Top 10 Sunny Spring Break Destinations in Europe for 2026

One of the most popular times of year to get away - Spring Break - is just around the corner. Whether you’re dreaming of sun-soaked beaches, historic cities, lush nature, or culinary adventures, this blog takes you through the top 10 destinations for Spring Break in Europe. Perfect for families, couples, groups of friends, and anyone looking to escape the daily routine for a while.

The Canary Islands have been a favorite Spring Break destination for years—and for good reason. With a mild climate year-round, this archipelago (including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura) offers ideal spring temperatures ranging from 72–79°F (22–26°C).

Choose from volcanic landscapes, wide sandy beaches, and charming villages. Active travelers can enjoy countless hiking trails, such as those in Teide National Park on Tenerife or the moon-like landscapes of Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote. Water sports enthusiasts will feel right at home at the surf spots of Fuerteventura.

Curaçao offers tropical charm, vibrant culture, and a relaxed island pace. This Caribbean destination is perfect for a sunny escape, featuring powder-white beaches, turquoise waters, and a unique blend of Dutch and Caribbean influences.

Curaçao is ideal for:

• Snorkeling and diving along colorful coral reefs

• Relaxing beach days at Playa Knip or Cas Abao

• Exploring the historic streets of Willemstad (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Average spring temperatures hover around 86°F (30°C)—perfect for a warm and carefree Spring Break getaway.

Prefer visiting a city for Spring Break? Rome is a top choice, overflowing with history and world-class Italian cuisine. In spring, the city truly shines with comfortable temperatures, blooming parks, and lively piazzas.

Don’t miss iconic landmarks such as:

• The Colosseum

• The Trevi Fountain

• The Pantheon

• Vatican City

Beyond the highlights, discover charming side streets, local trattorias, and vibrant markets filled with fresh mozzarella, gelato, and espresso. Rome is ideal for a 3–5 day Spring Break city trip. Stay in a centrally located apartment or choose a vacation home just outside the city.

Southern Spain’s Andalusia is a diverse Spring Break destination with reliable sunshine, beautiful beaches, and stunning cities like Seville, Granada, Córdoba, and Málaga.

Spring Break highlights include:

• Flamenco performances in Seville

• Visiting the Alhambra in Granada

• Tapas hopping through lively historic districts

• Relaxing along the Costa del Sol

Andalusia is perfect for travelers who want to combine culture, sunshine, and relaxation during Spring Break.

Crete, the largest Greek island, offers a perfect balance of history, nature, and beach life—making it an excellent Spring Break destination. Spring temperatures average around 75°F (24°C), ideal for exploring without the summer crowds.

Top experiences include:

• Knossos, the famous Minoan archaeological site

• Hiking the Samaria Gorge (weather permitting)

• Visiting charming coastal towns like Chania and Rethymno

• Dining at authentic Greek tavernas

Crete features a wide selection of vacation homes and sea-view villas, making it especially appealing for families and groups during Spring Break.

Antalya, located on Turkey’s southern coast, is the perfect destination for those who love sun, beaches, and culture. With temperatures around 77–82°F (25–28°C) in May, the weather is ideal for both relaxation and outdoor activities. Antalya combines modern resorts with a historic city center and stunning natural landscapes.

Highlights of Antalya:

• The Old Town (Kaleiçi) with narrow streets, historic gates, and Ottoman architecture

• Beautiful beaches such as Lara Beach and Konyaaltı Beach

• Visits to the Düden Waterfalls or a scenic boat tour along the coast

• Day trips to ancient Greek and Roman ruins like Aspendos and Perge

Antalya offers a wide range of vacation rentals, from luxury beachfront apartments to villas with private pools.

The Algarve is one of Europe’s top Spring Break sun destinations. With golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and charming fishing villages, it’s an ideal spot to enjoy warm spring days.

Don’t miss:

• Sea caves and hidden coves near Lagos

• Sunset views at Praia da Marinha

• Fresh seafood and Portugal’s famous pastel de nata

Vacation homes and apartments can be found along the coast and inland, making the Algarve suitable for every type of Spring Break traveler.

Istria, located in northwestern Croatia, is a perfect Spring Break destination for travelers seeking culture, food, and nature without large crowds. Cities like Pula, Rovinj, and Poreč combine Roman history with Mediterranean charm.

Spring brings mild temperatures, ideal for sightseeing, wine tasting, and exploring the coastline’s hidden coves with crystal-clear water.

Sicily is an excellent Spring Break destination for travelers who want history, scenery, and incredible food all in one place. From Greek temples to volcanic landscapes, the island offers endless variety.

Highlights include:

• Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano

• The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento

• Baroque towns like Noto

• Sicilian classics such as cannoli and arancini

Spring Break is one of the best times to explore Sicily before peak summer crowds arrive.

Rounding out the list is Mallorca, one of the most versatile Spring Break destinations in Europe. From lively beach resorts to peaceful mountain villages, the island truly has something for everyone.

Expect:

• Beautiful beaches and secluded coves

• Charming villages like Valldemossa and Deià

• Excellent hiking and cycling routes

• Local markets and outstanding Mediterranean cuisine

Mallorca is especially popular for Spring Break vacation rentals with pools or beachfront locations.

Handy Tips for Booking & Planning Your Spring Break

No matter how you plan to spend Spring Break, these tips will help you get the most out of your trip:

1. Book early 📌
   Spring Break is a high-demand travel period. Booking early gives you more options and often better prices.

2. Be flexible with travel dates 📅
   A little flexibility can lead to significant savings on flights and accommodations.

3. Look beyond the main hotspots 📍
   Smaller towns and rural areas near popular destinations often offer more authentic experiences and fewer crowds.

4. Pack smart 🧳
   Spring weather can vary—warm days, cooler evenings, and changing conditions depending on location.

5. Compare vacation rental prices 💶
   Use Leisure Time’s Price & Compare feature and read guest reviews to ensure the perfect Spring Break stay.

Where will your Spring Break take you in 2026?

Whether you’re chasing sunshine in the Canary Islands, culture in Rome, or nature in the Veluwe, an unforgettable Spring Break awaits.

Let us know if you’d like destination-specific tips or help finding the perfect vacation home—we’re happy to help!