Best Weekend Getaways in Europe for Spring 2026 — Affordable

Travelupo — Your Shortcut to Smart, Stylish Travel

Spring is the perfect season for a quick European escape. The days grow longer, flowers bloom, cities reopen their terraces, and flights remain budget-friendly before the summer rush. With pleasant temperatures and lighter crowds, a weekend break in spring 2026 gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace — without overspending.

Whether you’re after sunshine-filled streets, romantic old towns, foodie experiences, or hidden corners that feel untouched by tourism, Europe offers a world of possibilities just a short flight away.

To help you plan the perfect spring getaway, we’ve curated 10 of the best weekend destinations in Europe for 2026 — a mix of warm spots, classic favourites, and under-the-radar gems. All are affordable, easy to reach, and ideal for 2–3 days of relaxing exploration.

Every destination includes boutique hotel picks you can book with Travelupo for exclusive deals on flights and stays.

1. Lisbon, Portugal — Sun, Views & Endless Charm

Average spring temp: 18–22°C
Why go: Sunshine, hilltop views, pastel neighbourhoods, and incredible food.

Lisbon is one of Europe’s best weekend destinations year-round — but in spring, the city feels especially magical. Warm breezes drift through Alfama’s narrow streets, trams glide past tiled facades, and terrace cafés burst into life.

Walk up to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for golden-hour views, explore Belém’s riverside landmarks, and enjoy affordable seafood in Bairro Alto.

Stay for less:
Lisboa Pessoa Hotel — literary-inspired charm from €115/night.

Highlights:

Pasteis de nata
Tram 28 ride
Time Out Market
Sunset at Miradouro da Graça

Insider tip: Take a half-day trip to Cascais — warm, scenic, and only 40 minutes away.

2. Ljubljana, Slovenia — Europe’s Fairytale Green Capital

Average spring temp: 14–19°C
Why go: Romantic riversides, castles, and one of Europe’s cleanest, safest cities.

Ljubljana is a hidden gem that feels untouched by mass tourism. In spring, its riverside cafés bloom with flowers, the old town fills with performers, and the castle hill becomes a perfect viewpoint for sunny afternoons.

Everything is walkable, affordable, and effortlessly charming.

Stay for less:
Vander Urbani Resort — riverside boutique style from €105/night.

Highlights:

Ljubljana Castle funicular
Dragon Bridge
Riverside dining
Day trip to Lake Bled

Insider tip: Rent a bike — Ljubljana is one of Europe’s easiest capitals to cycle.

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3. Seville, Spain — Orange Blossoms & Warm Spring Streets

Average spring temp: 22–26°C
Why go: One of Europe’s warmest and most beautiful spring cities.

In April and May, Seville becomes an early-summer paradise. Orange trees perfume the streets, flamenco music fills the evenings, and the historic Barrio Santa Cruz glows under sunny skies.

Perfect for a warm, romantic, and affordable weekend escape.

Stay for less:
Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla — historic luxury from €130/night.

Highlights:

Plaza de España
Seville Cathedral & Giralda Tower
Royal Alcázar gardens
Tapas in Triana

Insider tip: Visit Plaza de España early morning for stunning photos with no crowds.

4. Trieste, Italy — A Beautiful Port City Hidden in Plain Sight

Average spring temp: 15–20°C
Why go: Coffee culture, Adriatic beauty, Austrian-Italian fusion.

Trieste is Italy’s most underrated weekend city — elegant, cultural, and kissed by Adriatic breezes. Its grand squares, Viennese-style cafés, and waterfront promenades make it perfect for slow travel.

Spring brings warm afternoons ideal for exploring Miramare Castle and the Carso coastal trails.

Stay for less:
Savoia Excelsior Palace — historic elegance from €125/night.

Highlights:

Piazza Unità d’Italia
Miramare Castle
Trieste cafés
Canal Grande

Insider tip: Try local seafood at Osmizas — seasonal farmhouse taverns unique to Trieste.

5. Porto, Portugal — Food, Wine & Riverfront Bliss

Average spring temp: 15–20°C
Why go: One of Europe’s best foodie weekends at unbeatable prices.

Porto offers a perfect blend of affordability, riverside beauty, and exceptional cuisine. Wander the colorful Ribeira district, taste port wine in Gaia, and enjoy hearty dishes in authentic taverns.

It’s a relaxed, slow-paced weekend full of flavour.

Stay for less:
Torel Avantgarde — boutique luxury from €120/night.

Highlights:

Port wine cellars
Dom Luís I Bridge
Bolhão Market
Scenic riverside walks

Insider tip: Sunset river cruises are incredibly cheap in spring — some under €15.

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6. Timișoara, Romania — Europe’s Little Vienna With Spring Colors

Average spring temp: 13–19°C
Why go: Colourful squares, cozy cafés, low prices, and a cultural buzz.

Timișoara is one of Europe’s most underrated city breaks — and spring transforms it into a canvas of flowers, pastel buildings, and buzzing terraces. Often called “Little Vienna,” the city blends Austrian architecture, lively squares, and an emerging foodie scene at a fraction of Western European prices.

Stroll through Union Square’s rainbow facades, explore Liberty Square’s historic cafés, and wander along the Bega River during warm afternoons.

Stay for less:
Hotel Tresor Le Palais — boutique elegance from €95/night.

Highlights:

Union Square (Piața Unirii)
Serbian Orthodox Cathedral
Bega River promenade
Spring flower markets

Insider tip: Grab a coffee at the heritage cafés around Victory Square — some date back over 100 years.

7. Chania, Crete, Greece — Warm Streets, Venetian Charm & Early Spring Sun

Average spring temp: 18–23°C
Why go: Warm weather, turquoise waters, historic harbour, and great food.

Chania is one of Europe’s warmest and most atmospheric spring getaways. In March and April, temperatures already feel summery, the waterfront glows at golden hour, and tavernas open their outdoor tables.

The Venetian harbour, lighthouse views, and old town alleys make it ideal for a romantic or relaxing weekend in the sun.

Stay for less:
Ambassadors Residence Boutique Hotel — seafront luxury from €115/night.

Highlights:

Venetian Harbour & lighthouse
Old Town alleys
Traditional Cretan cuisine
Short coastal hikes

Insider tip: Visit the harbour early morning — the light is perfect for photography and the streets are calm.

8. Ghent, Belgium — Pretty Canals Without the Brussels Crowds

Average spring temp: 13–17°C
Why go: Medieval canals, great food, and a vibrant local atmosphere.

Ghent offers medieval beauty without the heavy tourism of nearby Bruges. In spring, the canals reflect blooming trees, outdoor cafés open, and the city’s youthful energy fills the streets.

Perfect for a cozy, scenic weekend escape.

Stay for less:
1898 The Post — atmospheric boutique hotel from €130/night.

Highlights:

Graslei & Korenlei waterfront
Castle of the Counts
St. Bavo’s Cathedral
Chocolate shops & cafés

Insider tip: Take a canal cruise in the late afternoon — the light is perfect.

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9. Nice, France — Mediterranean Glamour Without Summer Prices

Average spring temp: 17–21°C
Why go: Warm seaside vibes, old-town charm, great food.

Nice is warm, stylish, and perfect for a quick spring break. Enjoy the Promenade des Anglais, explore vibrant markets, and take short day trips to Monaco, Èze, or Villefranche-sur-Mer.

Spring brings sunshine without the summer crowds.

Stay for less:
Hotel Rossetti — chic boutique stay from €110/night.

Highlights:

Promenade des Anglais
Flower Market
Old Town (Vieux Nice)
Day trip to Èze

Insider tip: Book a terrace table at sunset — the light over the Mediterranean is unbelievable.

10. Split, Croatia — Warm Weather, Islands & Coastal Beauty

Average spring temp: 17–21°C
Why go: Sun-drenched promenades, ancient ruins, and Adriatic beaches.

Split combines early warmth, rich history, and island-hopping opportunities — all ideal for a weekend escape. By April, cafés line the waterfront, ferries begin full schedules, and Diocletian’s Palace feels alive again.

Stay for less:
Heritage Hotel Fermai — modern elegance from €105/night.

Highlights:

Riva promenade
Diocletian’s Palace
Ferry to Hvar or Brač
Scenic coastal walks

Insider tip: Take the ferry to Brač for the warmest beaches early in the season.

Why Weekend Trips Are Perfect in Spring 2026

Spring offers the ultimate sweet spot for short European breaks:

Longer daylight hours
Warmer temperatures
Cheaper flights
Affordable hotels
Blooming landscapes
Fewer crowds in major cities
Open terraces + outdoor cafés

It’s the season where Europe wakes up — and weekend travel becomes effortless.

Travelupo Tips for Spring Weekend Getaways

• Fly Friday morning → cheaper + more time
• Avoid holiday weekends for lower prices
• Pick compact cities for easy exploring
• Choose hotels near historic centres
• Use Travelupo to bundle flights + hotels for up to 25% off
• Book restaurants ahead in popular cities
• Pack layers — warm days, cooler nights

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When to Go for the Best Weekend Deals

Early spring (March): Cheapest flights
Mid-spring (April): Best temperatures + value
Late spring (May): Warmest weekends before summer pricing

Final Thoughts — Your Perfect Spring Escape Awaits

Spring is when Europe feels light again — sunny mornings, blooming trees, warm pavements, and café tables filling up after winter’s quiet. It’s the ideal season to wander, recharge, taste something new, and discover places you’ll want to return to.

Whether you choose a warm Mediterranean break, a storybook central-European city, or an underrated coastal gem, your perfect weekend getaway is just a few taps away.

👉 Plan your 2026 spring weekend escape today with Travelupo — where smart travel meets unforgettable moments.