20 European places to see spring flowers

Provence might be best known for lavender in the summer. However, every year, numerous Villages Fleuris (floral villages) erupt in color, thanks to local efforts to beautify the towns come spring. 

Tulips in the Netherlands are the most famous floral event in Europe, so if you’re planning a trip, do so in advance. And don’t miss Lisse, home to some of the best tulip gardens in the entire country.

The Netherlands is not only known for its tulips but also houses the world’s largest flower garden, Keukenhof. Located in the Lisse region, it can easily be added to a tulip-focused trip.

The city of love and light is also a floral town in the spring. Cherry blossoms, magnolias, wisteria, and roses cover the various arrondissements. Make sure to pack your allergy meds if you have a pollen aversion!

Bright purple Jacaranda trees bloom all over Seville from March to May. Not only that, but the numerous orange trees that dot the city also flower in the spring.

Another major city that comes alive after a long winter, London is an ideal spring destination. The main event is the wisteria that covers buildings throughout the metropolis.

The Cotswolds are known for rolling green hills and thatched cottages that adorn many Instagram explore pages. And in the spring, daffodils bloom all over the English countryside, making it a great time of year to visit.

No, you don’t have to visit Japan to see cherry blossoms in all their glory. Many trees can be found in Europe. And Bonn, in western Germany, has many sprinkled throughout the city. I highly recommend Germany in the spring when warming temps and flowers put the whole country in a cheery mood.

The Greek islands are best known for whitewashed houses, pristine beaches, and some of the bluest water you’ll ever see. However, starting in May, bougainvillea flowers paint the country a vibrant violet. This is especially true in the Cyclades Islands, which include Santorini and Mykonos.

Dreams of Tuscany typically conjure up images of endless verdant hills and those iconic Cypress and Umbrella Pine trees. However, starting in late April, poppies bloom all over the countryside, inviting visitors to admire the landscape.

If you want to enjoy spring tulips but aren’t super excited about dealing with crowds in the Netherlands, Croatia is a great alternative. The capital city, Zagreb, might not have the massive gardens of the northern country, but there are still plenty of colors on display in parks throughout the season.

If you want to catch cherry blossoms in Europe and still need to cross Scandinavia off your list, then don’t miss Gothenburg! The West Coast’s largest city is full of trees that bloom every year. As this is northern Europe though, the blossoms come a bit later, usually in May.

The Dordogne region of France is located in the rural southwest. And driving (or taking the train) through the area during May and June means hundreds of acres of sunflowers will greet you!

Switzerland’s mountains are known as a hiking paradise, and in late spring, trekkers will be able to enjoy an explosion of wildflowers while exploring the peaks.

The Emerald Isle is one of the most verdant locations on Earth. And starting in April and May, cherry blossoms, magnolias, and other planted flowers in the city add a bit of rainbow to the luckiest capital in Europe!

Hamburg is a cute, if unassuming, German town. But it really stuns during the spring when the cherry blossom festival occurs.

The Pyrenées mountains straddle Spain and France and are perfect for early-season hikes. On the Spanish side, almond trees are known to blossom, providing the most beautiful backdrop for mountain strolls.

Italy’s most famous lake is the ideal spring getaway. Wildflowers spring up along the shores during these months, making lakeside walks even more beautiful.

The Azores grow in popularity every year for good reason. This part of Portugal is truly stunning. However, if you visit during shoulder season, spring, you will be rewarded by fewer crowds and see the region’s hydrangeas in full bloom.

In the far north of Denmark, spring arrives a bit later. But when it does, heather sprouts up to give the entire region a whimsical feel that is perfect for long walks as the seasons change.