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.

Split, Croatia

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.

The vast Roman Diocletian’s Palace, built between 295 and 305 CE, is made up of more than 200 buildings – making it one of the largest Roman remains in existence. It’s very much lived in though, with thousands of homes and many businesses within its ancient walls. The Riva waterfront provides a picturesque, boat-lined promenade to walk along and spring is a great time to go, with fewer tourists and comfortable temperatures to roam.

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.

Saint-Tropez, France

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.

Known for its marina, packed with luxury yachts, and a playground for the rich and famous, Saint-Tropez is a glamorous destination for people watching, relaxing at upscale beach clubs, shopping and sipping fine wine over sunny Mediterranean views. Wander through the narrow streets of La Ponche, the old fishing district, relax on the famous Pampelonne Beach in Ramatuelle, or stroll through the famous Place des Lices.

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.

València, Spain

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.

A long weekend break here mixes rich history in the Old Centre with seriously impressive golden sandy beaches. Head to the huge La Malvarrosa for people-watching on a promenade of bars and restaurants or La Patacona for a quieter alternative. While the dune-backed shores of El Saler and La Devesa, set within the Albufera Natural Park, offer a wilder alternative.

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.

Florence, Italy

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.

With an extremely high concentration of art galleries, highlights include Museo dell’Opera del Duomo, Ospedale degli Innocenti and Galleria dell’Accademia, where you’ll find Michelangelo’s famous David statue. Florence is sometimes called an ‘open-air museum’ – you only need to stroll down alleyways and cobbled streets to come across masterpieces of Italian sculpture displayed in public places.

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/.

Athens, Greece

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.

Tick the 3,000-year-old Acropolis, the Parthenon and the Temple of Olympian Zeus off your bucket list, and wander the Ancient Agora, which was once the heart of Greek city life, dating back to the 6th century BC. But from street art to culture and a thriving culinary scene, modern life in the ancient city offers up an exciting long weekend break too.

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/.