Some European towns bloom earlier than others — not just with flowers, but with life. Europe in bloom is when the place quietly transforms the pace of life — underrated destinations that offer a richer experience just as landscapes, traditions and daily routines start to reawaken. By mid-March, cafés begin spilling into the streets, local markets reopen and walking paths show the first signs of green. Destinations like Kotor, Colmar and Ljubljana may not make every top ten list, but in spring, they offer quieter charm, better access and a closer connection to local rhythms.
Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor’s old town, nestled between steep limestone cliffs, dates back to medieval times and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The narrow lanes stay cool while the Bay of Kotor reflects soft light, framed by rugged cliffs and calm waters that give the town its dreamlike feel. The stone steps up to San Giovanni Fortress show off the town’s layers — olive trees, wild herbs and rooftops tucked into the cliffside.
Mornings along the harbor are quiet. Cafés begin to open as the sun rises, and local residents often sit with strong coffee before the day gets busy. As temperatures rise, walking paths around the bay become more active, with early blooms along the route. Cruise traffic remains lower than in summer, allowing more open access to the waterfront and old town.
Piedmont, Italy
Springtime in Piedmont brings mild weather, blossoming vineyards and fewer visitors compared to harvest season. It’s a good time to explore wine country, as the hills of Langhe take on a fresh green and trails reopen for walking and biking. Towns like Alba and Neive begin hosting spring festivals, and outdoor dining returns as temperatures climb.
As April starts to warm up, the town offers clear days for exploring and early signs of activity in the vines. Untold Italy Tours offers an itinerary where visitors can spend time in, starting from Turin, the first capital of Italy and home to the former royal family of Savoy. The city’s architecture reflects its regal past, from the Royal Palace to the grand piazzas. A walking tour through the center often includes stops at the Duomo, the gardens near the palace and traditional cafés where aperitivo signals the close of the day.
One of the region’s key events, Vinum Alba, takes place in May and brings together producers from across Piedmont for public tastings, food pairings and cultural events. Held in the town of Alba, the festival spans multiple weekends and includes local market stalls, guided tastings and educational sessions on Piedmont’s signature varietals.
Gijón, Spain
Gijón is an appealing destination with much to offer in spring. From long beaches to regional cuisine, the city draws visitors who enjoy its balance of natural landscape and cultural heritage. Spring is a good time to start the day at Plaza Mayor, a central square where outdoor seating returns and locals gather early. With mild weather and blooming planters nearby, it’s an ideal place to sip coffee and ease into the day. From there, narrow streets lead into the Cimavilla neighborhood, the oldest part of Gijón. This historic district sits on a hill overlooking the bay and features colorful houses, artisan shops and sea views from the old city walls.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Spring in Ljubljana brings longer daylight, blooming trees and mild temperatures that draw people outside. Primera Courses shares ideas for spring activities in the city on how to enjoy the city at a relaxed pace — through scenic walks, local events, and outdoor food markets. The City Centre is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot. Flower stalls reappear, bridges fill with bikes and riverside cafés begin to fill by late morning. Visitors can cross the Triple and Dragon Bridges, walk up to the castle for a city view and admire the architectural work of Jože Plečnik.
Nearby green spaces like Tivoli Park offer easy walks that lead into the hills above town, including Rožnik and Šmarna Gora. Spring also marks the return of the Open Kitchen food market on Fridays, with local chefs serving street food in Pogačar Square from March through October. In the evening, the city’s cultural life picks up through live music, small cinemas and local bars, giving visitors ways to unwind after a day outside.
Nafplio, Greece
Spring in Nafplio brings mild, comfortable weather that gradually warms as the season moves from March into May. Average temperatures range from around 12°C (54°F) early in the season to about 22°C (72°F) by late spring. With lower rainfall and fewer visitors, it’s a good time to explore Nafplio’s archaeological sites or walk the blooming coastal trails.
Nafplio is considered one of the most picturesque towns in the eastern Peloponnese. Ancient walls, castles, neoclassical buildings and Ottoman fountains are found throughout the town, reflecting its changing rulers and cultural shifts over the centuries. Follow a winding path through Nafplio’s Old Town to see many of those layers up close. The cobblestone alleys are lined with preserved neoclassical mansions, blooming Bougainvillea trees and Turkish fountains tucked into quiet corners. It’s easy to explore on foot, and spring makes the colors and textures stand out even more.
Colmar, France
Colmar looks like it belongs to another time, and spring sharpens the details. Spring in Colmar brings a lineup of seasonal tours and events during the Colmar Celebrates Spring festival. Guided tours through the historic center include stories about Easter traditions, springtime rituals in Alsace and walks through neighborhoods like Little Venice and the Tanners district.
Spring markets bring fresh asparagus, berries and regional Alsatian breads to the center of town, often set up near Place de l’Ancienne Douane and other central squares. Colmar’s layout encourages wandering, with no set route required — just time to explore quiet corners, scenic canals and charming old streets at your own pace.
Spring rhythm in Europe
Exploring Europe in spring looks different when travelers step away from the busiest routes. Instead of long waits and packed sites, they find local markets, quiet paths and early café hours that set the tone for the day. Each town offers something simple but specific to the season — places where spring shapes how people move, eat and spend time outside, and places that show what’s worth noticing.
Jennifer Allen, retired chef turned cookbook author, blogger and traveler, shares her adventures and travel tips at All The Best Spots. Living at home with her family — and the cats that rule them all — her work has been featured in The Washington Post, Seattle Times, MSN and more.