The best places to visit in April: 23 inspiring destinations

These are the best holiday destinations for April – whether you're looking for a safari, sunshine or skiing

30 November 2025

The best places to visit in April 23 inspiring destinations

The best places to visit in April range from snow-capped mountainous stretches to tropical beaches via cities that finally awaken after shaking off their winter chill. For sun-seekers or the sun-starved, there are plenty of places that promise balmy afternoons punctuated by al fresco lunches and a paddle – or full-body immersion – into the blue. There are a surprising number of places that are hot in Europe in April, such as the shores of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, either side of Bodrum, where resorts start to open their doors to the first of the summer crowds. Further south, April is when the southern Greek islands start to sizzle after a lush spring – Crete and Antiparos are among our favourites for a dose of vitamin D this time of year. For guaranteed beach days, it pays to travel further afield. Think highs of 32°C along Mexico’s dazzling coast, exploring Mayan ruins among ancient jungle terrain before cooling off with a plunge into a cenote. Or island hopping across Thailand, starting in the technicolour haze of Bangkok before whizzing south for beach clubs, scenic hikes and lip-smacking street food rustled up by beaming vendors as a cacophony of motorbikes fly by. Or, back closer to home but south enough to offer long days and scorching afternoons, there’s Marrakech – where there is no shortage of world-class hotels between the hustle and bustle of the medina and the wild expanses of desert beyond.

While most of Europe’s best ski resorts have cleared the crowds out for another season, there’s still fresh snow on Switzerland’s highest peaks, should a springtime snow session and lashings of gooey raclette tempt. Then there are the best cities to visit in April. San Sebastián, in Spain’s underrated northern reaches, sees fewer crowds vying for a coveted spot in its celebrated restaurants, while there are fewer more pleasant places to be at the end of spring than in Seville. Whether it’s stunning architecture and fascinating museums or nothing but an exotic fly-and-flop escape you crave, these are the best places to visit in April according to the editors of Condé Nast Traveller.

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1. Iceland
Temperature in April: 6°C high; 0°C low
Season: Spring
Travel time from the UK: Just over three hours
Time difference: No time difference from the UK
Iceland is remarkable, no matter what time of year you visit. In summer, the Midnight Sun is a day (or sometimes days) when the sun stays in the sky for a full 24 hours. In winter, while it stays dark for up to 18 hours a day, the skies light up with the kaleidoscopic colours of the Northern Lights. April is the best of both worlds – daylight lasts for around 15 hours, and there's still a decent chance of catching sight of the Aurora Borealis. Fly into Reykjavík, the capital that has a strong cultural identity. Go gallery hopping to see local art before huddling into one of the city's bars to warm up. Then, rent a car and explore as much of the country as you can – Reykjanes Peninsula has some incredible volcanoes to see, and the Golden Circle offers some incredible natural wonders, from geysers to waterfalls and hot springs.
Sustainable travel tip: A road trip is by far the best way to explore Iceland, but try renting an electric car. There are charging spots dotted around, mainly in cities, so plan your route carefully around those. Alternatively, hybrid cars are the way to go if you'd rather have options for your journey.
Where to stay: Iceland has some fantastic hotels. Reykjavik has several options to kick off your holiday in style. The Edition is renowned for its sleek, elegant design, cosy beds and cityscape panoramas. Beyond the capital, the iconic Deplar Farm is an obvious choice for those looking to experience Iceland's raw, rugged beauty at its best.
Puerto Escondido</a> or Isla Mujeres, a Mexican island in the Caribbean Sea.\nSustainable travel tip: Mexico is not short on incredible hotels, many of which have excellent eco-credentials. <a href=https://www.cntraveller.com/"https://cna.st/affiliate-link/EGJMnSBTAYUHHjAcX8ANPe4HUNtr6Y9HYKYoctEHWyFeo8KjdU7qCQcmAoRWmbSvEHXpRBCWSBLyaAAbR1TYoefT7rfLmM4rCLBbtDqjLurPURk1Thu2PKemkhBexFo33y8QsbFztdWiRo48iSvt79WDgdChm62LAx4mUNiT4qBY6Gx8r4ebWBm9ZHo4uAeruUx9xBBPAUb82cR5vHUfn/" rel=\"sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" isaffiliatelink=\"true\">Rancho Pescadero</a> on the Pacific coast is renowned for its sustainability efforts. There is a solar farm, a housing complex for employees and a clear-air incinerator for the resort's waste.\nWhere to stay: Where to start, more like. There’s no shortage of indulgent resorts in Mexico, so choose a location and go from there. Stay at <a href=https://www.cntraveller.com/"https://cna.st/affiliate-link/3Hvxm9czoAnByvTvRnCNk9qj5WgQhUN917fYB6xrKpsLjoiYpCox2qkmZEdgGtYraACLsaNSCxDTV71wYv7jBLRqrDp9Tbr1akzDwYoXHARbYtPTSBRPsPZ3t2bjg2ifF4bWmN7pNPVZmPndrDEFL1GhZmRvVX4F7bVvee8/" rel=\"sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" isaffiliatelink=\"true\">La Valise</a> for an incredible treehouse experience in Tulum, check into <a href=https://www.cntraveller.com/"https://cna.st/affiliate-link/36TDN37JM9t1Eukj8mKKAHysCqKdXwiyQFxipu5TfGfMJzLZ8qRhNnU2o3d3NMjMV8xZZyQupWjAGLViqBsEsZYfNdmUyBqorMasjWG45PDkunHnBWTqgGr98fpTSL4c49ohRaSUZXHSQjPhnEZACayA/" rel=\"sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" isaffiliatelink=\"true\">SHA Wellness Clinic Mexico</a> along the Riviera Maya for unbeatable treatments and undisturbed R&R, and opt for <a href=https://www.cntraveller.com/"https://cna.st/affiliate-link/2YfVS2JkEsZbGa5JYMWhKbw9jwrZnVLQVbPMNsbAiu1tuHBTeE9aXhWyBmW4uL81viSaHjFtHJ1PNw1kENh8c1jsnsTCaqrdg8camzQSsoukmJLmymbnZy7eas1LF4LMyZtbj2PFs8QV7hhUjQKQmCDUjHnGw8qxWFn/" rel=\"sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" isaffiliatelink=\"true\">Octavia Casa</a> for a modern <a href=https://www.cntraveller.com/"https://www.cntraveller.com/article/insiders-guide-to-the-mexico-city-food-scene/" target=\"_blank\">Mexico City</a> stay. ","contentType":"photo","credit":"Getty Images","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":213,"width":320,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/67498fca6f6614797013c903/master/w_320,c_limit/mexico-GettyImages-1358282167.jpg"},{"height":426,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/67498fca6f6614797013c903/master/w_640,c_limit/mexico-GettyImages-1358282167.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":426,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/67498fca6f6614797013c903/master/w_640,c_limit/mexico-GettyImages-1358282167.jpg"},{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/67498fca6f6614797013c903/master/w_1280,c_limit/mexico-GettyImages-1358282167.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":682,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/67498fca6f6614797013c903/master/w_1024,c_limit/mexico-GettyImages-1358282167.jpg"},{"height":1364,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/67498fca6f6614797013c903/master/w_2048,c_limit/mexico-GettyImages-1358282167.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/67498fca6f6614797013c903/master/w_1280,c_limit/mexico-GettyImages-1358282167.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/67498fca6f6614797013c903/master/w_1280,c_limit/mexico-GettyImages-1358282167.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
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2. Mexico
Temperature in April: 32°C high; 23°C low
Season: Spring
Travel time from the UK: 10 hours
Book a flight: Virgin Atlantic
Time difference: GMT -6
Skip the UK’s April showers and make a beeline for Mexico’s vibrant cities, lush jungle terrain and sun-soaked beaches. Northern regions such as Baja California, which separates the Gulf of California from the Pacific Ocean, see the hottest temperatures at this time of year, so that’s the place to be if you’re truly deprived of vitamin D – just be sure to stock up on the SPF. Spring break season stretches into April, so visit towards the end of the month if raucous partying isn’t your thing, but there are plenty of sandy stretches to choose from elsewhere. Start in Mexico City for long days of sightseeing and feasting before soaking up the rays in an alternative seaside town such as Puerto Escondido or Isla Mujeres, a Mexican island in the Caribbean Sea.
Sustainable travel tip: Mexico is not short on incredible hotels, many of which have excellent eco-credentials. Rancho Pescadero on the Pacific coast is renowned for its sustainability efforts. There is a solar farm, a housing complex for employees and a clear-air incinerator for the resort's waste.
Where to stay: Where to start, more like. There’s no shortage of indulgent resorts in Mexico, so choose a location and go from there. Stay at La Valise for an incredible treehouse experience in Tulum, check into SHA Wellness Clinic Mexico along the Riviera Maya for unbeatable treatments and undisturbed R&R, and opt for Octavia Casa for a modern Mexico City stay.
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3. Madeira, Portugal
Temperature in April: 20°C high; 14°C low
Season: Spring
Travel time from the UK: 3 hours 50 minutes
Time difference: GMT
Portugal’s barely-there sprinkling of an archipelago, 280 miles off the coast of Morocco, is subtropically clement all year round. In April, this fertile island bursts into bloom (the Flower Festival falls in April or May, depending on the year) and things start to warm up. Though temperatures are hardly balmy (the average high is 20ºC), it’s ideal weather for outdoor pursuits in the diverse natural environment, walking in lush green forests to waterfalls, up volcanic peaks and along vertiginous cliff paths; while the surrounding waters are a riot of marine life in April, brimming with 20 species of whales and dolphins.
Sustainable travel tip: Whale-watching and swimming with dolphins is a highlight of a Madeira trip, but make sure you go with a responsible tourism company. Run by a couple of locals, including a marine biologist, venturadomar.com offers private sailing charters and marine-life experiences with a sustainability focus. Tour operator Responsible Travel can arrange holidays and activities in Madeira.
Where to stay: Reid’s Palace, a Belmond Hotel, is the premier address on Madeira. It is a pink vision on the craggy cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean. If you can, nab a sparkly sea-facing room; they come with balconies, so the sounds of the sea are your wake-up call.
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4. San Sebastian
Temperature in April: 16°C high; 10°C low
Season: Spring
Travel time from the UK: just under two hours of flight time
Time difference: GMT +1
The northern Spanish city of San Sebastián is well known for its gastronomic offerings – but appetites are limited when the charming coastal spot bakes during the height of summer. By the time April comes around, the city has shaken off its nippy winter chill, but the summer crowds have yet to descend. With the exception of Easter, should it fall during this month, a little forward planning grants access to some of the most esteemed eateries in town, from the family-owned backstreet hideouts to the Michelin-starred superstars that the most discerning foodies plot their entire escape around. The first warm days coax locals back onto the promenades, where pastel evenings stretch over La Concha Bay; which you’ll recognise as the San Sebastián snapshot. The beaches are blissfully spacious, inviting long walks rather than sun-lounger territory, although there’s plenty of space to lie down a towel and cool off in the clear waters should the mercury really climb.
Sustainable travel tip: Visit Kofradia Itsas Etxea, a harbourside restaurant renowned for its sustainable ethos. This spot serves fresh fish caught by a local Basque fishing fleet that exclusively uses sustainable fishing methods. The fleet is also dedicated to marine conservation, and it even works with other eco-friendly businesses to give old, disused fishing nets a new lease on life as sustainably made clothing.
Where to stay: It’s bold to say in a destination so revered for its local flavours, but Nobu San Sebastian is one of the chicest addresses here, located in the uber-glamorous Villa Eder. For a stay with a more classical feel, check into Hotel Arbaso, situated in a 19th-century apartment block in caramel-coloured stone on a sedate square beside the neo-Gothic Cathedral. For our full guide to the city’s hottest stays, see our round-up of the best hotels in San Sebastián.

Dalabelos is a working farm that offers 10 stone cottages and two luxury villas, sweeping sea views, food grown onsite, and a chance to get involved with the wine and olive harvest.\nWhere to stay: Many of the larger resorts keep their doors closed for a little while longer. However, there are great deals to be had in those that start the season early. Our favourites include <a href=https://www.cntraveller.com/"https://cna.st/affiliate-link/4Q5NDE1dgN4W83uV8gcM4LHVsTLgCi1D1JNpSNZFJXX26XLR71oQKodYPv3QUheGesiuEx11ei1WQh3BDiag5matvg8CSVi7aMw72fYWXMRgrPNGiN8YvcUqt6XtNptzp7XRxd7D9AaX7ny1V4hXcQpAqy8aQ7kZjv1zChYepfv/" rel=\"sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" isaffiliatelink=\"true\">Phāea Cretan Malia</a>, a boho hideout on the island’s charming north-east shore, which opens halfway through April, and <a href=https://www.cntraveller.com/"https://cna.st/affiliate-link/d5Zy5wnNZ5Wyh7H3wjKgoicj1itULjYn5Pr4xhc2EL1cThkjCxSsC6UdngzXMgjQNP6R3qA7ed1VuaZxS2KZU8cuKAgZa8FbKXRbKSfH9dKz8LFDGQZMDQ3DFNxi8Zeb7gN7zeEgdmsfaN3Be5pAg1VFyB6MJQuYTLn8SxBtamusQ6BWnngLK4jqkbjnsGQffKz/" rel=\"sponsored\" target=\"_blank\" isaffiliatelink=\"true\">St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas</a>, a short journey from Agios Nikolaos. ","contentType":"photo","credit":"Getty Images","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":213,"width":320,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bf0eddb797d0116fd4eb1/master/w_320,c_limit/crete-gettyimages-608964434.jpg"},{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bf0eddb797d0116fd4eb1/master/w_640,c_limit/crete-gettyimages-608964434.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bf0eddb797d0116fd4eb1/master/w_640,c_limit/crete-gettyimages-608964434.jpg"},{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bf0eddb797d0116fd4eb1/master/w_1280,c_limit/crete-gettyimages-608964434.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":683,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bf0eddb797d0116fd4eb1/master/w_1024,c_limit/crete-gettyimages-608964434.jpg"},{"height":1365,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bf0eddb797d0116fd4eb1/master/w_2048,c_limit/crete-gettyimages-608964434.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bf0eddb797d0116fd4eb1/master/w_1280,c_limit/crete-gettyimages-608964434.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611bf0eddb797d0116fd4eb1/master/w_1280,c_limit/crete-gettyimages-608964434.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
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5. Crete, Greece
Temperature in April: 20°C high; 11°C low
Season: Spring
Travel time from the UK: 3 hours 50 minutes
Time difference: GMT +2
After a sleepy winter that flows delightfully into spring, things gradually come back to life throughout April on Greece’s largest island. The island warms gently under longer days while the summer scrum holds off until many of the larger resorts open their doors at the very end of the month or the start of May. Vibrant wildflowers consume the fringes of off-the-beaten-track beaches, scenting the air as the first beachgoers of the year descend on some of Europe’s most beautiful sands. Taverna owners welcome the season’s first arrivals with open arms before another hectic summer – and scorching temperatures – kick in. Roam village squares, reflect in centuries-old churches and take to hiking trails if the water is still a little too chilly to tempt you into the deep blue.
Sustainable travel tip: Two excellent eco-resorts are tucked away in Crete’s more traditional corners. Milia is a mountain retreat that runs on solar energy and natural spring water, ideally placed for hiking adventures; and Dalabelos is a working farm that offers 10 stone cottages and two luxury villas, sweeping sea views, food grown onsite, and a chance to get involved with the wine and olive harvest.
Where to stay: Many of the larger resorts keep their doors closed for a little while longer. However, there are great deals to be had in those that start the season early. Our favourites include Phāea Cretan Malia, a boho hideout on the island’s charming north-east shore, which opens halfway through April, and St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas, a short journey from Agios Nikolaos.
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6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Temperature in April: 11°C high; 4°C low
Season: Spring
Travel time from the UK: 1 hour 15 minutes
Time difference: GMT +1
Amsterdam turns orange on 27 April, when King’s Day brings a brightly attired army of partygoers to the city’s streets, parks, and boats bobbing about the canals. It’s also peak season for tulips, with large patchworks of vibrant flowers blooming all around. Make the 30-minute drive to Keukenhof, one of the world’s largest flower gardens, for rainbow-hued displays. Also, there’s no shortage of Instagrammable brunches (we like Little Collins’ potato waffles and kimchi Bloody Marys) or farm-to-table cuisine (more accurately nursery-to-table at De Kas, inside a greenhouse).
Sustainable travel tip: Direct trains run from Amsterdam to London St Pancras and the other way. With two services a day, the train lands you canalside in just over four hours (zippier than the plane when you factor in travel to and from the airport).
Where to stay: The Hoxton, Amsterdam, is a canalside hotel filled with vintage furniture. For canal views, book into The Dylan, an intimate hotel in the heart of the historic hotel district. For more options, check out these picks for the best hotels in Amsterdam. We like the look of these Airbnbs in Amsterdam for a private stay.
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7. Cyprus
Temperature in April: 23°C high; 10°C low
Season: Spring
Travel time from the UK: 4 hours 30 minutes
Time difference: GMT +2
Cyprus has become a favourite for short-haul winter sunshine in recent years, so much so that even ‘seasonal’ hotels extend their openings from March to November, rather than May to October in many other popular destinations. April on the sprawling island is sun-warmed but not yet swept up in the thrum of high season, with the hills still lush from winter rains and particularly inviting to hikers, runners and cyclers. Seaside towns stretch awake at an unhurried pace: Protaras is a family favourite, Larnaca offers beachside lunches and plenty of history and culture. In contrast, the second-largest city of Limassol offers plenty to do on the off-chance the spring weather doesn’t hold out.
Sustainable travel tip: Consider moving your trip inland, away from the coastal resorts. Various operators offer cycling and walking holidays through the island’s traditional villages and unspoiled mountain scenery, where you’ll eat in small tavernas serving home-grown fare, stop off for a tipple at any number of vineyards and stay in locally owned B&Bs.
Where to stay: Anassa opens its doors between the end of March and the beginning of April, welcoming guests to its resplendent hillside location. Lounge by the swimming pool and explore the landscape, or make good use of the exceptional spa and wellness facilities for the ultimate R&R break. Our guide to the best hotels in Cyprus has you covered, no matter what you crave.
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8. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Temperature in April: 33°C high; 21°C low
Season: Summer
Travel time from the UK: 7 hours
Book a flight: Virgin Atlantic
Time difference: GMT +4
Fan of sun-baked days, poolside lounging and long beach days? Look no further than Dubai, which sizzles in April, just before the heat becomes unbearable for many from May onwards. Lean into the city’s sun-soaked bravado as clear and golden mornings lean into afternoons ideal for shoreline walks along Jumeirah or through the marina while the early-summer coolness lingers for a bit longer. Sunsets are brushed with a soft-pink haze, and evenings are cool enough for lingering around a campfire dinner on unforgettable desert excursions. Even the old neighbourhoods feel newly awake, from the spice-scented alleys of Deira to the calm courtyards of Al Fahidi.
Sustainable travel tip: Eco-conscious diners, look no further than Boca. The Mediterranean restaurant is built around five sustainability pillars that caught the Michelin Guide's attention. It has received a coveted Green Michelin Star. Mocktails rival traditional cocktails; there are more than 400 wines, and the number of tapas choices warrants several return visits.
Where to stay: Check into Raffles The Palm Dubai for a dose of old-school charm and to slumber in uber-extravagant abodes illuminated by glittering chandeliers. For something a little more contemporary, rest at W Dubai - Mina Seyahi, which opened in late 2022 with a very Dubai launch party. That said, Jumeirah Burj Al Arab is the place to splurge at for the ultimate bucket list Dubai escape.

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9. Ibiza, Spain
Temperature in April: 20°C high; 11°C low
Season: Spring
Travel time from the UK: 2 hours 25 minutes
Time difference: GMT +1
The iconic nightclubs might not yet be open but, for travellers keen to get under the skin of Europe’s most iconic islands, April offers a chance to explore before the crowds take over with bags under their eyes. Before the basslines roll in, Ibiza offers a charm only a few discover, days settling into a spring rhythm with warm sun, crisp shade and a soft breeze carrying the scent of pine and rosemary up through the verdant hills. The beaches are yet to buzz with summer energy, but the warmest April days beckon sun-seekers to quiet sands in front of crashing blue waves, as seaside restaurants that don’t follow the seasons serve up seafood lunches.
Sustainable travel tip: From a scheme phasing out single-use plastics in Ibiza and Formentera to a project designed to protect the Ibizan lizard, IbizaPreservation is behind dozens of projects on the island. Stay in the loop via the team’s newsletters, and if a longer trip is in the cards, look into volunteer opportunities.
Where to stay: With many of Ibiza’s hotels and resorts remaining closed until the very end of the month, or even the start of May, The Standard Ibiza is the best bet for a chic year-round stay. It’s ideally located for exploring the island and ambling around the charming Old Town, plus the sleekly designed rooms are the perfect places to cool off in. For a little more space, check out this dazzling apartment just a short walk from Cala Llonga beach.
10. Marrakech, Morocco
Temperature in April: 23°C high; 11°C low
Season: Spring
Travel time from the UK: 3 hours 35 minutes
Time difference: GMT +1
Marrakech is not hot all year round. Yes, it's in Africa, near the Sahara, but in winter, it can be chilly and only marginally brighter than Manchester, and that zellige tiling doesn't offer much cosy warmth. Our tip: wait til spring, the best time to visit Morocco, when it starts to warm up a bit and you can at least hope to waft around your pool in a floaty kaftan rather than hunkering down with a book, wearing 12 cardigans and a scratchy djellaba. The hillsides are bursting with almond blossom, and the city comes alive with colour, and sunlight casts ornate shadows in every sensational courtyard.
Sustainable travel tip: You can get to Marrakech without setting foot in a plane or a car, though you should expect it to take a couple of days. (Eurostar to Paris; high-speed TGV to Barcelona; high-speed AVE to Algeciras; ferry to Tangier; then, finally, a high-speed Al Boraq train to Marrakech.)
Where to stay: La Mamounia gets our pick as not just the best hotel in Marrakech but also one of the best in the world. For a riad-style stay, there are three houses on the grounds, but the rooms with views out to the Koutoubia Mosque and over the rooftops of the Red City are the ones that give you the best sense of place. Riad Sadaka had a complete makeover in 2021, and its courtyard plunge pool is one of the prettiest in the city. For more, see our edit of the best riads in Marrakech.
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11. Lisbon, Portugal
Temperature in April: 19°C high; 11°C low
Season: Spring
Travel time from the UK: 2 hours 45 minutes
Time difference: GMT +0
Wonderful Lisbon has absolutely every element vital for a great weekend break (or more). Burgeoning social, food, arts and design scenes; great little places to eat and drink (read about Lisbon's best restaurants and bars); interesting old corners and markets to poke around (see our guide to the best shops in Lisbon) with just the right amount of crumbling, poster-paint-bright historic facades. There are old palaces to stay in and Lisbon rooftop bars with pools to hang out in. It's beside the sea! And it's all ridiculously, delightfully affordable. Go at any time – though April is a great time to go to Lisbon, when the days are long and sunny and the cobbled streets are beginning to warm up.
Sustainable travel tip: Not only can Lisbon be reached by train from London in less than 24 hours, but it’s also a chance to travel in style on the overnight Sud Express train, which has sleeper cabins with private showers and a café/bar. First, catch the Eurostar from London to Paris, then the high-speed TGV to Hendaye on the French/Spanish border, followed by a night on the rails. Arrive in Lisbon refreshed and ready to go.
Where to stay: Memmo Alfama has an in-house rooftop wine bar and affordable rooms. The Lumiares is designed to feel like a home away from home in the bohemian Bairro Alto area. Its rooms range from self-contained studios to two-level Mezzanine rooms. For more, see our list of the best hotels in Lisbon.
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12. Thailand
Temperature in April: 30°C high; 26°C low
Season: Dry
Travel time from the UK: 11 hours 30 minutes
Time difference: GMT +7
What’s just as raucous as a Full Moon Party but significantly wetter? Thai New Year, or Songkran, that’s what. A five-day public holiday in mid-April, the country essentially turns into one giant, good-natured water fight, with locals and tourists alike soaking each other in the streets. One of the more enthusiastic places to embrace this soggy ritual is Koh Samui. But the island of your budget backpacker days has – in parts, at least – grown up. A world away from flimsy beach huts and lethal bucket ‘cocktails’, Kamalaya is a jungly wellness retreat staffed by monks. Or the Four Seasons remains as ‘be seen’ as ever. The private infinity pools of its hillside villas make for a more relaxing way to get soaked. For more ideas, see our guide to the best islands in Thailand.
Sustainable travel tip: Thai staff who work in busy beach destinations such as Koh Samui must contend with the high costs of living in a tourist town without comparable wages. Therefore, the best thing you can do is tip generously and often.
Where to stay: In Koh Samui, the villas at Banyan Tree have private pools and unbeatable panoramic views of Lamai Bay. For a castaway experience, head to Six Senses on the hilly little island of Yao Noi, where you'll find stilted thatched-roof villas and a hilltop infinity pool. In Chiang Mai, treetop pavilions, private residences and pool villas sit in 31 acres of manicured gardens and a rice paddy at the Four Seasons. See our edit of the best hotels in Thailand for more.

Philip Lee Harvey
13. Namibia
Temperature in April: 26°C high; 13°C low
Season: Wet
Travel time from the UK: 10 hours
Time difference: GMT +2
As the coast of Namibia has practically no rain and more than 300 days of sunshine a year, you'd be hard-pushed to not get decent weather. It is welcoming and politically stable, vast and largely uninhabited. And it's lovely in April – a moderate 24ºC by day. The Skeleton Coast is stunning and atmospheric; the Etosha National Game Park is packed with wildlife (four of the big five plus diverse birdlife), with lots of camps to stay at. Venture into the Namib Desert, to Sossusvlei, a salt pan surrounded by red sand dunes, best visited at dawn or dusk when the light is most dramatic.
Sustainable travel tip: Plan to stay in a communal conservancy, an area of protected land managed by the local community. While the communities partner with private enterprises – including big brands such as Under Canvas – to build visitor accommodation and offer game drives and the like, local involvement keeps these projects sustainable and provides the people who live there with an income. See a full list of Namibia’s communal conservancies here.
Where to stay: From the traditional huts at the smart savannah lodge Omaanda by Zannier, you can see across the plains to the distant mountains.
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14. Seville, Spain
Temperature in April: 24°C high; 11°C low
Season: Spring
Travel time from the UK: 2 hours 45 minutes
Time difference: GMT +1
Andalucia’s saffron-hued capital is all vibrance and passion – and in springtime, most of all. The ancient cobbled streets are scented with orange blossom and colourful with parades: first comes the ecclesiastical solemnity and brass bands of Holy Week leading up to Easter; then, two weeks later, an altogether more vibrant fiesta, the Feria de Abril, a whirl of parties and music, colourful costumes, Sevillanos on horseback and flamenco dancers stamping to the staccato of castanets. Take a side trip to the Costa de la Luz and seek out a sheltered bay for some beach time – it’s the warmest spot in mainland Spain in April.
Sustainable travel tip: Shop in the markets for locally grown produce. You can also find homemade souvenirs at Mercado El Postigo, which supports local artists, and made-in-Spain fair trade and organic clothing at Verde Moscú, among other independents in Benita Soho.
Where to stay: Palacio hotels in Seville abound, and the grandest of them all is Hotel Alfonso XIII. Rooms alternate between Andalusian, Castilian and Moorish decorative styles, with grand stairways, sweeping corridors and ornamental patterns everywhere the eye can see. For a boutique stay, check in to one of the 16 rooms at Corral del Rey – two have private pool terraces.
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15. The Nile, Egypt
Temperature in April: 29°C high; 16°C low (Cairo)
Season: Spring
Travel time from UK: 5 hours 10 minutes
Time difference: GMT +2
Egyptomania is back in vogue like it’s the 1920s, thanks to various happenings in the last few years, including the centenary of the discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb, the opening of the colossal Grand Egypt Museum in Giza, and Kenneth Branagh’s remake of Death on the Nile. Cruises down the world’s longest river are to be had on increasingly charming old-school boats, and April is the last chance to sail from Cairo down to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, all the way to Aswan when the weather is hot and sunny, but not yet unbearable in the south.
Sustainable travel tip: To substantially reduce the carbon footprint of your trip, sail in a felucca – a traditional wooden sailing boat – rather than a motorised yacht. They’re also ineffably romantic.
Where to stay: A wooden riverboat with two gigantic sails, La Flaneuse du Nil is one of the most elegant boats you’ll see on the river. It evokes the deco fabulousness of Agatha Christie’s day. Original Travel offers cruises on La Flaneuse du Nil, feluccas, houseboats and steamships.
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16. Zermatt, Switzerland
Temperature in April: 16°C high; 4°C low
Season: Spring
Travel time from UK: 2 hours
Time difference: GMT +1
All but the most dedicated skiers have accepted defeat by the end of April when most ski lifts close. However, there’s still fresh snow among Switzerland’s higher peaks – and cheaper prices, just before many hotels shut down for another season. On the lower levels, hikers don their thermals and take to the countless hiking trails dotted across the region, gazing at lakes and clutching flasks before breathtaking views on unforgettable ambles. Whatever your preference, April is considered the off-season in Zermatt, so you’re free to do as you please with considerably fewer crowds. When the sun sets and disguises the landscape’s natural beauty, explore the boutique shops and small art galleries before settling into a cosy restaurant for lashings of gooey raclette.
Sustainable travel tip: Getting to Zermatt on the Glacier Express train is easily the most scenic route into the Swiss mountains. Panoramic windows showing off the country would be reason enough, but there are three-course meals and an extensive wine list to go with. First, though, you’ll need to catch a Eurostar to Paris, followed by a TGV to Lausanne (journey time: just short of four hours), then a Swiss InterRegional to Visp (35 minutes), and from Visp, the Glacier Express. Wait times between are negligible: see seat61.com for more.
Where to stay: Check into Grand Hotel Zermatterhof for a spectacular mountain escape. Home to three restaurants and an exquisite spa, it’s a favourite of foodies and wellness buffs alike.

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17. Texas, USA
Temperature in April: 27°C high; 15°C low
Season: Spring
Travel time from the UK: From 10 hours 5 minutes
Time difference: GMT -6
Spring is a lovely time of year in Texas. The weather is not yet too intensely hot (high 20s during the day), the skies are blue and clear, and things start to move outdoors – festivals, gigs, parties, eating and drinking. Austin's SXSW influx of visitors have left (unless, of course, SXSW is what you seek, in which case come in March), but the city is still abuzz with live music and vibrant happenings. The weather in Marfa, out in the High Texan Desert, is just right for walking the many miles around Donald Judd's large-scale installations and land art out under the desert sun (at this time of year, not too harsh), and just right too for staying in a vintage van or airstream at El Cosmico.
Sustainable travel tip: Be aware that while Marfa has fast transformed from a forgotten desert outpost (pop 1,900) to an international hipster hangout, the town’s annual per capita income is less than £15,500, and 20 per cent of its population lives in poverty. So tip generously and often.
Where to stay: In Austin, consider the Park Lane Guest House, which offers solar-powered cottages, bicycle rentals and breakfast sourced from the on-site organic garden.
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18. Toronto, Canada
Temperature in April: 12°C high; 4°C low
Season: Spring
Travel time from the UK: 7 hours 50 minutes
Time difference: GMT -5
Canada’s biggest city, Toronto, is a thrumming commercial and arts hub that still manages to be polite, tidy and clean – how Canadian! Also very Canadian: it has long, bitter winters. Towards the end of April, though, the city thaws and cherry blossoms burst forth – in central High Park, paths flanked by candyfloss-coloured blooms need no filter. Find more of Toronto’s new lease of life at The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), which relocated a few years ago to a disused, five-storey aluminium factory. Not forgetting the Distillery District's delightful little indie shops and restaurants. Don’t miss dinner at Cluny Bistro: will it be the truffled chicken or crispy wild boar?
Sustainable travel tip: The Gladstone is the first B-Corp-certified hotel in Canada, an accolade that recognises high environmental performance and social responsibility standards. The hotel is powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, recycles and composts all waste and has a green roof that contributes to the natural cooling of the environment. Each guest room is designed by a different local artist.
Where to stay: Sharp Broadview Hotel has a café that is open from day to night, a cool restaurant, and a gorgeous rooftop bar.
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19. Naples, Italy
Temperature in April: 18°C high; 9°C low
Season: Spring
Travel time from the UK: 2 hours 40 minutes
Time difference: GMT +1
If Elena Ferrante’s Neapolitan novels stoked curiosity about Italy’s under-visited southern city, HBO’s smash-hit TV adaptation, My Brilliant Friend, has set that curiosity aflame. Less of an Italian Disneyland than Florence, Venice or Rome, Naples is the real deal. Street art adorns 18th-century buildings and public housing alike. Along slender, cobbled lanes, small, family-run workshops turn out the likes of exquisite leather gloves. Piazzas around every corner call for a Spritz stop; pizzas are made according to strict regulations (dough must be no more than 3mm thick). Between museums housing Caravaggios and a trio of castles, there’s people-watching on its lengthy seafront promenade, Lungomare. Soak it all up in mild-tempered April, before the blistering summer sets in.
Sustainable travel tip: Take the train to Naples and treat yourself to a bonus city break (or two) en route. Follow the Eurostar from London to Paris with the high-speed TGV to Milan (eight hours) or Turin (five hours 40 minutes), before venturing on to Naples (five or six hours).
Where to stay: PrimoPianoPosillipo, a funky four-bedroom B&B in a 19th-century palazzo.
Philip Lee Harvey
20. Zambia
Temperature in April: 25°C high; 15°C low
Season: Dry
Travel time from UK: 14 hours 30 minutes
Time difference: GMT +2
Zambia isn’t nearly as popular as big game neighbours Botswana and Tanzania, partly due to terrible roads and pricey travel packages. If you’ve got the cash to splash, this African bush less travelled is a dream. Victoria Falls is its best-known attraction: locals call it 'Mosi-oa-Tunya', the smoke that thunders, as the falls themselves – the largest in the world by volume – are often obscured by spray. April, though, is the start of the dry season, so the cascading water is more easily seen. Then onto South Luangwa National Park, with one of the highest densities of big game anywhere in Africa, and far fewer safari vehicles sharing the view. Mix it up with a few blissful days on a luxury houseboat on Lake Kariba, where you can spot the Big Five from the deck.
Sustainable travel tip: Elephant poaching is rife in Zambia, and an astounding 95 per cent drop in the population has been reported in the country’s southwest. According to Responsible Travel, Kafue National Park is setting a better example by conducting regular anti-poaching patrols courtesy of an independent Zambian NGO, Game Rangers International. This has resulted in more stable population numbers. Visiting the park helps fund this initiative.
Where to stay: At chilled, boutique hangout Latitude 15 Degrees in Lusaka.

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21. Bali, Indonesia
Temperature in April: 31°C high; 23°C low
Season: Dry
Travel time from the UK: 15 hours 30 minutes
Time difference: GMT +8
Bali at peak time? Are we mad? The key is to come in early April, before that terrifying Easter rush. Between the sad truths of dirty beaches and party-too-hard backpackers, Bali still has its charms. Laid-back Canggu, with its coffeeshops of MacBook-tapping freelancers, smacks of Tulum before it was Tulum: boho, beach-chic, but relaxed. Go for smoothies and veggie bowls at Shady Shack, and try to score an in-demand suite at tropical-brutalist boutique The Slow. Ubud, too, is still the Bali you want it to be in parts. A winning blend of spiritual and swank begins with ritualistic cleansing at Tirta Emou water temple before undoing it all at elegant Locavore – on the list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Sustainable travel tip: The tourism overload in Bali is well documented, and its attendant pollution most severely affects locals, who make little money from the boom (the lion’s share of that wealth goes to the government and foreign investors). JED is a tourism network owned by the communities of four local villages, offering trips that bring you up close to a more authentic Bali and give back to the Balinese too.
Where to stay: COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali's rural hinterland is a grande dame spa. Bulgari Resort Bali has a spread of sleek villas in Uluwatu, each with a plunge pool and gardens frothing with bougainville.
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22. Charleston, USA
Temperature in April: 20°C high; 4°C low
Season: Spring
Travel time from the UK: 10 hours 45 minutes
Time difference: GMT -5
Charleston is repeatedly hailed as the United States’ greatest and friendliest city, and we’re big advocates of this southern belle’s cobbled streets and horse-drawn carriages. And springtime is the perfect moment before steamy summer envelops the Deep South. Try jazz-club-hopping in the French Quarter, slurp fresh oysters on the seafront, and don’t miss the colourful Georgians of Rainbow Row. Better still, April’s annual Festival of Houses and Gardens invites you inside some of the city’s most incredible homes. Have a snoop.
Sustainable travel tip: Eating is one of the great pleasures of Southern culture, and Charleston’s restaurants are on a sustainable kick – check out the city’s latest eco-conscious eats and plant-based spots.
Where to stay: At mid-century-modern Southern sensation The Dewberry.
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23. Bolivia
Temperature in April: 17°C high; 4°C low
Season: Wet
Travel time from the UK: 20 hours
Time difference: GMT -4
At the end of the rainy season in Bolivia, April marks a magical time on its famous salt flats. The weather makes 4x4 touring manageable again, but the bright-white plains remain partly submerged in water, turning them into a mirror. A rough-and-ready four-day tour is unforgettable, passing smoking volcanoes, a flamingo-flecked red lagoon, and deserts scattered with Dali-esque ‘rock trees’ on the way. After, scrub up in its newly chic capital, La Paz. Gustu, founded by Noma’s Claus Meyer, serves riffs on local dishes (think: llama tartare). For a nightcap, try craft cocktails blended with native firewaters at design hotel Atix, a glass parallelogram with floor-to-ceiling views of surrounding Andean slopes.
Sustainable travel tip: Gustu isn’t just La Paz’s hottest restaurant. Meyer’s Melting Pot cooking school graduates staff the kitchen – the school mentors students in some of Bolivia’s most deprived areas. Eating here supports the regional food system and creates better jobs for locals.
Where to stay: Parador Santa Maria La Real in Sucre has arched ceilings, courtyards and a sweet roof terrace.