It's a matter of days: spring is coming and the first buds peek out in the meadows. If Easter still seems too far away and you want to spend a weekend or a few days enjoying the mild temperatures and the awakening of nature, in this article I recommend 5 destinations to explore to look for spring, in Italy and abroad.
Are you looking for other ideas? Try reading too this article about London. If you prefer an Italian destination, I recommend my hometown, Torino.
5 destinations to explore in search of spring: Perugia, Italy
In Italy there are many ideal destinations to visit in spring., Nature is in bloom this season and the temperatures are not as bad as in winter or summer. One of my favorites is Perugia, although all of Umbria is worth knowing and visiting. Very green and quiet, in the region lively towns alternate with perfectly preserved historic centers with authentic medieval villages, excellent cuisine, simple but tasty, and unusual views.
They are worth visiting:
- the great Old Town. Characterized by the typical ups and downs of a city nestled on the hills, where you can walk at a slow pace enjoying the unexpected corners and the rustle of the natives. The central square is called Piazza IV Novembre, which is best enjoyed from the terrace of the Sala dei Notari (inside the building I am talking about in the following point);
- the most important medieval building in the city, the Priory palace. Interesting not only for the architecture but also because it houses the masterpieces of Umbrian art from the thirteenth century onwards in the National Gallery which is located on the second floor;
- il belvedere of the Church of Sant'Angelo della Pace, from which to admire the city;
- a piece of history of medieval Italy, the former monastery of San Benedetto, he who gave the Europe of the time the rules for life inside the convents. Today it no longer carries out any religious function, but you can still see the original frescoes and the majolica floor;
- il Perugina Museum. Yes, the famous chocolate with the ticket inside. The visit includes a collection of historical objects related to chocolate, the factory, the school and of course a tasting;
- if you love history and you like to discover places that tell you about a distant past there is the Hypogeum of the Volumni, a tomb discovered just over a century ago and one of the main archaeological finds from the Etruscan period, with around the nearly 200 tombs of the Palazzone Necropolis.
Perugia and the Palazzo dei Priori, one of its best known buildings. On the second floor the art gallery and a terrace to see the square from above.
5 destinations to explore in search of spring: Basel, Switzerland
A small town (has less than 200 inhabitants), nestled between France and Germany and nestled along the bends of the placid Rhine, is the destinazione perfect for pairs looking for a short romantic getaway or families who want to find a very green and child-friendly place. Basel is the third largest city in Switzerland and is located in the German canton. Known above all for being the heart of the country's chemical and pharmaceutical industry, it is the cultural capital of Switzerland.
To visit:
- 40 museums (interesting that of bambole, cartoons and the mill of the letter, as well as that of art with works by Flemish painters and the Impressionists);
- the lively market Square around which city life revolves. Here is also the cathedral with the two towers, one different from the other. Inside is the tomb of Erasmus of Rotterdam;
- the most important Swiss carnival, which starts at 4am and lasts 72 hours, attracting tourists from all over the country and beyond (you can book for next year)
- six bridges spanning the river and connect the old city with its recent part;
- north of the city the Dreilandereck, the corner of the three countries, the point where the borders of Switzerland, France and Germany meet.
5 destinations to explore in search of spring: Grasse, France
If you've read the beautiful novel Bouquet, or having seen the movie inspired by it, you will know that Grasse is the French capital of perfume. Here the perfume industry has developed since the sixteenth century. Fields of flowers extend for kilometers around the inhabited center. In fact, the scents produced in Grasse are based on locally grown flowers, such as violets, jasmine, roses and lavender.
Today there are still around 40 perfume producers in the city. Much of its notoriety is due to the fact that it Chanel # 5 was created right here. What better destination than this city where everything recalls the flowers and their scents to celebrate the arrival of spring?
What to see in Grasse:
- il perfume museum, of course, which offers an interactive tour and an adjoining garden;
- one of the historic houses of the city, Molinard, Galimard e Fragonard. Here there are workshops, guided olfactory experiences and the possibility of creating your own personalized perfume;
- il flower market held every morning in place aux Aires;
- the medieval alleys of Old Town, strictly on foot to savor the medieval air of the city.
The lavender fields outside Grasse herald spring with their brilliant purple color.
5 destinations to explore in search of spring: Seville, Spain
It is not as austere as Madrid and we are not as touristy and party-loving as Barcelona. Seville, however, is one of the main urban centers in Spain. In addition to being the main of the south of the country and its true cultural and artistic capital. It is worth going there to find out:
- the third largest center in Europe and the banks of the Guadalquivir River, which cuts the city in half. Historically it has made it one of the main points of contact with America. Today it is the only river port in Spain;
- i royal alcazars, namely the royal palaces, with their architecture poised between neoclassical and Moorish, the lush gardens and centuries of troubled history. Next to the Alcazares there is also the Palace of Charles V, the emperor who united Spain and the Germanic Holy Roman Empire under a single crown;
- le holy week celebrations, which are of a religious but also folkloric character, with the almost 60 brotherhoods participating in the procession and the Via Crucis followed by half the city;
- il Barrio de San Bartolome, an area so little tourist when still authentic, with its churches, narrow streets, low houses;
- il Triana neighborhood, with the covered market and bars, restaurants and clubs to eat and have fun.
5 destinations to explore for spring: Reykjavík, Iceland
But how? What is a cold city like this doing in an article on the best destinations to explore for spring? I know you are wondering. I left this destination for last because it is not for everyone. Go to Reykjavík if, like me, you love winter even more than spring. If the cold doesn't scare you and you think that snuggling up in front of the fireplace or a table set in a refuge is the most pleasant thing you can do - in any season.
The capital of Iceland, where two thirds of the population live, is actually quite a small center. In fact, it has only 120 inhabitants. Temperatures between March and June are comparable to those of a northern Italian city in winter. In fact, they oscillate around 0, with maximum peaks of 10-12 ° C. The hours of light, however, are many more. For example, on average on June 1st, the sun rises shortly after 3 in the morning and sets at 11,30 in the evening. The hours of darkness are therefore less than 4 hours.
What to do here?
- see the city from above by climbing on bell tower of the Hallgrimskirkja church. And you don't even have to go up the stairs, there is a comfortable lift;
- visit the most interesting places and learn about Reykjavík's history and curiosities with a walking tour. The City Walk organizes it and lasts 2 hours. Easy and not tiring, it is suitable for everyone and is the best way to explore the city;
- try one of the 7 public swimming pools. They are usually outdoors but have hot water (sometimes there are multiple tubs with different temperatures). Some also offer a sauna and Turkish bath. They tend to be crowded. Admission costs a few euros;
- visit the over 100 night clubs in the city. Unlike other Nordic peoples, Icelanders go out late and you can dance and find drinks until the wee hours;
- get out of the city even a little and see anorthern Lights. Or take a boat trip to spot whales, dolphins and various bird species.
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The view of the city from the tower of the Hallgrimskirkja church.
