Seven of the best spring getaways for 2026

From hidden boat-to-beaches in Puerto Rico to carnival street parties in Cape Town, these global escapes will provide a welcome springtime reset for both body and soul.

As March and April approach, many travellers are eyeing a seasonal reset – whether that means sunshine after a long northern winter or making the most of late-summer warmth in the south. 

According to Lucie Kittel of luxury travel agency Domino Travel, these months present an ideal window to plan a trip.

Florida-based travel journalist Terry Ward has spent 25 years covering lesser-known destinations, adventure travel and scuba diving. She always travels with a snorkelling and diving mask in tow, exposing her children to different cultures, traditions and cuisines. 

"[Spring] has become a universal reset, not just for families but for adults craving a pause," she says. "It falls outside hurricane season for many sought-after beach destinations, including much of the Caribbean and Southeast Asia, and offers a more relaxed, less crowded experience across Europe."

This year, spring travel demand from her clients has shown a noticeable shift toward destinations that pair sunshine with active pursuits, aligning with an overall trend in experiential travel. "Instead of purely relaxation-focused beach escapes, they're seeking destinations where they can be outdoors, whether that's hiking, tennis, surfing or simply being more active in the Sun."

Here are seven places to consider for a March or April getaway in 2026.

Puerto Rico's cultural cachet is bigger than ever, thanks to its native son Bad Bunny and his Spanish-only Super Bowl half-time show. The island's record 2025 visitor arrival numbers show no sign of ebbing, but "travellers should know [Puerto Rico] is not just an all-inclusive beach destination," says Paula Vlamings, chief impact officer for Tourism Cares. "[It has] culture, art and local traditions, as well as beautiful nature and wildlife."

Chef Jose Mendin of Mar y Rosa, a rooftop restaurant at San Juan's Alma hotel, agrees: "Puerto Rico is history, salsa, bomba, reggaetón, land, sea and people all wrapped into one rhythm you feel the moment you step off the plane. [Local tours will explain] why the small kiosks along the roads are sacred parts of our culinary heritage."

Beyond the capital's colourful streets and historic Plaza Colón, the smaller islands of Culebra and Vieques offer hike-in and boat-to-beaches like Playa Carlos Rosario, perfect for snorkelling among clouds of reef fish. On Vieques, the boutique yoga retreat Finca Victoria has undergone property upgrades for the 2026 season, including a refurbished swimming pool and nine new rooms. On Culebra, hammock-lined Villa Boheme offers views of the bay where you can fall asleep to the sounds of coqui frogs.

Madeira and Porto Santo Island, Portugal

Madeira, a Portuguese archipelago off the coast of North Africa, is a year-round hiking destination that comes alive in spring.

This is when Madeira "bursts into full bloom, offering a truly botanical spectacle", says Andreas Schintlmeister of Eurohike Walking Holidays, which offers eight-day Madeira tours through traditional villages and along the island's historic levadas (irrigation channels).

After devastating wildfires in 2024, the Vereda do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo trail – Madeira's most famous hike – is slated to re-open in late-April 2026. Hikers can look for giant plants like towering Madeira blueberry as well as bird of paradise flowers, originally from South Africa.

Portuguese brand Editory Collection Hotels opened two new Funchal properties in late 2025 including The Editory Ocean Way Funchal with a rooftop pool and Atlantic Ocean views. For........

© BBC