Easter Getaways

Anticipate smooth and sandy beaches as well as pristine marine reserves in the controlled rock-strewn shoreline of Italy. April is the perfect time to enjoy sightseeing. Most parks, gardens, archaeological sites, and galleries are free to see on the first Sunday of April. Be sure to include Lipari Cathedral, Lipari Castle, Marina Corta, and Cave of Kaolin on your itinerary. Beaches such as Havana are distinguished by dark sands that are volcanic in nature. Snorkelling in Lipari is also quite special. While the coastal area is comparatively small, it comes highly recommended for substantial relaxation.

Welcoming and secure, Vienna, Austria, offers an open-air museum, a meeting place of culture and history. Relish Mozart's piano concerts at Musikverein Golden Hall. Stroll around Easter markets all over the city, and don't miss the Schönbrunn Palace.

Soak up some rays on this Balearic Island just as the temperatures start to warm up. It is springtime in Mallorca, a season for adventuring into the countryside where villages are tucked away from the city buzz. Head to the Palma beaches that are quieter and reliable for family fun. On the south coast, seaside towns and resorts are holiday-ready. Go for the most authentic charm in remote Puerto de Antraitx in the west.

The winter rain is over in Spain while temperatures are rising to the mid-twenties on Lanzarote, the most northeasterly of the Canaries. You can now enjoy nine good hours of sunshine a day. Travel on mid-week days to evade crowds at this deservedly spectacular Easter destination, when most attractions are still fairly quiet. Looking for even more local character? Hop to the small islands of El Hierro or La Gomera.

Beach holidays aside, the gentle island of Madeira offers the best features for Easter getaways during spring. At this time of year, you can hike along the island's irrigation canals while the upcountry is still lush. The volcanic landscapes will leave you in awe. What's more, the mountain roads are very easy to discover. For something more low-key, you can also relax in Madeira's biggest town, Funchal, and admire street art in Rua da Santa Maria, an area that once suffered floods but has been restored.