10 unmissable destinations to see spring in full bloom
Channel some flower power with a trip to see cherry blossom, bluebells, poppies and more in some of the most fragrant places in the world….
As the seasons change and spring arrives, countries around the world are bursting into bloom. From soft pink cherry blossom in the cities of Japan to sprawling poppy fields in the US, colourful floral spectacles make for a truly memorable travel experience. Here is where to go to see spring in full bloom, plus what to eat and what else to visit whilst you're there.
For more spring travel inspiration, check out our guide to the best spring holidays around the world and our top picks of where to go in April.
For cherry blossom, visit… Japan
When: The season for viewing the beautiful, blush-hued flowers of cherry blossom – or sakura – season peaks from late March to early April. Parks, riversides and castle grounds turn everything from soft pink to fuchsia, and nighttime yozakura illuminations add an extra magical touch.
Where: The best places for hanami – or flower viewing – include, of course, the capital, Tokyo. Bring a picnic and a bottle of sake to admire over 1,000 cherry trees in Ueno Park, or head to Chidorigafuchi to take a boat ride along the moat under the blossoms. In Kyoto, Maruyama Park is known for the Gion Shidarezakura, its famous 10m tall weeping cherry tree, while the Philosopher’s Path is a canal lined with hundreds of trees. Further afield, Mount Yoshino, in Nara, is one of the country’s best blossom destinations, featuring around 30,000 trees of over 200 varieties which carpet the mountain in vivid shades of pink.
What else to see: In Tokyo, don’t miss sights such as the busy Shibuya Crossing, the elegant Imperial Palace, the views from the Tokyo SkyTree, or the magnificent Senso-Ji Temple. Temples are the main draw in Kyoto, especially the golden Kinkaku-Ji and the iconic hillside Kiyomizu-dera.
Where to eat: For incredible cheap eats in Toyko, head to ‘Ramen street’ in the lower level of the main railway station, where tasty bowls of noodles cost less than a fiver. Splashing out? Head to Michelin-starred Sézanne in the Four Seasons Hotel for delicious seafood. In Kyoto, spend time at Nishiki Market, crammed with over 100 different stalls and restaurants where you’ll find everything from mackerel sushi to rolled omelettes.
For tulips, visit… The Netherlands
When: Peak tulip bloom occurs between mid-April and early May, when the fields are at their most vibrant. This year, Amsterdam’s annual Tulip Festival takes place from 19 March to 10 May.
Where: Every autumn, over seven million flower bulbs are planted by hand in the Keukenhof Gardens, 40 minutes drive from Amsterdam, to flower in spring. With over 800 varieties on display across 32 hectares, and a colourful Flower Parade, it’s an unforgettable experience. Back in the capital, the Bloemenmarkt is a pretty floating flower market on the Singel canal, and you’ll see banks of beautifully-arranged blooms in the Vondelpark. The fields at the family-run Tulip Experience are home to four million tulips of every hue including red, yellow, pink, orange, purple and white.
What else to see: Check out the Rijksmuseum, famous for its Dutch masters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh. Confront a dark past at the sobering Anne Frank Museum, browse the independent boutiques around the canals at de 9 Straatjes (the 9 Streets) or take a free ferry to Noord’s NDSM Wharf, a former shipyard turned cultural hotspot with a mix of events, flea markets, bars and restaurants.
Where to eat: Grab some traditional Dutch fare, from stamppot (smoked sausage and mash) to suddervlees (beef stew) at Moeders, treat yourself to a huge slice of apple pie at the legendary Winkel 43, or sink a beer with a side of bitterballen in a historic – still-working – windmill at Brouwerij ’t IJ. For more, check out our full expert guide to the best restaurants in Amsterdam.
For almond blossom, visit… Spain
When: The best time to see these creamy pink and white flowers is from late January to March, when miles of almond trees bring landscapes to life.
Where: The island of Mallorca is one of the finest locations to see the almond blossom, creating what locals call ‘Mallorcan snow’. Around five million almond trees bloom across the countryside, particularly in the foothills of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, and the small towns of Felanitz and Petra. Petra is located in the heart of the Pla de Mallorca, an area known for its dense almond orchards. For panoramic, elevated views of the flowering fields around the town, head to the Bonany Sanctuary, which overlooks the countryside. The Lecrin Valley, south of Granada, features picturesque villages like Nigüelas, Dúrcal, and El Padul which are also surrounded by blooming trees.
What else to see: In Mallorca, visit the impressive Gothic Palma Cathedral; wander the pretty village of Sóller, set in a lush, orange-grove-filled valley, and known for its historic wooden train; or go hiking in the Tramuntana mountains. Granada is best-known for its magnificent Alhambra Palace, but it’s also a great place to watch a flamenco show. See our best Spanish trips for more ideas.
Where to eat: Start your day with a traditional ensaïmada pastry at one of Palma’s oldest bakeries, such as Ca'n Joan de S'Aigo, then go for contemporary Mediterreannean cuisine at Bistro Escencia. In Granada, head to a traditional tapas bar like Bodegas Castañeda for slices of tortilla or a paella, washed down with a glass of vermouth.
For bluebells, visit… Wales
When: In April and May, the gardens, woodlands and pathways of Cymru are carpeted with this fragrant, colourful flower, also known as the wood bell, fairy flower, and wild hyacinth.
Where: The Great Gardens of West Wales comprises seven spectacular gardens spread around Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion; Picton Castle and Gardens boasts 40 acres of gorgeous woodland gardens and grounds, while nearby Colby Woodland Garden is renowned for its spectacular spring bluebell displays. Spread over eight acres of tranquil, steep-sided valley, its woodland paths are covered in bluebells, as well as camellias and azaleas.
In Carmarthenshire, Dinefwr Park boasts one of the most famous, and most-photographed, bluebell displays in Wales, when the castle woods and Rookery Ridge become carpeted with the cerulean flowers.
What else to see: Pembrokeshire is known for its stunning beaches – visit Tenby, whose Castle Beach was awarded the title of ‘Britain’s best’ in 2019. Head out for a hike in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the only national park in the UK to be focused primarily along dramatic coastline. And don’t miss the striking Cathedral of St Davids (known as Britain’s smallest city, with a population of less than 2,000). Ancient castles pepper Carmarthenshire, from Carreg Cennen, set on a steep hilltop, to Castell Llansteffan, perched on a windswept cliff. Check out our guide to the best hotels in Wales to find the perfect place to stay.
Where to eat: Tuck into a steaming plate of mussels or lobster and chips at The Stone Crab near Tenby or one of the amazing field-to-fork dishes at Paternoster Farm in Pembroke, from Mangalitza porchetta to truffled celeriac soup. In Carmarthenshire, head to St Elli’s Bay in Llanelli for crab au gratin or monkfish scampi with a view that looks over the tranquil Loughor Estuary and the rolling hills of the Gower Peninsula. See our guide to the best restaurants in Pembrokeshire for more.
For sunflowers, visit… Argentina
When: Sunflowers in Argentina are best viewed in late spring, when they begin to bloom, all the way through to their summer (in February) when they reach their peak – and can grow up to three metres in height.
Where: The sunflower fields are seen in the pampas grasslands of agricultural regions, particularly along routes leading to the beaches in Buenos Aires province. A positive, sunny symbol of prosperity and joy, this flower is so widespread in the region that it even has its own national festival, the Fiesta Nacional del Girasol. Every February, this celebration takes place in the town of Carlos Casares, three hours from Buenos Aires.
What else to see: Carlos Casares is a quiet, authentic town with attractions including the peaceful Parque San Martin, the cultural hub of Paseo La Trocha and the elegant Palacio Municipal. In Buenos Aires, don’t miss a visit to the Recoleta Cemetery – final resting place of Evita Peron – explore the colourful buildings of Caminito, and stroll the atmospheric streets of the historic San Telmo neighbourhood.
Where to eat: Carnivores will appreciate the number of parillas – traditional steakhouses – in Buenos Aires; try Parilla Peña in Callao or Don Julio in Scalabrini Ortiz for classic cuts including picanha, ribeye and T-bone. Or choose a historic cafe such as Bar Británico in San Juan for its range of platos del dia.
For roses, visit… France
When: Late spring going into early summer sees cultivated roses and perfume fields reaching their peak.
Where: Grasse, located in the hills above the French Riviera, is the world’s perfume capital, and its Rosa centifolia blooms, used in many fragrances – including Chanel No 5 – peak in early to mid-May. The Roseraie du Val-de-Marne, half an hour from Paris, was the world’s first rose garden. It was created in 1899 by professional cultivator Jules Gravereaux, who had a collection of over 1,600 varieties.
What else to see: In Grasse, the International Museum of Perfume details the history of fragrance and its creation, while the Museum of Provencal Fashion showcases dresses and jewellery from the 18th and 19th centuries. Swerve the obvious tourist traps in Paris and delve into the Catacombs, explore the boho, multicultural neighbourhood of Belleville, or explore the fascinating Sewer Museum.
Where to eat: Paris’ historic, 19th century bouillons were created to provide affordable meals for working men, with lavish, art nouveau interiors; the likes of Bouillon Chartier are worth the queues, with classic French dishes from pork terrine to garlic snails and duck confit at bargain prices. See our guide to the best hotels in Paris for a memorable stay in the capital. In Grasse, try Lou Pignatoun for traditional Provencal dishes such as pissaladière, salade nicoise and fougasse.
For hydrangeas, visit… The Azores, Portugal
When: The Azores are famous for their wild hydrangeas, which line roads, fields and volcanic hillsides across the islands. The first blooms appear in late May to early June.
Where: São Miguel, the largest island, has some of the most photogenic road displays, where the flowers create long blue, purple and pink corridors. Take the road between viewpoints around Sete Cidades, known as the ‘Hydrangea Highway’. Faial is nicknamed the ‘blue island’ because of its many hydrangeas, best spotted along roads around its central caldera, or on coastal roads near the capital, Horta.
What else to see: The landscapes of the Azores are often wild and rugged, perfect for hiking, or swimming in lagoons and thermal springs. On São Miguel, visit picturesque waterfalls such as the Cascato do Salto do Prego or take a dip in the bubbling waters of Caldeira Velha. A boat tour of the volcanic caves on Faial is a must-do. We've picked our best Portuguese food trips for more inspiration.
Where to eat: Try cozida das furnos, a hearty stew cooked underground by thermal steam, in a restaurant like Restaurante Tonys in Furnas on São Miguel. Taberna Azeveda, on Faial, does Portuguese classics from bacalhau to grilled octopus.
For poppies, visit… the USA
When: Peak poppy time generally falls between March and May, after winter rain helps create huge carpets of wildflowers.
Where: The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is the most famous, iconic and reliable poppy bloom in America. Across its 1,700 acres are dedicated trails and viewing areas, and hillsides turn bright orange and gold with the state’s symbolic flower. Less crowded is the Carrizo Plain National Monument in San Luis Obispo County which offers massive, sweeping and dramatic wildflowers, including California poppies.
What else to see: Antelope Valley is just over an hour’s drive from LA, where you’ll find plenty of attractions including the Griffith Observatory, hikes around the Hollywood Sign and lively Venice Beach. SLO County is best known for Hearst Castle – the inspiration for Xanadu in Orson Welles’ movie, Citizen Kane – but don’t miss the wineries of Pasa Robles or a kayak tour of picturesque Morro Bay.
Where to eat: LA has dozens of great food markets, including Grand Central Market, packed with stalls selling everything from tacos to sushi, and the Original Farmers Market where traders specialise in everything from Asian to Cajun, Korean and Brazilian food. In San Luis Obispo, stop off at the fabulously-decorated Madonna Inn for a decadent slice of its famous pink champagne cake, or tuck into smokey grilled meats at the Old San Luis BBQ.
For magnolias, visit… China
When: Magnolias are deeply associated with spring, where the flower has long symbolised purity and nobility in Chinese culture. The best displays appear from late February through to April.
Where: The best places to see them include include the historic temples and palaces of Beijing, including the magnificent Summer Palace, Dajue Temple and the Forbidden City, where white and pink petals contrast against golden roofs and the red palace walls. In Shanghai, popular spots include Minhang Cultural Park, which boasts over 1,200 magnolia trees, the Chenshan Botanical Garden and the People’s Park.
What else to see: In Beijing, stroll historic Tiananmen Square or take a trip out of the city to see the Great Wall at Jinshangling. A walk along Shangahi’s Bund is a must, for gazing at futuristic architecture on one side of the Huangpu River and a mix of neoclassical, art deco and beaux arts buildings on the other.
Where to eat: The Da Dong chain is regarded as one of the best places for Peking Duck in Beijing; try another local staple, hot pot, at one of the branches of Donglaishun. In Shanghai, tuck into their famous xiaolongbao – soup-filled pork dumplings – at local institution, Jia Jia Tang Bao (there are several branches in the city).
For azeleas, visit… South Korea
When: Vibrant pink azaleas – known as cheoljjuk – bloom throughout South Korea from April to early May.
Where: Gunpo Royal Azalea Hill Park, a half-hour drive south of Seoul, boasts one of the country’s most famous azalea displays, when hundreds of thousands of royal azaleas blanket the rolling hills in pink and magenta. An annual festival is held here in late April, with art installations, performances, and night lighting that make the hills glow after sunset. Hwangmaesan Mountain, in the south, is arguably the most dramatic azalea landscape in the country, where vast alpine meadows are covered in these beautiful flowers.
What else to see: Don’t miss Seoul’s magnificent, 14th century Gyeongbokgung Palace – time your visit for the Changing of the Guard ceremony – or a trip to the top of the N Seoul Tower, for panoramic views of the city. You can also take in traditional and contemporary art at the Leeum Samsung Museum.
Where to eat: Eat like a local at Gwangjang Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul and great for authentic street food; you can sample anything from from tteokboki (sweet and spicy rice cakes) to bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), and mayak gimbap (seaweed rolls). Try bibimbap (warm rice topped with beef, vegetables and egg) at Bebab in Hongdae.
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