✈️ Warm destinations in April 2026: where to swim and what is open for Easter

In April, Europe wakes up. Some places are already warm enough for the beach, while others still have gardens in bloom.

At Easter, amusement parks in Germany open their season, and in Cyprus and Sicily gardens and almond trees are in bloom. We have gathered destinations for an April getaway and noted where you need to book tickets in advance.

In Cyprus and Morocco, the air in April warms up above 20 °C, and on the Thai islands the water stays around 30 °C (as of 09/2026, ADAC).

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Where is it warm in April?

Warm destinations are already available in Europe. You can reach some of them by car or camper van. Others are just a short flight away.

Night view of Italy and the Mediterranean Sea from space

💡 In short:

In April it is warm in Sicily, Cyprus, and Morocco.
For a real beach vacation, you need a long-haul flight.

Average highs and number of rainy days in April according to ADAC Reiseziele (09/2026):

Destination	High	Rain, days	Water
Split, Croatia	16 °C	8	14 °C
Palermo, Italy	17 °C	6	15 °C
Malaga, Spain	17 °C	6	15 °C
Antalya, Turkey	19 °C	6	16 °C
Paphos, Cyprus	23 °C	3	17 °C
Marrakech, Morocco	24 °C	7	17 °C
Hurghada, Egypt	26 °C	0	22 °C
Koh Samui, Thailand	31 °C	8	30 °C

The table paints a simple picture. For swimming, Hurghada and Koh Samui are the most comfortable. For a warm stroll without the heat, Cyprus and Morocco are good choices.

Warm destinations in Europe in April

In Europe, warmth arrives first in the south. There you can combine hiking, cycling, and food.

Torre del Serpe tower by the sea near Otranto

Italy: from Lake Garda to Palermo

Isola Bella island and bay near Taormina

In northern Italy, April is a great time for cycling and hiking. While snow still lies in the mountains, magnolias, cherries, and peaches bloom around Lake Garda. In Trentino, rhododendrons are opening up, and in the valleys apple orchards turn white.

Sicily is noticeably warmer. In Palermo, cathedrals from the Arab-Norman period await you. Break up your walk through the pedestrian zone with pistachio gelato, cannoli, or arancini rice balls.

A separate trip takes you to the seaside town of Mondello in a bay beneath Monte Pellegrino. There you will find an Art Nouveau bathhouse and Belle Époque villas. You can find rooms in Palermo and Catania through hotels in Sicily on Trip.com.

Croatia: hiking, cycling, and food

Croatia is suitable for hiking and cycling already in spring.

South of Split stretches the Makarska Riviera at the foot of the Biokovo mountains. Old trails along the rocky coast open up views of the islands. Island hopping by bike and motor sailer is also popular.

The catch: the sea is still cold in April, comfortable swimming starts only in June.

A food route through Istria and the Kvarner Gulf follows the trail of wild asparagus. The green shoots are harvested from mid-March to late April. During these weeks, local restaurants hold asparagus days.

Where to go at Easter with a short flight

Cyprus and Morocco are good options for the Easter break. Both destinations are not far from Europe.

Cyprus: bloom season and the Akamas Peninsula

For Cyprus, April is considered the ideal month. The warmth is mild, everything is in bloom, and the summer heat that makes walking and cycling unpleasant has not arrived yet.

The water usually reaches swimming temperature only from May. But you can still make it to the wild beaches of the Akamas Peninsula north of Paphos. There are also viewpoints with panoramic sea views there.

The catch: the water in April is still cool for long swims.

It is worth comparing hotels in Cyprus on Trip.com in advance: demand rises around Easter.

Morocco: Marrakech and the high atlas

In Morocco, April already feels like summer. The Atlantic is still cold for swimming, so people mostly swim in hotel pools.

Take a walk around Marrakech. Winding alleys lead to inner courtyards and to Djemaa el Fna square with its musicians and street performers. Nearby is Jardin Majorelle, the garden of fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. Buy your ticket online in advance.

For the night, you will choose between a historic riad and a hotel with a pool and garden.

Part of the itinerary is taken up by trips to the Atlas Mountains. The fortress of Ait Ben Haddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has served as a filming location for many movies. Further on, the route passes through the film studio town of Ouarzazate, along clay kasbahs and oases to the Valley of Roses.

Beach vacations and long-haul destinations in April

If you specifically want a beach, choose long-haul destinations.

Thailand: beaches in April

Thailand's tropical climate has three seasons. The hot dry season lasts from March to May, the rainy season runs from June to October, and the cool dry season lasts from November to February.

During the European winter months, this is high season here. It partly continues into April, for example in the southeast on the island of Koh Samui. It has palm-lined beaches and a wide choice of hotels.

Koh Samui is surrounded by the Ang Thong Marine National Park with dozens of islands. Boat excursions go there. On the other side of the Gulf of Thailand lies the small island of Koh Kood near the border with Cambodia.

The catch: April in Thailand is hot and humid, making it hard to walk around during the day.

Hotels on Koh Samui on Trip.com are easy to compare before the trip.

Where to vacation on a budget in April

Among affordable seaside destinations, Northern Cyprus, Turkey, and Malta are good options. There is already enough sun for tanning and outdoor activities.

Egypt's climate provides comfortable water temperatures in the Red Sea. In summer it is very hot there, while from November to April temperatures are milder. So this is also a good time for Cairo and the Nile Valley. Before traveling, check current travel advisories for the region.

For a budget city trip, Budapest is a good choice. From the Fisherman's Bastion you get a view of the Danube. Nearby is a mix of imperial architecture and bars in old buildings, such as Szimpla Kert.

You can compare hotels in Budapest on Trip.com a couple of weeks before your trip.

Destinations in Germany in April

Those who stay in Germany in spring will find warm regions there too. On Lake Constance, blooming usually starts in early or mid-April. Apricots, plums, and cherries bloom first, followed later by pears and apples. The Bodenseegärten network brings together more than 40 gardens and parks, and on the island of Mainau alone over a million tulips bloom (as of 09/2026, ADAC).

Pleasure boat on Lake Constance, wake trail on the water

The Bodenseeradweg cycle route runs along the shore with almost no climbs. In April, regular boat service on the lake resumes.

Along the Moselle, also a warm region, there are many hiking trails. There are short paths and the long multi-day Moselsteig route with views of castles, vineyards, and river bends.

Available hotels on Lake Constance on Trip.com should be booked in advance: in April, weekend rooms sell out quickly.

Traveling with kids in April

Theme park season opening

Season opening at a German amusement park

During the Easter weeks, theme parks in Germany open for the season. Many offer overnight stays and new attractions.

Europa-Park opened its 18th themed area, Monaco, around the Silver Star coaster, the tallest in the country (as of 09/2026, official website). Legoland Deutschland is building the world's first LEGO Harry Potter park. At HANSA-PARK on the Baltic coast, the family coaster Cornwall Coaster is now open for the season.

Nature getaways in April

Germany has many national parks for nature lovers. One of them, Jasmund on the island of Rügen, is known for its circular trail above the chalk cliff Königsstuhl with views of the Baltic Sea.

By the sea in Wilhelmshaven, harbor porpoise days take place: cetaceans come into Jade Bay, and visitors watch them from the shore and from boats. With kids, try the treetop walks with giant slides. For overnight stays, more and more people choose treehouses with heating and a bathroom.

Where to go in April in a motorhome

The Pincamp portal, ADAC's camping platform, recommends Germany itself above all for a short Easter trip. The chalk cliffs of Rügen, the Palatinate Almond Trail, the Black Forest High Road, the Rennsteig in the Thuringian Forest, the blossoms around Lake Constance, as well as the Volcanic Eifel, Spreewald and the Mecklenburg Lake District are all good options.

In the Netherlands, campsites on the coast are suitable, as are the islands of Texel and Terschelling with trips to the tulip fields in Flevoland. In Denmark, the long beaches of Jutland and the islands of Bornholm and Funen await you.

In the south, Italy, Croatia and the South of France with the Côte d'Azur and Provence top the Easter list. With more time, it is worth going to Spain, to Andalusia and the Costa del Sol, where Holy Week takes place with processions in almost summer-like weather.

Before you set off, check the equipment and locks: a short preparation will save you from trouble on the road. For a longer trip, compare car rental on DiscoverCars.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Where is it already warm enough for the beach in April?

Swimming is most comfortable in Hurghada and on Koh Samui, where the water is already warm. In Split, Palermo and Malaga, the sea is still cool in April, so walks, cycling and excursions take center stage there. If you want sunbathing by the water, choose Egypt or Thailand.

Cyprus or Morocco for Easter?

Cyprus is good for the sea and hikes on the Akamas Peninsula. Morocco has warmer air and a richer cultural program. With children and for a short trip, Cyprus is more convenient.

Where to go with children in Germany in April?

Theme parks open their season at Easter, and Europa-Park has a new Monaco area. In nature, children will enjoy treetop trails and treehouses. Plan for a weekday: on weekends the lines are longer.

Can you swim in Croatia in April?

The swimming season on the Adriatic usually starts only in June. In April, Croatia is good for hiking and cycling.

Where to go in a motorhome for Easter?

For a short trip, Rügen, Lake Constance and the Mecklenburg Lake District in Germany are suitable. In the Netherlands, campsites on the coast and the islands of Texel and Terschelling await you. In Denmark, it is worth stopping at the beaches of Jutland. In the south, the list includes Italy, Croatia and the South of France.

When is the blossom season at Lake Constance?

Blossoming usually starts in early or mid-April. The peak comes at the end of April.

In short: what is worth booking

The takeaway is simple. The choice depends on the date and who is traveling.

If you want the beach: choose Hurghada or Koh Samui.
If you want spring without the heat: choose Cyprus or Sicily.
If you are traveling with children: Germany's parks at Easter are a good fit.
If you are traveling by car: take a route through Germany or the Netherlands.

One last action: compare hotels for your dates on Trip.com and book in advance.

Where to go in April 2026: warm countries, Easter with kids and a motorhome