Best spring ferry destinations in Europe and beyond

Calmer seas, lighter crowds, warm but not scorching temperatures, and nature in bloom… Spring is one of the best times of the year to set sail to some of the world’s most stunning ferry destinations. From the Mediterranean and North Seas to the Indonesian Archipelago and from the Canaries to the Balearics, our top picks for the best spring destinations accessible by ferry guarantee that your next escape will be just what the doctor ordered after a bit of winter hibernation!

Scenic coastal road and Mediterranean architecture on Salina island

1. Salina, Italy

Visiting Salina in spring feels like discovering a secret garden by the sea. The second-largest island in the Aeolian archipelago, north of Sicily, Salina boasts verdant landscapes dotted with quaint villages, fragrant vineyards, historic sites dating back to the Middle Bronze Age, and a range of activities for adventure lovers, including diving, hiking, and boat tours. Furthermore, it is a prime choice for families and couples due to its tranquil atmosphere, and a great starting point for island hopping in the Aeolian Islands.

Why visit Salina in spring

Mild temperatures and blooming flora make April and May ideal for exploring Salina’s natural beauty without the peak-season crowds. And, as the Aeolian Islands tend to be quite expensive in the summer, a spring getaway is a good budget-friendly alternative.

How to get to Salina

Salina can be reached only by ferry from various ports in Southern Italy. There are direct ferry routes to Salina from the ports of Palermo, Milazzo, and Messina (Sicily), Campania (Naples), Reggio Calabria, and Vibo Valentia (Calabria), as well as from the nearby Aeolian Islands of Lipari and Stromboli.

Some routes operate year-round, while others are seasonal, typically operating from April to October. When planning to travel to Salina in the spring, note that ticket availability is higher than in the summer months, and you can find tickets even closer to your chosen departure date. However, we recommend booking your tickets well in advance, as availability varies by route and you do not want any last-minute surprises.

2. Sardinia, Italy

The Mediterranean’s second-largest island is a well-deserved favorite among travelers worldwide, offering an enticing mix of rugged coastal terrain, secret coves, and a lush interior of traditional villages and important archaeological sites. Located west of the Italian mainland, Sardinia offers a distinct charm in every season, and spring is no exception.

Why visit Sardinia in spring

When people ask when is the best time to visit Sardinia, spring is often the answer, as from March to May, you can take in its beauty without the summer crowds, and the weather is also at your side, with sunny days and mild temperatures.

Another experience that you can only enjoy during spring is Easter in Sardinia, when the island’s major cities and smaller towns come alive, honoring millennia-old religious traditions with rites, evocative processions, and fascinating chants.

How to get to Sardinia

You can access Sardinia’s ports by ferry from multiple ports on mainland Italy, including Livorno and Piombino in central Italy, Genoa in the north, and Naples in the south. There is also a ferry connection from Palermo in Sicily, which is situated south of Sardinia.

Sardinia can also be reached by ferry from Corsica, southern France (Toulon and Nice), and Barcelona, Spain.

Most ferry routes to Sardinia operate year-round, but some are only available seasonally, so make sure to check the latest schedules on Ferryhopper before booking your tickets. Also note that ferry ticket prices tend to increase on holidays and weekends, so traveling on weekdays may be a good idea.

Ticket demand is also lower during spring, so booking a late-minute ticket is feasible. We always recommend booking your tickets in advance to enjoy greater flexibility in travel dates and route selection.

Vibrant wildflowers blooming along the coast of Alghero in Sardinia

3. Menorca, Spain

Menorca, the Balearic gem that is among the best islands near Spain, may not rival its neighboring Mallorca in terms of popularity or size, but it is nevertheless a tranquil slice of heaven. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Menorca, or Minorca as it is also referred to, is all about outdoor activities, and spring is an ideal time to experience its lush green landscapes and blooming wildflowers, as the season’s typically mild, pleasant temperatures are perfect for cycling or hiking the famous Camí de Cavalls trail, a 185-km trail running along the perimeter of the island.

Why visit Menorca in spring

Even in the high season, Menorca is typically devoid of huge crowds, so choosing to visit during spring will feel as if you have the island all to yourself. Plus, this is when Menorca is covered in wildflowers, especially yellow vinagrella. As temperatures rise from March onwards, you can enjoy a range of outdoor activities and even dip in Menorca’s stunning, secluded coves (calas).

Accommodation prices are generally lower than in summer, and the vibe in towns like Ciutadella and Mahón, the island’s capital, is more relaxed, allowing you to experience Menorca at its most authentic.

Also, in spring (usually in April), towns across the island host the Menorca International Jazz Festival, which is renowned for its excellent performances by esteemed musicians and groups, along with local food fairs where you’ll get the chance to taste seasonal delicacies.

How to get to Menorca

Menorca has 2 ferry ports, Ciutadella and Mahón. You can access them by ferry year-round from the ports of Barcelona and Valencia in mainland Spain. The route from Barcelona is the fastest option, taking around 3 h 30 min to reach the Ciutadella port. There are also seasonal ferry routes connecting Menorca to the French port of Toulon.

Also, if you don’t want to take any side in the Mallorca or Menorca dilemma and wish to visit them both, you will find year-round routes connecting the two islands and cross out island hopping in the Balearic Islands from your dream trips bucket list.

Ticket availability on ferry routes to Menorca is also higher in the spring, so a last-minute trip is not out of the question.

A scenic hiking trail surrounded by wildflowers in Menorca, Spain

4. Corsica, France

Often called Île de Beauté (the Island of Beauty), Corsica lives up to its reputation with soaring mountain vistas, hidden beaches, and sparkling coastlines begging to be explored. This Mediterranean dream, one of France’s 18 regions, also boasts a rich cultural heritage and a history forever intertwined with Napoleon, as it was both his birthplace and his place of exile. If being “self-exiled” in Corsica during spring sounds like a good idea to you (and it is, trust us), keep reading!

Why visit Corsica in spring

Spring is one of the best times to experience Corsica’s diverse landscapes in mild, typically pleasant Mediterranean weather. The island’s nature is in full bloom, hiking trails come alive, and outdoor activities, ranging from exploring the incredible rock formations of Calanques de Piana to wandering the cobblestone streets of Ajaccio, Corsica’s capital, are best enjoyed free of the summer crowds. Spring also brings calmer seas for swimming and offers scenic ferry crossings to an island considered one of Europe’s best-kept secrets.

How to get to Corsica

Corsica is easily accessible by ferry from both France and Italy.

Ferries from France to Corsica depart from the ports of Toulon, Nice, and Marseille and arrive at the Corsican ports of Bastia, Ajaccio, Porto-Vecchio, and L’Île-Rousse, with many crossings operating seasonally through spring.

Ferries from Italy to Corsica connect the island with the ports of Livorno, Genoa, and Piombino. You can also travel by ferry from Sardinia to Corsica thanks to several year-round and seasonal connections.

Note that there are both year-round and seasonal ferry routes to Corsica’s 6 ports, so make sure to check the latest schedules on Ferryhopper to discover the ones most convenient based on your port of departure and travel dates. From April to May, ferry connections are typically regular, and ticket availability is higher than in summer, but it’s always best to book a few weeks in advance.

Spring flowers blooming along the rocky coastline of Calvi in Corsica

5. Lanzarote, Spain

Lanzarote, the easternmost of Spain’s Canary Islands, is a striking volcanic paradise framed by golden beaches, dramatic lava fields covering almost a quarter of its terrain, and otherworldly landscapes. With its trademark Canary Islands sunny climate and unique blend of nature, art, and tradition, this island has everything one can expect for a refreshing spring escape, one where even a dip in the Atlantic is not only a possibility, it’s highly recommended.

Why visit Lanzarote in spring

Spring is an ideal season to discover Lanzarote’s remarkable contrasts without the high-season rush. The island’s mild temperatures and clear skies make outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, and cycling especially enjoyable. Spring also offers favourable weather conditions for island hopping in the Canaries, with frequent ferry routes to nearby islands such as Fuerteventura and La Graciosa.

How to get to Lanzarote

Lanzarote is connected by ferry year-round, with multiple weekly crossings to neighbouring Canary Islands, including Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria.

You can also travel to Lanzarote by ferry from mainland Spain via longer routes departing from ports like Cádiz or Huelva.

Unlike the high season (December to February), spring travelers often find better ferry ticket deals closer to their departure date. However, if you don’t want your options to be limited, we advise you to book your spring ferry tickets as early as possible.

The lush valley of Haría and its traditional white-washed houses in Lanzarote

6. Corfu, Greece

Serene, sun-drenched, and seductive, Corfu is undoubtedly one of Greece’s most beloved Ionian islands. Think leafy hills, pastel-coloured Venetian architecture, lush olive groves, and crystal-clear waters, and you’ll get why Corfu is renowned as a destination where culture, nature, and seaside charm come together in harmony. And the best time to experience Corfu’s peaceful yet vibrant spirit in its purest form is spring.

Why visit Corfu in spring

Spring in Corfu brings a trifecta of ideal conditions for exploring its beautiful landscapes and charming villages: mild temperatures, blooming nature, and fewer tourists. You can enjoy scenic coastal walks, historic sites, and local markets at your own pace or embark on a day trip from Corfu to other stunning nearby destinations such as the island of Paxos.

Additionally, if you’re after a truly authentic Greek experience, you can plan your trip to coincide with the Orthodox Easter celebrations in Corfu, which feature some of the most amazing and unique traditions in all of Greece.

How to get to Corfu

There are regular ferry routes to Corfu from mainland Greece, the nearby Ionian Islands, mainland Italy, and Albania. Choosing to visit during the spring is a good idea because ticket availability is higher and ferry operators often promote special offers in the months before the high season.

Picturesque alley decorated with bougainvillea in the Old Town of Corfu

7. Dubrovnik & Korčula, Croatia

Dubrovnik is a historic coastal city in Croatia famous for its impressive Old Town walls, terracotta rooftops, and shimmering Adriatic backdrop, a scenery forever immortalized by Game of Thrones. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s perfect for spring sightseeing, seaside strolls, and exploring centuries-old fortifications.

Just a short ferry ride from Dubrovnik lies Korčula, a charming island of vine-covered hills, medieval architecture, and peaceful beaches, that is the perfect counterpoint to Dubrovnik’s vibrant alleys.

Why visit Dubrovnik and Korčula in spring

As one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world, Dubrovnik attracts travelers year-round who flock to the city for its cinematic beauty. In comparison, Korčula may be less crowded, but there is a summer surge of visitors because the island is known for some of Croatia's best beaches.

Opting for a spring getaway to these two amazing destinations is your chance to enjoy their unique character and offerings while nature is in full bloom and crowds have not yet arrived.

How to get to Dubrovnik and Korčula

Ferries to Dubrovnik are available year-round or seasonally, depending on the port of departure. Dubrovnik is accessible by ferry from mainland Croatian ports along the Dalmatian coast and from the ports of some of Croatia’s most beautiful islands. You can also travel to Dubrovnik by ferry from the ports of Bari in Italy and Budva and Kotor in Montenegro.

From Dubrovnik, there are frequent ferries to Korčula, making it easy to combine city sightseeing with island relaxation. The island is also connected by ferry routes to the ports of Split and Makarska on the Croatian mainland, as well as to nearby islands such as Hvar and Brač.

Ticket availability for both destinations is higher during spring, so you can book your ferry tickets even a few days before departure.

The historic walled town of Korčula on the island of Korčula in Croatia

8. Bali & Gili Islands, Indonesia

When people think of a tropical paradise, Bali immediately comes to mind, as the Indonesian island offers a heavenly combination of lush rice terraces, mystical volcanoes, and stunning beaches, earning it the nickname “Island of the Gods”.

And, as if Bali’s beauty weren’t enough, just offshore one finds the Gili Islands. Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air are three pristine, car-free isles where beach living is easy, coral reefs are abundant, and the feel of simpler times is still preserved. Together, Bali and the Gilis offer a uniquely varied spring escape that caters to both adventurous and more laid-back travelers.

Why visit Bali and the Gili Islands in spring

Spring in Bali and the Gili Islands promises warm weather, calm seas, and excellent conditions for snorkeling and diving around the coral reefs. With abundant sunshine and breezy tropical evenings, it’s the ideal season to explore temples, relax by the beach, or island hop between the three Gilis.

How to get to Bali and the Gili Islands

Τhe ports of Padang Bai, Sanur, Serangan, and Kusamba in Bali are regularly connected by ferry to other islands in the Indonesian Archipelago, such as Lombok, Nusa Penida, and Nusa Lembongan. Some ferry routes to Bali operate year-round, while others are seasonal, depending on the port of departure.

Ferries to the Gili Islands from Bali run year-round with multiple daily crossings from the ports of Padang Bai, Serangan, and Sanur. These crossings are short in duration (from 1.5 hr to 5 hr), ideal for a day trip to the Gilis from Bali.

Crystal-clear waters and traditional boats on the coast of Gili Air in Indonesia

9. Gothenburg, Sweden

Nestled on Sweden’s west coast, Gothenburg is one of the most beautiful Scandinavian cities, with leafy boulevards, charming canals, bustling cafés, and a variety of cultural attractions. This combination of urban sophistication and seaside charm makes Gothenburg a worthy spring destination, especially for travelers seeking to discover a new city that comes with a delightful dose of coastal exploration.

Why visit Gothenburg in spring

Sweden is, of course, known for its extreme winters, and they are precisely the reason why spring brings a whole different aura, one of nature resurrecting across the whole country. This resurrection can be witnessed firsthand in Gothenburg, as it suddenly comes alive with blooming parks, outdoor markets, and extended daylight hours that permit carefree strolling around its botanical gardens, historic districts, and waterfront promenades.

How to get to Gothenburg

Gothenburg is easily reached by ferry from Denmark. There are regular year-round services from the Danish port of Frederikshavn to Gothenburg, lasting around 3 hours 30 minutes. These scenic crossings across the Kattegat, the narrow bay between Sweden and Denmark, offer a relaxed and enjoyable way to begin your Nordic spring getaway.

The charming skyline and historic church spires of Gothenburg

How to choose the best spring ferry destination

Well, now that you have discovered which parts of the world are perfect for a refreshing spring getaway, you are surely wondering: how to pick one! The answer to this question depends, of course, on your personal preferences and budget.

For example, are you more inclined towards a tropical escape? Bali and the Gili Islands should be at the top of your list! If you can’t get enough of the Mediterranean spring bliss, then you should opt for one of the region’s islands on our list, such as Corsica or Corfu. If the Atlantic is calling to you, then Lanzarote will surely be the answer to that calling. And, last but not least, if your idea of a spring trip is a city bustling with life, then look no further than Dubrovnik or Gothenburg.

Thankfully, we are here to help you make your choice a bit easier. Find more information about all the routes for the best spring destinations on our Map of ferries, compare prices and schedules, and book your tickets to your dream escape with no hidden fees!