Sun-Seekers Rejoice: Europe's Hottest Destinations in April for UK Travelers
March 14, 2025 / 8 MINUTE READ
By Alice Lindeman
April brings a wave of optimism here in the UK. The sun begins to grace us with its presence, spring flowers burst into bloom, and the world shakes off its winter slumber. April also invariably shifts our thoughts toward one thing: holidays!
However, despite enjoying longer, warmer days, we're still caught in that awkward "shoulder season" limbo. It's mild enough for a car wash or a spot of gardening, but daring to sunbathe might just provoke the weather gods into unleashing a sudden barrage of hailstones.
Where to Find Warm Weather in Europe This April
So, if you're eager to turn up the dial on sunshine and genuinely warm weather, here's my curated list of Europe's hottest destinations in April. This guide includes practical information such as typical departure airports from the UK, recommended visit durations, and average April temperatures.
Note: Approximate flight times are based on departures from London. The lists of airports and airlines offering direct flights are illustrative samples only and not exhaustive.
1. Canary Islands, Spain
- Airports with Direct Flights from the UK: Belfast (easyJet, Jet2), Birmingham (easyJet, Ryanair, TUI), London Gatwick (easyJet, TUI), Manchester (Ryanair).
- Approximate Flight Time: 4 hours.
- Time Difference: Same as UK (GMT+0).
- Average Temperature in April: High 22°C, low 15°C.
- Average Daily Sunshine in April: 7 hours.
- Recommended Stay: 7-10 days.
Why visit the Canary Islands in April? April in the Canaries offers the perfect antidote for any sun-deprived Brit. While your friends back home complain about drizzle, you could be hiking through Timanfaya National Park's otherworldly volcanic landscapes or surfing the Atlantic swells in Fuerteventura. The weather is absolutely spot-on: warm enough for leisurely beach lounging but without the blistering heat that turns you into a walking lobster by lunchtime. If you want to make your Instagram followers truly envious, head to Tenerife's Siam Park, voted the world's best water park for the tenth consecutive year—a guaranteed source of fantastic springtime snaps. Visitors can also enjoy the burgeoning landscape with a breathtaking cable car ride up Mount Teide, Spain's highest peak.
2. Algarve, Portugal
- Airports with Direct Flights from the UK: Birmingham (Jet2, Ryanair), Edinburgh (Ryanair), London Gatwick (easyJet), Manchester (Ryanair).
- Approximate Flight Time: 2.5 hours.
- Time Difference: Same as UK (GMT+0).
- Average Temperature in April: High 20°C, low 13°C.
- Average Daily Sunshine in April: 7 hours.
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Recommended Stay: 5-7 days.
Why visit the Algarve in April? The Algarve in April is a true hidden gem. You'll experience all the stunning coastal beauty without the usual summer crowds, and hovering around 20°C, the weather is wonderfully pleasant. Its famous golden beaches are peaceful enough that you won't need to stake your towel claim at dawn. April brings the added bonus of almond blossom season, painting the countryside in beautiful shades of pink and white. Food lovers should head to Olhão's Saturday market, where fresh-off-the-boat seafood is so affordable it feels like daylight robbery. Fancy something a little more active? The Algarve's golf courses will be in prime condition, while the famous Seven Hanging Valleys trail offers coastal views that will truly make your jaw drop.
3. Costa Brava, Spain
- Airports with Direct Flights from the UK: Birmingham (Ryanair), Leeds Bradford (Ryanair), Manchester (Ryanair).
- Approximate Flight Time: 2 hours.
- Time Difference: +1 hour (GMT+1).
- Average Temperature in April: High 19°C, low 12°C.
- Average Daily Sunshine in April: 6 hours.
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Recommended Stay: 5-7 days.
Why visit Costa Brava in April? Costa Brava in April is like finding a forgotten £5 note in your winter coat—an unexpected delight. While the main package holiday crowds are still months away, you'll have those gorgeous coves and beaches practically to yourself. This rugged stretch of Catalan coastline offers plenty to keep you busy in April: wander its medieval villages, explore cliff-hugging hiking trails, and discover Salvador Dalí's surrealist haunts. Consider sea kayaking around the coves of Begur or indulging in Michelin-starred cuisine at El Celler de Can Roca in Girona (though you'll need to plan way ahead for the latter, as it's typically fully booked a year in advance).
4. Malta
- Airports with Direct Flights from the UK: Birmingham (Ryanair, Jet2), Edinburgh (Ryanair), London Gatwick (easyJet), Manchester (Ryanair).
- Approximate Flight Time: 3 hours.
- Time Difference: +1 hour (GMT+1).
- Average Temperature in April: High 20°C, low 14°C.
- Average Daily Sunshine in April: 7 hours.
- Recommended Stay: 5-7 days.
Why visit Malta in April? Malta in April is when this Mediterranean gem truly shines without the intense summer heat. The island nation puts on a spectacular springtime show: wildflowers carpet the countryside, and temperatures rise enough to ditch your heavy coat in favor of a light jacket. April also brings Malta's vibrant festa season into full swing, with village celebrations featuring fireworks displays that would put your local Bonfire Night to shame. It also marks the end of Malta's strawberry season, meaning you can feast on the island's best berries at the Mġarr Strawberry Festival.
5. Crete, Greece
- Airports with Direct Flights from the UK: Birmingham (Ryanair), London Gatwick (easyJet), Manchester (easyJet).
- Approximate Flight Time: 3.5 hours.
- Time Difference: +2 hours (GMT+2).
- Average Temperature in April: High 19°C, low 12°C.
- Average Daily Sunshine in April: 7 hours.
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Recommended Stay: 7-10 days.
Why visit Crete in April? April is prime hiking season on Europe's southernmost island. Tackle a section of the E4 European long-distance path or visit the spectacular Samaria Gorge before the summer crowds arrive. Springtime is also the ideal period for exploring the Palace of Knossos without battling cruise ship crowds or melting in the heat. Food-wise, spring is the perfect time to savor seasonal delicacies. Dig into wild artichokes and snails (they're better than they sound, I promise!), or join locals for a glass of raki in Chania's old town as the sun sets over its charming Venetian harbor.
6. Ibiza, Spain
- Airports with Direct Flights from the UK: Birmingham (Ryanair), London Gatwick (easyJet), Manchester (Ryanair).
- Approximate Flight Time: 2 hours.
- Time Difference: +1 hour (GMT+1).
- Average Temperature in April: High 20°C, low 11°C.
- Average Daily Sunshine in April: 7 hours.
- Recommended Stay: 5-7 days.
Why visit Ibiza in April? Forget what you've seen on those late-night documentaries. Ibiza in April reveals the island's secret identity as a place of stunning natural beauty, long before the DJ decks take over. With the main club season still slumbering, you'll discover deserted beaches that would make a Caribbean travel brochure envious, not to mention crystal-clear waters perfect for paddleboarding or snorkeling without dodging hungover party boats.
7. Sardinia, Italy
- Airports with Direct Flights from the UK: London Gatwick (easyJet), Manchester (Jet2).
- Approximate Flight Time: 2 hours.
- Time Difference: +1 hour (GMT+1).
- Average Temperature in April: High 19°C, low 10°C.
- Average Daily Sunshine in April: 7 hours.
- Recommended Stay: 5-7 days.
Why visit Sardinia in April? In April, you might just find Sardinia at its most authentic. Its lively Spring festivals celebrate everything from artichokes to local saints. The weather is just right for exploring its mysterious Bronze-Age stone towers, known as nuraghi, or venturing into nature to hike the lush Gennargentu mountains. Beach lovers can have those famous white-sand stretches of the Costa Smeralda almost entirely to themselves—the same beaches that would be towel-to-towel in August. Don't miss Cagliari's remarkable flamingo colonies: thousands of pink birds strutting about the salt flats as if on a catwalk. It's like National Geographic meets Fashion Week.
8. Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Airports with Direct Flights from the UK: Belfast (Jet2), London Gatwick (easyJet), Manchester (Ryanair).
- Approximate Flight Time: 2.5 hours.
- Time Difference: +1 hour (GMT+1).
- Average Temperature in April: High 17°C, low 12°C.
- Average Daily Sunshine in April: 6 hours.
- Recommended Stay: 4-5 days.
Why visit Dubrovnik in April? Dubrovnik is a prime choice if you're seeking a blend of beautiful beaches and rich city culture. Soak up its character with a walk along the ancient city walls surrounding its incredible Old Town. Head to browse the vintage jars and equipment at one of Europe's oldest pharmacies. Or, grab a picnic, escape the crowds, and take a boat to Lokrum Island—a nearby haven that is supposedly cursed. Yet, between sipping local Malvasia wine in its sun-drenched gardens, floating on its inland salt lake, and walking among peacocks, you'll find that hard to believe. End your day with fresh seafood before heading to Buza Bar, nestled in Dubrovnik's limestone cliffs, the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the shimmering Adriatic.
9. Nice, France
- Airports with Direct Flights from the UK: Birmingham (Jet2), Edinburgh (easyJet), London Gatwick (easyJet), Manchester (easyJet).
- Approximate Flight Time: 2 hours.
- Time Difference: +1 hour (GMT+1).
- Average Temperature in April: High 18°C, low 12°C.
- Average Daily Sunshine in April: 6 hours.
- Recommended Stay: 5-7 days.
Why visit Nice in April? Nice in April offers the best of both worlds. The French Riviera truly begins to warm up, but it's not yet overrun with celebrities and superyachts. The city's famous Promenade des Anglais comes alive with locals doing what they do best: looking effortlessly cool and stylish. April brings perfect temperatures for exploring the charming streets of Old Town or climbing Castle Hill. Its panoramic views beautifully explain why artists like Matisse and Chagall were so captivated by the light here. Food markets burst with fresh spring produce; the Cours Saleya market is a feast for the senses, where you can sample socca (chickpea pancakes) hot from the pan. Consider a day trip to nearby Menton, dubbed the "Pearl of France," where its legendary citrus gardens will be in their prime. Or, hop on a train to Monaco for a glimpse into how the other half lives.
10. Madeira, Portugal
- Departure Airports and Airlines: Birmingham (TUI), London Gatwick (easyJet), Manchester (Ryanair).
- Approximate Flight Time: 3 hours.
- Time Difference: Same as UK (GMT+0).
- Average Temperature in April: High 18°C, low 14°C.
- Average Daily Sunshine in April: 6 hours.
- Recommended Duration: 7-10 days.
Why visit Madeira in April? April's warm temperatures are perfect for tackling Madeira's unique levada walks. These irrigation channels, transformed into hiking trails, wind through lush laurel forests and dramatic mountain scenery. Thrill-seekers can try the island's famous wicker toboggan rides down steep streets—think Victorian-era theme park rides meeting modern-day taxi services. For a blend of sea breeze and adventure, coasteering along the volcanic shoreline is also a top pick. Don't leave without trying poncha, a potent local concoction of sugar cane rum, honey, and lemon. One sip, and you'll understand why locals call it "the cure for everything." If your trip extends into May, Funchal's famous Flower Festival is unmissable, running from the 1st to the 25th of the month.
Stay Connected with a RoAmigo eSIM
When you're chasing sunshine across Europe this April, you'll need your maps, tickets, and uninterrupted access to the internet. That's where RoAmigo's eSIMs for Europe come in handy. Visit the RoAmigo store, choose a data package for your destination country or region, install, and go. Now, all you have to worry about is soaking up those glorious April rays!
Alice Lindeman is a Canadian content specialist who loves connecting with audiences through strategic storytelling.