As temperatures begin to climb, Spring is the ideal time of year to visit Spain. These 6 destinations offer something special and unique for a holiday to Spain in April. Choose from cities with cultural celebrations, locations with a stunning nature offering and towns that remain relatively undiscovered.
Granada
Granada is split into beautiful districts - each one reflecting its varied cultural history. Stay in the Albaicin neighbourhood, reminiscent of the Moorish occupation and famous for its hippy vibes, markets, narrow cobbled streets and the best views of the Alhambra Palace. Stay in the Sacromonte neighbourhood to experience the Gypsy culture of the city. Find little houses carved into the hills where the locals reside and watch authentic flamenco shows. Barrio Realejo is the old Jewish quarter of the city and closest to the Alhambra Palace. Stay here for the best tapas bars, stunning architecture and street art.
The truly magical and emotional atmosphere during Semana Santa is what draws people to this beautiful city in April. Granada has one of the best celebrations in Spain for ‘holy week.’ The processions are treasured, decadent works of art. People line the streets to watch brotherhoods proudly carry their holy statues throughout the city, accompanied by incense and music.
Take a bath in beer at Spain's first beer spa in the city centre on Calle Párraga. Immerse yourself in a barrel of bubbling beer, relax on a bed of barley and enjoy skin nourishing effects of the ingredients. Prices start from 50€ per person and due to the rising popularity, book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Murcia
Stay in the Murcia to experience cultural customs and traditions and take advantage of free admissions into many of the museums. Famous for its tapas culture as well as towns that exhibit stunning Islamic architecture.
Attend Bando de la Huerta, during the Fiestas de Primavera. This celebration coincides with the most important day in the Spring festivities in Murcia. Many traditions in this region stem from its long history of growing fruit and vegetables. This celebration commences with a flower offering to the Virgen de la Fuensanta. A parade of carriages towed by bulls accompanied by local folk groups take to the streets alongside participants in traditional dress called "huertanos". It is a full day of locals honouring their heritage.
Plan a holiday to Mar Menor which has the biggest saltwater lagoon in Europe. This spectacular nature reserve is separated from the Mediterranean sea by La Manga - a 22km long strip of land. With a complex ecosystem, the lagoon is monitored and is one of the most protected parts of the Spanish coastline. Famous for its healing properties of the mud and clay at La Puntica, the temperate climate allows you to bathe all year round. Thanks to the natural surroundings Mar Menor is also popular for watersports enthusiasts.
Catalonia
Renting a holiday apartment in Catalonia in April is one of the best times of the year. As spring arrives, the region comes alive with an abundance of events and fiestas. Stay in Barcelona city - the hub of art and Catalonian culture or head to the Pyrenees for nature escapes.
Walk or cycle Europe's most iconic pilgrimage trail -the Camino de Santiago or trek through rugged mountain scenery with deep gorges on the Alto Aragon trail. Characterised by jagged snowy peaks, lush alpine forests and hilltop towns, the Catalonian Pyrenees are one of the most beautiful landscapes in Spain.
Fall in love at St Jordi - a day that celebrates romance and literature in Catalonia dating back to the 15th century. The basic idea for Sant Jordi was that men give women roses and women give men books. Nowadays anyone can receive flowers or a book and you don't have to be romantically involved. The streets and squares are bustling with locals selling books and roses. People from all over Catalonia head to Barcelona city to freely meander the bookstalls and dip into vermouth bars. Two of the best atmosphere's can be found in La Rambla and on Passeig de Gràcia.
Sevilla
The capital of Andalucia, the best time to visit Sevilla is in the spring before temperatures reach scorching heights. Stay in the city centre of Sevilla and explore stunning architecture - an eclectic mix of Moorish, Gothic and Baroque style buildings and wander around enchanting neighbourhoods brimming with Andalucian culture and tradition.
Experience the tranquillity of life in the hilltop towns. Rent a country house in Sevilla in one of the white villages dotted throughout the province. Moron de La Frontera, Osuna or Marchena are located in the heart of the Sevillian countryside, these villages offer some of the best cuisines in Andalucia and unspoilt nature.
One thing you can not miss is the Feria de Abril de Sevilla. Join the locals in their colourful celebrations of Andalucian tradition. An impressive spectacle of traditional clothes, carriages, flower decorations and flamenco musicians, the feria attracts visitors from all over Spain. Located just outside of the city, the 'casetas' are comprised of clubs, flamenco shows, typical food from the region and bars.
Menorca
This small island in the Balearics remains an unspoilt paradise of rugged nature and stunning beaches. April is the perfect time of year for staying in a beach villa in Menorca before the summer crowds descend. Stay in Binibeca - a traditional Menorcan fishing village. As a quiet resort, it is ideal for relaxing on the beach and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. Cala de Blanes is one of the liveliest resorts on the island. Ideal for families with numerous activities, a large selection of shops and restaurants.
The weather in April reaches a pleasant 20 degrees, ideal for exploring the hidden coves of Menorca. Take snorkelling trails and discover the unique marine life on the island. Some of the most protected snorkelling sites on the island are Cala Moragues and Cala en Calderer, ideal if you want to head off without a guided tour. For families, Blue Islands Diving organises trips especially designed for children and first-time divers.
Caceres
This stunning medieval city is the capital of the Extremadura region. Characterised by narrow cobbled streets and fortified palaces Caceres is ideal for a holiday in April to Spain. The city has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site due to the remains of Pre-Roman, Roman, Arab, Jewish and Christian settlements that have been discovered here.
Celebrate Fiesta de St Jorge in honour of the towns patron saint. The festival reenacts the symbolic Christian reconquest of the city, historical battles between the Moors and Christians and Saint George's victory over the dragon. The city is full of excitement with processions, the burning of the dragon and a bonfire competition.
Visit Valle del Jerte to experience some of the impressive nature in Caceres. Hike next to waterfalls such as Garganta de las Nogaledas and splash through the natural pools in the valley. Spring is the best time to visit, especially during the Cherry Blossom festival which takes place throughout March and continues into April. Over a million cherry trees along the valley are awash with pink and white soft flowers. Locals have divided the festival into three parts, Valley awakening, Cherry in bloom and petal rain to close the festivities. Throughout the festival, neighbouring towns organise activities celebrating culture, gastronomy and the traditional way of life past and present.