Chocolate eggs. The Easter bunny. And seeing the world. That’s what Easter is all about.
Yes, Easter at home is a fun time with the family filled with eggs, hot cross buns and days spent with loved ones. But this year, why not see the world and experience Easter in Europe or North Africa?
Easter breaks to remember
Get planning your perfect holiday this Easter
Easter is the ideal time of year to head overseas. European countries especially go all out to celebrate Easter, whether it’s religious ceremonies or chocolate fun for all the family. Dive into the Easter festivities in Rome, Athens, or Barcelona. Stroll the cobbled streets of Amsterdam and see flowers in bloom. Get some Easter sun and a cultural fix in Marrakesh or plan the adventure of a lifetime in Iceland.
Top 10 Easter holiday breaks
Considering a trip overseas this Easter? Want to immerse yourself in unique celebrations? Here are 10 fantastic destinations in Europe and North Africa.
Barcelona, Spain
Easter by the beach
Barcelona
Barcelona is a beautiful city to visit at any time of year, but Easter is extra special. As well as strolling along Las Ramblas, gawking at the remarkable and still unfinished Sagrada Familia, getting your Gaudi fix at Park Guell, and hitting the beach, there are plenty of Easter traditions to enjoy too. On Good Friday and Easter Sunday, there are processions and activities outside Barcelona Cathedral from around 4pm to 11pm. Easter Sunday mass at Sagrada Familia is not to be missed either. If you come just before Easter weekend, it’s Semana Santa (Holy Week), so there’s lots going on too.
Look out for:
- Processions outside Barcelona Cathedral.
- Easter Sunday mass at Sagrada Familia.
- Mona de Pascua, traditional cake eaten at Easter.
Rome, Italy
World-famous
Rome
Pilgrims from all over the world flock to Rome during Easter, and you can join them for more of a spiritual experience across the Easter weekend. Head to Vatican City to take in St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the various museums. And don’t forget the other famous sites in Rome that are always worth a wander. There’s the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum and the Spanish Steps.
Look out for:
- Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City.
- The Via Crucis at the Colosseum on Good Friday.
- Colomba – an Easter cake a little like panettone.
Insider tip:
Remember Easter is one of the biggest Catholic holidays in the calendar. Vatican City is closed on Easter Sunday and Monday. You’re fine on Good Friday as it isn’t a public holiday in Italy.
Dublin, Ireland
An Emerald Isle Easter
Dublin
Dublin is the perfect Easter destination with the family. Head into the city and enjoy its lively pubs, friendly locals, and rich history. Famous sights include Trinity College, Kilmainham Gaol, the Guinness Storehouse and of course Temple Bar. For a day with the kids, make a beeline for Phoenix Park housing Dublin Zoo. Easter Rising is essential – a commemoration of the Irish independence movement rising up against British rule in 1916. There are parades, exhibitions and more.
Look out for:
- Easter Rising parades and events.
- The freshest pint of Guinness you’ll ever taste.
- Shopping on Grafton Street.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Flowers in bloom
Amsterdam
Amsterdam comes into bloom in spring, with Easter the ideal time to visit. The fields in the countryside surrounding the city – known as the Flower Strip – bloom bright with crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips. Take a day trip to the Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower expo to see them in all their glory. In the city, you can take to the water on a canal cruise or hop on a bike to explore the streets. Local petting zoos around Amsterdam also host Easter egg hunts for the kids too.
Look out for:
- Easter eggs hunts at local petting zoos.
- Flowers in bloom.
- Traditional street food at weekend markets.
Madeira, Portugal
Wild and rugged
Madeira
Visiting Madeira at the end of March and early April is a wonderful opportunity to see the Island of Flowers in full bloom. This volcanic island is the place to get back to nature with a little sunshine and plenty of adventure. Take in the scenery on a hiking trail or Levada walk to see the flowers blooming and the waterfalls running. Visit the Botanical Garden for the bright colours or get out into nature on a 4×4 expedition. And don’t miss the Flower Festival, held just after Easter.
Look out for:
- Madeira Flower Festival.
- The Botanical Garden for stunning colours.
- Hiking up Pico Ruivo do Paul da Serra, the highest mountain in Madeira.
Marrakech, Morrocco
Epic culture
Marrakesh
With temperatures hitting 27°C in March and April, head to Marrakesh for some sunshine on your Easter break. This glorious city offers a cultural immersion for the whole family. Stroll to the Medina and around the bustling souks for a vibrant shopping experience and a chance to practice your bartering. Take in the city from its many rooftop bars and restaurants and don’t miss the sunset from these amazing vantage points. Discover the history of Marrakesh through its many palaces and museums, before escaping the hustle and bustle with a visit to one of its tranquil gardens.
Look out for:
- The Secret Garden tucked away in the souks.
- Koutoubia – the 12th century Almohad-style mosque.
- Nomad for modern Berber cuisine on a rooftop.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Land of fire and ice
Reykjavik
Take a trip to the land of fire and ice for an unforgettable Easter trip. In the city, you’ll find plenty of things to do, from its vibrant nightlife and outstanding local cuisine to its churches and monuments. But to see the real Iceland, use Reykjavik as your starting point to get out and explore this wonderous natural landscape. There’s whale watching, horseback riding in the wilderness, the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa, glacier hiking, snowmobiling and of course, the chance to see the Northern Lights.
Look out for:
- The Northern Lights.
- Reykjavik’s famous hot dog (pylsur).
- Whales in the water.
Athens, Greece
Sacred and sublime
Athens
Easter is the most sacred time of year in Greece. If you travel to Athens over Easter, there are many festivities where you can celebrate like a local. Visit the Byzantine churches of Plaka and downtown Athens. Follow a candlelight procession through the streets on Good Friday. Watch the spectacle of Midnight Mass, join in a midnight feast and marvel at the fireworks on Easter Saturday. Tuck in to some traditional lamb on Easter Sunday. Of course, you can’t miss the Acropolis, Parthenon, and the Ancient Agora either.
Look out for:
- Good Friday’s candlelight procession.
- Midnight Mass.
- The roast lamb on Easter Sunday.
Cultural Fact File
On Easter Sunday, Greeks eat a whole lamb cooked on a spit.
Church services are held every night for a week before Good Friday.
Greek’s celebrate Orthodox Easter, usually a couple of weeks later.
Nice, France
Coastal glam
Nice
Fly into the French Riviera for an Easter getaway with a little luxury and glamour. The city itself promises beaches, delectable French restaurants and sights including Nice Cathedral, Castle Hill, and Promenade des Anglais. We love its majestic Old Town filled with lively restaurants, cafes, galleries, and shops. From Nice, you can head out along the coast to explore some of the top spots in the South of France. There’s Monte Carlo and its famous casinos, St Tropez with its beaches, glitz, glam, nightlife and restaurants, and the literary and artistic history of Antibes.
Look out for:
- The tight streets of Nice’s Old Town.
- Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice.
- Socca, Nice’s famous street food.
Prague, Czech Republic
City of a Hundred Spires
Prague
Travel to this fairytale wonder with the whole family at Easter. Prague is such a beautiful city, it needs to be seen to be believed. Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires” it’s known for its historical Old Town, Gothic churches, and famous bridges. Wander around with your camera in hand and don’t forget to look up. Visit its bustling Old Town Square, check out Prague Castle, wander across Charles Bridge, gaze at the Prague Astronomical Clock and stop for a drink in Wenceslas Square.
Look out for:
- The view from the Old Town Hall Tower.
- Beers and views from Letna Park.
- Apple strudel at Zizkov Farmer’s Market.
Let’s make Easter this year one to remember, whether you’re strolling the souks of Marrakesh, attending an Easter parade in Barcelona, or trying to catch a glimpse of the Pope in Rome.
Thinking of travelling for Easter? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
