‘I cycled through flower fields stretching as far as the eye can see’: readers’ favourite European spring breaks

Winning tip: cycling the Netherlands’ quieter flower route

In the Netherlands the Keukenhof near Lisse is well known for the beauty of its bulb fields in springtime. But if you are looking for a cycling holiday away from the crowds you’re better off heading 40 miles north to the Kop van Noord-Holland. Here you will find the largest contiguous bulb area in the country. April is the best time to cycle among the millions of colourful crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths and tulips. Between Schagen, Den Helder, Den Oever and Middenmeer you will find flower fields as far as the eye can see. I’d highly recommend the dune road from Callantsoog to Den Helder. The mostly well-paved surfaces are easy to cycle on and great for any fitness level.
Peter Diender

Palermo in the pink

Palermo … the perfect tonic for the winter blues. Photograph: Getty Images

If there was ever a tonic for the winter blues, then the heat and dazzling pink brightness of Palermo in May will make you wonder where it’s been all your life. The Sicilian capital is made for simply wandering around its breathtaking architecture, a veritable ice-cream confection of styles from the ancient world. We stayed near the Quattro Canti (a baroque square) from which you could venture out from all four corners and simply go for it. The former Libreria Dante, now called Bisso Bistrot, serves up a delicious pasta alla norma for any desperate vegetarians. Our meanderings took us past a house where you can still see rubble caused by bombing in the second world war, and the Palazzo Conte Federico – one of the oldest buildings in Palermo. We also enjoyed the fascinating Antonio Pasqualino International Puppet Museum – a must for any big kid. For those with a macabre fascination, the Capuchin Catacombs are for you. It was in Palermo that I first had pistachio ice-cream, where I simply died and went to heaven.
Liz

Sun and sea breeze on Mallorca’s coast paths

Porto Cristo, Mallorca. Photograph: Siegfried Schnepf/Alamy

Mallorca in spring is the perfect temperature for coastal walks. I recommend trying the east coast if you haven’t been before – starting at Cala Domingos and working your way up to Porto Cristo, 10 miles farther north. The terrain is rocky yet fairly flat, so easy to walk on with good trainers. There are lots of lovely coves to stop at if you do fancy an early sea dip, with fewer tourists than the main towns on the island. Sun and sea breeze is always a winner for me.
Jemima

Cider with Picos, Spain

‘Stunning when still snow-capped’ … Picos de Europa, Asturias. Photograph: Sebastian Wasek/Alamy

In Asturias, northern Spain, take a bracing wild dip, hike a stunning mountain range and be welcomed with gargantuan portions of hearty fabada stew and delicious fresh local cider. You might find yourself alone at Playa Fluvial Olla de San Vicente before the summer crowds arrive, and able to enjoy the peace and tranquillity with a dip in its icy crystal-clear waters. The Picos de Europa are at their most stunning when still snow-capped from winter and much more manageable without the summer sun’s rays overhead. Trek the Ruta del Cares and take in the Lagos de Covadonga and stunning Catholic sanctuary alongside.
Tim Alderson

Frogs and orchids in Tuscany

Tuscany’s gentle rolling hills. Photograph: Alamy

South of Siena, the Crete Senesi region of Tuscany offers gentle rolling hills, which in spring are the most varied shades of green. The hills are dotted with white-greyish patches of clay that look like tiny doors into the hills. The fields are filled with an abundance of flowers, including several types of wild orchids, and small ponds with frogs making an amusing racket. I stayed in the small hamlet of Isola d’Arbia where a number of walking paths intersect. I spent happy days walking loops in different directions through bare clay fields, heath and grassland, and visited tranquil medieval borghi (villages) such as Cuna, Monteroni d’Arbia and Buenconvento along the way.
Ariela

Spring on the rocks, Spain

The town of Chulilla is popular with climbers. Photograph: Cavan Images/Alamy

Two years ago, we spent an early spring week in Chulilla, a small town tucked away in a mountainous limestone area, about an hour’s drive from Valencia. We went for the rock climbing, for which the town is well known, sitting among the impressive cliff faces that shine gold if you wake up to watch the sunrise, or sit with a beer as the sun sets in the evening. For daytime activities, there are trails to explore that lead you through the surrounding gorges, with hanging bridges, azure rivers and prehistoric rock paintings. In the evenings, you can relax in restaurants and bars. In all, a great place to catch some warmth away from the UK winter and for a bit of adventure too.
Katie

Utrecht – better than Amsterdam?

Miffy-spotting is easy in Utrecht, home to a museum about the children’s character created by Dick Bruna. Photograph: Arcaid Images/Alamy

Utrecht is Amsterdam’s cool and pretty little sister, and luckily for you, it’s still under the radar. It is one of the most beautiful, understated cities in Europe, a short train ride from Amsterdam. Think curving cobbled streets, beautiful Dutch architecture, and picture-postcard canals twinkling under nightlife. Miffy the rabbit is Utrecht’s most beloved resident, her creator Dick Bruna lived here most of his life, and little kids are going to love the Miffy Museum (best to book). You’ll spot Miffy’s dainty silhouette everywhere around the city, on giant plinths and even in the traffic lights. Everyone cycles in Utrecht – the city’s been named the best in all of Holland for cyclists. There is plenty to explore around the medieval centre – by bike or on foot. We loved the museums and galleries, but it’s the independent eateries and quirky shops that give Utrecht its special warm buzz.
Daisy Ayliffe

Bergen, Norway, before the summer crowds

Skomakerdiket Lake, Bergen. Photograph: Alamy

While Bergen’s Fløibanen funicular is a must for its sweeping views, most visitors snap their photos at the top of Mount Fløyen and head straight back down. But if you walk just a little further into the woods, you’ll find Skomakerdiket. A tranquil lake surrounded by pine trees, perfectly still in the crisp spring air. At this time of year, before the summer crowds arrive, it feels like a hidden world. We rented a canoe and glided across the glassy water, the only sounds being the soft dip of paddles and birdsong echoing through the forest. It’s the perfect place to breathe in the fresh Norwegian air, and only one or two woodland trolls causing mischief.
Hannah Preece

Scandi without scanties, Denmark and Sweden

Ribersborgs Kallbadhus swimming pool and sauna in Malmö. Photograph: Jeppe Gustafsson/Alamy

If you want swims, saunas and Scandinavian socialising, a weekend in Copenhagen with Malmö thrown in is perfect. Flying into Copenhagen as a group of six friends we shared two rooms at the fantastic Next House Hostel – well placed for station and city centre. We went to Copenhot with its relaxing sauna, incredible cityscape, hot tubs and cold plunge pools. We jumped on the train to Sweden to visit the Ribersborgs Kallbadhus sauna in Malmö and swim in the Baltic Sea. This was a liberating and soul-enriching experience where we embraced nudity without judgment and enjoyed the sensory saunagus fiery experience. Finally, social media provided contact with a local swimming group in Copenhagen whose hospitality means we, the Salty Sisters of Dunbar, can’t wait to swap our usual Scottish North Sea for the Baltic Sea again very soon.
Katy

Marseille’s cuisine and wildflowers, by bicycle

The Mucem museum. Photograph: Alamy

Visit Marseille in spring to discover its unique blend of French and north African food and culture. The Marseille History Museum offers a wonderful introduction to the city, and don’t miss the fabulous architecture of Mucem. At night join the bustle of Cours Julien; eat delicious and surprising dishes at Limmat and enjoy a pastis on the square. Hire a levélo bike and cycle to the fishing harbour at Vallon des Auffes. Finally, take the ferry to the Frioul islands for a delicious lunch, a hike around the islands searching for wildflowers, and a dip in the sea.
Alison Buchanan