From Amsterdam to Istanbul: Here's where to head in Europe this Easter

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Spring is officially here, and Easter is just a few weeks away. As flowers bloom and temperatures rise, many of us are making the most of this season and planning to take the trip of a lifetime.

This year's Easter holidays are scheduled from March 29th to April 12th, and if you haven't decided where to head yet, we're here to help.

Travel company Expedia has released its annual list of travel trends, the Easter Travel Outlook, as well as inside information on exactly when to travel and how to get the best deals on your spring break.

What are the trending destinations in Europe?

Far-flung places like Bangkok, New York and Tokyo are officially the most popular places to visit this Easter, but some of Europe's most iconic cities are also expected to be hugely popular. .

At the top of Expedia's top seven list is the ever-popular Amsterdam. This is not necessarily the most encouraging news for the Netherlands, which is trying to shake off its capital's image as a “party” town that attracts drunken British tourists.

Euronews Travel delves into how viable the Dutch government's 'Renew Your View' campaign, which encourages tourists to see the city through the eyes of locals, actually has.read about it here.

Nevertheless, the “Venice of the North” is always a popular destination for tourists in spring due to its mild climate, seemingly endless culture, and millions of tulips blooming in nearby Keukenhof Gardens.

Paris and Barcelona – two perennial favorites of European travelers

Paris is number two on the list ahead of this summer's Olympic Games. After emerging from the cold of winter, the City of Lights comes into its own in the spring. Whether it's enjoying a hearty French onion soup at a boulevard cafe or admiring the always iconic Eiffel Tower through the branches of nearby cherry blossoms, Paris is always a really good idea.

Although it is possible to travel on a budget, the city is known to be quite expensive.Read our suggestions for a budget-friendly visit here.

Third on the list is Barcelona, ​​perhaps the ultimate tourist city. By the end of March, temperatures will be in the low teens. Definitely perfect for walking thousands of steps.

This popular Spanish building is closely associated with legendary Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, and thanks to his contributions to the city's surroundings, tourists will be treated to even more Gaudí-themed fun this year It will be. Barcelona recently celebrated his masterpiece, the iconic Sagrada Familia cathedral, with the opening of two new towers.

When you visit the structure dedicated to the Evangelists Matthew and John, you'll be the first to see the completed structure some 142 years after construction began.Read more about the process here.

What are the best places to visit in Rome and Malaga?

The Eternal City has forever been at the top of European travel destination lists, and for good reason. Rome is considered one of the world's oldest cities and boasts world-famous must-sees such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, but it's not just about its iconic architecture.

Last month, Euronews Travel interviewed historian Alexander Mariotti, who shared his top tips on how to get the most out of Italy's capital while avoiding the crowds.Read all about them here.

Spain is the only country to appear twice on Expedia's list. This time it's Malaga in the south, which is touted as a top destination.

Situated firmly on the Mediterranean Sea, the climate is ideal all year round, allowing visitors to enjoy year-round subtropical sunshine, hot summers and mild winters. There is no doubt that spring is the best time to visit, before the mercury gets too high.

Furthermore, with recent proposals for a new rail line to be extended along the Costa del Sol, running from Malaga to Fuengirola, visiting Spain's most popular seaside cities and villages could soon become even easier. be.Read our article that takes a deep dive into the possibilities here.

Istanbul and Lisbon: two must-visit places in Europe this Easter

Ranked 6th on Expedia's list, Istanbul is truly privileged to be on the edge of Europe and is renowned as the gateway to Asia.

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A blend of cultural and architectural icons from both continents, this place is also known as “the only place in the world'' where you can swim between the two continents. here.

If you want to stay on land, head to the iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia. It is now a mosque, but previously it was a church. It features a very impressive 6th century dome and rare Christian mosaics, both of which show you exactly how diverse and fascinating this city is.

Rounding out Expedia's list is Lisbon. Portugal's capital has always been popular, but the influx of digital nomads has made it even more popular.

With almost guaranteed sunny skies all year round, the city remains known as an affordable destination with something for everyone, from a center for contemporary art to some of the best gourmet food in all of Europe.Read more about what Euronews Travel loves about the city here.

Despite the hills, it's very walkable and, fortunately for those who don't want to step foot, public transport is unusually iconic. Catch the number 28 tram and explore neighborhoods like Graça, Alfama, and Baixa, as well as many historic sites.

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When is the best time to travel this Easter?

Expedia predicts that the cheapest day to fly will be Easter Saturday, March 30th.

The same was true in 2023, with the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday having the lowest average price for international and domestic tickets.

if you are indebted school vacationprices tend to rise, but there are still options for an affordable vacation.

An Expedia spokesperson said, “You save money and time by avoiding the busiest travel days. Wednesday departures are the most expensive, but Saturday departures are the cheapest for both international and domestic flights. Tends to be 15% cheaper based on historical flight data.”

It also advises people to avoid Tuesdays if they don't want to use busy airports or planes, explaining that Saturdays and Sundays are the least crowded days to travel.

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