April is a time of optimism here in the UK.
The sun has started to shine, spring flowers are blooming and the world is shaking off its winter lethargy.
April also puts one thing on our mind - holidays.
But although we're enjoying longer and warmer days, we're still in that awkward shoulder season limbo.
It's mild enough to wash the car and do a bit of gardening. But daring to sunbathe is likely to provoke the weather gods into sending a sudden side of hailstones.
Where is Hot in April in Europe?
So, if you're looking to turn up the dial on sunshine and warm weather, here's my list of where is hot in April in Europe.
It includes practical info, such as where you can fly from, how long you need in each place and average temperatures in April.
Note: Approximate flight times are based on flying from London. The lists of airports and airlines offering direct flights is a sample only and not exhaustive.
1. Canary Islands, Spain
Adobe Free Stock / cegli
- Airports with Direct Flights from the UK: Belfast (easyJet, Jet2), Birmingham (easyJet, Ryanair, TUI), London Gatwick (easyJet, TUI), Manchester (Ryanair).
- Approximate Flight Time: 4 hours.
- Time Difference: Same as UK (GMT+0).
- Average Temperature in April: High 22°C, low 15°C.
- Average Daily Sunshine in April: 7 hours.
- How Long Do You Need in the Canary Islands?: 7-10 days.
Why go to the Canary Islands in April?
April in the Canaries is just the remedy for a sun-deprived Brit.
While your friends complain about drizzle back home, you could be hiking through Timanfaya National Park's otherworldly volcanic landscapes.
Or surfing the Atlantic swells in Fuerteventura.
The weather is also spot-on. Warm enough for beach lounging but not the blistering heat that turns you into a walking lobster by lunchtime.
If you fancy making your Instagram followers jealous, head to Tenerife's Siam Park.
Voted the best water park in the world for the tenth year running, you're sure to get some great springtime snaps for your feeds.
Visitors can also enjoy the budding landscape with a cable car ride up Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak.
2. Algarve, Portugal
Adobe Free Stock / OskarssonPhotography
- Airports with Direct Flights from the UK: Birmingham (Jet2, Ryanair), Edinburgh (Ryanair), London Gatwick (easyJet), Manchester (Ryanair).
- Approximate Flight Time: 2.5 hours.
- Time Difference: Same as UK (GMT+0).
- Average Temperature in April: High 20°C, low 13°C.
- Average Daily Sunshine in April: 7 hours.
- How Long Do You Need in the Algarve?: 5-7 days.
Why go to the Algarve in April?
The Algarve in April is a bit of a gem. You'll get all the coastal beauty without the summer crowds and hovering around 20°C, the weather is pleasantly warm.
Its famous golden beaches are peaceful enough that you won't have to stake your towel claim at dawn.
April brings the bonus of almond blossom season, painting the countryside pink and white.
Food lovers should head to Olhão's Saturday market. Here, fresh-off-the-boat seafood is so affordable it feels like daylight robbery.
Fancy something a little more active? The Algarve's golf courses will be in prime condition.
While the famous Seven Hanging Valleys trail offers coastal views that'll make your jaw drop.
3. Costa Brava, Spain
Adobe Free Stock / nito
- Airports with Direct Flights from the UK: Birmingham (Ryanair), Leeds Bradford (Ryanair), Manchester (Ryanair).
- Approximate Flight Time: 2 hours.
- Time Difference: +1 hour (GMT+1).
- Average Temperature in April: High 19°C, low 12°C.
- Average Daily Sunshine in April: 6 hours.
- How Long Do You Need in Costa Brava?: 5-7 days.
Why go to Costa Brava in April?
Costa Brava in April is like finding a fiver in your winter coat - an unexpected delight.
While package holiday crowds are still months away, you'll have those gorgeous coves and beaches practically to yourself.
This rugged stretch of Catalan coastline has plenty to keep you busy in April.
Wander its medieval villages, cliff-hugging hiking trails and Salvador Dalí's surrealist stomping grounds.
Try sea kayaking around the coves of Begur or indulging in Michelin-starred cuisine at El Celler de Can Roca in Girona.
You'll have to plan way ahead for the latter, however. It's fully booked up a year in advance.
4. Malta
Adobe Free Stock / eternal aviv
- Airports with Direct Flights from the UK: Birmingham (Ryanair, Jet2), Edinburgh (Ryanair), London Gatwick (easyJet), Manchester (Ryanair).
- Approximate Flight Time: 3 hours.
- Time Difference: +1 hour (GMT+1).
- Average Temperature in April: High 20°C, low 14°C.
- Average Daily Sunshine in April: 7 hours.
- How Long Do You Need in Malta?: 5-7 days.
Why go to Malta in April?
Malta in April is when this Mediterranean gem really flexes its muscles without the summer sweat.
The island nation puts on a real springtime show. Wildflowers carpet the countryside and temperatures rise enough to ditch your big coat in favour of a light jacket.
April brings Malta's colourful festa season into full swing.
Village celebrations feature fireworks that would put your local Bonfire Night to shame.
It also marks the end of Malta's strawberry season, meaning you can gorge on the island's best berries at the Mġarr Strawberry Festival.
5. Crete, Greece
Adobe Free Stock / Jurek Adamski
- Airports with Direct Flights from the UK: Birmingham (Ryanair), London Gatwick (easyJet), Manchester (easyJet).
- Approximate Flight Time: 3.5 hours.
- Time Difference: +2 hours (GMT+2).
- Average Temperature in April: High 19°C, low 12°C.
- Average Daily Sunshine in April: 7 hours.
- How Long Do You Need in Crete?: 7-10 days.
Why go to Crete in April?
April is prime hiking season on Europe's southernmost island.
Tackle a section of the E4 European long-distance path. Or visit the spectacular Samaria Gorge before the summer crowds hit.
Springtime is also the sweet spot for visiting the Palace of Knossos without fighting cruise ship crowds or melting in the heat.
Food-wise, spring is the perfect time to snap up seasonal delicacies. Dig into wild artichokes and snails (they're better than they sound, I promise).
Or join locals for a glass of raki in Chania's old town as the sun sets over its Venetian harbour.
6. Ibiza, Spain
Adobe Free Stock / Kristiyan
- Airports with Direct Flights from the UK: Birmingham (Ryanair), London Gatwick (easyJet), Manchester (Ryanair).
- Approximate Flight Time: 2 hours.
- Time Difference: +1 hour (GMT+1).
- Average Temperature in April: High 20°C, low 11°C.
- Average Daily Sunshine in April: 7 hours.
- How Long Do You Need in Ibiza?: 5-7 days.
Why go to Ibiza in April?
Forget what you've seen on those late-night Channel 4 documentaries.
Ibiza in April reveals the island's secret identity as a place of stunning natural beauty before the DJ decks take over.
With club season still snoozing, you'll find deserted beaches that would make a Caribbean travel brochure jealous.
Not to mention crystal-clear waters perfect for paddleboarding or snorkelling without dodging hungover party boats.
7. Sardinia, Italy
Adobe Free Stock / Giuma
- Airports with Direct Flights from the UK: London Gatwick (easyJet), Manchester (Jet2).
- Approximate Flight Time: 2 hours.
- Time Difference: +1 hour (GMT+1).
- Average Temperature in April: High 19°C, low 10°C.
- Average Daily Sunshine in April: 7 hours.
- How Long Do You Need in Sardinia?: 5-7 days.
Why go to Sardinia in April?
In April, you may just find Sardinia at its most authentic. Its lively Spring festivals celebrate everything from artichokes to saints.
The weather's just right for exploring its mysterious Bronze-Age stone towers, nuraghi.
Or you may like to get out into nature and hike the area's lush Gennargentu mountains.
Beach lovers can have those famous white-sand stretches of the Costa Smeralda almost to themselves. The same ones that would be towel-to-towel in August.
Don't miss Cagliari's flamingo colonies. Thousands of pink birds strutting about the salt flats like they're on a catwalk. It's like National Geographic meets Fashion Week.
8. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Image Owned by Author
- Airports with Direct Flights from the UK: Belfast (Jet2), London Gatwick (easyJet), Manchester (Ryanair).
- Approximate Flight Time: 2.5 hours
- Time Difference: +1 hour (GMT+1)
- Average Temperature in April: High 17°C, low 12°C
- Average Daily Sunshine in April: 6 hours.
- How Long Do You Need in Dubrovnik?: 4-5 days.
Why go to Dubrovnik in April?
Dubrovnik is a top choice if you're craving both beaches and city culture.
Soak up its character with a walk on the city walls surrounding its incredible old town.
Head to browse the vintage jars and equipment at one of Europe's oldest pharmacies.
Or grab a picnic, escape the crowds and take a boat to Lokrum Island. This nearby haven is supposedly cursed.
Image Owned by Author
But between sipping local Malvasia wine in its sun-soaked gardens, floating on its inland salt lake and walking among peacocks, you'll find that hard to believe.
End your day with fresh seafood before heading to Buza Bar. Nestled in Dubrovnik's limestone cliffs, it's the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the shimmering Adriatic.
9. Nice, France
Adobe Free Stock / Pascale Gueret
- Airports with Direct Flights from the UK: Birmingham (Jet2), Edinburgh (easyJet), London Gatwick (easyJet), Manchester (easyJet).
- Approximate Flight Time: 2 hours.
- Time Difference: +1 hour (GMT+1).
- Average Temperature in April: High 18°C, low 12°C.
- Average Daily Sunshine in April: 6 hours.
- How Long Do You Need in Nice?: 5-7 days.
Why go to Nice in April?
Nice in April is the best of both worlds. The French Riviera starts really warming up. But it's not yet overrun with celebrities and superyachts.
The city's famous Promenade des Anglais comes alive with locals doing what they do best. That is, looking effortlessly cool and stylish.
April brings perfect temperatures for exploring the streets of Old Town.
Or for climbing Castle Hill. Its panoramic views explain why artists such as Matisse and Chagall were so obsessed with the light here.
Food markets burst with spring produce.
The Cours Saleya market is a feast for the senses where you can sample socca, chickpea pancakes, hot from the pan.
Adobe Free Stock / Francesco Bonino
Take a day trip to nearby Menton, dubbed the Pearl of France. Its legendary citrus gardens will be at their prime.
Or hop on a train to Monaco for a nose at how the other half lives.
10. Madeira, Portugal
Adobe Free Stock / Louis-Michel DESERT
- Departure Airports and Airlines: Birmingham (TUI), London Gatwick (easyJet), Manchester (Ryanair).
- Approximate Flight Time: 3 hours.
- Time Difference: Same as UK (GMT+0).
- Average Temperature in April: High 18°C, low 14°C.
- Average Daily Sunshine in April: 6 hours.
- Recommended Duration: 7-10 days.
Why go to Madeira in April?
April's warm temperatures are perfect for tackling Madeira's unique levada walks.
These irrigation channels-turned-hiking-trails wind through laurel forests and dramatic mountain scenery.
Thrill-seekers can try the island's famous wicker toboggan rides down steep streets. Think Victorian-era theme park rides meet modern-day taxi services.
For some sea breeze and adventure, coasteering along the volcanic shoreline is also a top pick.
Don't leave without trying poncha, a potent local concoction of sugar cane rum, honey and lemon.
One sip and you'll understand why locals call it "the cure for everything."
Adobe Free Stock / anela47
If your trip spills over into May, Funchal's famous Flower Festival is unmissable and runs from the 1st to the 25th of the month.
Stay Connected with an Airalo eSIM
When you're chasing sunshine across Europe this April, you'll need your maps, tickets and uninterrupted access to the internet.
That's where Airalo's eSIMs for Europe come in handy.
Visit the store, choose a data package for your destination country or region, install and go.
Now all you have to worry about is catching those April rays.
