Best Easter Destinations To Visit In Europe [2026]

Are you planning to visit Europe for Easter and wondering which places are best for you to visit? Let me help you. I’ve created a list of places that have amazing Easter celebrations (if you’re religious, you’ll love these), great city breaks, warm destinations for a beach getaway, and just spots that are booming during Easter.

I’ve been traveling across Europe for the past 10 years extensively and guiding travel groups through many countries. So I’ve taken all my knowledge and created this list to best suit your needs.

Have fun planning!

List Of The Best Easter Destinations In Europe

Here are the 14 places I recommend visiting during Easter time in Europe for you. It has a mixture of culture, Easter celebrations, warm places to relax on the beach, and laid-back vibes:

1. Seville
2. Vatican City
3. Prague
4. Canary Islands
5. Barcelona
6. Istanbul
7. Vienna
8. Braga
9. Split
10. Florence
11. Gjirokaster
12. Athens
13. French Riviera
14. Sicily

1. Seville

You might already know that I keep a personal ranking of the most beautiful/best cities in Europe. Seville is in top 3. The unique Moorish architecture, combined with Jewish and Catholic sites, the laid-back lifestyle, and local culture, is what stands out to me.

There is a reason why it’s the first on our list, not only because it’s so unique and beautiful. But mainly because of its spectacular Easter celebrations. Seville hosts some of the best Semana Santa (Easter) events in the world. You’ll see locals dressed as nazarenos in long dresses, carrying pasos (large ornate floats), all creating huge processions leading towards the cathedral.

The atmosphere is super lively with music and locals celebrating the events from the Bible. It’s truly one of the best festivals in Spain. This is the place to be for Easter in Europe.

You can also visit nearby Malaga, which has great Easter celebrations, making it a great day trip.

👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Southern Spain Road Trip Itinerary: 10 Days

2. Vatican City

Vatican City during Easter is the center of the universe for millions of pilgrims and travelers. Even if you’ve seen the photos, nothing compares to the real-life experience of standing in St. Peter’s Square, surrounded by historic colonnades with the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. If you’re looking for a true spiritual and religious escape, this is it.

Easter here is spectacular and deeply moving. The week begins with Palm Sunday Mass, often celebrated by the Pope, and culminates with the unforgettable Easter Sunday Mass, when thousands of worshippers fill the square.

On Good Friday, the Via Crucis at the Colosseum is led by the Pope, with flickering torches lighting the ancient site. The combination of solemn rituals, hymns echoing through the square, and the palpable sense of global devotion makes it an experience unlike any other.

After attending a service or simply taking in the square, you can explore the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica itself.

3. Prague

Prague might not have the huge religious processions of Southern Europe, but it has a great festive Easter atmosphere. The city comes alive with its famous Easter markets, especially in the Old Town Square and beneath the towers of St. George’s Basilica at Prague Castle.

Expect stalls filled with hand-painted eggs (kraslice), wooden toys, embroidered linens, and all those delightful Czech pastries you absolutely shouldn’t resist. I love the Czech/Slovak Easter decorations; we used to make them back home with my grandma.

You’ll experience traditional folk music and dance performances throughout the day, and the city decorates its squares with ribbons, flowers, and bright color.

Besides, Prague is a beautiful city worth visiting. However, as a girl, I would not stay for Easter Monday, otherwise you’ll be challenged with our Eastern European tradition of boys splashing buckets of iced cold water onto you – believe me, it’s not really fun (well, for the boys it is).

👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Czech Republic Itinerary: 10 Days

4. Canary Islands

If you’re looking for warm destinations to visit in Europe during Easter, look no further than the Canary Islands. They have a permanent warm temperature of around 22°C/71°F. So you can enjoy the beach, sunshine, and relaxing all day long.

During Easter, they host beautiful Holy Week processions, especially in places like La Laguna (Tenerife), one of the most historic and culturally rich cities in the archipelago.

Semana Santa here is actually one of the most important in Spain after Andalusia, with solemn processions winding through cobblestone streets lined with colonial-style houses. You’ll also find moving celebrations in Las Palmas, Arucas, and La Orotava, each with its own unique Canarian touches.

Canaries will offer you a great mixture of relaxation, Easter celebrations, delicious seafood, and adventures like hiking volcanic trails and stargazing at night.

✅ NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE? Check out Safety Wings: Cheap & Flexible Insurance For Travelers

5. Barcelona

If you’ve been here with me for a while, you know that I spent 1.5 years living and studying/working in Barcelona. So I’d kinda consider myself a local at this point. I love the city so much – no matter when you visit, you’ll have a great time.

While Barcelona’s Holy Week isn’t as intense as Seville’s or Málaga’s, it still offers beautiful, authentic Catalan Easter celebrations. You’ll find processions around the Gothic Quarter, especially from the Cathedral of Barcelona and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi, where locals carry pasos, candles, and religious icons.

And of course, Barcelona celebrates Easter the sweet way too – with the famous Mona de Pascua, an elaborate chocolate cake godparents give to their godchildren. Or just walk through the city and admire the amazing chocolate sculptures in the pastry shops.

It’s a lovely destination if you want sunshine, culture with fewer crowds, and a softer take on Semana Santa.

👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Spain Itinerary: 14 Days In Spain

6. Istanbul

Another great European city gateway that you shouldn’t miss, and one of my top 3 cities in Europe – welcome to Istanbul. I’ve been my guiding group here for the past years and visited a few times on my own. It almost feels like home at this point.

Easter in Istanbul is most beautifully celebrated in the Fener (Phanar) district, home to the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. The Orthodox Easter services at the Church of St. George are incredibly moving, filled with candlelight, chants, and the sense that you’re witnessing a living piece of ancient tradition.

Across the city, Greek and Armenian churches – like Agios Konstantinos, Panagia Kumariotissa, or Surp Asdvadzadzin – hold their own Holy Week liturgies that feel intimate and deeply rooted in history.

What makes Easter in Istanbul so unique is the mix: you can spend the morning exploring the Hagia Sophia and the old Byzantine streets of Balat, then join a midnight service steeped in centuries of Orthodox ritual. Add in spring sunshine, Bosphorus cruise, blooming parks, and all the delicious Turkish food you could want.

👉 READ ALSO: Best Of Turkey Itinerary: 10 Days In Turkey

7. Vienna

If you’re looking for a more elevated city escape with culture and music, Vienna is your place to be. Think Grand palaces, Baroque buildings, horse-drawn carriages, and classical music.

Easter here is all about beautiful markets and refined cultural moments. The most famous is the Schönbrunn Palace Easter Market, set right in front of the former summer residence of the Habsburgs. Picture stalls full of delicate hand-painted eggs, artisan crafts, fresh flowers, and the smell of warm baked goods.

The Freyung Old Vienna Easter Market is another must-see, known for its enormous ‘egg mountain‘ – a giant display of thousands of colorful eggs stacked in a pyramid.

Many churches host gorgeous Easter concerts, from choral pieces in the Peterskirche to grand orchestral performances at the Musikverein.

👉 READ ALSO: Epic Austria Road Trip: 7, 10, 14 Days In Austria

8. Braga

If Portugal is on your radar this spring, Braga is the Easter destination to visit. The city is often called the ‘Portuguese Rome‘ thanks to its centuries-old churches, baroque architecture, and strong religious traditions.

Braga’s Semana Santa is considered the most important in the country, and the celebrations here are beautifully atmospheric. Expect dramatic night processions with torches, traditional music in the historic center, and locals dressed in biblical-inspired costumes reenacting key moments of the Passion.

One of the most iconic events is the Ecce Homo procession, in which barefoot penitents carry lanterns through dimly lit streets.

In addition, you’ll love the food and warm Portuguese hospitality.

9. Florence

Traveling to Italy? Base yourself in Florence and enjoy the stunning Tuscan countryside as a weekend gateway.

Florence is famous for its unique Easter ritual called ‘Scoppio del Carro’ – the Explosion of the Cart. Yes, it’s exactly as dramatic as it sounds. On Easter Sunday, a centuries-old, beautifully decorated cart is pulled by white oxen to the square outside the Duomo.

During Mass, a dove-shaped rocket (symbolizing the Holy Spirit) is launched from inside the cathedral. It flies down a wire to ignite the cart’s fireworks. If everything goes smoothly and the cart explodes in a grand, sparkling show, it’s believed to bring good luck for the whole year.

Beyond the famous explosion, Holy Week in Florence is filled with smaller processions, markets, and plenty of Tuscan treats. Try colomba cake, chocolate eggs, and seasonal pastries.

Combine all this with the art-filled streets and gentle spring weather, and you get one of the most enchanting Easter experiences in Italy.

10. Split

There is just something special about visiting Croatia during the Easter time. I think it was my favorite time I visited the country, and the best base I’d recommend is Split.

From there, make day trips to Trogir, Primosten (my favorite town), and drive alongside the coast with fresh spring air. The crowds are not there yet, but the weather is amazing. So join locals sipping coffee on the Riva promenade, with a unique Croatian vibe.

Holy Week in Split is deeply tied to Croatia’s Catholic heritage. Throughout the week, you’ll find moving processions, church choirs singing, and locals gathering for age-old rituals.

One of the most atmospheric places to experience Easter is right inside the palace complex, where churches like the Cathedral of St. Domnius hold special masses amid 1,700 years of history.

The city also hosts Palm Sunday processions, beautifully woven palm decorations, and cultural events that spill into the old squares.

11. Gjirokaster

I also wanted to include more unique, hidden-gem destinations for your Eastern European escape. And my recommendation is Albania. Anywhere you go, you’ll be surprised by how amazing this country is. But I’ve especially chosen the Ottoman stone city of Gjirokaster.

This city will immediately take you back in time with local markets, cute souvenir shops, and breathtaking views of the Albanian mountains from its castle.

Easter is celebrated with heartfelt Orthodox traditions. You’ll see locals heading to St. Sotir Church and other small hilltop chapels for Holy Week services, with candlelit processions winding through the old Ottoman streets.

The most magical moment is the midnight Easter service on Holy Saturday, when the whole town gathers with candles that slowly light up the dark streets.

And of course, Albanian Easter comes with great food. Families prepare traditional dishes like byrek, roasted lamb, and the famous red-dyed eggs, which everyone cracks together as a little good-luck challenge.

👉 READ ALSO: Epic Albania Road Trip Itinerary: 1 – 2 Weeks In Albania

12. Athens

What other country to visit in Europe for warm weather, delicious food, and amazing ferry trips to the islands than Greece? You can’t go wrong here. Base yourself in Athens, enjoy the local Easter celebrations, and make some of these island day trips from Athens.

Holy Week in Athens is truly atmospheric. The most epic event is the midnight Resurrection service on Holy Saturday, held in churches across the city, especially at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens.

Candles flicker in the hands of thousands of worshippers as the priest announces ‘Christos Anesti‘ (Christ is Risen), and the moment is met with cheers, hugs, and the ringing of church bells.

Leading up to this, you’ll see solemn processions, traditional music, and locals preparing for the holiday with dyed red eggs and homemade Easter treats like tsoureki (sweet braided bread).

👉 READ ALSO: Epic Greece Road Trip: 10 Days In Greece & Tips

13. French Riviera

If you want a mix of culture, a Mediterranean vibe, diverse cities, and a laid-back atmosphere, take a road trip through the French Riviera.

During Easter, towns like Nice, Antibes, Cannes, and Saint-Tropez host colorful Easter markets, where you’ll find artisan chocolates, beautifully decorated eggs, and handcrafted souvenirs.

Many local churches hold special Holy Week services. In some towns, you can witness traditional processions that combine religion with regional flair. Families also celebrate with chocolate creations shaped like fish, bunnies, and even bells.

Visit Cannes, St. Tropez, Antibes, Nice, Grasse, Eze, Monaco, and Menton, and have a lovely weekend full of exploration.

14. Sicily

Sicily is one of those destinations that hits all the senses at once – turquoise seas, dramatic volcanoes, ancient Greek temples, Baroque towns, and the smell of citrus groves.

During Easter, it has elaborate processions, especially in cities like Enna, Trapani, and Caltanissetta, where locals carry ornate statues depicting the Passion of Christ through narrow streets lined with candlelight.

In Trapani, the Via Crucis procession is famous for its quiet intensity and the haunting music of the canti alla Trapanese. Palermo and Catania will welcome you with festive markets, artisan crafts, and the rich flavors of Sicilian Easter treats. Get cassatelle filled with ricotta or braided cuddure breads.

Sicily offers a perfect balance of devotion, celebration, and Mediterranean charm for your spring escape.

FAQs

I’ve also answered some of the questions my clients often ask about Easter in Europe. Find all my answers below:

Where Is The Warmest Place In Europe For Easter?

The Canary Islands are the warmest place to visit in Europe during Easter. You’ll enjoy a standard temperature of 22 °C, with plenty of sunshine and beach time.

Other warm destinations (not so much for swimming yet, but the weather is great) include southern Spain, the French Riviera, Sicily, Cyprus, Malta, and Turkey (Istanbul).

What Is The Best Country To Visit For Easter?

Spain is the best country to visit for Easter because it hosts the most spectacular Easter celebrations in Europe. You’ll love the processions featuring locals in costumes, reflecting on Easter events from the Bible, rooted in tradition.

Which European Country Is Best To Visit In April?

Spain is the best country in Europe to visit in April. It offers the perfect mix of culture, amazing cities, great weather, laid-back atmosphere, and beautiful Easter celebrations (especially in southern Spain/Andalusia).

Which European City Break Is Best For Easter?

Sevilla or Malaga are the best cities to visit in Europe during Easter. They have amazing warm weather, you can learn a lot about the local history and culture, admire stunning architecture, enjoy the best Easter celebrations, and maybe even relax on the beach.

Is Easter A Good Time To Visit Europe?

Yes, Easter is an amazing time to visit Europe, depending on where you go. You’ll love the lively atmosphere with Easter processions in some cities. Visit especially southern Spain, Portugal (Braga or Fatima), Vatican City, Sicily, or Florence to experience authentic Easter traditions in Europe.

Where In Europe Should I Go For 3 Days?

Visit cities like Prague, Vienna, Seville, Florence, Rome, Copenhagen, Paris, etc. They make a great weekend getaway, and you’ll have enough time to immerse yourself in local culture and even explore the area on some day trips.

Is Easter A Big Deal In Europe?

Yes, Easter is a huge deal in Europe, especially because the majority of the population is religious (mainly Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant). Many cities celebrate it in big style, with processions and locals dressed in costumes, reflecting on ancient Biblical events.

Where Are The Best Easter Markets In Europe?

Prague and Krakow have the best Easter markets in Europe. Easter in Central European cities is amazing, with many local traditions and markets full of artisan crafts, painted eggs, and delicious treats.

WRAP-UP: Best Easter Destinations In Europe

This is Easter in Europe. I hope I’ve made it a bit easier for you to plan your gateway and choose the perfect destination.

First, I suggest you think about the purpose of your trip – do you want to experience Easter traditions mainly, or is it more important for you to enjoy warm weather, beach, and culture, combined with a bit of Easter? That’s why I’ve included a mixture of both, so you know best where to go.

If you need help planning your trip to Europe, I also plan customized travel itineraries for my clients. Write me an email at info(at)voicesoftravel.com, and we can discuss the details. Or book this 1-on-1 travel chat with me and I’ll help you plan in real time.

Enjoy European Easter Travels!