The best places to visit in April: 23 inspiring destinations

The best places to visit in April range from snow-capped mountainous stretches to tropical beaches via cities that finally awaken after shaking off their winter chill. For sun-seekers or the sun-starved, there are plenty of places that promise balmy afternoons punctuated by al fresco lunches and a paddle – or full-body immersion – into the blue. There are a surprising number of places that are hot in Europe in April, such as the shores of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, either side of Bodrum, where resorts start to open their doors to the first of the summer crowds. Further south, April is when the southern Greek islands start to sizzle after a lush spring – Crete and Antiparos are among our favourites for a dose of vitamin D this time of year. For guaranteed beach days, it pays to travel further afield. Think highs of 32°C along Mexico’s dazzling coast, exploring Mayan ruins among ancient jungle terrain before cooling off with a plunge into a cenote. Or island hopping across Thailand, starting in the technicolour haze of Bangkok before whizzing south for beach clubs, scenic hikes and lip-smacking street food rustled up by beaming vendors as a cacophony of motorbikes fly by. Or, back closer to home but south enough to offer long days and scorching afternoons, there’s Marrakech – where there is no shortage of world-class hotels between the hustle and bustle of the medina and the wild expanses of desert beyond.

While most of Europe’s best ski resorts have cleared the crowds out for another season, there’s still fresh snow on Switzerland’s highest peaks, should a springtime snow session and lashings of gooey raclette tempt. Then there are the best cities to visit in April. San Sebastián, in Spain’s underrated northern reaches, sees fewer crowds vying for a coveted spot in its celebrated restaurants, while there are fewer more pleasant places to be at the end of spring than in Seville. Whether it’s stunning architecture and fascinating museums or nothing but an exotic fly-and-flop escape you crave, these are the best places to visit in April according to the editors of Condé Nast Traveller.