Where to go for a spring vacation to immerse yourself in a real fairy tale: top 10 places

If you decide to go on vacation in the spring, look for places that will enchant you primarily with their natural beauty, as this time of year offers incredibly picturesque landscapes.

The Telegraph will assist you in selecting the best route, providing several unforgettable vacation options.

Vienna

There's never a wrong time to visit Austria's capital, a city that even on cloudy days resembles a fairy tale, with its palaces and churches soaring against the sky. Spring transforms it into a beautiful canvas, with the Schönbrunn Royal Palace standing out prominently.

Ohrid

Although it's only the eighth-largest city in North Macedonia, it's also one of the most beautiful jewels of the European kingdom, nestled on the shores of Lake Ohrid with such charm that it's included in the UNESCO Cultural and Natural World Heritage Lists (only 28 places have achieved this dual status). It shines most splendidly in spring.

Marrakech

Morocco's vibrant city souk is often depicted - at least in public perception - as a dusty hubbub in the Medina and mesmerizing snake charmers on Jemaa el Fna. However, it overlooks the lush Jardin Majorelle, a landscaped garden founded by French artist Jacques Majorelle in 1923, later nurtured by Yves Saint Laurent in the 1980s. An homage to the designer's brilliance opened adjacent to it in 2017.

Zagreb

When it comes to Croatian cities, all eyes are typically on the coast. And rightfully so. Dubrovnik and Split stand as two of the Adriatic's most enchanting destinations. Yet, this overlooks the broader view. Nestled about 120 miles inland, Zagreb might just be Europe's most underrated capital. Its bars, restaurants, and markets beckon, and spring flourishes in places like the sprawling Maksimir Park.

Ljubljana

Few signs herald the planet's renewal after a winter hiatus more eloquently than buzzing bees. Nowhere is this hum more resonant than in Slovenia, where the humble beekeeper holds near-sacred status.

Cologne

While Germany's major cities may seem more fitting for autumn (and the beer festivals it brings) or winter (Berlin is stunning beneath a blanket of snow), Cologne simply shines in spring. Thanks to its perch along the Rhine and the riverfront pathways inviting strolls beneath the azure sky.

Palma de Mallorca

Often underrated compared to the beach resorts and opulent villas dotting the surrounding island, this city boasts a complete Spanish tourism experience with rich art, diverse entertainment, and endless evenings. A tree-lined central avenue, Paseo del Born, reminiscent of Barcelona's La Rambla but far less crowded, invites leisurely strolls and coffee breaks beneath spring's canopy.

Lisbon

Portugal's endlessly captivating capital serenades the onset of spring from its legendary seven hills, always a delight to explore in the new season. The vista from Castelo de São Jorge ramparts captures the Tagus estuary in all its splendor. Follow the river west for 20 miles and discover yet another reason to visit Lisbon—the seaside town of Cascais (just an hour from the Cascais do Sodre train station).

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The capital of the largest Canary Island blooms magnificently when spring arrives. The Auditorio de Tenerife, an opera house designed by renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava to resemble a breaking wave, stands as a prime example. Yet, there's also sand—Playa de la Teresitas stretches to the north of the city.

New York

In spring, the city dons a new attire. Central Park bursts into bloom, and the changing season metamorphoses Governors Island (reachable by ferry from Manhattan's southern tip) from a windswept knoll into a playground with sweeping vistas of the Statue of Liberty.

As TravelWise previously reported, experienced travelers told about the weather in the United States in March 2024 and the best places to visit in this country.