It feels like it’s been a long winter, but now little signs of spring are starting to push their way up through the earth.
A great way to celebrate the new season and embrace all the natural colour it brings is to take your caravan or motorhome to one of Europe’s most blooming destinations.
Horticulture experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have put together a list of cities that offer stunning floral displays at this time of year.
Chris Bonnett, founder of the website, said: “With sunny days and warmer temperatures on the horizon, cities in Europe will be transforming into vibrant flower havens.
“Blooming flowers have a way of showcasing cities at their best, making the atmosphere feel like you’ve just stepped into a postcard or a painting.
“What makes spring particularly special is that many European cities host flower festivals and seasonal events that celebrate their local blooms.”
Stockholm, Sweden
Japan may be famous for its cherry blossoms, but there’s another destination closer to home where you can witness them in all their glory – Stockholm.
The streets in the Swedish capital come alive in spring with swathes of the little pink flowers brightening up the cityscape. Visit Kungsträdgården Park in the city centre for the best display.
Rose Valley, Bulgaria
Nestled between scenic mountains, Rose Valley has been named for its famous fields of flowers stretching as far as the eye can see.
There’s a Rose Festival held every year in June, allowing visitors to learn about traditions surrounding the blooms and to pick their own roses.
Madeira, Portugal
Spring is the best time to see the stunning flora and fauna that the island of Madeira is famous for all year round.
Its climate is perfect for growing a diverse variety of flowers, which are celebrated with the Madeira Flower Festival in May, featuring beautiful displays, street murals and a parade.
Lisse, The Netherlands
Lisse in the Netherlands is one of the most popular destinations for flower lovers, as it’s home to the Keukenhof Gardens.
Here, vast tulip fields are filled with around seven million bulbs each year and visitors can cycle or walk around the vibrant fields to explore the 800 different tulip varieties.
Vienna, Austria
While Vienna’s grand palaces may be impressive, during spring it’s their gardens that really steal the show.
This is the time when Schönbrunn Palace Gardens and the Belvedere Palace Gardens burst into life with vibrant tulips, roses and magnolias.
Istanbul, Turkey
The arrival of spring in Istanbul is celebrated with an annual Tulip Festival, where millions of tulips can be found in the city’s historic parks.
During the month-long festival in April, the Emirgan Park and Gülhane Park are the best locations to see the spectacle.
Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany’s rolling hills and picturesque countryside will be covered with a sea of bright red poppies over the coming months.
Don’t miss the poppies in the Val d’Orcia countryside, where seemingly endless fields of the wild flowers create the perfect backdrop for a peaceful walk or a scenic drive.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Boudewijn Huysmans
