Warmest European Destinations in April & May
For many of us who live in cooler climates, it can be very tempting to dream about warm island vacations for the spring months. Where I live in Oregon, we’ve had freezing fog for the last few days! Temps haven’t hit over freezing in almost a week. Sooo….I’m sure you can see why I’m daydreaming of sunshine and WARMTH! The good news if you’re planning a Europe trip: you have many options for heat in the spring. So let’s find out: what are the warmest European destinations in April & May?
Sicily & Malta are two of the WARMEST places in Europe during April & May.
In a Rush? Here are the Warmest European Spots in April & May:
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Tenerife (Canary Islands) & Seville, Spain – Click here for rates & availability
⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Island of Malta – Click here for rates & availability
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Crete, Greece – Click here for rates & availability
List of Warmest European Destinations
Where to Find HEAT in April & May
- Canary Islands (Spain): Located off the coast of Morocco, but technically part of Spain: the Canary Islands are as far south as you can get in Europe ~ making them the warmest spot in April & May. Islands like Tenerife can feel like summer, averaging 22-24°C (72-75°F). Expect up to 10 hours of sunshine daily: perfect for swimming & sunning.
Where I Would Stay: Gran Melia de Palacio Isora ~ their pool is INSANE!!!
Tenerife is one of warmest European destinations in April & May.
- Southern Spain/Costa Del Sol: Along Spain’s southern coastline, cities like Marbella & Malaga share nearly identical weather: with temperatures reaching as high as 25°C (77°F) in May. A little further inland, Seville averages 24-29°C (72-84°F) in April & May, making it one of the warmest places in Europe!
Search for luxury hotels in historic Seville, Spain…
If it’s heat you’re after: Seville is a great choice in the spring.
- Malta: Located just south of Sicily, Malta is its own island country! Filled with castles, culture, & coastline: this is a perfect spot to find warmth during cooler spring months. Temperatures can reach up to 24°C (75°F) in May; with slightly cooler temps in April. Visit ancient temples, swim in the Blue Lagoon, go diving or snorkeling, & enjoy delicious seafood all throughout the cobble-stoned streets of Malta…
Search for oceanview hotels in Malta on Booking.com.
Malta.
- Sicily (Italy): The southern “boot” of Italy is the country’s warmest region in the spring. Temperatures range from 21-24°C/70-75°F in May, making this a perfect time to explore farmer’s markets, hike Mount Etna, tour “Godfather” locations, & generally eat & drink your way through gorgeous coastal scenery.
And don’t forget: Season 2 of “White Lotus” was filmed in Sicily’s town of Taormina, at ultra-lux San Domenico Palace.
Sicily averages in the 70’s during April & May.
- Crete (Greece): Crete is the Greek Island that’s furthest south: which makes it the warmest island in April & May. Crete heats up nicely in April (up to 21°C/70°F), reaching as high as 25°C/77°F in May. Here you can hike the Samaria Gorge, relax on pink sand beaches, wander historic harbors, or discover turquoise waters in the Balos Lagoon.
You can also take a quick flight north to Santorini ~ which is my favorite Greek Island (& much less busy in May)!
Check out the incredible infinity pool at Chania Flair Boutique Hotel in Crete.
Crete.
Warmest European Cities in April & May
One final idea: Morocco is another great option for finding warmth & heat in April & May. While it’s in Africa, it’s also SO CLOSE to Spain & Portugal….this is one of the easiest African countries to access from Europe. You’ll find temperatures ranging from the 70’s all the way up to the 90’s (especially in the Sahara Desert).
Great for sun-seekers in spring….
xoxo Noelia
Read Next: Where Do Celebrities Stay in Mallorca?
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Enjoy reading your articles. My wife and I are looking for a warm-weather getaway in April – it had never occurred to us to pair the Canary Islands with Morocco. Fantastic suggestion. We’re close to booking the trip and it’s much more affordable than we’d anticipated. Thanks for the ideas
Hi Sam, I’m so glad to hear this! I think the pairing of Morocco & the Canary Islands will be sensational: it’s that perfect combo of beach/relaxing + history/culture/architecture. Have an amazing trip!! xoxo Noelia
I’m wanting to take my daughter on a Spring Break trip in April to Europe (her first time), but we’re both wimps when it comes to dealing with the cold! This article is great. Malta looks like a great choice for us. As far as flying into Italy, which city do you think a 16-year old would appreciate the most (if we spend 2-3 days there): Milan, Rome, or Florence? Thanks so much, Sonya
Hi Sonya, thanks for your comment & question! And kudos to you for planning such an amazing trip for you & your daughter : ) While I absolutely love Florence, I think that for a first-time trip to Italy with a 16-year old: Rome is a must. The fountains, the plazas & cafes, the Colosseum, the history, the Vatican/Sistine Chapel ~ I think your daughter will be enthralled. Especially if she’s seen “Emily in Paris,” which featured Rome heavily in the last 2 seasons! You’ll get all the excitement of the city, & then hop an easy/cheap flight to Malta for a little slower pace, beaches, great seafood, etc.
Milan is a beautiful city, but is a bit more industrial; I think Rome wins hands-down. Happy trip planning!! xoxo Noelia
Looking to get out of the Canada cold this spring, as well as visit some relatives in Spain. I didn’t realize there were so many warm spots in and around Spain these months – I’m feeling very encouraged! I know Croatia is not on this list, but I’ve always wanted to go. Do you recommend?
Hi Sophie, thanks for your comment! So YES 1,000% ~ I ALWAYS recommend travel to Croatia!! It’s quite possibly my favorite European country. Hundreds of islands, turquoise waters, medieval architecture, sea views, the “Game of Thrones” connections….it’s all so magical!
My suggestion: if you end up traveling to Spain in May, Croatia starts heating up end of May/into June (my friends & I visited in mid-June & the weather was perfect), so you could possibly pair the two countries. Or Malta & Croatia…something like that. Whatever itinerary you choose, it will definitely help lift the cold-weather blues! xoxo Noelia
So it seems like from this article, one of the warmest places in Europe during April and May is actually Seville. I assume being more inlamd helps it heat up more than the coastline? For a family of four with 2 kids (14 and 16), would you suggest flying into Madrid or Barcelona? We have about 10 days for vacation.
Hi Al, thanks for your question! I think, to get that nice balance of beach + culture/city life, pairing Seville with Barcelona would be a great plan ~ that way your family can enjoy the beaches in Barcelona + its incredible architecture, along with the amazing culture in Seville. There will be plenty to keep teens entertained in Barcelona, & if you could squeeze in a few more vacation days: hopping a flight over to Mallorca could be a fantastic way to end the trip. It’s an easy flight from BCN, & would add a bit of island time into the mix. Happy trip planning! xoxo