Top 5+1 Superb Spring 2023 Getaway Ideas

Suffering from itchy feet? Summer is coming, but it’s not entirely within reach yet and you just can’t wait any longer. With fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures, spring is a great time to slip away for a little adventure. Inspire your next getaway by discovering the leading destinations for this spring season and our top things to do in each place. So pack your suitcase and get ready for a superb spring getaway.

Enjoy Tokyo under a canopy of flowers

Spring brings warm temperatures, traditional Shinto festivals and flowers blooming all over Tokyo. This futuristic city offers an unbeatable food scene, epic viewpoints, peaceful gardens and magnificent temples. With so much on offer, where do you begin? 

Each spring month in Japan brings a different flower festival for travellers to feast their eyes upon. If you’re travelling to Tokyo towards the end of spring, don’t miss the ethereal cascades of purple wisteria flowers hanging at the Kameido Tenjin Shrine Wisteria Festival between April 15th and May 5th. Alternatively, you can always find colourful floral displays at Showa Memorial Park. Once you’ve strolled beneath the magical floral canopies, head to the Tokyo Skytree to see it all from above. A landmark to rival landmarks worldwide, the broadcasting tower stands 634 metres tall and boasts 360-degree panoramic views that are truly second to none. Finally, thanks to mild evening temperatures, this time of year is also a great time to visit Senso-ji Temple at night or to see one of three Shinto festivals. Once the sun has set, visitors gather to gaze at Tokyo’s oldest shrine lit up in all its glory. 

*Notable places to stay include GATE STAY Premium Nihonbashi and The Tokyo Station Hotel.

A crowd of people celebrating Sanja Matsuri outside of Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo.

Discover Marseille, the oldest city on the French Riviera

Spring is an ideal time to visit Marseille as the weather is getting warmer, outdoor seating is filling up with locals and the city is starting to come alive. This multicultural, port city is packed with historical sites, cultural attractions and charming city beaches, making it a perfect place to get the best of both worlds.

Stroll through the hilly streets of the historic Panier quarter to marvel at the vivid street art, visit countless cultural sites and purchase Marseille’s world-famous soap. Then, continue down towards the Old Port to sample some sensational seafood in one of the restaurants lining the marina. From the port, you can see the Notre Dame de la Garde perched on top of a hill overlooking all corners of the city. No visit to this city is complete without paying a visit to this iconic 19th-century Romano-Byzantine basilica with panoramic views of the French Riviera and the city below. For those after a good hike and picture postcard scenes, grab a swimsuit and head to the Calanques National Park. A stretch of staggeringly beautiful limestone cliffs that spill into turquoise coves, Sormiou and Sugiton are the most popular spots amongst tourists and locals alike. 

*You can also drive up the coast to Cannes and watch your favourite celebrities strutting down the red carpet during the Cannes Film Festival, May 16th to May 27th.

Celebrate the end of Ramadan in Marrakech

Spring weather allows travellers to explore the snaking alleyways, colourful souks and stunning Moorish architecture of Marrakech free from the heat of the African summer sun. In addition to that, you’ll be met with vibrant celebrations and delicious food at every turn if you visit this culturally rich destination during the end of Ramadan.

Celebrate the end of Ramadan, Aïd al-Fitr, by sampling authentic Moroccan cuisine typical of this festival in the famously chaotic Jemaa el-Fna Square. Try lamb with plums or tagine from the local vendors whilst watching snake charmers work their magic and locals celebrating all together. Make sure to wander around the Medina just off the square and haggle for your next find in the narrow alleys of the souks. Next, take a break from the loud market atmosphere and enjoy the serenity of the Majorelle Gardens. In an exotic garden hidden behind high walls, you’ll see plants from all over the world, striking royal blue buildings and even a Berber Museum. Finally, with sprawling dunes and magnificent sunsets right on your doorstep, an excursion into the desert is an absolute must. Take a sunset camel ride into the desert ending with a traditional mint tea for an authentic Moroccan experience.

*Staying in a traditional Moroccan riad is a great way to experience Moroccan culture, Riad Kheirredine and Riad Houdou are popular choices amongst visitors.

Jemaa El Fna square in the Medina district of Marrakech.

Experience authentic Crete in the town of Agios Nikolaos

Home to high mountains and tropical-like beaches, Crete has everything, from olive trees to Minoan palatial ruins and even palm tree forests. The best thing about this island in spring is the luscious landscape untouched by the summer sun, so we suggest you explore the lesser-known Lasithi Prefecture for a truly authentic Cretan experience surrounded by breathtaking natural wonders.

Half sleepy seaside resort, half cosmopolitan port, Agios Nikolaos is a delightful town with so much to offer. Get lost in the streets and discover the tavernas, small boutique shops and cobbled streets covering the three hills surrounding the town, with mega-yachts and fishing boats lining the harbour below. We suggest heading to the Cretan Olive Oil Farm to experience the real Crete and learn about the production of traditional Cretan products such as olive oil, wine and raki in a fantastic setting. Touring Spinalonga Island, the last leper colony of Europe, and its Venetian ruins is another fascinating experience for those interested in history. Last but not least, about an hour down the coast, sits the largest natural palm tree forest you’ve probably ever seen. Sunbathe under the palms on Vai Beach and then stop by the mesmerising Toplou Monastery up the road for wine tasting or to buy some of the world’s best olive oil.

*Agios Nikolaos has some gorgeous villas, hotels and resorts. Our top picks include Minos Beach Art Hotel and Candia Park Village.

Join the action and watch Mallorca’s annual sailing regatta

On land, more than 4 million almond trees bloom to create a white canopy across Mallorca during spring. At sea, thousands of boats participate in numerous sailing regattas over the period. The mild weather, striking landscape and array of activities beckon hikers, cyclists, sailors and beach-goers to make the most of the island during these quieter months.

A former Moorish-walled city filled with historical landmarks and attractions, Palma is a fascinating base for exploring the island’s tall mountains and white beaches. Visit the magnificent gothic Palma Cathedral, explore the maze of narrow streets in the Old Town or taste local treats from the colourful stalls in Olivar Market. Sailors and boat lovers can watch yachts speed past each other in the annual Palmavela Regatta between April 28th and May 7th. If that’s not your cup of tea, Cala Comtesa is just up the coast from Palma. Enjoy a lazy day away from the crowds sunbathing on a beach in a hidden cove with crystal clear waters and white sand. Finally, if you have the time, hiking the Serra de Tramuntana UNESCO World Heritage site is an experience worth having. With hiking and cycling trails for all abilities, this is the ultimate activity for adventure enthusiasts.

*Stay at the Summum Prime Boutique Hotel for a little luxury, or try Fil Suites if you’re on a budget.

Get your wellness on in Ubud

A tropical haven for beach and surf lovers, wellness enthusiasts, and culture buffs, Bali is filled with awe-inspiring beaches, ancient temples and a thriving wellness scene. Catch a wave, do some yoga, go diving or chase waterfalls, the opportunities are endless.

Known as the centre of Bali’s spiritual life, Ubud is a fantastic town with a booming wellness scene, spectacular natural and cultural attractions and all manner of vegan and raw eateries. What better way to have your own eat, pray, love experience than attending the Bali Spirit Festival? Held between May 4th and May 7th, festival-goers can heal their souls through yoga, dancing and music at this popular festival that embodies the Balinese Hindu concept of Tri Hita Karana. Other crowd favourites near Ubud include playing with monkeys at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary or hiking through the cascading rice fields of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tegalalang Rice Terrace.

*You can find stunning stays at inexpensive prices that will blow your mind, travellers recommend The Udaya Resorts and Spa and Arkamara Dijiwa Ubud.

A person sat on the floor meditating in a traditional Balinese hut.

 

If you enjoy unique experiences, fewer crowds and bewitching natural scenes, these destinations are all superb to visit during the months of spring. With flowers in bloom, lush green landscapes and warm temperatures, it’s the perfect time to hop on a plane and jet off to one of these six epic destinations. 

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