15 Extraordinary Places Around the World to Explore in April

April brings perfect weather to many corners of the world, making it an ideal time to pack your bags and explore somewhere new. While summer destinations tend to draw the biggest crowds, traveling in spring lets you dodge the tourist rush while enjoying comfortable temperatures and often paying less for flights and hotels.

From cherry blossoms in full bloom to ancient festivals coming alive, here are 15 international destinations that truly shine during April, whether you’re seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or simply a peaceful escape from the ordinary.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

I first visited Amsterdam on a spring break in 2018, when the city’s famous tulips were in full bloom. Sitting pretty along the Amstel River, Amsterdam’s network of canals weaves through neighborhoods filled with narrow houses and hidden courtyards. The Jordaan district feels like stepping into a living postcard, where bicycles lean against bridges and cafes spill onto cobblestone streets. In April, Keukenhof Gardens opens its gates to showcase millions of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths, while locals and visitors alike flock to Vondelpark for picnics among the spring flowers. The city’s museums, like the Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum, offer a perfect retreat on occasional rainy days, though the real magic lies in simply wandering the canal rings and discovering quiet corners of this Dutch gem.

Kyoto, Japan

In early April, Kyoto transforms into a pink paradise as cherry blossoms paint the ancient capital in soft pastels. About two and a half hours from Tokyo by bullet train, this former imperial city mixes old-world charm with modern Japanese life. Like many historic places in Japan, Kyoto has its temples, gardens, and traditional tea houses. But unlike other cities, it feels like stepping into a living museum where geishas still hurry down narrow alleyways and locals pray at centuries-old shrines. During the Sakura season, locals and tourists gather under blooming trees for hanami (flower viewing parties), creating a festive atmosphere throughout the city. Thanks to Kyoto’s role as Japan’s cultural heart for over a thousand years, you’ll find over 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, and countless preserved wooden buildings that tell stories of samurai, emperors, and artists who once called this city home.

Marrakech, Morocco

Located in central Morocco, Marrakech is where ancient traditions meet modern life in the most natural way. Like many North African cities, Marrakech has its maze-like medinas, busy markets, and towering minarets. But unlike others, it feels like you’re walking through pages of “One Thousand and One Nights.” Just wander through the winding alleyways of the souk, where the scent of spices and mint tea fills the air, and you’ll see what I mean. Because of its location at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech became a crucial trading hub centuries ago, and you’ll find influences from Berber, Arab, and French cultures in its architecture, food, and daily life.

Santorini, Greece

Spend your days exploring the iconic white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches that dot the cliffs of Santorini. The island’s famous sunsets paint the sky in shades of orange and pink, especially from the village of Oia where crowds gather each evening to watch nature’s show. Take a boat tour around the volcanic caldera, stopping to swim in warm springs and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. For wine lovers, the volcanic soil produces unique varieties – visit family-run wineries to taste crisp Assyrtiko while overlooking the Aegean Sea. Don’t miss a walk along the caldera path from Fira to Imerovigli, where every turn offers a new view of the sea-filled crater below.

Maldives

Many travelers come to the Maldives Islands for the clear waters and white sand beaches, but this destination can also be described as a marine wonderland. The coral reefs surrounding the 1,200 islands provide perfect spots for snorkeling and diving with sea turtles, reef sharks, and colorful fish. In April, the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for water activities and beach relaxation, but you can also explore local fishing villages, try traditional Maldivian cuisine, or take a sunset cruise to spot dolphins. While the islands are known for luxury resorts, you’ll find experiences for every type of traveler, from water sports enthusiasts to couples seeking a quiet getaway.

Petra, Jordan

Ever wanted to feel like Indiana Jones exploring ancient ruins? That’s exactly what awaits in Petra, where massive temples and tombs are carved right into rose-colored cliffs. This ancient city, hidden away in Jordan’s desert canyons, lets you walk through narrow passages that open up to the famous Treasury building – you know, the one from the movies. April brings perfect weather for wandering through this 2000-year-old wonder, with comfortable temperatures and clear skies. You can ride camels through the Siq (the main entrance), chat with local Bedouin tribes, and climb hundreds of steps to the Monastery for views that stretch across the desert. At night, thousands of candles light up the Treasury, creating a magical scene that feels like stepping back in time.

Hawaii, USA

Many travelers come to Hawaii for its famous beaches and crystal-clear waters, but the islands offer much more than just coastal attractions. The diverse landscape includes active volcanoes, dense rainforests, and towering mountains that create perfect conditions for hiking and outdoor adventures. In April, the weather is particularly pleasant, with less rainfall than winter months and temperatures hovering in the mid-70s. While the Merrie Monarch Festival celebrates traditional hula dancing during this time, you can find exciting activities across all islands year-round, from snorkeling with sea turtles to exploring the raw beauty of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is one of those places that keeps pulling me back year after year, and April might just be the perfect time to visit. The rainy season is winding down, leaving behind lush green rice terraces and fewer tourists than you’ll find during peak season. From the laid-back surf spots of Canggu to the spiritual center of Ubud, each corner of the island offers something different. You can spend your mornings watching locals perform their daily temple offerings, afternoons exploring hidden waterfalls, and evenings sampling fresh seafood at beachside warungs. It’s not the undiscovered paradise it once was – you’ll find plenty of digital nomads and yoga enthusiasts here – but the island’s rich culture and natural beauty still shine through in ways that make every visit feel special.

Seychelles

I always tell beach lovers that April is perfect for exploring the Seychelles Islands. Scattered like jewels across the Indian Ocean, this archipelago of 115 islands offers crystal-clear waters and powder-soft beaches that never feel crowded. The weather is just right – not too hot or humid – making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and island-hopping adventures among the granite and coral islands.

Great Barrier Reef, Australia

I first visited the Great Barrier Reef during an April trip to Queensland in 2019. As the world’s largest coral reef system stretching over 1,500 miles along Australia’s northeastern coast, it’s a place that leaves you speechless. The reef consists of nearly 3,000 individual reef systems and hundreds of tropical islands, with the warm autumn waters perfect for snorkeling and diving. From the moment you dip below the surface, you’re surrounded by schools of colorful fish darting between coral formations, while green sea turtles glide peacefully nearby. The best part is staying at one of the cozy island resorts like Hamilton or Lizard Island, where you can step right from your room onto white sandy beaches and wade into crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

Many travelers head to the Galapagos Islands for their unique wildlife experiences, but this Pacific archipelago offers much more than just animal encounters. The islands combine volcanic landscapes, clear waters, and a living laboratory of evolution that Charles Darwin made famous. In April, the waters are warm and clear – perfect for snorkeling with sea turtles and playful sea lions. While the busy season hasn’t kicked in yet, you can still spot blue-footed boobies doing their mating dance, and giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat. The pleasant temperatures and lower tourist numbers make it an ideal time to hop between islands, trek through lava fields, and kayak along the shoreline without the usual crowds.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Ever watched a herd of elephants cool off in a watering hole while zebras graze nearby? That’s just another afternoon at Kruger National Park, South Africa’s premier safari destination. April brings mild temperatures and the start of the dry season, making it easier to spot the “Big Five” – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo – as they gather around shrinking water sources. The park’s savanna grasslands and bushveld stretch across an area the size of Wales, where you can join guided game drives or stay at lodges ranging from basic camps to high-end retreats like Royal Malewane, where wild animals often wander past your private deck.

Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany in April is exactly what Italian dreams are made of. Nestled in central Italy, this beloved region welcomes spring with mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and fewer tourists than the busy summer months. From the rolling hills dotted with cypress trees to charming medieval towns like Siena and San Gimignano, you’ll find the perfect mix of culture, food, and wine. The famous Chianti vineyards come alive during this time, and local festivals celebrate everything from artichokes to ancient traditions.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Many travelers journey to Machu Picchu for its ancient Incan ruins, but this mountain citadel offers much more than just archaeological wonders. The site sits between two peaks in the Andes Mountains, where morning mists create an almost magical atmosphere as they drift through the stone structures. April falls in the shoulder season between wet and dry periods, making it an excellent time to explore the terraced fields and stone temples without peak crowds. While the famous Inca Trail draws thousands of hikers each year, you can also reach the site by train from Cusco, or take alternative treks like the Salkantay route that showcase the region’s varied landscapes and local communities.

Swiss Alps, Switzerland

The Swiss Alps are where many travelers discover what winter dreams are made of. Unlike other mountain destinations that wind down in April, this is when the Swiss Alps truly come alive. You’ll find perfect snow conditions for spring skiing alongside meadows bursting with early wildflowers – it’s like nature can’t decide which season it wants to be. The swiss villages dotting the mountainsides tell stories of alpine tradition, with their wooden chalets and the gentle sound of cowbells echoing through the valleys. Because April sits between peak winter and summer seasons, you can enjoy winter sports in the morning and hike sunny trails in the afternoon, all while paying less for accommodations than you would during high season.