The Easter break has faded, leaving a craving for more. With the long weekend spanning April 29–30 and May 1, plus the May 2 regional holiday in Madrid, a handful of perfect getaways are on the table for a rejuvenating escape. It’s a moment to plan light, re-energize, and enjoy a few days away without sacrificing the rhythm of daily life.
When it’s time to return to the routine, five Spain-based destinations and two European cities offer quick, restorative trips designed for a rapid recharge. The choice might be tough, but the payoff is a refreshed mindset and new memories to treasure.
Córdoba invites visitors to read the city through its courtyards. In the first days of May, Córdoba blooms with the Courtyard Festival Cordobeses, a celebration that fills the Andalusian town with blossoms, pots, and color. Throughout this period, events including the Grills and Balconies Contest, the May Crosses, and the Patios Contest transform Córdoba into a floral paradise—an inviting scene for those seeking a sensory immersion in local culture and architecture.
Trujillo stands out for its palaces, the famed Plaza Mayor, and the distinctive taste of its waters. The city hosts the Trujillo National Cheese Fair from late April to early May, showcasing more than 500 products from Spain and abroad. Beyond palaces and medieval stone streets, Trujillo offers a castle, churches, monasteries, and cloisters that contribute to a rich, varied itinerary for travelers curious about history and gastronomy.
As temperatures rise, the coast inevitably calls. Alicante blends sun-drenched beaches with a strong maritime culture, offering two castles and the renowned MARQ museum for enthusiasts of archaeology and regional history. The city’s hallmark remains its sea-scented air, ideal for long walks along the Esplanade and savoring the celebrated Alicante rice dishes by the shoreline. A shoreline stroll becomes a simple, satisfying way to disconnect and reset.
Jerez de la Frontera needs little invitation. Its Alcázar stands as a compelling centerpiece, complemented by flamenco traditions, cathedrals, monasteries, and wine cellars that add layers of flavor to any visit. The May holiday weekend brings extra motion for motorcycle enthusiasts to Jerez due to the local Grand Prix, a highlight that blends sport, culture, and sensory excitement around the circuit.
The landscape around Valle del Jerte offers a spring vision as cherry blossoms begin to fade. Plasencia provides a compact mix of monumental complexes, walls, churches, aqueducts, and palaces, and visitors often pursue a final chance to experience the season’s last blossoms. Nearby Monfragüe National Park adds a natural buffer for a short, rewarding detour that complements a cultural itinerary in this region of Extremadura.
The Keukenhof flower festival near Amsterdam is a spectacle in late spring, with more than 30 hectares of tulips and daffodils creating an expansive panorama of color. The garden landscape in Lisse—about 30 kilometers from Amsterdam—offers a vivid sensory journey that remains a standout experience for flower lovers and casual travelers alike.
Istanbul invites travelers with its blend of continents and cultures. Iconic sites like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Golden Horn mark a city where history and modern life fuse beautifully. Sunset moments along the water reveal a palette of colors that linger in memory, making Istanbul a timeless choice for a short but enriching escape.