Japan, Portugal’s Algarve and Alentejo, the Netherlands and Belgium, California Wine Country and Mallorca—these five standout destinations for primed for active adventure. April brings mild weather, spring blooms and fewer crowds—ideal conditions for biking, hiking, kayaking and cultural exploration.
April’s the month to spring into active travel. Check out our favorite places to go across the globe.
Japan
Japan is enchanting in April, when the weather is typically sunny and dry, and the proliferation of the country’s famed sakura, or cherry blossoms, signals the arrival of spring. Visit World Heritage shrines and temples draped in pink and white. Bike along jagged volcanic coastline and raft through dramatic gorges on the Kinugawa River. Hike through primeval forest around a scenic lake, listening and watching for wild birds extolling the season. Then sink into soothing mineral waters surrounded by peak greenery. Come discover your version of active tranquility.
Portugal’s Algarve & Alentejo
Early spring is an ideal time to explore Portugal’s Algarve and Alentejo, when the buzz of crowds is quieter, landscapes are turning up their color and pleasantly warm days invite short sleeves. Bike along the Algarve’s sun-kissed coastline and through the Alentejo’s rolling hills, cork forests and gorgeous displays of wildflowers—among Europe’s most underrated. Wander Évora, a World Heritage Site and the Alentejo’s largest city, and discover Lagos’s charming old town and the spectacular beaches of the Algarve. Along the way, admire Gothic and Moorish architecture and uncover centuries of fascinating history. See why southern Portugal is at its most alluring in April.
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Netherlands & Belgium
What do you get when you combine the world’s largest flower garden and rich, chewy Liège waffles with hiking and biking through a wonderland of windmills, storybook waterways and picturesque villages? You get April in the Netherlands and Belgium, one of our favorite times to explore these two countries. Wander through the magnificent 79-acre Keukenhof Gardens—open only in spring—visit medieval castles and learn about the region’s World War II history. And when you’re ready to relax, sink into mineral-rich, thermal waters for the perfect complement to an active day.
California Wine Country
Whether it’s the local spring produce and blooming winery gardens or the mild sunny weather and thinned out crowds from summer and harvest season, April is an excellent time to escape to California’s Wine Country. From the windswept Pacific coast to the thousand-year-old redwoods and world-renowned vineyards, this lush, rolling and rugged landscape is a beloved destination, perfect for exploring by bicycle. Of course, we can’t forget the other Wine Country essentials: wine tastings, world-class cuisine and pampering at award-winning spas. Join us in Napa and Sonoma and uncork the good life.
Mallorca
Beachgoers have flocked to Mallorca for almost a century of summers to bask on some of the finest beaches in the Mediterranean. But outdoor enthusiasts can get a jump on those crowds—and the heat—in April. Come spring, this cyclists’ paradise explodes with wildflowers, citrus, almond blossoms and brilliant green mountain ranges. The wild and rugged Serra de Tramuntana offers cyclists knockout views, epic climbs and exhilarating descents along smooth roads, while hikers are invited to follow iconic, cobbled pilgrimage paths and dramatic trails leading to stunning coastal vistas. Discover the charm of spring in Mallorca.
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