5 of the best long weekend breaks to take this spring
With fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures, the shoulder season of springtime is a perfect time for weekend breaks to European cities.
Here’s where to go – and stay – on the continent right now.
Often Croatia’s second city is overlooked in favour of Dubrovnik but it offers a truly great alternative, with just as much to see. Flights from the UK to Split are direct, regular and often cheap, and while it does offer a great jumping off point for a longer island-hopping Croatia break, Split is a worthy destination to stay in and explore.
Where to stay: Just five minutes’ walk from Split’s UNESCO-listed Old Town and overlooking the Riva Promenade, Hotel Ambasador is ideally located for a short city break. Ultra-modern with mega views from every room, there’s also a tranquil spa and rooftop infinity pool. Prices start from £131 per night for a classic room with street view, in spring. Visit: ambasadorsplit.com/en.
This May British Airways is launching a new flight route from London City Airport to Toulon Saint-Tropez, offering a more direct route to this part of the French Riviera.
Where to stay: Lou Pinet offers an unbeatable location next to Places des Lices, has one of the largest swimming pools in Saint-Tropez, a luxury spa and top-class eateries. Nightly rates at Lou Pinet start from £479 on a B&B basis. Visit loupinet.com.
With temperatures that have been known to rise above 40 degrees Celsius in the summer, springtime in València may be the time to go. More than 300 days of sunshine a year and on average only three days of rain in the month of March mean you’re likely to get good weather in the coastal Spanish city – which experienced catastrophic floods in 2024 – but has been very much open to visitors for a while.
Where to stay: Novotel Valencia Lavant is a 15-minute walk from the downtown area. A rooftop pool and a Sky Bar with impressive views, the hotel is particularly good for families, with 66 connecting rooms and 24 family rooms. Prices start from £134 for a standard double room, visit: all.accor.com/booking/en/accor/hotel/C0F6.
The Renaissance City of Florence is a must for anyone with an interest in history, art and architecture, and direct flights to Florence and nearby Pisa make it easy. The walkable city is perfect for a weekend break and springtime offers much more pleasant temperatures (and less crowds) to do so.
Where to stay: The charming centrally located Il Tornabuoni, just steps from the Duomo and the Arno river, is housed in a 13th-century palace, and combines historic architecture with contemporary interiors. Double rooms are from £349 per night, based on two people sharing on a B&B basis. Visit: vretreats.com/en/il-tornabuoni/.
If you visit the Greek capital in the height of summer, expect a sweaty city break with a lot of crowds. Springtime offers temperatures between 16 and 25 degrees, and generally dry, so it’ll be cool enough to sightsee all day and warm enough to visit the beach.
Where to stay: Opening this April, Conrad Athens The Ilisian offers sweeping views of the Acropolis, the largest pool landscape in central Athens and an urban rooftop garden, complete with a rooftop running track. Rooms start from £349 a night on a B&B basis. Visit: hilton.com/en/hotels/athgrci-conrad-athens-the-ilisian/.