8 Spring Getaways to Somewhere a Little Bit Different

If light nights and warmer days are giving you itchy feet, then these eight ideas for an affordable escapade in Europe are just the ticket. Shrug off winter and say hello to new adventures!

The best budget-friendly spring getaways may be closer to home than you think. Across Europe, the weather’s getting warmer and the days are getting longer. Now's the time to get outdoors and discover a new city without the crowds and blistering heat of summer. Sights and attractions are open but quiet, flowers are coming into bloom and cities across the continent are infused with a sense of optimistic anticipation.

Spring travel is also easier to organise – better availability and low season rates mean you get more bang for your buck.

A spring getaway requires a little bit of planning. Depending on where you go, shoulder season weather is often mild and sunny. That’s what makes it perfect for getting out and about to explore – stride, stroll or cycle through new cities, popping into museums to delve into the local history (or take shelter from a sudden shower) along the way.
 

So, if you’re planning a cheap spring getaway, resist the urge to pack for summer at the first ray of sun. Three top tips:

• Take clothes for warm days and cool evenings.
• Plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.
• Pick a well-located hotel that provides all the basics for a short stay.

Spring is the tipping point to summer, when the days are brighter and warmer, and destinations are opening back up to visitors. Here are two great European hidden gems for a spring getaway.

This city in the south of France is a great choice for a spring getaway. Explore the Roman Amphitheatre of Nîmes and the Maison Carrée temple at leisure, and enjoy a pitstop at the Jardins de la Fontaine with the sun gently warming your face rather than searing your skin.

Venture beyond the city walls and kayak down the River Gardon from Collias or Russan. Cross the Pont du Gard and take the perfect picture in your own time, ahead of the summer throngs. Or head to Le Grau-du-Roi in under an hour to lap up the luxury of an empty beach with plenty of space.

ibis Nîmes West hotel is well connected to the local road network, making it a convenient base for exploring the region in hassle-free comfort. And the terrace is an afternoon sun-trap – perfect for fuelling up on a café crème before heading back out.

In the heel of Italy, Apulia – also known by its Italian name, Puglia – embraces spring in slow, dolce vita style. A three-hour flight whisks you from London to Brindisi.

Another hour, and you’ll be strolling the picturesque whitewashed streets of Ostuni. Make the most of the quiet roads to visit the pretty towns of Alberobello, Locorotondo and Martina Franca, and earmark an afternoon for a coastal walk between Torre Guaceto and Monopoli for invigorating exercise with a fabulous view.

Right in the town centre, ibis Styles Brindisi ticks all the boxes for an affordable holiday in Europe – inspiring, creative and in a walkable location with easy access to the main roads for visiting the region.

Between the Easter break and May bank holidays, spring is ideal for a pre-summer sojourn. Choose your spring getaway destination wisely and you can be smothering brie on your baguette or biting into a bratwurst before noon.

For an affordable holiday for families, fly or take the Eurostar to Paris, then take a 90-minute train ride to Blois. Halfway between Tours and Orleans, Blois is bang in the centre of the Loire Valley. Drop your bags at ibis budget Blois Centre hotel near the Old Town. It’s easy and convenient if you plan on heading out early or coming back late, and you can leave your rental bikes there for free. They also have family rooms, which makes travelling with kids a doddle.

There are castles aplenty to see – start with the nearest one in Blois, then visit Chambord or Cheverny. They’re both close by and impressively photogenic. Seeing the sights without the summer crowds is a treat, especially with children in tow. Make the most of sunny days to cycle along the Loire River – pedal past quaint villages, forests and châteaux and stop along the way for a riverside picnic.

Fly to Hamburg in just over 90 minutes from London, then hop on the S-Bahn to zip straight into the centre. Begin your day at the Alster Lakes, where the locals like to exercise, then follow the canal paths down to HafenCity. Wander round the harbour, then continue to the lively Sternschanze neighbourhood, where outdoor seats at the cafés fill up fast when the sun’s out. If rain stops play, head to the landmark Elbe Philharmonic Hall – it’s well worth a visit for its striking brick-and-glass architecture alone.

The affordable ibis Hamburg City hotel is well placed near the train station and the liveliest parts of town. Its central location makes it easy to get out and about, and just as easy to pop back during the day to recharge. The only thing is, the Sweet Bed by ibis is so comfy, you might just want to stay put!

Spring is a time of new life. Trees begin to bud and animals rouse from their slumber, so it's the perfect occasion to stop and look around as nature marks a new beginning.

Less than two hours from Paris, the Bay of Somme is something of a well-kept secret. Watching nature come alive along France's northeast coastline is a delight. As you stroll round the Parc du Marquenterre, look up to see birds making their nests. Keep walking, and you’ll spot the seals at the Pointe du Hourdel. Late spring is the perfect time to get a glimpse of their newborns. Walk across the bay from Saint-Valery-sur-Somme to Le Crotoy for a magical landscape that changes by the hour with the light and tide.

Stay at ibis Abbeville at the gateway to the bay. This reliable hotel has free parking, a garden terrace and a restaurant that serves up locally sourced cuisine every evening. Perfect for getting a feel for the region!

Bid winter goodbye with an invigorating spring getaway to France’s Little Venice. ibis Colmar East makes a great base for visiting the Alsace wine route and crossing the German border, less than an hour away, to discover the Black Forest. Visit two countries for the price of one!

Take a springtime hike around the Kaiserstuhl mountains to the Triberg waterfalls, filling up on the fresh forest air and vistas of burgeoning vineyards. The climb is accessible, villages are beginning to stir back to life after the winter, and the longer days give you time to walk, rest, appreciate the surroundings and be back before nightfall.

Spring is an exciting time for music and culture. Outdoor stages pop up, festivals kick off and public spaces buzz with the anticipation of meeting friends and making merry.

If you’ve never heard of Bourges, in central France, then we’re here to help! Every April, this little town with a big reputation hosts Le Printemps de Bourges – a music and performing arts festival that takes over the town for five days as budding artists rub shoulders on stage with headline names.

In between gigs, meander through the town’s narrow old streets, walk the length of the Berry canal, or enjoy a drink in the sun near the cathedral. Stay at the convivial ibis Bourges hotel to be in the heart of the action and be able to walk home easily.

Do something different this spring and head to Ljubljana. The Slovenian capital still has an off-the-beaten-track feel to it, and there’s lots going on. The city’s events programme kicks off in March. Fridays are outdoor Open Kitchen events at the central market, where chefs and local food producers rustle up dishes before your eyes. Gregorčki is another spring celebration, held every year to mark the return of the light. And then there’s the Druga Godba world music festival at the end of May.
 

Right in the heart of town is the quirky ibis Styles Ljubljana Centre hotel. With affordable prices, easy access to the stages on the banks of the Ljubljanica, and a rooftop bar to boot, it's the perfect base for a cheap spring break trip!