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-   -   Where shall I go in early April? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/where-shall-i-go-in-early-april-1018044/)

Pegontheroad Jun 25th, 2014 09:19 AM

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.

Bedar Jun 25th, 2014 10:19 AM

Morocco in April is wonderful, and you'll be close by in Malaga for Easter.

sandralist Jun 25th, 2014 11:07 AM

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.

PalenQ Jun 25th, 2014 12:34 PM

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.

PalenQ Jun 25th, 2014 12:35 PM

http://weatherspark.com/averages/286...Bayern-Germany

bilboburgler Jun 25th, 2014 12:41 PM

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

PalenQ Jun 25th, 2014 12:50 PM

sorry about posting the Munich weather chart on this thread by mistake!

yipper Jun 25th, 2014 01:02 PM

Crete or Sicily

Grandma Jun 25th, 2014 04:16 PM

Have you been to Italy in April… for example the Amalfi Drive? Bedar's suggestion for Morocco is also spot on.

Leely2 Jun 25th, 2014 07:06 PM

I was in Sicily late March/early April. Beautiful wildflowers that year.

spaarne Jun 25th, 2014 07:13 PM

Istanbul is a city you must visit before you die.

stevelyon Jun 26th, 2014 12:07 AM

Very cheerful spaarne :)

sandralist Jun 26th, 2014 12:38 AM

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.


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