Spring is one of the best times for travelling. In this list of spring holiday destinations, you'll find plenty of options to visit places where you can finally leave your winter clothes in the wardrobe. Spring is the flowering season, the return of the sun, but still without the excess heat of summer - in some regions.
Spring is one of my favourite times of year to travel - the other is autumn. And I have reasons for this. Firstly, during spring it's very easy to find hotels with lower prices, good weather and few tourists. What's more, I can photograph the sunrise and sunset at "decent" times.
From America to Africa, from Europe to Asia, these are some of the destinations I recommend travelling to in spring. Some I've already visited, others I have on my list and look forward to visiting.
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List of destinations for travelling in spring
1Mexico
Mexico is a perfect destination for travelling in spring. The type of weather you can expect in Mexico during the spring months varies according to the destination. I wouldn't recommend the north of Mexico because it's too hot. Head for the states of Chiapas and Quintana Roo.
In Chiapas, I recommend a visit to one of the country's most beautiful colonial cities: San Cristóbal de las Casas. Also in Chiapas, don't miss the Mayan ruins of Palenque. In the state of Yucatán, of course you'll want to visit the ruins of Chichén Itzá, while in the neighbouring state of Quintana Roo, you can enjoy Tulum and dive into the beautiful waters of Cancún, or preferably Playa del Carmen.
2Malta
Malta is a favourite place to travel in spring. This Mediterranean destination is at its peak between March and June and it's also the locals' favourite season. The climate and temperature allow for a swim on the sparsely populated beaches, you should find cheaper flights to Malta and also fewer people in the hotels - as well as more affordable rates.
If you put Malta on your list of destinations to travel to in spring, you won't regret it. And if it coincides with your travel dates, you can also attend the Fireworks Festival that takes place at this time of year, usually between April and May.
Spring in Malta is also when some of Malta's most emblematic cultural events take place - village festivals and dances - a bit like in Portugal - where almost every village has a patron saint. And this is also the time of year, say those who have visited Malta, when the strawberries are ready to be savoured.
3Jordan
If you're looking for a place outside Europe to travel to in spring, where you can marvel at the culture, archaeology and natural landscape, Jordan could be the answer. In spring, the fields fill with colourful wildflowers after the rains end in April. Jordan has around 300 days of sunshine, so even if it does rain, it should be short-lived.
From the unrivalled Petra to the Dead Sea, from Wadi Mujib to Wadi Rum, there's so much to see in this Middle Eastern country. Put on your Indiana Jones hat and head to Jordan for a spring holiday.
I've had Jordan on my travel bucket list for years, but I haven't yet had the chance to visit. I confess, I'm getting more and more keen. And sometimes you can find flights to Jordan for less than 200 euros.
4Japan
Japan is undoubtedly the most expensive destination on this list for travelling in spring. However, don't let that stop you from visiting the land of the rising sun. In spring, there are places in Japan that are a must-see, such as Osaka and Kyoto. The latter is an ancient imperial capital with incredible shrines and temples.
Kyoto is a year-round destination, but in spring it's special for one reason and one reason only: the cherry blossom trees. In fact, it's impossible to think of Japan without the iconic image of a sea of cherry blossom trees. This romantic colour attracts thousands of visitors.
You won't be able to escape the crowds in Japan in spring, but it's definitely worth it. Areas where you can see this amazing sea of colour include Kyūshū, Honso, Kansai and Tokyo. And sometimes there are even great deals for Japan.
And if your spring holiday destination is Japan, then take the opportunity to try some delicious Tochiotome or Amaou strawberries. There are so many strawberries in Japan at this time that hotels even offer strawberry buffets!
5Guatemala
Guatemala is considered to be the nation of eternal spring and it was then that I visited the country. And of the many places I've visited around the world, Guatemala remains one of my favourites. Guatemala is exceptional, from the colourful clothes to the hustle and bustle of the markets. From the beauty of the lakes to the explosive reaction of the volcanoes, such as the Pacaya volcano - where I climbed close to the crater. It's one of the best destinations for travelling in spring.
If your spring holidays coincide with Easter, you'll be amazed by the Catholic processions and celebrations that take place all over the country, for example in Antigua. And if you visit Guatemala, there are three more places you really can't miss: Lake Atitlán (and the towns around it), Lake Petén Itzá and the most beautiful Mayan ruins: Tikal.
It's time for me to go back to Guatemala.
6Morocco
A short distance from Portugal, Morocco is an almost obvious place for a getaway or a short spring holiday. The diversity of Morocco's climatic conditions is undeniable and the result of the North African country's geographical characteristics.
The weather by the beaches may not yet be warm enough for swimming, but it's perfect for exploring the rest of the country. Sightseeing, cultural activities and gastronomic tourism are some of the highlights for this time of year, when there's plenty of sunshine, clear skies and... oranges.
Travelling to Morocco in spring is also a great time to get around the country without the crowds. Must-see places in this Arab country include Chefchaouen, the Erg Chebbi Dunes, Fez, Marrakech and the High Atlas mountain range.
7Portugal (Alentejo)
It's the last on the list, but not the least important. As a pure-bred Alentejano, I know that spring rhymes with Alentejo. However, the Alentejo is admirable at any time of year, be it winter, autumn or spring. Perhaps the exception is summer - but only for outsiders.
Why not take the opportunity to travel to the south of Portugal this spring and discover more of the Alentejo? Of course, Évora, the Costa Vicentina or Marvão should always be on your list - Portugal's most beautiful village.
But I challenge you to discover other places that will welcome you as only the people of Alentejo know how. Take a trip to towns like Castro Verde to discover the local heritage and try two local delicacies: oven-roasted lamb's head and curd cheese queijadas.
And then on your way to Mértola, you'll pass two places that will surprise you, with fantastic panoramic views: the Hermitage of Nossa Senhora de Aracelis and the Hermitage of São Pedro das Cabeças.
Before arriving in Mértola, see the Guadiana from another perspective at the Pulo do Lobo waterfall. If you visit the municipality of Mértola in April, take the opportunity to go to Pomarão and taste the flavours of the Guadiana River at the River Fish Festival.
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