Spring is a glorious time to travel in Europe, with warm weather melting the snow on the mountains and heating up the beaches along the continent's many glorious coastlines. But which is the best-value destination to catch some spring sun? Compare The Market has studied the number of sunshine hours and worked out the average cost for Europe's most popular holiday destinations to determine which are the cheapest places for a spring break. Here are the top 15 spots in their European Sunshine Index.
Of course, no visit to Berlin is complete without a trip up the Reichstag, the huge glass dome sitting atop one of the city's most historic buildings. From there, on a clear spring morning, you'll get a fine view over the German capital, and the audio guide sheds light on the building's history. Berlin is a cyclable city, so hire a bike to explore when the sunshine's on your side. Get more inspiration with our guide to Berlin.
Damning photographs of thousands of tourists armed with cameras and queueing for the best sunset views in Santorini have taken away some of this island's charm recently. But don't let the overtourism hype fool you, as in spring the crowds are far less, and the weather's still fantastic. April sees an average temperature of 18°C, and the index estimates an hour of sunshine here costs €24 (£21.20/$27.40).
You'll find those famous white-washed houses in Firá and Oia, on the island's western side, but there's far more to see here than a pretty view out to the ocean. Firá also has some excellent museums, including one on archaeology of the area and another focusing on prehistoric settlements. Then there are the beaches: Kamári and Perívolos are the big hitters, both with volcanic black sand and plenty of amenities. Don't miss a tour of the excellent Venetsanos Winery, which has a spectacular location right on the cliffs.
The Balearic island of Mallorca is a sure bet for spring sunshine: there's seven hours of sun a day and an average temperature of 17°C, making it a positively balmy break. It's also less crowded in spring, meaning you'll only have to share the exceptional restaurants of Palma with the locals and just a few other tourists.
The dramatic coastline is well worth exploring, but make time to head inland too, as the countryside and mountains are just as beautiful. The little village of Orient (pictured) is a special place, with its cluster of sandstone houses and warren of winding streets, and it's worth stopping off for lunch in one of the homely restaurants. Don't miss a visit to the Caves of Campanet, set below ground in Mount Sant Miquel. Back in the capital, Palma, get inspired by the exceptional art galleries and museums. Here's our guide to the city.
According to the Sunshine Index, Prague will set you back just €23 (£20/$26) per hour of spring sunshine. There's plenty to do here as the weather gets warmer too, whether you want to delve into the city's history or take a cruise on the famous Vltava River. Any break in Prague, though, should start beneath its intriguing astronomical clock. Chiming since 1410, it now sounds every hour, its four figurines – symbolising death, vanity, greed and a Turk – nodding their heads as series of saints poke their faces through small peepholes above.
With fewer crowds, spring is an ideal time to visit London's many fantastic museums, and seek out some of the city's secret gardens, such as St Dunstan in the East – the ruins of a Christopher Wren church, now used by city workers as a peaceful retreat from the office at lunchtime. At the weekend, don't miss the opportunity to sample some of London's best beers along the Bermondsey Beer Mile – a smattering of breweries in the area just south of the river open up their doors under the railway arches on Friday and Saturday afternoons. Read our guide to London here.
Of course, there's far more than ice cream to the Italian capital. Sights such as the Sistine Chapel and Trevi Fountain will be far less crowded in spring than the peak summer season, so take advantage and explore Rome's big hitters, stopping in at a traditional trattoria for a little pasta to refuel. Read our guide to Rome for more inspiration.
The sea is a balmy 17°C at this time of year too, so a visit to Barcelona's beach is essential. And of course, it wouldn't be right to visit this city without sampling some of its finest tapas – Ciudad Condal is an institution. Take a seat on the outside terrace, or at the atmospheric dark-wood bar, and delve into patatas bravas, crotquetas and countless salads. Read our guide to Barcelona for more inspiration.
Don't miss a crawl around the city's ruin bars either – inside some of the city's run-down and abandoned buildings are the coolest bars and clubs offering wild nights out fuelled by Hungarian wines and pálinka (fruit brandy). The spring weather is also perfect for Budapest's favourite pastime: soaking in hot springs. With abundant warm water beneath ground and a history of 'taking the waters' since Roman times, there is a plethora of establishments to choose from. The Széchenyi thermal bath is the biggest in Europe.
Born in Salzburg, Mozart spent some of his most successful years in Vienna and you can trace his footsteps in the city at the Mozarthaus (his well-preserved apartment), the Schönbrunn Palace and Imperial Palace (where he performed as a child), and St. Stephen's Cathedral (where he married Constanze Weber). At the end of a long weekend, the only thing left to do in Vienna is sit out in one of the many schanigarten (beer gardens), blanket over your knees, hot drink in hand, watching the world go by.
With its famous, dominating Duomo, an overwhelming amount of world-class art, and a number of wonderfully decorated chapels, Florence is an all-star Italian city. And Compare The Market estimate an hour of sunshine in April here costs just €20 (£17.60/$22.80) – a good bit cheaper than capital, Rome. To make the most of your trip, book ahead. Museums such as the Uffizi, where some of the world's most important artworks are on display, have limits on the number of visitors at any one time, so secure your tickets in advance to avoid queueing.
If it's all too much and you find yourself with a spot of art fatigue – it's a real thing – then head out into the Chianti countryside. Stop off for a traditional lunch and a glass of red in a quaint hill town surrounded by vineyards, in Italy's premier wine region. You can even stay overnight on one of the many farms offering rooms for tourists.
It doesn't have to be the all-night party town you think it is. Ibiza isn't just for 20-something clubbers, and actually has a far more sedate side to its infamously expensive, raucous summer season. In spring, temperatures sit around 18°C and the ocean is a brisk but refreshing 16°C. When the sun's out, hit the many cycling and hiking trails that criss-cross the island for superb coastal views. The 25-mile Cala Sant Vicenç route has some of the best.
For a spot Balearic culture, head to the Museu d'art Contemporani d'Eivissa, or step inside the 14th-century Catedral de Santa Maria. For dinner, splash out at beachside restaurant like El Chiringuito, or – if money really is no object – try the tasting menu at Sublimotion for just €1,500 (£1,320/$1,700) a head.
Stop for a fresh fish lunch at the harbour – around noon you'll see the boats coming in to sell their catch. Forego a sit-down meal and buy yours straight off the boat – the fishermen will grill it on board and serve it in a baguette with a salad. There's no fresher food in the city. A sunset cruise on the water is another essential experience – Istanbul is particularly beautiful during golden hour. Read more about Istanbul here.