Where to go in April by train

We’re already looking forward to holidays in April as nature continues to unfurl after its cold slumber and Easter long weekend means time off and celebrations across Europe. There are cultural festivals popping, warm days without the crowds and flowers a-go-go. This is also a great month for families to embark on a well-timed  rail adventure during half term before the hectic heat of summer. So whether you want sun-drenched Moroccan beaches or the finest Spanish pinxtos, these are our favourite trips to take in April.

San Sebastian

Go for: a culinary extravaganza

Each summer, this Spanish foodie seaside haven can get pretty hot and hectic. To enjoy eating your way around the delicious pinxto bars without the throngs of people, head there in April when things are calmer and cooler. Tuck into small plates of croquettes, pickled gildas skewers and oozy tortillas washed down with traditional cider. And don’t miss the famous Basque cheesecake – locals eat it with sherry poured over.
Dates: All month

Take a short 4-night break to San Sebastian

Leiden 

Go for: tulip-peeping

From mid-March to May, swathes of the Netherlands are bursting with blooming tulips of all colours and varieties. Take a train trip to Leiden and you’ll be perfectly placed to explore the flower-bulb fields, all easily accessed from the city by bus or bike. And it’s not just tulips here, the city is also brimming with history, art and scenic waterways to explore during your visit. 
Dates: All month

Take a 5 day trip to Leiden with stays in Haarlem and Amsterdam

Prague

Go for: memorable movie nights

Much quieter than the summer months, April is a great time to plan a stay in Prague. The weather can still be a bit chilly but luckily the end of the month is when Febiofest, Prague’s International Film Festival, rolls into town. Hit the cinema for big titles from the last year, as well as premieres, retrospectives and tributes. 
Dates: April 28 - May 5 2025
More info: www.febiofest.cz

Take a 13 day trip to Prague with stops in Karlovy Vary, Brno, and Český Krumlov

Zermatt

Go for: dancing in the mountains

Although best known as a twinkling skiing village, April is when indie music comes to Zermatt, as the Unplugged festival tales over this snowy mountain town. The acoustic singer-songwriter festival takes place from April 8-12, with gigs in 14 different venues all surrounded by those dreamy snow-capped mountains. 
Dates: April 8-12 2025
More info: www.musicfestivalwizard.com

Take a 13 day trip with stops in Geneva, Zermatt, Chur and Lecco

Marrakech

Go for: Souks without the heat

With temperatures reaching over 40 degrees in the prime summer months, it can be too hot to properly enjoy this vibrant city. But with 27-degree days in April, it’s still warm enough to soak up some vitamin d. Stroll around the lively souks and get lost in the Medina's meandering alleyways, courtyards and gardens. And be sure to pay a visit to the Jardin Majorelle, a botanical garden full of cacti and iridescent blue walls. 
Dates: All month
More info: www.jardinmajorelle.com

Take a 15 day trip to Marakech with stops in Fez, Casablanca and Cádiz