The days are getting longer again and the temperatures are slowly rising. That can only mean one thing: spring is finally here. And with spring comes a handful of holidays that shorten some work weeks and make for a long weekend or two. Reason enough to pack your bags and plan a trip, because your next mini-vacation is just a few hours away. These 6 destinations are guaranteed to make a long weekend an unforgettable experience.

A long weekend by the sea

The water may still be a bit chilly, but the Mediterranean climate and the sound of the sea alone are worth planning a summer weekend getaway right now.

Summer feelings are already rising on the Italian coast. © Enrico Costantini/Belmond

Portofino & Cinque Terre, Italy

We can never get enough of the coastal region in northwest Italy. The small harbor town of Portofino looks as if it has sprung out of a picture book. From there, you can also visit the five villages of the picturesque Cinque Terre region and experience Italian dolce vita up close.

Hotel Tip:
Splendido Mare
In the middle of the harbor of glamorous Portofino lies this charming 5-star hotel in elegant mid-century style. A stay here comes close to a Hollywood movie from the 50s.

Via Roma, 2, 16034 Portofino GE, Italy
Tel.: +39 0185 267802
Web: belmond.com
Price: double room incl. breakfast from €670,- per night

Picture-book destination Portofino, a dreamy harbor town to fall in love with. © Helen Cathcart/Belmond

Split, Croatia

With fabulous beaches, a dreamy old town and good connections to other coastal resorts, Split is the ideal base for a long weekend of exploring and island-hopping. The Dalmatian region on the Adriatic Sea is definitely worth a visit and knows how to inspire with its rustic flair.

Hotel Tip:
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa
This all-around modern house is located directly on the coast, overlooking the island of Brač. A spacious pool, large spa and private access to the beach guarantee a relaxing stay.

Put Trstenika 19, Split, 21000, Croatia
Tel.: +385 (21) 30 30 30
Web: radissonhotels.com
Price: Double room from €117,16 per night

This Dalmatian gem trumps the Adriatic Sea and a romantic old town. © Shutterstock

 

A long weekend in the city

Art and culture lovers are drawn back to vibrant cities where there's always something new to discover. From insightful museum exhibitions to the latest food trends to an extensive shopping spree, these iconic cities are always good for a surprise.

No matter how many times you've been to Paris, there's always something new to discover. © Shutterstock

Paris, France

The city of love and lights shines in particular splendor in the spring. Walks along the Seine, a picnic in the Jardin du Luxembourg, a visit to the Orangierie - the options, much like the charm of Paris, are truly endless.

Hotel Tip:
Plaza Athénée
The iconic 5-star hotel with red geraniums on every balcony is the perfect domicile for fashionistas. Right on Avenue Montaigne, one of the most fashionable streets in the world, you'll be surrounded by Dior, Chanel and co.

25 avenue Montaigne, 75008 Paris
Tel: +33 (0) 1 53 67 66 65
Web: dorchestercollection.com
Price: Double room incl. breakfast from €1.890,- per night

An iconic Parisian hotel: the Plaza Athénée on Avenue Montaigne with its red geraniums. © Shutterstock

Barcelona, Spain

The best of both worlds: the popular Spanish metropolis is located directly on the sea and offers numerous well-maintained beaches, from where you can wonderfully watch the sunset after a long day in the city.

Hotel Tip:
Serras
This relaxed hotel with an urban ambience is a shining example of the future of Barcelona's hotel scene: the design is modern and young, the offer first class (Michelin chef included).

Passeig de Colom, 9, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Tel: +34 931 691 868
Web: serrashotel.com
Price: Double room incl. breakfast from €360,- per night

The best of both worlds: Barcelona is a vibrant metropolis on the Balearic Sea. © Shutterstock

 

A long weekend at the lake

It doesn't always have to be the sea. Europe has a variety of beautiful lakes, which are also perfect for a weekend trip.

A long weekend at the lake with fabulous views and historic destinations creates priceless memories. © Shutterstock

Lake Garda, Italy

Italy's largest lake is known for its crystal clear waters and glamorous hotels. Its location in the northwest of the country means that it can be reached in no time and also allows for day trips to Venice or Milan. Besides boat trips and picturesque walks, you can also visit the Caves of Catullus, the ruins of a Roman villa almost 2,000 years old.

Hotel Tip:
Grand Hotel Fasano
The ultimate retreat for luxury lovers and a hotel with charm and history galore. The light-filled rooms overlooking the lake are bursting with elegance, while the exclusive Aveda spa is reminiscent of ancient Roman baths.

Via Zanardelli, 190 25083 Gardone Riviera (BS), Italy
Tel.: +39 0365 290 220
Web: ghf.it
Price: Double room incl. breakfast from €260,- per night

Lake Garda is a legendary vacation destination for a reason: crystal clear waters and historic buildings never fail to delight visitors. © Shutterstock

Lake Geneva

Even today, the largest lake in Central Europe is known in French as the Lac Léman -derived from the Celtic for great water. Located on the border of Switzerland and France, the beautiful lake is surrounded by charming villages and is popular with travelers from all over the world for its mild climate and historic buildings.

Hotel Tip:
The Woodward
The majestic hotel, built in 1901, sits directly on the shores of Lake Geneva and offers sweeping views of Mont Blanc. The stylish suites, Michelin award-winning restaurants, and Guerlain spa ensure a stay of the highest caliber.

Quai Wilson 37, 1201 Genève, Switzerland
Tel.: +41 22 901 3700
Web: oetkercollection.com
Price: Double room incl. breakfast from €1.082,- per night

Pristine nature and medieval treasures make a trip to Lake Geneva a rejuvenating highlight. © Shutterstock

 

More travel inspiration: Other destinations for a long weekend