Easter is not only one of the most significant holidays in spring, but also one of the most exciting travel opportunities. Just as some parts of the world are seeing the peak of their tourism season, others are seeing a period that is ripe for travel, as both hemispheres enter a crucial cycle where the weather shifts, and the seasons move from warm to cold weather and vice versa.
The following suggestions are Easter Holiday destinations that may not instantly spring to mind, and yet, they represent fascinating corners of the world to explore at a time of year when they are likely to not be spoiled by an overwhelming number of fellow travellers.
Namibia
With Easter falling during Namibia's dry season, clear skies, cool evenings, and golden desert light prevail, making it the perfect destination for safaris and excursions amid its mesmerising oases and dunes. Etosha National Park and the towering dunes at Sossusvlei provide pure spectacle for wildlife enthusiasts, with sightings of rhinos, giraffes and elephants, to name but a few of the star attractions this majestic landscape can show off.
Despite its wild nature, Namibia does not lack in comfort for weary travellers, promising boutique treehouse lodges and plush desert campsites, often blending into the dunes or clifftops they occupy. Stargazing opportunities from these encampments are sublime, the quiet silence of the desert is humbling, with travellers able to truly escape their everyday normalities amongst the vast confines of Namibia’s untouched landscapes.
Madeira
This Portuguese island, just off the coast of North Africa, is a sanctuary for walkers, food lovers and anyone wanting a gentle pace with incredible views. Madeira's lush landscape and subtropical microclimate make it an idyllic spring escape, and in April, the island begins to hit its stride. The Easter period coincides with the island's beautiful flora coming into bloom, whilst Funchal’s old town buzzes as more and more businesses begin to open up ahead of the impending tourist season.
The ancient network of irrigation paths that dominate much of the island's topography (known as “levadas” by the locals) is some of Europe’s most scenic and accessible hiking routes and begs to be explored, even on rainy days, where hikers can witness the water channels at work. The family-run quintas that dot the hillsides make for excellent resting points for sampling the island's many delicacies, of which black scabbardfish, often served with banana or passion fruit, is a highlight. Accommodation options range from characterful villas up in the hills to exuberant five-star resorts, with panoramic Atlantic views and enviable spa facilities. On a map, Madeira may look a whole world away from the mainland, but it is well worth the journey for the experience that is provides.
Outer Banks, USA
One of the most beautiful destinations in the US, the archipelago known as the Outer Banks is a string of barrier islands that offer windswept beaches, wild sunsets, and an eclectic mix of clapboard towns that still feel tied to their maritime roots, and old-money luxury. Usually by April, the weather has warmed enough for boat and fishing trips, beach walks and fresh oysters by the water. There is a lazy vibe to the islands, almost like they’re just starting to awaken again ahead of the busy summer season.
The OBX, as it's locally known, is rich in history. From the first aeroplane flight to centuries-old lighthouses and shipwrecks - the area has a real sense of adventure to it, which of course, is only compounded by activities such as diving, deep-sea fishing, and mangrove tours in search of alligators. The islands offer a raft of possibilities for those looking to explore a very different part of the US, which has a well-preserved heritage that visitors will struggle not to get swept up in.
Monaco
A timeless destination, small in size, but colossal in statue - Monaco’s appeal knows no bounds to those who can afford to enjoy its charms. As Easter falls before the date of the premier Grand Prix round that the city-state is well-lauded for, its an ideal time to experience the delights of the harbour, coast and of course, the iconic Hôtel de Paris without the presence of so many superyachts and their owners.
Exploring the area via the water or taking a helicopter tour of the coast, perhaps even as far as nearby Cannes, is an ideal way to experience the charm of the French Riviera before it enters full swing. Monaco’s rich history is often underappreciated, yet hikes up to the Citadel and Grimaldi residence can be a rewarding and insightful look at how the microstate first came to exist.
Egypt
Egypt is one of those rare destinations that combines warmer weather with the world’s most celebrated ancient history. From the Great Pyramid of Giza to the Valley of the Kings, the country delivers monumental sights and deeply layered stories, creating a tapestry of experiences for visitors that have been woven over the course of more than 5000 years, and continue to captivate the imaginations of millions of visitors each year.
The camel may be celebrated in these parts as the authentic way to travel to visit the many places of interest, but a cruise down the River Nile offers a blend of comfort and reflection, as this ancient waterway has ferried travellers for millennia in similar fashion. The best views are found by hot air balloon either at sunset or by sunrise, bathing the land in deep shades of red. Cairo is a hotbed of energy and intrigue, while the Red Sea, with its lauded resorts, offer snorkelling and relaxation for those wanting to unwind after trips to the desert in search of the tombs of the pharaohs
Cartagena, Colombia
One of the most visually striking cities in Latin America, where cobbled streets wind through colonial buildings, and the imposing brickwork of the old towns' fortifications contrast with the lush, tropical coastline. Candlelit processions move slowly through the old city during Holy Week as the population celebrates the Easter period, bringing a touch of solemn reflection to the often noisy, and lively city.
Cartagena experiences warmer temperatures throughout the year, but April is ideal for visitors who are fans of it not being too hot and before the rainy season sets in. Beyond the old city, travellers can explore the famous Rosario Islands by boat, snorkel with tropical fish or relax at any one of the many beautiful beaches or poolside found in the city. The local cuisine is a fiery blend of African, Spanish and Indigenous flavours, with coconut rice, fresh ceviche and tropical fruit providing a perfect blend of sweet, sour and spicy, for those wanting a taste of the exotic.
