Where shall I go in early April?
Jun 25th, 2014, 09:19 AM
#1
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Where shall I go in early April?
I'm thinking of going again to the Semana Santa celebration in Málaga, Spain, from March 29 until April 5, 2015, and I'd like to find a pleasant, warm-ish destination after April 5.
I've visited Spain several times and have seen much of southern Spain during those trips.
Any suggestions? Somewhere in southern Italy? Southern France? I like architecture, history, culture, countryside, moderate amount of walking, and just hanging around, taking in the ambiance. I don't do beaches, and I'm not crazy about art museums, having visited an inordinate number of them over the past 50 years.
I would appreciate input.
I've visited Spain several times and have seen much of southern Spain during those trips.
Any suggestions? Somewhere in southern Italy? Southern France? I like architecture, history, culture, countryside, moderate amount of walking, and just hanging around, taking in the ambiance. I don't do beaches, and I'm not crazy about art museums, having visited an inordinate number of them over the past 50 years.
I would appreciate input.
Jun 25th, 2014, 11:07 AM
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Most of the interesting places in Italy with (kinda) nice weather in early require a car, or are a huge hassel to get to and walk around. If Venice isn't too much walking for you, that's a possibility for a lot of fascination, even when it rains. Early April isn't the peak tourist season, so that is a plus.
What might appeal if you don't need sunshine is tulip time in the Netherlands. Not warm-ish, but rewarding beyond museum I think if you visit small towns and quirky or historic attractions.
What might appeal if you don't need sunshine is tulip time in the Netherlands. Not warm-ish, but rewarding beyond museum I think if you visit small towns and quirky or historic attractions.
Jun 25th, 2014, 12:34 PM
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Portugal away from the sea would have all the requisites you desire. Check out such dreamy places as Sintra, Obidos, Nazarre, Porto, Braga and even Lisbon has pockets of nice old architecture.
Azulejo tiles - bright blue usually are on practically every wall of every church, train station, cafes, etc.
Azulejo tiles - bright blue usually are on practically every wall of every church, train station, cafes, etc.
Jun 25th, 2014, 12:35 PM
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Jun 25th, 2014, 12:41 PM
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Peg the trains in Portugal are pretty good and on time. From memory you appreciate that element. I love Marrakesh and Rabat but both are walking cities though with Taxis outside the souk and local buses. I'd go to Portugal
Jun 26th, 2014, 12:38 AM
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I've been to the Amalfi drive in early April and it was too chilly to enjoy, with lots of morning fog hiding the views and some rain. Could be different other years . More importantly, it's not really a place for a moderate amount of walking -- it is steep stairclimbing -- nor does it have outstanding architecture or a local ambience to take in (it's all a tourist scene). I realize many people who have a great stay aren't there for the beaches, but they are certainly there primarily to enjoy fantastic sea views.
I was also in Sicily in early April and there were significant storms. Weather for any specific time frame is impossible to predict anywhere but, just in general, that time of year is one of a lot of weather instability in Italy and cool temps. The cooler temps can be great for sightseeing places like Pompei or Tuscan hilltowns, but you need to deal with the risk of rain and bringing warm clothes for nighttime.
I was also in Sicily in early April and there were significant storms. Weather for any specific time frame is impossible to predict anywhere but, just in general, that time of year is one of a lot of weather instability in Italy and cool temps. The cooler temps can be great for sightseeing places like Pompei or Tuscan hilltowns, but you need to deal with the risk of rain and bringing warm clothes for nighttime.
