Wildflower paradise in Slovakia: a winning tip

The harebells (geraniums), wild cranesbills (geraniums), and other wildflowers that surrounded the paths and glades of the Slovensky Raj National Park were a luxuriant sight. Klastorisko’s cafe, which serves excellent pancakes and is situated in a large meadow, also offers a great view. Spisskanova Ves, located about 4 1/2 hours away by train from Bratislava, is the ideal starting point. The tourist information sells great walking maps. It’s only a short taxi or bus ride to Cingov, where you can stay at the Penzion Lesnica for about EUR30 per night. This is located right next to one of the park entrances.

Petals on the Picos in Spain

The Picos de Europa, north-west Spain, are superb for spring flowers. You can see orchids of every colour, including purple and pink, as well as gentians in deep blue, saxifrages and wild daffodils, and baby tulips. There are also miles of meadows with eagles and vultures circling and woodpeckers keeping rhythm with the footfalls of trees. You’ll see species of butterflies you have never seen before on the path. You can choose from a variety of well-marked walks that are as difficult or easy as you want them to be without seeing another person. For a bird’s eye view, take the cable car in Fuente De (EUR16 for return). You will be transported to a sunny snowfield. Potes is a picturesque town that I would recommend as a starting point. The city is located in the Picos region and offers a wide range of accommodation.

Almond blossom in Spain

Almond trees are in full bloom when you visit the Pyrenees foothills, which is about an hour away from Huesca. Buses run every day. You can find them growing wild along roadsides or in forest clearings. The season (until the middle of March) is short, but you won’t be disappointed by the ancient monasteries, pine forests and mountain backdrop. Pack a picnic to enjoy the peace. There are few restaurants outside of Ainsa. Do not miss the hike up to Muro de Roda, where you will find an ancient monastery and church overlooking mountains and lakes. Continue on the circular route to Lujan, passing more almond fields in bloom. The days are typically sunny and clear, but the nights are usually cold. Explore the world using Ztrails, a free app.

Double whammy of botanical delights in Portugal

The Sado Estuary, in Portugal near Lisbon, is a botanical delight. The long, sandy Troia Peninsula is located south of the river’s mouth. To the north lies the limestone ridge known as the Serra da Arrabida. Early spring is a time when the dunes in Troia are alive with French lavender, snapdragons, rock roses, and Mediterranean spurge. On Arrabida, you will be wowed by the fruit-laden strawberry trees, bluebell glades, miniature hoop-petticoat daffodils and orchids. Setubal and Troia are easily accessible by the little green ferry.

A temple to wildflowers, Sicily

Sicily’s summer is a dramatic display of its closeness to North Africa, scorched and surprising by the sun. It was a riot in colour. San Vito Lo Capo is a popular seaside resort located 50km west of Palermo. It’s crowded during the summer, but it was deserted for Easter. Every field and verge were bursting with wildflowers. Our favourite spot was the Greek Doric Temple at Segesta, which was high up in the hills. It seemed to float in a sea of yellow and orange flowers.

Cornwall Coastal Flower Power

The coastal path between Kynance Cove & Lizard Point is the best place to go for a spring wildflower stroll. If you complete the entire circular, you will be able to see the beautiful, local Erica vegans or cornish heath. This plant grows in Ireland, France, Spain, and parts of western France. Summer gorse also begins to emerge, and the walk will be accompanied by its coconut scent. This time of year, the coast path is lined by thrift. The early flowers of Hottentot’s fig, as well as the green-winged orchis, hairy greenweed and thyme-broomrape, are also beginning to appear. This is a botanist’s paradise.

Photograph: Alamy. Snowdrops at Lytham Hall. Photograph by Alamy

The Snowdrop Walk in Lytham, Lancashire, is a spectacular sight. Nine million snowdrops dance under the winter sun every February. It’s free to visit the grounds. After the walk, you can warm up at their lovely cafe and purchase snowdrop plants to plant back home. It is fascinating to take a tour of this Grade I listed Georgian mansion that was the home of the Cliftons. The cost of the tour is PS6/PS3.

I would like to visit Texel in February. On this Dutch island, you’ll see millions of snowdrops, their bright flower heads being the first sign of spring. You’ll find white carpets in the woods when cycling through. They are at the intersection between Botgrasweg and Randweg and the crossing of Waalenburgerdijkje with Oude Dijkje. This is located in Molenbos, and De Cocksdorp. Texel is also home to glasswort, European sea rocket, sea buckthorn, and blue sea holly. Ferries depart every hour from Den Helder. Fees are EUR2.50 for pedestrians and EUR25 for cars.

Seville, A city of scents

Jasmine begins to bloom in spring. It grows out of cracks in houses and city walls. Although the small white flowers may not be noticeable, their heady, romantic scent will make you stop in your tracks. It’s almost tangible that the smell is so strong and thick. It makes it seem like there are clouds of perfume floating around the city. Visit the Real Alcazar Gardens (EUR11.50 on Mondays, free), where orange and Jasmine combine blissfully.

Pure poetry near Lake Como

The Val d’Intelvi is a hilly area between Como and Lugano on the Swiss-Italian frontier. The high pastures in late spring are a haven of green grass, wildflowers and clean air. From Castiglione d’Intelvi, follow the signs uphill to Capanna Bruno e Giuseppe, an amazing mountain refuge-slash-restaurant on the flank of Pizzo della Croce with garden tables overlooking Lake Como. Take a stroll through the flower-strewn meadows to the south-west in May. The area is dotted with tiny wild narcissus poetry, yellow globe buttercups, and wild peonies.

Are you looking for a different vacation? Visit Guardian Holidays for a wide range of amazing trips.

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