’s a vast square surrounded by quintessential arcades, shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Evident from the building is the Baroque architecture that’s truly eye-catching. Alfresco dining is also popular here, allowing tourists to enjoy the views while taking a rest from the walking tour.

WHERE TO STAY? Best hotels in Salamanca.

Spain in April is the perfect time to explore the hidden gems of the Castilla y León region comprising the beautiful Segovia city. It’s a special place that captures the essence of the Roman Empire, from architecture, food, and culture .

The Aqueduct is probably the most famous landmark here, featuring the 800-meter Roman aqueducts. The structure was built in the 1st-century A.D. and still in the excellent state up to date. The conservation of the water-conveyance structure is one-of-a-kind, which makes it a phenomenal attraction. The design and architecture is also the reason why a lot of people come here.

Another prominent landmark in Segovia is the Alcazar, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Initially, the Alcazar was built as a fortress but was later used as a residence of royalty and a prison. These days, the monument is only a tourist spot, offering the best views of the city through its balconies.

WHERE TO STAY? Best hotels in Segovia .

Walled cities are common in Spain because high stone walls serve as protection from the war. Avila is among the walled cities that witnessed a lot of battles between the Iberians, Celts, Romans, Goths, Jews, Muslims, and Visigoths. The ruins speak volumes of the history of the city, which is truly unique and one-of-a-kind.

The spectacular stone works are admired by a lot of visitors, along with medieval buildings, tourist rows, and Gothic architecture. For the cathedrals, sculpture works are common, decorating the façade.

Avila is also known for the free tapas that come with a lot of traditional dishes. The succulent meat is a specialty here, along with Barco de Avila or beans, and Avila veal.

WHERE TO STAY? Best hotels in Avila .

Events in April

April in Spain is a good time to travel for a number of events and festivals that happen this month. The Holy Week and post-Semana Santa period are the busiest times of April, usually filled with colorful and vibrant parades, religious processions, and a lot more.

Semana Santa

Spain’s Holy Week is definitely a huge affair that lands in the early week of the month. A series of procession in different cities make streets busy, especially in the Castilla y León region. The grandest floats can be seen from the procession, depicting Jesus and Mary. This is a time for renowned sculptures to showcase their work, which circulates in cities.

Lots of religious brotherhoods also join the processions wearing unique attires like robes and cone hats. In some parts of Spain , the processions last up to 12 hours, considered by locals as a sacrifice to Christ’s hardships.

Flowers and candles are also common during the processions , complete with military parades. Thousands of pilgrims join the said processions, starting from the plazas.

Feria de Abril

Andalucia kicks off the biggest party after Semana Santa , which is the Feria de Abril. It features lively parades, with plenty of dancing on the streets, folk music spilling from the balconies, and more drinking.

In Seville , people can be seen wearing traditional flamenco costumes to celebrate Feria de Abril. There’s a lot of fun and dancing happening in public spaces, which is a unique sight for visitors.

Bando de la Huerta

Another post-Holy Week celebration, Bando de la Huerta, involves massive crowds joining the parade. It’s a unique Spring Fiesta that involves throwing food at the spectators and offering flowers to the Virgen de la Fuensanta.

Just like in the celebration of Feria de Abril, participants of the Bando de la Huerta also wear traditional costumes to showcase an explosion of colors and joy. With this vibrant vibe, Spain in April is totally a good idea for travelers who want to join in the fun.

Check out these activities in Spain

Evan Kristine a.k.a Pretty Wild World is a professional travel blogger with over 10 years of experience in content creation. Originally from the Philippines, she's been living in Finland for 15+ years working as a chef and entrepreneur in Tampere, Finland.

She's an expert in Finland travel and explores the country often sharing her insights and tips in this blog and social medias. She also splits her free time either going for weekend getaways in Europe or galavanting to different European destinations on her holidays. All her useful Europe travel guides are also in this blog!

Evan Kristine is also the food blogger behind at The Kitchen Abroad and on her free time, she enjoys decorating her 75m2 apartment and shares her experience over at Solía Avenue .

A true master of her own life and despite her busy schedule juggling life as a chef, blogger, and entrepreneur, she still finds time to read 50+ books a year and indulge in several hobbies like hiking, working out, yoga, and painting.

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The 8 best places to visit in Spain in 2024

Feb 13, 2024 • 7 min read

From the Catalonian capital of Barcelona to the fascinating mix of cultures in Toledo, here are the best places to visit in Spain © Westend61 / Getty Images

Coming second only to its northern neighbor as the most visited country in the world, Spain is packed with incredible places to visit and experiences to enjoy.

Sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches, World Heritage cities, incredible cuisine, and multi-faceted culture – the only downside is not knowing where to begin with your must-see list. I've done all the hard work for you and gathered together my eight favorite places to visit in sensational Spain in 2024.

Best city for visiting world-class art museums 

The Spanish capital  is a lively city blessed with year-round clear blue skies draped over its vibrant barrios (neighborhoods) , architectural landmarks and famed art museums. There's even an ancient Egyptian temple, the Templo de Debod , right in Madrid's city center. 

Art aficionados could spend days exploring Madrid's "Golden Triangle of Art," composed of three globally renowned museums , the Museo del Prado , Reina Sofía and the Thyssen-Bornemisza , which are home to some of the world's most valuable art collections. They are situated along Madrid's Paseo del Prado (Art Walk) , which has recently been granted UNESCO World Heritage status.

Planning tip:  Madrid has a vibrant street culture that loves its wine-soaked tapas crawls. Cava Baja in the historic La Latina neighborhood is lined with quaint little bars and taverns, making it one of the best streets in the city to join locals hopping from one bar to the next to sample a selection of Iberian hams, charcuterie and cheeses.

2. Barcelona

Best for modernist architecture

Straddling the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees mountains, the Catalonian capital is a visually stunning metropolis with avant-garde architecture, city beaches and a Gothic Quarter that stretches back over 2000 years.

No visit to Barcelona is complete without spending time at the Sagrada Família , the obra maestra of the illustrious Catalan architect and proponent of Modernism, Antoní Gaudí. His influence on the city is everywhere, and it's worth taking time to visit his other architectural jewels, the Casa Batlló , La Pedrera and Park Güell.

Another place where Gaudí has left his legacy is at the Plaça Reial , at the heart of the city's two millennia-old Barri Gòtic (Gothic Quarter) . The public square is lit up by decorative street lamps that were Gaudí's first commissioned public work. This ancient neighborhood is also home to the majestic La Catedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, which was built over two centuries from the 13th to the 15th centuries. At the border of the quarter is Mercat de la Boqueria , one of the oldest markets in Europe.

Planning tip: Have a lunchtime visit to Mercat de la Boqueria – it's when the unassuming places to eat, run by charismatic owners, start to open up.

3. San Sebastián

Best city for gourmet experiences

This alluring Basque coastal city in northern Spain is stunning, characterized by its belle epoque architecture, white-sand beaches that stretch for kilometers, and blue waters of the Bay of Biscay. On a clear day, stroll along the boulevard of La Concha beach to get a feel for the locals' sea-loving culture.

San Sebastián, or Donostia in Basque, has evolved from a traditional whaling town into a world-famous gastronomic capital. It has the greatest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants per square meter in Europe, and gastronomic delights await you around every corner.

Planning tip:  You don't need to have a Michelin-star budget to be able to enjoy San Sebastián's food culture. Head over to the Parte Vieja (Old Quarter), particularly along 31 de Agosto Street. The streets here are lined with restaurants and bars offering dizzying rows of assorted pintxos  – literally translating as "spike." The name describes how these appetizers are presented with skewers or toothpicks for easy picking.

4. Balearic islands

Best for beaches and sapphire-colored waters

Anyone who's been to these outlying islands east of the Iberian Peninsula would recognize the "Balearic blues" — the distinct shades of blue that characterize these Mediterranean waters. This archipelago's four largest islands –  Ibiza , Mallorca , Menorca and Formentera – are blessed with countless beaches and calas  (coves) embraced by white sand coastlines and rugged cliffs.

Among these islands, Ibiza is the most famous one, mainly for its reputation as a 24/7 party destination. Yet Ibiza's clubbing culture is just a tiny slice of this spectacular island on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is fringed with sapphire-colored waters, filled with historic fortified towns, and has a wealth of hidden inlets and charming beachside restaurants and cafes. You can visit the ruins of the ancient Phoenician civilization at Sa Caleta and the Puig des Molins necropolis to get a glimpse of the ancient colonies that inhabited this island long before the clubbers discovered it. 

Best place for cultural sightseeing

The delights of  Seville are in the details – this charming Andalusian capital may give you the sensation of déjà vu, perhaps because its year-round sunny days, resplendent gardens and intricately carved palaces have made it a favored filming location for big productions from Star Wars to Game of Thrones . Its allure lies in its idiosyncratic mix – horse-drawn carriages, flamenco tablaos  (stages), colossal Gothic structures and Islamic stylistic details all blend to create this multi-layered dreamscape of a city.

Seville's rich cultural tapestry is the legacy of its long and varied history, once a Moorish capital, later the seat of the Castilian aristocracy, and then as the European gateway to the Americas after Columbus' journey in 1492. The unique juxtaposition of cultures could not be more apparent when visiting the Seville Cathedral , the largest Gothic cathedral in the world and the final resting place of Columbus, and then just a few meters away, the Real Alcázar showcasing the splendor of Mudéjar architecture with Islamic, Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance elements.

Planning tip:  Want to experience a huge celebration? Time your visit for one of the city's great annual festivals , notably the Semana Santa and Feria de Abril.

Best for layers of history

This 2000-year-old walled city occupies a significant place in Spain's history. It was the former capital of the Visigothic Kingdom, a fortress of the Emirate of Cordoba, a Roman municipium, the seat of power of King Charles V, and the former capital of Spain until 1560 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With Jewish, Christian and Islamic influences, Toledo has earned the nickname "The City of Three Cultures." Walk along its narrow cobblestone streets to glimpse the vestiges of this unique cultural melange — ancient Roman structures, Moorish architectural styles, the Catedral de Toledo , the El Tránsito Synagogue and the Cristo de la Luz Mosque .

Planning tip:  Head over to the Mirador del Valle for spectacular panoramic views and a picture-perfect photo of this historic city by the Tagus River.

Best city for Western Islamic architecture

Situated at the foot of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountain range is the postcard-perfect Andalusian city of Granada . It is home to the Alhambra palace complex and the ancient citadel of the Nasrid Dynasty, the last Muslim dynasty in the Iberian Peninsula which ruled until the 15th century. Meaning "the Red One," the Alhambra is a stunning architectural masterpiece merging Moorish and Christian decorative elements – it's impossible not to feel transported to a fantasy world with its intricately carved walls and archways, mirror-like pools and colorful mosaics. 

Planning tip:  Continue the visual feast at the Palacio de Generalife right by the Alhambra, a summer palace whose gardens and perfectly orchestrated fountains provided repose for the ancient Nasrid sultans.

8. Santiago de Compostela

Best city for spiritual tourism

Santiago de Compostela is the capital of Galicia and the final destination of the Camino de Santiago (Way of Saint James) pilgrimage, a tradition that stretches back over 1000 years. On any day of the week, you'll see pilgrims from all over the world paying their respects at the Basilica of Santiago de Compostela , the reputed burial place of St James the Apostle. 

Even non-pilgrims can relish the mystical beauty of this northern Spanish city with a distinct Celtic heritage. Its beating heart is the Plaza del Obradoiro , where the luxurious Hostal dos Reis Católicos  stands, believed to be the oldest hotel in the world that was once a hostel for pilgrims.

Planning tip:  Santiago has a rich gastronomic tradition highlighted by its excellent seafood, so be hungry when you visit the city's second most popular attraction after the Cathedral, the Mercado de Abastos food market.

This article was first published August 2021 and updated February 2024

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• Spain Weather in April 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers

April is spring in Spain, and it's one of the best months of the year to visit for some activities, with mild to warm weather and mostly dry days. We recommend visiting Madrid, Barcelona, Toledo and Seville. Read on to find out more about travel and weather, including temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and tips for April.

Content Preview

• 1. Weather Overview
• 2. Best Places to Visit
• 3. Crowds and Costs
• 4. What to Wear

Spain Weather in April: Overview

• Temperature range: 11–20°C (52–68°F)
• Rainfall: 5 cm (2 inches)
• Rainy days: 7
• Sunshine hours/day: 8
• Humidity: around 61% (mostly comfortable throughout Spain)

April is mostly mild to warm in Spain, with temperatures between 11–20°C (52–68°F), topping around 24°C (75°F) in the south in Seville. The days are sunny, with approximately 8 hours of sunshine per day, making for a really pleasant climate.

There is only a little bit of rainfall in Spain in April, around 5 cm (or 2 inches), with around 7 rainy days in the month. The humidity levels are around 61% on average in Spain, higher in Barcelona (around 68%) and lower in Seville (around 58%).

April Climate Comparison (Averages) for Spain's Top Tourism Areas

The best places to visit in spain in april.

April's sunny, long days make it the perfect time of the year to visit Spain and explore, throughout the entire country. For visitors in April, we recommend spending some time in Madrid, visiting Toledo from Madrid, heading over to Barcelona, and then going towards the south of the country towards Seville.

Global Highlights' experts can help you put together the ideal itinerary for your trip to Spain. Just reach out to the team, let them know what you would like to do, what your requirements and needs are. Contact us to start planning your Spain trip .

1. Check out the Sights in Madrid

Madrid is home to around 3.4 million people, and is the second-largest city in the European Union. It has historically held a lot of influence in Europe too, and you can see this in the sights and museums around the city.

We recommend visiting the National Archaeological Museum to get an understanding of the pre-historic history of Spain, and then visiting the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia to enjoy the beautiful art collection.

There is also the Royal Palace of Madrid which is the official residence of the Spanish royal family when they are in Madrid. The current Spanish monarch, King Felipe VI, however, has chosen to not to reside there at the moment.

2. Visit the Diana de Sant Jordi Flower Markets in Barcelona

Barcelona celebrates Sant Jordi on April 23, the day of the Catalonian patron saint, combining World Book Day and Valentine's Day. On this day, couples exchange gifts, with men traditionally receiving a book and women receiving a rose. These days, men and women can both receive books and roses.

As a result, we highly recommend walking through the city on this day, as the streets are filled with book stalls and flower stalls. The city comes alive, and there's no happier day to visit Barcelona. Visit Plaza Sant Jaume to enjoy traditional dances, too.

For the rest of your time in Barcelona, we suggest checking out Gaudí's beautiful creations that have made the city so famous, such as the Sagrada Familia which is the biggest unfinished Catholic Church in the world. His other architectural feats include La Pedrera-Casa Milà, Casa Batlló, Casa Vincens, and Park Güell, all of which are worth a visit.

3. Enjoy Feria de Abril in Seville

Spring is a wonderful time to visit Seville, before the summer temperatures really take off. Known for its orange blossoms and jasmine, April is a great time of year to visit because of the Seville April Fair, or Feria de Abril.

This week generally happens after Semana Santa (check out visiting Spain in March for more information about that), and falls between April 14 and April 20 in 2024, April 4 and April 10 in 2025, and April 19 and April 25 in 2026.

Visiting Seville during this time can keep you busy for the full week, as there are stalls with food and drink that are open until late into the evening. There are also daily bullfights, and parades with horses and floats.

Because not every part of this celebration is open to the public, but some are affiliated with clubs or businesses, we recommend getting a tour guide for your time in Seville to make sure you don't miss any of the celebrations that you are able to attend. Contact Global Highlights for more information .

4. Take a Day trip to Toledo

Toledo is a famous day-trip destination from Madrid, and for good reason! The city is connected via a high-speed train, or it is also possible to get a private transfer there and back.

The historic quarter of Toledo is probably the best place to start your day. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has maintained its medieval layout with narrow alleys and beautiful buildings.

We also recommend climbing the Cuesta de la Ciudad (the city hill) for its great views from the Church of San Ildefonso, since this is the highest point of the city. You'll be able to take some time to really enjoy the impressive views of all the rooftops of Toledo from there, and there are lots of restaurants nearby for a local meal.

Crowds and Costs for Traveling in April

April is low tourist season in Spain, with the busiest months generally being July and August. This means you can expect fewer crowds at the tourist sites, although bear in mind that Spain is a popular tourist destination year-round (for good reason!).

Apart from the festivals mentioned above, Feria de Abril and Sant Jordi, there are no other big holidays in Spain in April with the exception of the Easter weekend from April 18 to April 21 in 2025 (it's from March 29 to April 1 in 2024).

What to Wear in April

With Spain's weather being mild to warm in April, we recommend bringing a light jacket just for the evenings, and for the cooler days at the beginning of the month in the north of the country. You likely won't need it during the day when you are visiting Seville towards the end of April, but it is best to be prepared, and early April in Madrid still sees some cooler evenings.

We also recommend bringing good footwear so that you can comfortably explore the country, and in case you want to go on a walking tour. Given that there is sunshine for around 8 hours a day on average in April, we also recommend bringing sunscreen, a hat, or some sunglasses to protect yourself from the UV.

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Spain in April

Spain in April signifies the beginning of spring, an excellent time to start travelling across the country. April in Spain offers blooming flora and sightings of fauna, long sunny days and a shoulder season that sees you dodge the masses of tourists that flock to the country in summer.

April is perhaps one of the greatest months and seasons to visit Spain, with temperatures in Marbella, Alicante, and Malaga mild enough for sunbathing. Spain in April also brings the city of Seville to life with the celebrated ​​Feria de Abril – one of the most popular festivals in the Spanish calendar.

If you are planning a trip to Spain, April stands out as one of the most rewarding times of the year to travel the country. So let’s take a closer look at April in Spain and the many trips that make this month one of the best .

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Where to Go in Spain in April

Santiago compostela  , barcelona in spring, feria de abril , national spanish cheese festival , weather in spain in april, things to know before you go.

When journeying through Spain in April, there are several places that stand out as a must-see during spring. At the top of this list is the city of Seville, the capital of the Andalusian region. Seville plays host to the Feria de Abril, a festival full of good times, great food and flamenco.

It’s not just the region’s capital that draws many to Andalusia in April. The perfect level of heat and mild days make travelling through Andalusia in April the perfect time of the year. With the sun out, destinations such as Cadiz, Malaga, and Almería invite you to sightsee before the blistering heat of the summer arrives. 

At the other end of the country, Spain’s Galicia region blooms into life. As the rains ease off and the spring flora comes into its own, April is the ideal time for a trip through the lush region of Galicia and its sacred way of St James.

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Although quite cool during the start of the year, the weather in Bilbao begins to ease off during the month of April. This gives the ideal conditions for exploring the northern Spanish city of Bilbao, and it is one full of wonder! One of the biggest draws to Bilbao is the world-famous Guggenheim museum of modern and contemporary art. Aside from being home to a huge art collection, the museum’s building alone is a huge draw for those visiting Bilbao in April.

Located in the northwest region of Galicia , Santiago Compostela has become the iconic ending point to the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. As spring in Spain gets underway, Santiago Compostela and the surrounding route to the city bloom into shades of green and are coloured by exquisite flowers.

Even if you don’t wish to complete the entire Camino de Santiago, the city of Santiago Compostela alone is worth a visit in April. The city’s old town and cathedral are some of the most captivating sights in all of Gallicia. So much so, that Santiago Compostela‘s Old Town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visiting Barcelona in April is considered one of the best times of the year to see this magical city. The high heat of summer hasn’t quite arrived, but Barcelona rarely sees rainfall during this time – the perfect recipe for exploring the city. 

With far fewer tourists visiting Spain in April, you’ll have the chance to explore iconic Barcelona landmarks such as La Sagrada Família without the overwhelming crowds. April also sees the city of Barcelona jump wholeheartedly into Easter celebrations.

Festivals / Special Events

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Feria de Abril, or April Fair, is one of the most exciting festivals in Spain and lasts for around a week. Seville, the capital of the Andalusia region, holds the festival and the week-long celebrations include lots of food stalls, flamenco performances and street-wide parades. 

Making up the centre of the fair are a series of individually decorated marquee tents which are temporarily built on the fairground – this gives the celebrations a boundless sense of colour and festivity.

Christianity and Spain come hand in hand, with traditions being passed down over centuries. Even for those who are not overly religious, Spain’s Holy Week is a fantastic festival to witness. For an entire week in April, religious processions make their way along the streets of Spain’s Andalusian cities. Southern Spain retains much of its traditional Catholic festivals, making it one of the best regions to visit during Holy Week. 

These jaw-dropping processions include devotees carrying large crosses or statues of patron saints through the streets. This is designed to reenact the last days of Jesus’ crucifixion, with some celebrations even going as far as to erect a stand-in christ strapped to a cross. To see Holy Week in full swing, why not join a customisable 8-day trip through the best of Andalusia .

Cheese lovers travelling through Spain in April should not overlook the small town of Trujillo and its National Spanish Cheese Festival. Held in the last week of April, this festival displays and sells the very best cheese Spain has to offer.

Endless market stalls and tasting tents line the small town, turning the neighbourhood into a Mecca of cheese. Alongside the fantastic cheeses, there are also plenty of expertly made bottles of wine to wash it all down. The National Spanish Cheese Festival is certainly a must for lovers of cheese. To visit the town of Trujillo, join the week-long trip along Spain’s Via de la Plata .

Spain in April sees the first biggest chance of the year. Although you may encounter the odd shower in northern regions such as Galicia, the overall rainfall in Spain begins to end. As you make your way further south, long warm days become the norm, with temperatures rising to around 24°C, especially in Andalucia.

Often seen as one of the best times to visit Spain, April’s weather is warm enough to explore the open spaces of rural and wild Spain. While at the same time, the scorching heat of high summer is yet to arrive in the major cities. 

• The currency in Spain is the Euro. At the time of writing, USD$1 is equivalent to €0.93.
• Travellers from outside the EU will require a short-stay visa: this is the general visa for tourists and allows you to stay and travel through Spain for 90 days.
• Eating practices in Spain usually happen quite late in the day. Lunch is eaten at around 2 pm, and dinner can be eaten as late as 9 pm.
• Most shops and businesses close between 2 pm and 4 pm; this is known as the siesta.
• Spanish isn’t the only language spoken in Spain. Catalan is the primary language in Catalonia, Basque is spoken in the northern Basque region and Galician is used in Galicia, northwestern Spain.
• April sees many religious celebrations for Holy Week, especially in southern Spain. Make sure you are prepared for the parades and celebrations that can affect normal movement and travel through Spain. 

For those of you looking for the perfect trip through the Iberian Peninsula, Spain in April is an ideal time to visit. The north of the country offers ideal temperatures to explore the Atlantic coast, and journeys through Andalucia aren’t hemmed in by the south Spanish heat. To find your perfectly curated trip to Spain in April, get in touch with our Local Designers based in Spain today!

Matthew Lewis

Hi! I’m Matt, a UK-based writer with a passion for travel, music and history. After spending my formative years in the world of music and drama, I set my sights on finally seeing what was beyond the horizon. Spending over a year exploring South East Asia and beyond, I've taken all that I've seen and experienced and aim to excite others to make the same plunge! When I'm not spinning the globe searching for my next adventure, you’ll find me in the studio with guitar in hand.

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The Best Time to Visit Spain for Great Weather and Famous Festivals

Start planning your trip to Spain now.

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Here's some good news for all of you out there wondering when the best time to visit Spain really is: any time is a good time.

Spain is a nation filled with history, a delightful food scene, and a varied landscape that's ideal for those looking for a city escape, a mountain getaway, or a beach adventure unlike any other. Ready for your ideal vacation? You can narrow down when to visit Spain by considering the following tourist seasons.

• High Season: June to August
• Shoulder Seasons: March to May and September to October
• Low Season: November to February

Here's everything you need to know about finding the best time to go to Spain based on the weather, your fellow tourists, and more.

Best Times to Visit Spain for Small Crowds

Spain is one of the world's most popular countries to visit, regularly drawing more than 70 million annual visitors before the pandemic. Many of these are northern Europeans seeking sunny escapes, so it's little surprise that Spain's busiest season is summer. Spain's attractions , beaches , and hotels swell with visitors at this time of year, meaning crowd-averse travelers should plan to visit at other times.

Winter in Spain — from November through February — is the best season for visitors hoping for smaller crowds. Many beach resorts close down for the winter months, but Spain's interior offers plenty of off-season treasures, from scenic cities and towns to under-the-radar ski resorts . If you want beach-friendly weather without peak-season crowds, try late spring or, especially, early fall, which lacks the mass appeal of summer as well as the spring-break and Easter holidays that draw millions to Spain in March and April.

Best Times to Visit Spain for Good Weather

Spain covers a large area and varied ecosystems, but according to the Spanish tourism bureau , no matter where or when you visit, you'll likely see at least some sun. "Spain is a sunny country with around 3,000 hours of sunshine every year," the bureau explains on its website. "The temperatures are mild, but there are still differences depending on the seasons and areas of the country."

Spring — from March to June — brings the country's most temperate weather. Again, Spain is sizable, but for the sake of this guide, we'll use Madrid as the basis for some stats. Early spring in the capital can be cool, with high temperatures around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, but by mid-June, temperatures reach into the 80s. April and May are rainier than some other times of year, but with an average monthly rainfall of just 1.3 inches, any showers should be manageable. If your goal is to avoid rain at all costs, though, July and August may be the months for you — they're the driest of the year in both Madrid and the country at large.

One place where the climate can vary significantly from the above is in the far-flung Canary Islands. This Spanish-held archipelago lies off Morocco's west coast, and it almost never sees temperatures below 60. Summer is arguably the nicest season in the Canaries, with cloudless skies and high temperatures usually in the upper 70s.

Best Times to Visit Spain for Lower Prices

Spain's most inexpensive season usually runs from December to March, which (not coincidentally) are the country's coldest months. If you don't mind forgoing balmy beaches, great deals can be found by traveling at this off-peak time.

You might want to avoid the weeks immediately surrounding Christmas, since they're a busy travel period for Spanish locals and other Europeans — but visiting in early December can give you access to Spain's lovely Christmas markets .

If you'd like an affordable trip with slightly warmer weather, try visiting in the fall. This shoulder season is less expensive than spring (though pricier than winter), and it's a great time to see the Spanish wine country , since harvest typically happens in September.

The Best Time to Visit Barcelona 

With dazzling Gothic architecture, exciting events, and a lively waterfront, Barcelona is the top destination in Spain’s Catalonia region. Visit the city in early summer to hit the beaches before it gets too humid, or in the fall for sightseeing amid manageable crowds. June sees good weather and festivals like Nit de Sant Joan , Primavera Sound , Sónar , and El Grec Barcelona .

The Best Time to Visit Madrid 

Head to Spain’s capital city in the spring or fall for the best weather and fewer crowds. In the springtime, Madrid holds celebrations like Dos de Mayo and the Fiesta de San Isidro . But the big event happens once the weather cools off a bit. The Autumn Festival (or Feria del Otoño) is a huge arts festival held in October or November each year, drawing acts from all over the world. Performances range from opera and ballet to theater and indie music.

Best Times to Visit Spain for Festivals

There's one more thing to consider when planning a trip to Spain: picking the coolest festival you can. The nation seems to have a celebration every day of the year, but some of its most famous festivals include Semana Santa or Holy Week (the week preceding Easter, typically in March or April); San Fermin (featuring the Pamplona Bull Run ) in July; and the Tomatina tomato fight , celebrated near Valencia each year on the last Wednesday in August. If events and festivals are your top priority, the Spanish tourism bureau publishes a yearly calendar that can help you pick your ideal dates.

Worst Times to Visit Spain

While there are fun festivals in the summer months and seasonal businesses are near-certain to be open, 100-degree days are becoming increasingly common . In some spots, like Madrid and the Balearic Islands, even the average temperatures can climb into the 90s.

Despite this, the season remains by far the busiest among tourists, primarily since Spain is such an easy getaway for Brits, Germans, and other Europeans whose schools are out for the summer. This high demand also drives prices to their annual peak, creating another good reason for the average visitor to try another season.

For the most favorable prices, crowds, and weather, time your trip for Spain's beautifully temperate spring.

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Spain in April: Celebrations and Local Delicacies

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As flowers blossom and temperatures rise, the arid Spanish winter starts its transition to a beautiful spring in March. The weather in Spain in April is mild, but the foot traffic is still sparse as the peak tourist season has not started yet. This gives travelers a chance to fully immerse themselves in their trip to Spain while avoiding the bustling, peak-season crowd.

Spain Weather in April

Spain embraces a warm spring weather in April after a long, cold winter. However, considering the large stretch of Spain's landmass, temperatures can vary across the country. For instance, the coastal cities of Malaga, Barcelona and Valencia are influenced by a Mediterranean climate. This means that temperatures in these regions can ascend to 20°C during the day and drop down to 11°C at night. However, if you are traveling to Bilbao, or exploring San Sebastian , on the north coast, the weather can be chillier. We recommend carrying warm clothes if you are traveling to these cities as temperatures there average between 7°C to 17°C.

Check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Spain for more details.

Weather in Spain in April - Rainfall and Temperatures

Why visit spain in april.

Traveling to Spain in April means that you can experience the best the country has to offer, both in terms of scenery and weather, all the while avoiding long queues. Below are a few reasons why you should head for this destination during this time.

• Fewer tourists: April is a low-season month when it comes to tourism in Spain. This means that you need not worry about hordes of travelers overcrowding the country’s highlights and will not have to wait for hours to enter into museums and monuments.
• Reasonable prices: Another good reason to visit Spain in April is that prices are more affordable during this month than in the high season. Not only will you be able to book your accommodation at a more reasonable price, but also enjoy many other services at lower rates.
• Food: April is the month to visit Spain if you want to try traditional Spanish cuisine . Local produces like fennel, asparagus, artichokes, peas, carrots, radish and leek are in season during April and you can try plenty of delicacies prepared with them.
• National parks: Do not miss out on exploring the nature reserves of Spain while you are in the country in April. Marvel at the colorful blossoms of spring in Monfragüe National Park and spot local wildlife basking in the sun.
• Festival and festivities: Make sure that you attend the spectacular celebration of Semana Santa — the holy week — while you are in the country in April. This festival sees processions of people on the streets across Spain with statues of their respective patron saints. Participants carry idols on a palanquin adorned with hundreds of lit candles, thereby creating a magical atmosphere. Bando de la Huerta Spring Fiesta is yet another popular celebration held in April. This event consists of a parade in which oxen pull carriages all around the city of Murcia. The participants, locally known as huertanos , throw food at spectators from their carriages while others perform a jota — a local Murcia dance form.

Where to go and what to do

There are plenty of things to do in Spain . National parks across Spain are accessible in April, which means that you can plan a hiking trip to the Pyrenees or visit Doñana National Park for birdwatching. Culture vultures can head for Seville to see flamenco shows, or travel to Granada to marvel at the beautiful Alhambra — one of the best-preserved Islamic fortresses in Europe. Alternatively, you can also participate in the Montilla-Moriles wine-tasting event and try the spirits of the region along with delicious tapas.

Whether you want to learn more about Spanish culture, try local cuisine, marvel at unique flora and fauna, or just explore the Iberian Peninsula, planning a trip to Spain in April is a great choice. With fewer tourists, reasonable prices and mild temperatures, Spain is the ideal place to enjoy your spring break!

Do you need help planning a customized trip to Spain ? No worries! Reach out to our local travel experts for a tailor-made itinerary that meets your requirements.

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From Beaches to Cities, 11 Places to Visit on Your Next Trip to Spain

Of course there are the big cities and beaches, but there’s plenty more to see..

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One of the best places to visit in Spain is Mallorca, where you can hop on the Tren de Sóller.

Photo by Francesco Lastrucci

It’s true: Spain is a country every type of traveler can enjoy. This may surprise those who mostly associate the country with its golden beaches and flamenco (as I did before my nine-month stint in La Rioja), but the Iberian Peninsula kingdom comprises 17 autonomous communities—like Madrid and Andalucia—and they encompass a wide spectrum of cultures. Throughout Spain you can come across people like the Basques and the Catalonians, who speak their own language, and landscapes that span centuries-old palaces, mountain peaks, and even valleys full of cherry blossoms in the spring.

So yes, absolutely dig into that platter of paella in Valencia to experience Spanish culture. But think about visiting these 10 other places, too. Because while many of the best places to visit in Spain are well-loved, some offer a side to the country that may surprise you.

1. Mallorca

Balearic Islands

Off Spain’s eastern coast is the island of Mallorca, a prime example of Spain’s mixed history. Here, travelers can find traces of its former Roman, Moorish, and Christian occupants, like the 800-year-old La Seu , a Gothic sandstone cathedral, or the Arab baths in Palma de Mallorca’s historic center . But to limit your stay to the island’s capital is to miss some of Mallorca’s most beautiful landscapes. Beyond its clear-water beaches, the 1,405-square-mile island has dozens of designated cycling routes and underground cave systems that have hosted pirates and Moorish soldiers. Take in the beauty of the island on a hike up the UNESCO-recognized Puig Major , Mallorca’s tallest mountain at 4,711 feet.

The Prado Museum, Royal Palace, and Queen Sofia Museum are a few of Madrid’s attractions.

Photo by Sivan Askayo

The stairs out of Madrid ’s Sol metro station put travelers in the midst of the bustle of Spain’s capital. Appropriately located in the heart of the country, Madrid is home to some of the best museums, restaurants, and nightlife. The 16th-century Plaza Mayor —which has been the setting of everything from fiestas to executions—is evidence that it still keeps its ties to tradition and history. Grab a bocadillo de calamares (calamari sandwich) in one of the plaza’s nearby storefronts or slip out of the city’s nonstop energy in the 350-acre Retiro Park, which is within walking distance from the Museo Nacional del Prado and Puerta de Alcalá. Just don’t siesta too much and miss out on any tapas bar crawls you have planned for the evening.

3. Barcelona

This coastal city takes an unabashed approach when it comes to differentiating itself from the rest of Spain, from the Catalan language to the warped, bright-colored facades of Antoni Gaudí’s buildings. Whatever gives Barcelona that je ne sais quois, it’s certainly resonating. Barcelona is a magnet for people from all over the world (more than 30 percent of Barcelona’s inhabitants were born outside of Spain), drawing travelers to stay for its beaches , year-round calendar of festivals, and markets. For the first-time visitor, a walk down the three-quarter-mile Las Ramblas is a must: The tree-lined pathway leads pedestrians through kiosks, neighborhoods, and historic buildings before stopping at the Mediterranean.

Summer in Seville is on.

Photo by Shutterstock

Warm people, sunny days spent sipping sangria, and trees full of oranges—that relaxed, siesta-loving attitude of Spain is available in Seville. The capital of Spain’s Andalusia autonomous community still bears plenty of marks from its past under the Moors. One of the most beautiful places to explore its history is the Royal Alcázar of Seville, an 11th-century palace sporting walled gardens and geometric, patterned arches that have been featured in Game of Thrones and Lawrence of Arabia . Stop and smell the jasmine at Plaza de España, and walk along the curving wall featuring 52 colorful mosaics that depict all of Spain’s provinces.

Picos de Europa is one of Spain’s 16 national parks.

Photo by Florian Augustin/Shutterstock

5. Picos de Europa National Park

Asturias, Cantabria, Castile and León

While lounge-worthy stretches of beach characterize Spain’s south, Picos de Europa National Park is a prime example of the green, dramatic landscapes that dominate the north. The 250-square-mile national park was the first established by the Spanish government in 1918 and includes alpine peaks, meadows, and lakes that feel similar to landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Explore the jagged edges of the Cantabrian Mountains along the 7.5-mile long Ruta del Cares , or look for local wildlife like the roe deer and Egyptian vultures.

In the springtime, Valle del Jerte hosts festivities to celebrate cherry blossoms.

Photo by jessicahyde/Shutterstock

6. Valle del Jerte

Extremadura

Looking for a cherry blossom alternative to the crowds of enthusiasts in Japan and Washington, D.C.? Head to Extremadura, the Spanish region that borders Portugal between March and April (timing the cherry blossoming is a bit of a guessing game), when Valle del Jerte bursts in a sea of white as 2 million cherry trees bloom. Flower enthusiasts can tour the 144-square-mile area by taking a road trip down Spain’s N-110 road, which winds through the Cáceres province and crosses through the region’s 11 small villages known as pueblos . Come at the right time and you may be able to catch the flower festival as the villages celebrate the season with markets and exhibitions.

Head to La Concha beach for a scenic walk on your trip to San Sebastian.

Photo by Bear Fotos/Shutterstock

7. San Sebastian

Basque Country

The origins of the Basque people are up for debate, but the ethnic group—spread throughout southern France and Spain’s eponymous autonomous community—has developed a culture unlike the rest of the country. San Sebastián is one of the cities found in Basque Country, where Euskara is spoken on the streets—forgo the hola and greet people with kaixo —and the steep cliff sides resemble those in Ireland or Scotland. Indulge in small plates known as pintxos of prepared cod and local bounty, but make some reservations too, because the food scene here is top notch: 10 Michelin-starred restaurants are spread throughout this city of 190,000.

In a 2018 survey from the national El País newspaper, Spaniards voted Cudillero the second-most-beautiful village in Spain.

Photo by Alfonso de Tomas/Shutterstock

8. Cudillero

Many of Spain’s big cities attract tourists from around the world, so much so that its beautiful small villages can be overlooked. Cudillero is one of the nearly 20,000 pueblos found throughout Spain, and a lovely one at that: Located by the Bay of Biscay, this fishing village of around 5,000 people is a masterclass of slow living by the sea. Colorful, orange-roofed houses dot the hillsides, which also serve as vantage points for panoramas of both town and ocean.

Haro was the historic wine hub of the Rioja region of Spain, as evidenced by old, majestic cellars like this one at Lopez de Heredia.

Courtesy of Alamy

9. Rioja wine region

La Rioja, Basque Country, and Navarre

Spread across three different autonomous communities, the Rioja wine region is known for its tempranillo grapes, which produce the tannic, full-bodied red varietals of the same name. The region’s ideal grape-growing conditions are thanks to the Ebro River, which snakes throughout the area’s rolling hills. Admire the scenery with a glass in hand and learn about winemaking at a winery, known locally as a bodega. Some of the most attractive, like Lopez de Heredia, are in pueblos like Laguardia and Haro; the latter hosts an annual wine festival in the summer.

Santiago de Compostela’s ornate cathedral is one of its landmarks.

Photo by artem evdokimov / Shutterstock

10. Santiago de Compostela

During the Middle Ages, people walked from the south of France to the northeastern tip of Spain as a way to show faith, establishing a 500-mile route known as the Camino de Santiago. Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia, is the endpoint of this pilgrimage and punctuates the end of the trip with its Romanesque-style cathedral. Even if you’re not a pilgrim, this city is a worthwhile place for exploring religious history and some of the dishes Galicia has to offer, from regional cheeses to seaside delicacies like percebes (aka barnacles).

Valencia has been designated as one of AFAR’s places to go in 2024.

Courtesy of Ari Spada/Unsplash

11. Valencia

Despite being more than 2,000 years old, Valencia is still innovating toward a sustainable future as the European Green Capital 2024 (in addition to being one of the places featured in AFAR’s Where to Go in 2024 list). If you stop by the city, skip the usual systems of transport and pick up your bike and walking shoes. There are more than 125 miles of bike lanes throughout the city, and dedicated green spaces like Turia Garden make it easy to walk off that paella. For a piece of tradition, stop by during March, when larger-than-life floats descend on the city for the Las Fallas celebration.

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Best places to visit in Spain: 16 top destinations

Planning a trip to spain try these enticing spots that offer up sleepy fishing villages, wild national parks and buzzing cities.

T he Costas tend to steal Spain ’s limelight when it comes to Brits who seek sun, sea and sand. But those who are happy to go beyond the beaches will be duly rewarded: Andalucia ’s studded with enchanting Moorish cities, San Sebastian has more restaurants per head than almost any other European city and you can trace the footsteps of pilgrims if you follow the Camino de Santiago — a spine-tingling walking route that winds through Galicia. Whether you’re an Iberophile or travelling to Spain for the first time, here are the best places to visit.

Main photo: Almeria, Spain (Getty Images)

1. Andalucia

Venture into the heart of southern Spain, to Andalucia , to see some of its greatest Moorish cities. Explore the elaborate Alcazar of Seville, see the magnificent architecture of Granada’s Alhambra Palace, and discover Cordoba’s world-famous Mosque-Cathedral. Don’t miss out on taking an evening walking tour through Cadiz’s old quarter, and wine tasting at El Puerto de Santa Maria.

• Best villas in Andalucia

You’ll be greeted by a delicious mash-up of silvery-ribboned modern builds (the Guggenheim) and patchwork alleys in the Basque city of Bilbao. In the middle of it all is the Mercado de la Ribera, an enormous riverside food market that’s a visual treat. Everything’s on sale here — from goose barnacles to pink prawns — and the quality and diversity is sublime; this is Basque Country cuisine in microcosm.

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Gastronomy runs through the veins of Getxo, a ritzy beachside town on the fringes of Bilbao that is still a humble fishing village at heart. Stroll along the gently curving boardwalk, past ornate timbered villas and stone-faced mansions, to the jumble of fishermen’s homes that still form the old port. When the sun warms the sands lining the Bay of Biscay, a frosty beer on a tree-lined terrace is a must; try Bar Arrantzale.

• Best things to do in Bilbao

3. San Sebastian

With more Michelin-starred restaurants per head than almost anywhere on Earth, San Sebastian tastes as good as it looks — all regal buildings, broad sands and warren-like Old Town. But the real stars of the show are the atmospheric bars for pintxos (Basque tapas). There are dozens to try; cut to the highlights on a bites-and-booze-filled evening tasting tour, featuring the likes of veal cheek and cheesecake.

Pottering in the verdant highlands to the southwest of San Sebastian, flocks of shaggy-haired Carranzana sheep produce milk for Idiazabal cheese. So obsessed are Basques with this hard, nutty number that they’ve dedicated a 95km hiking route to it, linking farms, dairies, medieval villages — and knockout mountain scenery. For an easy insight, join a three-hour guided cheese farm tour where you’ll see dogs herding sheep and eat Idiazabal till you’re stuffed.

With the sun shining on rolling vineyards and sleepy cobbled streets, Rioja is the wine region of your Insta dreams. There are plenty of world-famous wineries with tasting rooms — Baigorri, Ysios and Valdelana just to name a few — but in the pretty medieval town of Laguardia, don’t miss the tiny 18th-century El Fabulista. This stone-built winery still crushes its grapes with old-school equipment (feet included!) and its tipples come in at a bargain price.

Don’t just drink the wine — bathe in it. At Frank Gehry’s bonkers winery-hotel — Marques de Riscal, in Elciego — the spa specialises in vinotherapy, with treatments using posh beauty brand Caudalie. A Merlot body wrap tones the skin; a hydro-massage unclenches shoulders; and a Premier Cru facial even claims to magic away wrinkles.

This medieval city on the banks of the Onyar river exudes Catalan confidence. It’s home to a competitive foodie scene (including superstar restaurant El Celler de Can Roca); has a labyrinthine old quarter; and there is great shopping on La Rambla de la Llibertat. And for art fans, there’s the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres.

6. Jerez de la Frontera

The poet Lorca’s city of gypsies, grief and musk is a maze of alleys, plazas and hole-in-the-wall bars fuelled by jamon, fino and the rattle of buleria rhythms. Rise early, visit a sherry bodega — Bodega Diez Merito is the prettiest — then lunch and a siesta, followed by tapas with flamenco at one of the city’s tabancos (traditional bars). Start at El Pasaje, then follow your ears.

7. A Coruña

Growing up so far from authority has given A Coruña a rebellious air. It has superb urban beaches , a thriving surf scene, grungy backstreets filled with unexpected shops, the world-class Museo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia, a buzzing bar culture and some of the finest seafood Europe can offer — try anywhere on Calle Estrella.

8. Zaragoza

Caesar Augustus, King Alfonso I and Goya all made their mark on Zaragoza, but they were eclipsed by the Virgin Mary, who appeared to St James in this city, perched atop a jasper-stone pillar — which explains why Zaragoza is one of the holiest shrines in Spain . People-watch in the magnificent Plaza del Pilar and do go to the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Pilar to see, well, the pillar. Above all, explore El Tubo, the warren of medieval alleyways that provides some of the buzziest nightlife in Spain.

This cider-soaked city is said to be the country’s most romantic. Elegance, wit and a certain smugness (born of the fact that Asturias was the one part of Spain the Moors couldn’t take) characterise the city, which is a mix of medieval and modernist architecture built for wandering hand in hand. Oviedo has no real must-sees, so no pressure, but it does have a passion for nightlife, mainly around the lively Calle Mon.

With super-clubs, swanky restaurants and beach bars, Ibiza is famed for hedonism, but also excels in hippy juice joints and yoga retreats. While the White Isle is large enough to lose a couple of weeks on, it’s also perfect for a 48-hour dip, especially as flights from the UK land and depart at all hours. When in Ibiza you need to have at least one seriously late night, so good thing David Guetta-favourite Pacha, the classiest club on the island, is open till dawn.

• Best luxury villas in Ibiza • Best things to do in Ibiza

Get your Madrid mojo by joining the human tide along the Gran Via, cutting through the centre of the city. Look around and look up — at the studies adorning the domes of the grand buildings. Take in 400 years of history in the Plaza Mayor, elegantly framed by state-pinnacled red-brick buildings, but don’t bother with the pricey pavement cafes. Instead, pop into the Mercado de San Miguel gourmet market, just off the square, for made-in-Madrid vermouth at La Hora del Vermut.

• Best things to do in Madrid • Best hotels in Madrid

12. Barcelona

No matter what time you touch down in Barcelona , a cava bar is the best place to get acquainted with Catalan culture. Visit the seaside district of Barceloneta for a chaotic but untouristy experience. At Can Paixano you’ll find locals breakfasting on cheap glasses of fizz from 9am. Head to La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s unfinished basilica and Barcelona’s biggest attraction. Give yourself an hour to gawp at Gaudi’s work, but don’t bother with a tour — audio and human guides offer little more than you’ll glean from a quick google.

• Best hotels in Barcelona • Best luxury hotels in Barcelona

In the middle of nowhere, but surprisingly accessible, Cuenca makes an intriguing weekend escape for galleries and restaurants. High on a curving spur between two gorges, medieval Cuenca is worth visiting for the location alone, but this spot halfway between Madrid and Valencia also has a few surprises up its sleeve. For one thing, it was abstract art that put Cuenca on the map. Find out why by heading for the extraordinary Casas Colgadas (“hanging houses”) that spill over the top of the ridge, seeming to cling to the ochre cliffs. Better yet, this quirky spot is only an hour from Madrid by train.

14. Almeria

You want city? Beach? Nature? You get the lot in Almeria, the Andalucian city that’s cheaper and less crowded than the rest. Like Granada’s Alhambra, the Alcazaba of Almeria is a hilltop fortress with astonishing views. But here, besides city and mountains you get sea too. As you wander through its Moorish gardens and ramparts, you’ll breathe in briny air scented with lavender and rosemary.

15. Santiago de Compostela

Galicia’s medieval city isn’t just the holiest of Spanish shrines, and a secret foodie hotspot, it’s also one of Spain’s cheapest weekend breaks. It’s super accessible: catch the airport bus to the Praza de Galicia, at the edge of the medieval Old Town. The granite streets are so lean that you’ll feel you’ve wandered into a film set.

• Best walking holidays in Spain

16. Mallorca

A strong contender for the most beautiful Balearic Island, Mallorca has plenty up its sleeve. The designer luggage, second-home tans and fedora hats at airport check-in say all you need to know about modern Mallorca: this year-round island has become the boho-bling Balearic. Swot on your Catalan (it’s “txin, txin” as you clink cava here, not “salud”) and join the jet set. Since wall-to-wall beaches clubs, hot hotels, spa time and star-spangled restaurants are the order of the day, be sure to stay Friday and Saturday night when the island will be buzziest.

• Best things to do in Mallorca • Best luxury villas in Mallorca

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Inspired to book a break in Spain? Here are the best villa choices from Oliver’s Travels * and holiday choices from Tui * and Jet2Holidays * . Failing that, try a tour with one of our preferred partners here * .

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April Festivals in Spain

Best april festivals in spain.

Holy Week, or Semana Santa, is  the major event in April and is celebrated throughout Spain, particularly in the southern region of Andalusia. The week-long celebration features processions, elaborate costumes, and traditional music.

April is a vibrant month in Spain, filled with festivals, fiestas, and ferias that showcase the country's rich cultural heritage.

One of the most significant events in April is the Feria de Abril in Seville, which usually takes place two weeks after Easter Sunday. The fair is a colourful celebration of Andalusian culture, featuring flamenco dancing, bullfighting, and traditional dress.

Another notable festival is the Fiesta de Moros y Cristianos, which is celebrated in many towns and cities across Spain. The festival commemorates the Christian reconquest of Spain from the Moors, and features parades, battles, and religious processions.

In Catalonia, the Fira de Sant Jordi takes place on April 23rd, celebrating Saint George's Day, which is also the Catalan equivalent of Valentine's Day. The streets are filled with roses and bookstalls, and people exchange gifts to celebrate the occasion.

Other festivals and events that take place in April include the Feria de Abril in Barcelona, the Fiesta de la Cruz in Gran Canaria, and the Tamborrada in San Sebastian.

All of these events showcase Spain's rich cultural heritage and offer visitors a unique insight into the country's traditions and customs.

Popular April Festivals and Fiestas

This is the main attraction in April although it can start in late March depending on the Easter dates each year. It is a religious celebration honouring Jesus Christ's suffering, death, and resurrection.

You can expect to see spectacular processions with traditional religious icons.

Holy Week is a big part of the festival calendar in Spain and is held in all the major cities including  Seville, Malaga, Leon, Zamora, Valladolid, Salamanca, Cuenca, and Cartagena. Each region of Spain observes Holy Week in a unique fashion.

Seville April Fair:

This is one of the biggest and most important festivals in Spain, held each year in Seville, the capital city of Andalusia. It usually starts at midnight on the Monday two weeks after Holy Week and lasts for a whole week, ending with a spectacular fireworks display.

Moors and Christians Festival:

This is a historical re-enactment of the battles between the Moors and the Christians that took place in Spain during the Middle Ages. It is held in various towns and cities across Spain, but one of the most famous ones is in Alcoy, in the province of Alicante.

The Volatin and the Angel:

This is a peculiar festival that takes place on Easter Saturday in Tudela, in the province of Navarra. It involves burning an effigy of Judas Iscariot that is hung from a rope over a bonfire.

The effigy has firecrackers inside it that explode when it catches fire, making it spin around like a propeller.

The festival symbolises the betrayal and punishment of Judas for his role in Jesus' death.

De Cajon Flamenco:

The largest dance and folk music festival that celebrates the use of a famous wooden box called the Cajon Flamenco.

This festival, which is a significant component of Barcelona's festival scene, is a centre for traditional folk music, singing, dancing, playing the guitar, and clapping.

is a religious celebration held in San Vicente de la Sonsierra that calls for self-flagellation as a form of penance.

As they move through the streets, the participants wear white robes and hoods and whip themselves with knotted ropes on their backs.

The Descent of the Angel festival in Penafiel;

This is a recreation of the biblical scene in which an angel tells Mary Magdalene that Jesus has risen from the dead. In order to remove a black veil from a statue of Mary Magdalene, a young child in an angelic costume is lowered from a tower.

Bando de la Huerta Spring Fiesta:

A celebration of Murcia's agricultural history. The festival includes float parades with floral and fruit decorations, folk music and dance, and traditional attire.

Faldeta Day in Fraga:

A celebration that highlights the regional dress of the Aragonese town of Fraga. The outfit consists of a black skirt with vibrant ribbons and embroidery. The festival also features gastronomy, dance, and music.

This is a cultural festival that takes place on April 23rd in various regions of Spain, such as Aragon, Catalonia and Valencia. It celebrates Saint George, the patron saint of these regions, as well as World Book Day. The festival features book fairs, rose stalls, parades and concerts. In Catalonia, it is customary to exchange books and roses as gifts on this day.

San Prudencio:

This is a religious festival that takes place on April 28th in Vitoria-Gasteiz, in the province of Alava. It honours Saint Prudence, the patron saint of Alava.

The festival features a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Armentia, where the saint's relics are kept, as well as music, dancing and gastronomy. One of the typical dishes of this festival is perretxikos, a type of wild mushroom.

Holy Week  ( Semana Santa ) – Variable dates March & April

Semana Santa is a very important religious time of year in Spain and the entire week is filled with colourful processions and religious celebrations.

If you plan to visit Spain specially to celebrate holy week then its best to check the dates well in advance as they vary between March and April each year.

Even if you are not a religious person you will be inspired by the whole atmosphere of holy week in the towns and villages held across Spain.

The brotherhoods of each church carefully prepare amazing processions which usually involves carrying the statue of the local patron saint through the streets on magnificently adorned floats lit by hundreds of candles.

Seville April Fair

Probably one of the biggest and most important of the April festivals in Spain is the  Seville April Fair   (  La Feria de Abril )   held each year in Seville, the capital city of Andalucia.  As the festival is held during Easter week the actual festival dates can vary each year so it is always best to check before booking your holiday.

The fair usually starts at Midnight on Monday two weeks after the holy week ( Semana Santa ) and is the beginning of one of Spain’s, biggest parties lasting a whole week, ending the following Sunday with a spectacular fireworks display.

The  city of Seville comes alive with the sight of thousands of local girls wearing colourful and stunning Flamenco dresses. In fact, people come from all over Andalucia, Spain and further afield each year to witness and be part of this unforgettable Spanish tradition.

The  Easter holy festivals are celebrated all over  Andalucia and are a highlight of the year for many towns and villages with large numbers of the local population involved in the preparation of the large religious floats.

Moors v Christians Festival Alicante

Another major festival in April is the  Moros y Cristianos  held in Alcoy in the province of Alicante .

The festival commemorates the battle of Alcoy in 1275 when Saint George assisted in the defeat of the Moorish hoards lead by Al Azraq.

The Moors v Christians event takes place between the third and fourth weeks in April, not an attempt by the locals to be historically accurate, it’s about having fun as the marvellous, noisy and colourful spectacle of the battle is re-enacted with verve and energy by the local population.

The Alcoyans prepare well for this annual festival as some 30 armies are prepared for battle.

National Spanish Cheese Festival

This very tasty festival is usually held the last weekend in April in the town of Trujillo in the Extremadura region of Spain. It usually lasts until the beginning of May each year offering all the fun and dance of a typical Spanish fair but here will also be able to try the delicious varieties of cheese from this region of Spain.

The  National Spanish Cheese Festival Trujillo attracts many thousands of visitors looking for a food holiday with a difference.  It is now regarded as one of the largest cheese fairs in the world.

Here you will find a huge number of stands by local cheesemakers displaying their finest cheeses, not to mention an amazing choice of local wines to wash it all down.

Cheeses from the Extremadura region are renowned for their quality and taste and include such varieties as Torta del Casar, Torta la Serena, Los Ibores and the famous Manchego cheese.

Best Festivals in Spain - Month by Month

National holidays in spain.

Jan 1st -  New Years Day - Ano Nuevo Jan 6th - 12th night, The Three Kings  -  Dia de los Reyes Mar 19th - Fathers Day - San Jose Variable - Good Friday - Viernes Santo May 1st - Labour Day - Dia del Trabajador Aug 15th -  Assumption -  Dia del Asuncion Oct 12th - Spanish National Day - Dia de la Hispanidad Nov 1st -  All Saints Day - Todos los Santos Dec 6th -  Constitution Day - Dia de la Constitucion < Dec 8th -  Immaculate Conception - Imaculada Concepcion Dec 25th - Christmas Day - Navidad

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17 Best Places to Visit in Spain

From the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean, and from there to the Atlantic, Spain is more diverse than stereotypes would have you believe. Paella and bullfighting may be Spanish, but neither defines this Iberian country . You’ll get to witness a wide range of culture in Spain – more than you’d expect.

Discover Catalan culture in Barcelona, complete with dreamlike buildings thanks to Antoni Gaud. Try out pintxos – the Basque take on tapas – in the northwest, and see the mark left by Moorish architecture in Andalusia in the south.

There’s a whole lot more besides. And that’s without even mentioning the beaches of the famous Costas. Or the incredible Roman ruins that dot the country – especially Segovia, with its aqueduct. Expect history, good food, and plenty of sun – all in healthy doses. Plan your trip to this awesome Mediterranean travel destination with our list of the best places to visit in Spain.

Map of Places to Visit in Spain

Founded back in 25 AD by the Romans, Merida boasts some of the most impressive, extensive, and well-preserved ruins in the whole of Spain. Now the capital of the autonomous community of Extremadura , the city lies in the western-central part of the Iberian Peninsula, with the Guadiana and Albarregas rivers running through it.

As it boasts almost two thousand years of history, ancient historical sights and archaeological ruins are found wherever you go. Of these, the magnificent old Roman Theatre is a must visit; it still holds flamenco shows and theater performances to this day.

Besides this, there are the wonderful remains of a Moorish fortress, as well as a remarkably well-preserved bridge, aqueduct, and hippodrome – all of which were built by the Romans. In addition, there are some lovely Baroque and Gothic churches scattered around town, as well as interesting and informative museums showcasing the city’s rich history.

The largest city in Spain’s Basque Country, Bilbao lies on an estuary just 16 kilometers south of the Bay of Biscay . As its climate is milder and wetter than much of the rest of the country, the city’s parks and riverbanks are fertile and green, as are the rolling hills surrounding it.

Bilbao was best known as an important seaport and industrial city in northern Spain until the construction of an architectural marvel in the 1990s known as the Guggenheim Museum . Since then, this capital city of Vizcaya has experienced a boom in tourism, promoting economic growth and revitalization of its many hidden gems , making it a popular destination.

Celebrated as one of the most important architectural works of its time, the Guggenheim Museum now shines as Bilbao’s city symbol. Devoted to modern and contemporary art, this giant complex of interconnecting buildings presents a massive work of abstract sculpture that suggests a maritime theme with its simulation of ship outlines and shimmering fish scales.

Other places to go in Bilbao include the 14th century Gothic Cathedral of Santiago and the Basilica de Begoña. Built in 1909 and recently refurbished, the Alhondiga is a multipurpose complex housing a library, restaurants and a rooftop swimming pool with a glass floor.

15. Salamanca

The capital and largest city of the province of the same name, Salamanca lies on the banks of the Tormes River on Spain’s Northern Plateau. Widely considered to be one of the most beautiful Renaissance cities in the whole of Europe, its historic center is full of architectural treasures and incredible monuments that date back centuries.

Life in the city revolves around the busy and bustling Plaza Mayor , which is lined by cafes, bars and restaurants. The expansive and elegant square looks particularly magical at night when its majestic buildings are lit up.

Nearby, you can find other stunning places to see such as the New and Old Cathedrals, both of which exhibit exquisite architecture. Like the rest of the city, they are built out of sandstone. It is these warm hues that lend Salamanca its nickname – La Dorada , or ‘Golden City’.

While history is all around, Salamanca has a vivacious and youthful feel thanks to its large student population. Remarkably, the University of Salamanca was founded in 1218 and is one of the oldest higher education institutions in Europe.

One of the most popular cities to visit in the Castilla La Mancha region of Spain, Cuenca is located in a precarious position at the point where two deep river gorges meet. Its strategic setting saw it fought over, conquered and ruled by both the Muslims and Christians, with Napoleon himself leaving his mark in the early 1800s.

This makes it fascinating to explore; lots of centuries-old churches, a cathedral, and a castle can be found hidden away among the meandering streets of its medieval old town. While its beautiful buildings are painted in warm hues, vivid colors and daring designs coat the walls of its numerous modern art galleries and museums.

The charming city is particularly noted for its casas colgadas – or hanging houses – which are built over the side of the clifftop upon which Cuenca is perched. Besides being phenomenal feats of engineering, these astounding edifices make for some fantastic photos and are best viewed from the bridge of San Pablo.

The third largest of the Balearic Islands, Ibiza is located off the east coast of Spain, surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean . While it is famous for its pounding nightlife and summer club scene which attract world-renowned DJs to its shores, the island actually has many other different sides.

Quite rocky and rugged, Ibiza is lined by beautiful bays and beaches; this, coupled with its warm, sunny and dry climate, makes it a great beach holiday destination . The largest city on the island, Ibiza Town boasts a majestic walled old town perched atop of a hill overlooking the sea.

While you can certainly find relaxing rural retreats and sleepy, seaside villages on the island, many people visit Ibiza for its incredible party scene and exhilarating electronic dance sets. In summer, its heaving clubs stay open through the night until dawn, when the sun finally rises over the sea.

12. Segovia

The capital and largest city of the province of the same name, Segovia is set in a scenic spot with the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains rising in the distance. Its sun-kissed streets straddle the Eresma River on Spain’s Inner Plateau with Valladolid and Madrid lying not far away.

Segovia is famed for its historical sights . Within its walled Old Town you can find the Aqueduct of Segovia , which was built around 100 AD by the Romans. While this engineering marvel acts as the city’s symbol, other astonishing sights, such as a grand and gorgeous Gothic cathedral and numerous churches, convents and monasteries, can be found nearby.

The other main attraction is the elegant Alcazar of Segovia , set atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the city. Said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle, the medieval castle and palace features lots of fine architecture and was once one of the favorite royal residences of the Kings of Castille.

Located in one of the most spectacular settings imaginable, Ronda, in the south of Spain, straddles the steep El Tajo gorge , overlooking the valleys and hills that lie before it.

Spanning the breadth of the gorge is Puente Nuevo, the city’s main landmark built in 1793. The impressive bridge connects the more modern El Mercadillo part of town with El Ciudad , the old Moorish quarter, which is home to marvelous churches, elegant palaces and pretty gardens. The town is considered to be the cradle of modern Spanish bullfighting; its neoclassical ring is the oldest such building in the country.

Due to its rich cultural heritage and history as well as its dramatic clifftop setting, Ronda has long drawn writers and poets alike to its ancient streets.

While Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce and Rainer Maria Rilke all visited at one time or another, Ronda now attracts lots of tourists and is one of the most popular and picturesque towns to visit in Andalusia .

10. Santiago de Compostela

The capital city of the Galicia region in northwestern Spain, Santiago de Compostela is famous as the final destination of the traditional pilgrimage known as Camino de Santiago. Also called the Way of St. James, this pilgrimage dates back to Medieval times and is important to many because it is believed that Santiago de Compostela is where St. James , an Apostle of Jesus Christ, is buried. Today, the city attracts thousands of visitors every year for both its religious tradition and history.

The arriving point for most pilgrims is the main square, Praza do Obradoiro . Situated in the heart of the city, this bustling plaza is the scene of many important landmarks , particularly the Santiago Cathedral where the tomb of St. James is located. Other historic buildings here are GelmÌrez Palace, Rajoy Palace, Catholic Kings Hostal and San Jeronimo College.

The Pilgrimage Museum is a good place to learn all about the history and significance of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage while the Museum of the Galician People showcases the culture and history of the region.

Perched on a mountaintop in central Spain, Toledo served as the Spanish capital until the 16th century. Because it was inhabited by Jews, Christians and Muslims for many centuries, the city is sometimes called the “City of Three Cultures.” Today, Toledo is a popular destination for its wealth of historic art and architecture that dates back to the Roman Empire .

The best thing to do in Toledo is to get lost amid the medieval streets and admire the old architecture that includes stunning churches, synagogues and mosques as well as a remarkable old Roman fortress.

The site of many historic events, the Zordocover plaza is well worth a visit as well as the many nearby shops. Charming cafes offer a break to relax, people-watch and sample local specialties like Mazapan , a sweet treat made with almonds and pine nuts. In the evenings, local bars offer pre-dinner drinks and tapas.

Once the home of Spain’s great painter, El Greco , Toledo features a vibrant arts scene. The city is teeming in museums and art galleries while the Cathedral of Toledo has an impressive art collection of works by masters like Goya, Ralphael and Titian. A great number of El Greco’s pieces can be seen throughout many of the city’s churches and landmarks.

Cordoba is the capital of the province of the same name in the Andalusian region of southern Spain. While Cordoba is characterized by its small town charm, this mid-size city offers all the historic and cultural attractions of a bustling metropolis.

One of the oldest towns in Europe, the historic quarter of Cordoba is a maze of tiny medieval streets, plazas and whitewashed courtyards all situated around the star attraction, the Mezquita . Initially built as a mosque, the Mezquita is now a glorious cathedral retaining most of its original architecture. Its forest of columns topped with Islamic-style red and white striped arches serves as a reminder of the glory and importance Córdoba held in medieval times. Outside the Mezquita is a beautiful orange grove perfect for relaxing.

Other places of interest include the Fortress of the Christian Monarchs, the Street of Flowers, and the Old Jewish Quarter with its charming patios and souvenir shops. Once a Roman city, Cordoba also features many Roman structures including its old walls, gates, bridge, an amphitheater and mausoleum.

Throughout the city are various plazas offering a range of museums, theaters, restaurants, hotels and bars. Plaza de las Tendillas is the main square with a vibrant shopping scene while the Plaza del Port is associated with Cervantes’s Don Quixote.

Cordoba is buzzing in the month of May with three lively festivals that include the May Crosses Festival, the Patios Festival and the Codoba Fair. During these events, the city’s plazas and courtyards are all decorated while various contests, flamenco dancing, traditional food and drink all fill the streets.

7. San Sebastian

San Sebastian is the capital of the Gipuzko province, located in the Basque country of North Spain off the coast of the Bay of Biscay. This beautiful seaside city is well-loved for its excellent beaches and outstanding culinary tradition.

Although it is divided into several districts, San Sebastian is a small, cozy city crammed with restaurants, pintxo bars, designer shops and an enclosed mall. The Old Town features many historic buildings reconstructed in the 19th century after the city was nearly destroyed during the Napoleonic Wars.

San Sebastian boasts some of the best beaches in Europe with the most popular of these being Playa de la Concha , which offers sunbathing and water activities like swimming, kayaking and water skiing. Playa de la Zurriola attracts many surfers and provides surf board and body board rentals.

Overlooking the city are two lofty hills, Monte Urgell and Mount Igueldo, which offer hiking, funicular rides, amusement parks, remarkable statues and fantastic views.

San Sebastian is widely appreciated in Spain for its pintxos . Pintxos are appetizers, which are prepared in a wide variety of fresh vegetables, meats and seafood. Many of the bars in the city feature buffets displaying a range of these pintxos. The local tradition is to go from one bar to the next, sampling one or two pintxos with a drink of wine or beer.

A number of festivals and events take place in the city throughout the year. Drawing the most crowds are the San Sebastian Film Festival and the Jazz Festival.

6. Valencia

One of the largest and most important cities in Spain , Valencia is located in the eastern part of the country in the region of Valencia. After several years of major construction and renovation, Valencia today is famous for its Fallas Festival and the City of Arts and Sciences architectural masterpiece.

Valencia is stuffed with restored historic buildings that include stunning churches, old monasteries such as San Miguel de los Reyes and the site of an ancient silk trade center known today as the Silk Exchange Market.

See also: Where to Stay in Valencia

After redirecting the Turia River, the city constructed its most impressive attraction , a massive cultural and entertainment complex known as the City of Arts and Science. Contained within this complex are several buildings such as a science museum, planetarium, aquarium, arts museum and an IMAX theater that are each artistic marvels in and of themselves. Also included in the old Turia riverbed are beautiful gardens, athletic parks and artificial lakes.

One of Valencia’s most popular neighborhoods is the Barri del Carme with its colorful mix of architecture, diverse ethnic groups, trendy shops and outdoor cafes.

Every March, Valencia hosts the Fallas Festival where each neighborhood displays papier-mâché figures of all sizes and colors for a whole week. At the end of the week, the “fallas” are ceremoniously burned, and the communities party into the night. However, March isn’t the only time to party in Valencia. Every night, the city vibrates with lively bars and nightclubs in every neighborhood.

Exceptional tourist attractions , lively festivals and buzzing nightlife all make Seville the top destination in Southern Spain. As the capital city of Andalusia, Seville is also the region’s financial and cultural capital.

Seville is home to many beautiful and important historic landmarks, chief of which is the grand Cathedral of Seville , where it is believed that Christopher Columbus is buried. Other significant buildings include the Real Alcazar , an extravagant Moorish palace with luxurious gardens and a room where Christopher Columbus’s voyage to the New World was planned.

See also: Where to Stay in Seville

The city is also home to the largest wooden structure in the world, the Metropol Parasol, a giant umbrella-shaped structure housing the main market.

As the region’s cultural capital, Seville offers numerous museums, art galleries and entertainment venues. When the sun goes down, the nightlife scene lights up in Seville’s neighborhoods with their bars, nightclubs and flamenco dance halls.

Every year, Seville hosts its April Fair, one of Spain’s most celebrated events, where the city’s streets turn into one giant party involving centuries-old customs, traditional costumes, flamenco dancing, bullfights and plenty of local food and drink.

Spain’s capital and largest city, Madrid, is widely known for its sizzling nightlife scene. Home to a number of universities, the city constitutes a diversity of ethnic groups, making it one of Europe’s most colorful cosmopolitan cities.

Madrid is a beautiful city mixed with old and new architecture. The capital is comprised of several neighborhoods offering their own unique character and attractions ranging from historic quarters to older crowd communities, university areas, multicultural districts and party scenes.

The heart of the city is Puerta del Sol , a large plaza serving as the scene of festivals, important gatherings and street performers as well as a hub for the public transportation network. Another important square is Plaza Mayor , known for its many souvenir shops, cafes and the lively San Miguel Market.

Located within the city center are most of Madrid’s most popular tourist attractions such as the Royal Palace , the residence of Spain’s monarch, and a plethora of glorious churches and historic landmarks. Madrid offers many things to see and do from beautiful parks and zoos to football matches, museums, art galleries and concerts.

3. Mallorca

The largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, Mallorca is surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean, with jagged cliffs, secluded coves, and beautiful beaches lining its shores. Long a popular tourist destination , the island is blessed with a warm and welcoming climate and plenty of incredible scenery.

While its mountainous interior is home to ancient hilltop monasteries and sleepy villages, Mallorca ‘s spectacular coastline is dotted with seaside towns and resorts. Sunbathing, swimming and watersports are all popular pastimes, with delicious local cuisine and seafood on offer wherever you go.

The island’s main city and capital is Palma de Mallorca . There is a beautiful old town for visitors to explore, with winding narrow streets and centuries-old buildings beneath its exquisite Gothic cathedral. The pretty town of Soller is also worth visiting for its scenic, secluded setting, as is the charming mountain village of Valldemossa.

2. Barcelona

Located in northeastern Spain, Barcelona is one of the country’s top travel destinations because it offers everything tourists look for in a European city from historic architecture to lively shopping, vibrant culture and buzzing nightlife.

Ciutat Vella, the Old City, is Barcelona’s main attraction . Here, tourists will find the Gothic Quarter with its beautiful, old churches, Roman ruins and cobblestone streets lined with outdoor cafes and restaurants.

Surrounded by statues and fountains, La Placa Catalunya is a popular gathering spot and hub for local transportation services. Popular activities in Barcelona include strolling along La Rambla , a tree-lined pedestrian avenue, and sunbath on Barceloneta, one of the city’s most popular beaches.

Unique to Barcelona are the architectural marvels of Spain’s famous architect, Antoni Gaudi, which include the Sagrada Familia and the Casa Batllo . Both of these extraordinary structures feature combinations of fascinating designs, shapes and colors.

As a major cultural center, Barcelona boasts a variety of museums , art galleries, theaters and flamenco shows. The city also hosts a number of festivals including the Monegros Desert Festival, one of Spain’s largest electronic music events. With its long love affair with sports, Barcelona is home to the largest football stadium in the world, Nou Camp.

Just outside of the city is one of Barcelona’s most visited sites , Montserrat. Accessed by hiking, train or cable car, Montserrat is the site of secret caves, an underground lake and the Black Madonna.

Located at the base of the Sierra Nevada mountains of southern Spain, Granada is the capital of the Granada province. A mid-sized city, Granada offers a perfect blend of spectacular attractions , traditional cultures and an animated nightlife. But most of all it is the home of the Alhambra , a pinnacle of Moorish art that encapsulates Andalusian history and is one of the great architectural sights of Europe.

Attesting to the city’s eventful history are its most notable landmarks, the 16th century Granada Cathedral with its magnificent domed ceiling, and the famous Alhambra, a grand Moorish palace with luxurious gardens and Arab baths.

Granada’s juxtaposing neighborhoods, Sacromonte and Albaicin , are the essence of the city’s culture. Noted for its Christian abbey, Sacromonte is where tourists come to see how gypsies have traditionally lived in various cave dwellings and to watch live dances of flamenco and zambra.

Albaicin, the Arabic Quarter, is the site of a hundred year-old Spice Market. Here among a setting of Moorish architecture, cobblestone streets and vivid bougainvillea, a medley of vendors sell colorful tapestries, wall hangings and exotic teas and spices.

Just outside the city, the Nevada Ski station offers a wide range of activities for all seasons from snow skiing and sledding to mountain climbing, horse riding and cable car rides.

In the evenings, locals roam from one bar to the next, sampling tapas and drinks before immersing themselves in the city’s entertainment choices.

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Reader interactions.

November 25, 2018 at 10:48 am

Spain is a really a nice country …. The Madrid zoo was fabulous.. The La Rambla in Barcelona was a fun street with lots of shopping places and small restaurants…but the best city in Spain is undoubtedly Seville! Seville is a really beautiful city with big fountains, beautiful churches, nice hotels, little restaurants, small and pleasant streets and beautiful flamenco dancers! I really enjoyed travelling in the tram there…. Most beautiful city I have ever visited!

November 15, 2018 at 1:09 am

I was robbed In Granada. The police were very cooperative. Spain is stunning, in general, the people are so lovely. Now at a villa on the Mediterranean Sea, it is winter .for me it is the sky, surf, sun and sand.

November 13, 2017 at 7:04 pm

Hello, I’m an American. Single woman who will travel alone. I have always loved Spain! I won’t be partying or anything like that, rather I want to see the beautiful cathedrals and historical landmarks. Is it safe to travel by myself taking certain precautions. San Sebastian is definitely on my list and I would love to see some of the smaller cities talked about here on this site.

September 19, 2017 at 7:07 am

I love Spain: specially Madrid, Toledo, Granada, Avila and Seville!

June 25, 2017 at 9:30 am

We just got back from Malaga, Spain….visited the city of Ronda while there…Malaga was beautiful but I found the shopping, and the food/drink was expensive. The City of Ronda was beyond beautiful and enjoyed it immensely. I can’t wait to go back, not sure where I will go next, but it will not be a bustling city…I’m sure Spain has some beautiful small towns that did not make the list that would be lovely to visit.

September 14, 2016 at 3:29 am

I was in Costa Daurada this summer near to Barcelona and it was really gorgeous location. Perfect for families ! We were staying in Salou and enjoy the cultural activities but also many sports activities for my childs, really nice place for holidays

September 10, 2016 at 3:20 am

Hi thanks for the advice. I’m on my way to Malaga soon and would like to tour Spain using the rail service. Any advice on how to get the best deals?

June 14, 2016 at 1:23 am

I loved Spain as a whole in general.If I had to pick the best then order would be Toledo , Seville, Granada, Barcelona,Cordoba,Madrid, Segovia.Loved Toledo n Seville the most.Only visited these places.San Sebastion ,Valencia ,Ibiza ,seville ,mallorca etc.etc. still on the list for next visit.

January 10, 2016 at 2:28 pm

I live in Madrid and I wouldn’t really recommend it for tourists, it’s a nice city and all but I prefer Barcelona with the beach and beautiful buildings and everything, or seville / valencia if you are interested in a city semester.

December 28, 2015 at 5:13 am

I’ve been there last summer, I would also add the city of Ronda to this list, amazing small town with a fantastic scenery.

October 31, 2015 at 5:53 pm

I’ve seen the temperature from Seville you’ve got, and I can completely assure that these are completely fake!! I don’t understand the fahrenheit measures, but we usually have 50-52 degrees in July and august. Or more. So, think about coming Seville in these months. Seville is more beautiful on April or November.

November 2, 2015 at 1:11 am

@Maria, I’ve been to Seville in August, and yes it was extremely warm! However I don’t think it ever gets warmer than 45. Good point though about avoiding Seville in the summer if you prefer milder weather.

August 1, 2015 at 2:05 pm

if I’m to make my own list,Mallorca, Sevilla and Madrid would make the top 3…..about the robbery,that can almost happen every where. Sorry about that and be more watchful next time.

March 4, 2015 at 11:46 am

Nice list. Only seen half of them. I guess it’s top 10 big cities because there are so many smaller cities that are really beautiful, historical and unique. Examples from the South: Cadiz, Ronda, Antequera. I’m not so familiar with all other regions. All parts of the country have their spots. Of the cities om the list personally I enjoy Granada, Sevilla and San Sebastian more than Barcelona but I agree that Barcelona is a must-place to see in so many ways. Also one more vote for Burgos! It’s epic and picturesque and it’s not a small place either, should be on the list. Saludos desde Finlandia!

March 3, 2015 at 8:54 am

Hi, I’m from Spain, I don’t agree with the order of the list. Barcelona is very nice but I don’t think that it’s the best. And my city isn’t in the list, it’s really nice and it’s got a lot of monuments like its cathedral and a great culture. I would like you to add Burgos on the list

June 10, 2014 at 2:01 am

Hi Global Nomads, you are obviously seasoned travelers. I agree, steer clear of places where they rob tourists. I went to Miami once and got robbed…. you can keep the USA, I’m not going back to America after that. Happy traveling .

May 14, 2014 at 8:53 am

I disagree completely with the order of this list. There is NO WAY that Barcelona’s the best place to visit. Galicia, Granada, Sevilla, are much better choices. I agree with Pep. La Alhambra is much more worth seeing than going to Barcelona.

October 1, 2013 at 2:06 pm

Seville and Madrid city center are more beautiful than Barcelona but they don’t spend so much money in hype. The most beautiful building in Spain is “La Alhambra”, Granada. It’s gorgeous. Other nice places: Salamanca, Segovia, Cáceres, Menorca, Altea, and Ronda.

July 28, 2013 at 4:46 pm

Live Spain and ant wait to see at least 4 of the above places, Barcelona was so nice had to go back twice.

June 16, 2013 at 12:57 pm

We tried Alicante, but got robbed in the bus station and did not feel like touring the country any further.

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Hottest places in Spain in April

Spain will be warming up nicely in April, if you pick the right spot. It’s not a great time to visit the north coast and Madrid will be just 18ºC with a strong chance of rain showers. But head south and you can expect 25ºC in Seville and other parts of Andalucia with eight hours of daily sunshine. In fact, August is too hot for most people in Seville, so this is an excellent time of year for sightseeing and spring sunshine.

You can get some lovely weather in Barcelona in April (18ºC and seven hours of sunshine) but to be certain of sunbathing weather, you really need to go further south. Malaga will be around 22ºC, although even there the sea will be a bit too cool for anything more than a quick dip. It’s beats the UK, though: London will be averaging around 13ºC and Edinburgh just 11ºC.

One of the most exciting regions of Spain in April is the Costa de la Luz on the south-west tip. It has sensational beaches and lovely warm weather. Check out these rental villas .

Watch out for Easter at this time of year. Hotels and flights can be busier, but Holy Week (Semana Santa) is actually one of the best times of year to experience the culture of Spain with street parades and church services, particularly in Seville , Malaga and Toledo (near Madrid). Make sure you book accommodation well in advance.

How about the Balearics? They are not really in the south, being closer to Barcelona than Malaga. In April you can expect daytime temperatures of around 20ºC with eight hours of daily sun. Nevertheless, it can be a wonderful time to be in the islands. Ibiza  is very chilled before the start of the summer season and Mallorca is perfect for walking and cycling, and exploring historic towns and villages without the crowds. Menorca has some wonderful beaches that will be almost deserted.

These self-guided cycling holidays include trips to Mallorca and Catalonia .

April is an ideal time for a city break. Seville can be combined with Granada and perhaps Cordoba too, while Malaga itself is worth a few days. It’s a good time to avoid the crowds in Barcelona and Madrid, though I’d steer clear of Bilbao until the weather warms up a bit more. Palma , the capital of Mallorca is a lovely city for a short break in the spring.

You could also take a walking holiday in regions that might be too hot in high summer, such as the Alpujarras in Andalucia, with your luggage transported each day to your next overnight stop.  Flavours Holidays has group trips to Andalucia based around cooking, Pilates or painting.

Family holidays in Spain in April

If you’re travelling with children, you’re probably visiting during the Easter holidays. You could rent a villa in Catalonia and spend time between the beaches, mountains and Barcelona, or stay in one of these gorgeous family villas in the chic resort of Sitges. Ask about pool heating before you book at this time of year. You may need to pay an additional fee, but it’s worth the extra cost.

On the islands, Nobu Ibiza Bay Hotel is a stylish hotel just outside Ibiza Town which is aimed squarely at families, while the all-suite  7Pines Resort Ibiza welcomes children but also has a world-class spa. Vintage Travel has a handpicked portfolio of private villas in  Mallorca each with a private pool, as does Oliver’s Travels .

Find more  holiday ideas in Spain , including the best singles holidays in Spain . Also see where’s hot in the Canary Islands in April .

Holiday weather in Spain in April

Festivals in spain in april.

Semana Santa de Albacete – Holy Week, Albacete (April 1-8, 2024).

Fira del Ram – Spring Fair, Palma de Mallorca (Dates to be announced).

Fira de l’Allada Vermell – Street Fair, Barcelona (Dates to be announced).

Feria de Abril – April Fair, Seville (April 21-27, 2024).

Extreme April weather in Spain

The highest recorded temperature in Spain during April was – inevitably – in Seville which reached 36.7ºC (98.1ºF) in 2004.

The lowest temperature ever documented in the month of April was -12.8ºC (9.0ºF) in 1971, in Teruel, situated in the Aragon region. Teruel is known for its Mudejar architecture and dinosaur fossils.

April 1952 was exceptionally wet with 316 mm (12.44 inches) of rain dumped on Barcelona. In Aprl 1974, a powerful hailstorm struck Madrid, causing extensive damage, while in 2012, Valencia was hit by a severe sandstorm, disrupting daily life.

Try another month

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Last updated: 31 January 2024

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Best places to visit in april 2024.

The age-old April showers mantra gives this month a bad reputation for dreary weather and soggy streets, but don't let that fool you. U.S. News scoured the globe to find the top vacation spots that boast sublime scenery and top-notch sightseeing best enjoyed during the month of April. Whether you're interested in lying on the beach, enjoying the great outdoors at a national park or exploring a cosmopolitan city, there's a getaway for you on this ranking. Vote for the destinations you think belong on this list of the best places to visit in April to help us determine next year's ranking.

Kaua'i

Arches national park, machu picchu, washington, d.c., victoria falls, new orleans, joshua tree national park, cayman islands.

Since Kaua'i is the wettest place in Hawaii, dry weather in April isn't a given, but this time of year marks the end of the rainiest season on the island. If you're willing to put up with a few potential showers, a trip in the low season will allow you to embrace the Garden Island's lush natural beauty without the crowds (and at a lower price point). If you're seeking sunshine, visit Poipu Beach or Waimea Town on the southern part of the island. And you can't leave Kaua'i without taking in the northern Napali Coast via boat or on a helicopter tour .

April in Arches National Park marks the sweet spot of comfortable weather (think: highs in the low 70s) and relatively smaller crowds before the summer season kicks off. Visitors can stay cool while trekking through this Utah park to see the Instagram-worthy Delicate Arch or the Windows Viewpoint. Though Arches won't be as busy as the peak months of May or June, be sure to plan ahead. Guests visiting during prime hours between April 1 and Oct. 31 must have a timed entry ticket, which can be purchased up to three months in advance.

You might come to Sedona, Arizona, to hike the otherworldly red rock formations, but the town's wellness culture and art scene will round out your spring vacation. April temperatures average in the 70s, ideal for active hikers looking to climb Cathedral Rock and other popular attractions. Those looking to disconnect can visit one of the area's many renowned wellness retreats or yoga studios. Meanwhile, the free Spring Open Studios event, held every April, invites art lovers to meet more than 50 local artists in their studios.

This ancient sandstone city in southwest Jordan consists of temples and tombs that date back to 312 B.C. Petra's elaborate carved facades like the Treasury and the Monastery, combined with natural wonders like the Siq gorge, captivate tourists with their beauty and historical interest. Since April's average temperatures in the 70s make it an opportune time to visit this desert locale, be prepared for crowds and head to popular sites early in the day. Better yet, plan to tour the sites at night, when the city is less chaotic and lit by candlelight.

Dreamy Bora Bora draws travelers year-round with its white sand beaches, warm waters and romantic atmosphere. This tiny French Polynesian island invites visitors to slow down and relax at its luxurious overwater bungalows or get out and explore its beauty. Boat tours and four-wheel-drive excursions are fun ways to see much of Bora Bora's scenery, including the breathtaking Mount Otemanu. Vacationers should also go snorkeling in the turquoise lagoon. Come in April to enjoy the warm weather before the island becomes packed with tourists.

One of the most stunning natural wonders in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Machu Picchu comprises about 80,000 acres of temples, aqueducts and gardens that were once a sacred Incan city. April is on the tail end of Peru's wet season, so it's possible to encounter light rain. However, the area sees fewer tourists during this month than in summer, so the trails will be less crowded and there'll be fewer people interrupting your perfect photo op. But remember, timed entry tickets to this archaeological marvel are required; you can purchase these up to one year in advance.

With the city's gilded temples, bustling markets, dizzying nightlife options and a world-renowned street food scene, a vacation in Bangkok is guaranteed to be the best kind of whirlwind. Thailand's one-of-a-kind capital offers a range of accommodations and activities, from luxury hotels to hostels and leisurely river cruises to frenetic tuk-tuk rides. For extra festivities, plan your visit during Songkran, a water festival held every April 13 to 15 to celebrate the Thai new year. Squeezing in an April trip before the monsoon season begins in May will save you some dough, but pack light clothing – you'll encounter temperatures in the 90s.

One of the most enchanting times of the year in the nation's capital, early April allows Washington, D.C., visitors to enjoy the National Cherry Blossom Festival, which commemorates the cherry blossom trees gifted to the city by the mayor of Tokyo in 1912. The event runs from mid-March through mid-April (peak bloom typically occurs within that time frame) and includes celebrations such as a parade, a kite festival and the Pink Tie Party. What's more, this is the perfect time of year to check out the city's top memorials, relax at the rooftop bars or take a walking tour before the notorious summer humidity rolls in.

The world's largest waterfall is a bucket list destination for many travelers. Considering this natural wonder on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border is about twice as high as Niagara Falls, it's easy to see why. But to experience the full splendor of Victoria Falls, timing is crucial. Since April is just after the region's rainy season, visitors will be able to see the falls at their most powerful. For the best views this time of year, opt for the footpaths on the Zambian side in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park or take an aerial tour to get clear views above the strong mist.

Known for its canals, 17th century architecture and "coffee shops," Amsterdam is absolutely beautiful in April. This month is when the Dutch city's surrounding tulip fields are in full bloom and when the popular Tulp Festival takes place. Though the weather can still be unpredictable, April is typically a great time to picnic and watch passersby in Vondelpark or walk or bike around the city thanks to Amsterdam's rising temperatures and longer days. You can explore neighborhoods like the upscale Jordaan district (home to the historical Anne Frank House) and Leidseplein (known for its lively nightlife).

In April, this Mediterranean archipelago is just starting to open up for the summer season. This means you can sneak in a visit before tourists flock to Malta, and you'll likely score hotel deals in this already affordable European destination . Temperatures in the mid-60s may be just shy of beach or snorkeling weather, but these balmy conditions are ideal for meandering through Valletta's stone streets, taking a "Game of Thrones" tour or cruising to the Blue Grotto. April visitors can also attend local celebrations like Festa Frawli, a strawberry festival in Mgarr, and the Malta International Fireworks Festival.

While Mardi Gras crowds descend on the Big Easy every February or March, New Orleans' festival season continues well into April with events like French Quarter Festival and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. If you need more incentive, temperatures average in the 70s this time of year. And while New Orleans is a year-round foodie city , April is a peak month for crawfish. Host your own crawfish boil in a park or visit a local seafood establishment to experience this quintessential Cajun and Creole tradition.

April is an excellent time to travel to Madrid thanks to balmy temps, with average highs often sitting in the 60s. This is perfect weather for walking to and from must-visit sights in Spain's largest city, including Retiro Park, the Mercado de San Miguel, Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace of Madrid (the largest palace in Western Europe). Plus, you'll avoid this bustling city's scorching summer season – and its hordes of tourists – and will increase your chances of scoring a more affordable hotel rate.

Travelers flock to Joshua Tree National Park in April for two reasons: tolerable temperatures and the spring wildflowers. With average daily temperatures in the 70s, April is a great time for adventurers to bike, hike and rock climb without the stifling summer heat. Plus, the vibrant wildflowers that bloom for only a few weeks each year fill the otherwise stark landscape with color, creating excellent photo opportunities. While you're likely to encounter crowds this time of year, visiting after spring break can cut down on the congestion.

Composed of three islands, the Cayman Islands feature some of the best beaches in the Caribbean , including the world-famous Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman. However, some of this premier diving destination's best attractions are located in the sea. Must-see underwater attractions include Stingray City, Eden Rock, Devil's Grotto and the USS Kittiwake shipwreck. April – particularly the latter half of the month – is one of the best times to visit because of its great accommodation deals and its consistently warm, sunny weather.

Vote to Add these Destinations to the Rankings

Hilton Head

Havana, Cuba

Texas Hill Country

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Five of Europe’s best national parks – with all the beauty but none of the crowds

Offering exquisite scenery, rare wildlife and spectacular trails, these under-the-radar national parks are worth tracking down

Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici , Spain

There is a wild and wonderful water world in the north-eastern corner of Spain. The Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici national park , in the central Pyrenees north of Lleida, is characterised by more than 200 lakes fed by melting snow and ice, plus rivers and streams, gorges, waterfalls and marshes. ( Aigüestortes means “winding waters” in Catalan, and Sant Maurici is the biggest lake.)

Visitors can explore by bike – there are 13 routes, from flat family paths to challenging mountain biking. There are also 27 hiking trails with spectacular viewpoints over the lakes, which reflect the surrounding forests and mountains. These include Los Encantados, a pair of near-identical peaks. Wildlife includes bearded vultures and grouse, one of the emblems of the Pyrenees.

In the Vall de Boi , eight Romanesque churches and a hermitage, all built in the 11th and 12th centuries, are characterised by tall narrow bell towers. It is possible to visit them all in a day, walking between the villages. After that, walkers can relax in Caldes de Boi thermal spa , which is set in large gardens and has 37 natural springs.

June and July are among the best times to visit, to experience the Fallas festivals. In these centuries-old midsummer rituals enormous torches are carried down the mountains into the villages, where a great bonfire is lit and the party begins. This year, the dates are 14 June in Durro, 23 June in Boí, 6 July in Barruera, 13 July in Erill la Vall, 19 July in Taüll and 26 July in el Pla de l’Ermita.

Accommodation includes the Aigüestortes Camping Resort (from €25 for a pitch for two) and a network of mountain refuges , including Amitges (€40 B&B). Wild camping is not allowed. There are daily coach services from Barcelona, Lleida and Tremp to most of the villages around the park, and from June to September a park bus connects the two main entrances, Boi and Espot.

Mercantour, France

In the far south-east corner of France, between the southernmost Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, lies the Mercantour national park . Half a dozen uninhabited valleys stretch for 100 miles, from Barcelonnette to Sospel, with scattered villages around the periphery. This diverse landscape, from almost alpine to coastal, provides a habitat for a huge range of wildlife. Of more than 2,000 species of flowers and plants, 200 are rare and 30 endemic; there are 200 kinds of bird, including golden eagles and ptarmigans, and 78 mammals, including wolves, marmots and all six French ungulates (stag, deer, wild boar, ibex, chamois and mouflon).

One unmissable spot is the Valley of Wonders, a huge archaeological site of about 40,000 rock carvings, with the oldest dating to around 3,000BC. They depict daily life and beliefs, with engravings of cattle, weapons and geometric figures. Other highlights include the glacial lakes of Vens, which feed a series of waterfalls, and Lake Allos, the biggest high-altitude natural lake in Europe.

For hikers there are more than 1,000 miles of trails (about 350 miles in the heart of the park), from gentle walks in meadows and woodland to strenuous mountain treks – the highest peak, Gélas, is 3,143 metres.

A website for hikers details more than 100 day walks, about 20 itineraries of between two and seven days, and the 17-day, 140-mile Grande Traversée du Mercantour. It also lists accommodation from hotels to campsites. Mountain refuges offer dormitory beds and shared meals: they include La Cantonnière , Refuge des Lacs de Vens , Refuge de la Cougourde and Chalet de la Madone de Fenestre (from €20pp). Wild camping in tents is banned, but bivouacs are allowed between 7pm and 9am.

Lots of visitors choose to stay in one of the towns along the main road that passes to the south of the park, such as St-Martin-de-Entraunes, St-Sauveur-sur-Tinée, St-Etienne-de-Tinée and St-Martin-Vésubie.

Car-free travel is encouraged: there are daily buses from Nice, Monaco and Menton to each valley, and intra-valley shuttles, plus a tourist train line from Nice that calls at several villages. In the summer, there are dedicated buses for hikers, also from Nice.

Eifel, Germany

Strictly speaking, the Eifel national park in North Rhine-Westphalia, in far-west Germany, is still classed as “in development” – it was founded 20 years ago, and it will take another 10 years for 75% of the land to return to nature. But more than half the area has already been rewilded. Beech and oak trees that would once have been felled are now left as undisturbed woodland, and animals such as wild cats, woodpeckers, red deer, and rare lizards and bats have returned. There is a red deer observation gallery near Dreiborn – September and October are the best times to visit, to observe the rutting season. The rivers attract black storks and kingfishers, and wild daffodils can be found on the Dreiborn Plateau. At the birdwatching station on Lake Urftsee, there are two telescopes to watch the black storks, red and black kites, herons and cormorants.

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One of the best ways to explore the park is on the four-day, 53-mile Wilderness Trail . Visitors can walk it independently or book a package , which includes three nights’ B&B and transfers by bus and train (from €269pp). There are also five shorter hiking circuits (from three to 11 miles each); 65 miles of cycle paths; and 40 miles of bridleways. Free ranger tours take place most days, and there are boat tours in the summer.

In 2014, Eifel became the first international dark sky park in Germany. The Vogelsang observatory organises regular astronomy workshops and dark sky walks. Historical sites include Monschau Castle, Steinfeld Monastery and Mariawald Abbey.

About 30 national park hosts offer environment-friendly stays, including two campsites and nine hostels. Overnight guests are entitled to the GästeCard , which provides free travel on buses and trains in the Eifel national park discovery region, stretching from the border with the Netherlands at Aachen to Cologne, Bonn and Leverkusen.

Risnjak, Croatia

The mountainous, forested Risnjak national park is named after one of its rarest residents, the lynx – ris in Croatian. It contains the Risnjak and Snježnik massifs in the northern part of the Dinaric Alps and is an important habitat for brown bears, wolves and chamois. Birds include capercaillie and pygmy owl; 89 species of butterfly have been recorded, and a variety of wild orchids grow there.

Visitors can walk to the source of the Kupa river, a bright turquoise pool, via Wonderful Butterfly Valley (35 minutes); follow the Leska educational path to learn about the park (three miles), or climb 11 peaks – Risnjak is the highest at 1,528 metres, with Snježnik just behind at 1,506 metres. Panoramic views stretch across Istria – the Adriatic is just 11 miles away – and as far as the Julian Alps in Slovenia. In the summer, there are guided chamois-spotting tours (from €65 for five hours). Cycle routes range from 2½ to 25 miles ( mountain bike hire is from €4 for three hours/€12 for 24 hours). Fly fishing for brown trout and grayling is allowed from spring to autumn (€55 a day).

Only about 60 people still live in the park. Limited accommodation includes a guesthouse and a hostel in the mountain village of Crni Lug (beds from €13), a mile from the main entrance, and a refuge below the Risnjak summit, built by botanist Josip Schlosser in 1932. There are more options in Delnice, the nearest town (eight miles away), and even more in Rijeka, the nearest city, on the coast about 100 minutes’ drive away.

Buses run from Delnice and Rijeka to Crni Lug, or it is a 90-minute drive from Zagreb. The entrance fee is €6 adults/€3 children.

Peneda-Gerês, Portugal

There is only one national park in Portugal: Peneda-Gerês , in the far north-west, near the border with Spain. Luckily, it has a bit of everything: mountains, oak forests, holly-bush woods, wildflower meadows, peatlands, rivers and waterfalls. It is home to endemic species such as the gold-striped salamander, endangered species including the Iberian wolf and Iberian wild goat, plus roe deer, wild garrano ponies, barrosã cattle and sheepdogs.

There are about 15 official day walking trails ranging from a couple of kilometres to a 16-mile circular trek taking in a megalithic necropolis and a birdwatching plateau. Other routes go via medieval castles, monasteries and sanctuaries. But the ultimate way to explore the park is on the GR50 , a 120-mile, 19-stage route along Roman roads, pilgrims’ ways and smugglers’ trails. The GR50 crosses the hills of Castro Laboreiro, the mountains of Peneda, Soajo, Serras Amarela and Gerês, and the Mourela Plateau. Each stage ends at a village – about 9,000 people live in the park – with simple lodges and guesthouses to stay in.

On shorter trips, visitors could combine a stage or two with some canoeing or canyoning. The super-fit could run it: there is a trail-running event in May with races over five distances from 10 to 100 miles.

The easiest way to reach the park on public transport is by bus from Braga to the town of Gerês, a five-minute walk from one of the five park gates.

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