8 Most Popular Springtime European Destinations

From France to Portugal, Holland to Spain, it isn’t easy deciding where to go this spring. Travel to Europe is more fun in the early season. Fewer crowds mean more availability at hotels and restaurants, and more space to enjoy the activities you love.

Like cycling.

You may think getting on a spring bicycle trip could be hard on the legs. But it’s actually easier than you think. If you’ve spent most of the winter using technology to keep in shape, then you’re ready. 2020 is a great year to touch down in Europe with the wheels rolling. And apart from 5 spring trips you can’t miss, once the weather gets warm, all of our destinations start heating up!

Here are the top countries to visit in Europe this 2020 spring season:

Greece

There’s no wonder why expert guide team Frank and Dana have decided to take guests to the heart of western civilization this year. There is much Greek influence in Italy, since most of southern Italy was part of Magna Grecia. This year, Frank and Dana will bring lucky cyclists to historic spots like Olympia and Mycenae, and the beautiful Peloponnese beaches near Kalamata.

It is a journey through history, art and the modern Greek cuisine. And as a spring destination, the weather in Greece is spectacular.

France

Travelers usually have Paris at the top of their European journey. But there are many more destinations in France that deserve consideration.

Provence is an amazing region, with its southern French hospitality and relaxed laissez-faire. This region captivated the heart of Peter Mayle as well as the Avignon Popes. From Chateauneuf-du-Pape to clafoutis, there is little to dislike about Provence.

The Loire Valley is always an excellent option for travelers looking to stay close to Paris. Just over an hour train-ride from the capital, this playground of fairytale castles is fantastic for flat-land fanatics. The Vouvray wines, the cheeses and a walk through Da Vinci’s final resting place all add to the allure and excitement of this bustling valley.

Italy

It is unthinkable to create a destination list without placing Italy in the top three. There are many regions worthy of your travel plans, but only a few we recommend for top early season getaways. With dates in April and May, this is the best time to jumpstart your 2020 vacation.

There is no surprise Sicily is at the top of our Italian list. The seas are warm and the biking is cool. Beat the crowds in Taormina by jumping on an April or May departure. Even the Eolian islands are more captivating without all the crowds. Sicilian history and culture is unlike any other Italian region. Nothing quite captures the essence of Sicily like sitting on the roof of our Lipari hotel, watching the sunset before dinner. Priceless!

The rolling hills of Puglia are green and lush in the spring. Envision the red poppies dotting the countryside from behind drystone walls. Secular olive trees have been standing at attention for centuries, watching cyclists roll by. Cover a number of UNESCO heritage sites, of which Alberobello: home of the trulli and lots of homemade pasta!

Amalfi gives you the best of Italy and Ancient Greece. Paestum and Velia are ancient Greek colonies worth a walkabout. The Cilento National forest is beautiful on a spring day, with cool sea breezes rustling the leaves. And if you haven’t tried mozzarella di bufala, get ready to have your mind blown. Almafi is the epicenter of the mozzarella movement: it destroys all other cheese for the rest of your life!

Spain

Andalucia is one of Spain’s hottest regions in the summer. But an early spring departure – April or May – is perfect. Not only for the temperatures, but for the local festivals (as well as many other reasons). Cordoba’s Moorish history is still alive today in monumental architecture and unique cuisine. Leaving the city centers will leave you breathless. The Sierras in the backcountry are colossal and imposing; home to many native species of flora and fauna.

However, we can’t leave out the Catalonian history belonging to the Costa Brava. Costa Brava is a quintessential region of the Catalonian people, encompassing Girona and Besalu.  It is also the professional playground for so many UCI cycling teams. Its Jewish history alone is intense and awakening as are the monumental dormant volcanoes near Olot. The Costa Brava has many wines to discover and many private beaches to – well – do absolutely nothing at all day long.

Portugal

When you consider Portugal‘s potent maritime history, you understand more of its powerful culture. Portugal makes for a fabulous springtime destination. Lose yourself among the vineyards of the Duoro Valley, and climb the Lima, which the ancients considered one of the principle rivers of the underworld.  The vinho verde marries excellently with the local cod, sardines and octopus, freshly caught offshore. And why not finish it off with a delicious porto? Between UNESCO heritage sites and fabulous evenings at the dinner table, you’ll want to return to Portugal next spring!

Netherlands

For later spring trips, look to northern Europe. Isacco Colombo has done it again: he has designed a trip through Holland that will leave you breathless. In a country considered the most bike-friendly in the world, the Netherlands offer Utrecht and Gouda as cultural hubs, as well as Amsterdam itself. Carry through the Zeeland district, over dams, locks, rivers, and some of the most awe-inspiring bridges you could ever imagine. The Netherlands are flat so you can imagine low difficulty with high excitement!

Belgium

Another late-spring or early summer destination is in neighboring Belgium. Green pastures cover the Ardennes and the mythical cobblestone avenues are in full regalia. There is no better weather than the late spring sun to test your mettle than on legendary giants like Koppenburg and Kwaremont. But when all is said and done, it’s the beers we like best. From Trappist beers to local microbrews, Belgium has ales and lagers for everyone. We have our favorites – come and find yours!

Austria

Everyone is buzzing for Austria in 2020 after Lonely Planet named Salzburg the number one city to visit this year.

We have always loved Austria for its green valleys and fairytale landscapes. Biking across the Danube must be on your bucket list, as the Austrians have created an intricate system of bike paths in the river valley. The views of Austria’s lake district alone are worth the effort. Within the quaint, medieval towns you’ll find the baroque Parish church of Traunkirchen. And the sheep farms are favorites for local yogurt and cheese.

Oh, and the Austrians also know a thing or two about beer as well!

Spring is almost here! Get in touch with our offices and make sure to reserve your spot on one of our spring departures. But hurry: trips are filling up fast!