Date of publication 22/03/2024
The best destinations for an Easter vacation
As if written in the stars, Easter coincides with the first full moon of spring, when the night sky brightens and winter finally gives way to a new season. In some parts of Spain, such as Andalusia, as well as in many Spanish-speaking countries, this time of year remains deeply connected to religious traditions. At the same time, these festive days surrounding the full moon have evolved into an opportunity for all kinds of travel experiences and getaways. As vacation styles continue to diversify, we've rounded up the best destinations for an Easter getaway, whatever kind of trip you're looking for.
Just as, according to the Bible, Christ died and rose again after seven days, symbolically bringing humanity out of darkness and revealing the power of its divine nature, Celtic traditions celebrate Ostara, the goddess of rebirth and fertility, during the spring equinox. After a season of dormancy, seeds begin to sprout and new life emerges. The cycle repeats itself year after year. And each year brings a new opportunity to make the most of your vacation. Below, you'll find inspiration for your next getaway. Where should you travel for Easter as a couple? What are the best spring destinations for families with children? With the irresistible Easter offers from Iberostar, you can choose from hotels around the world, including destinations at the heart of the celebrations in Cádiz, Seville, and Málaga.
Easter in Andalusia: Where to Go to Experience the Heart of the Celebrations
Chiclana de la Frontera, Cádiz
One of the best destinations for Easter in Spain is Cádiz. Without giving up time by the sea, you'll have the opportunity to experience the traditional Holy Week processions that take place between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. Throughout the week, religious brotherhoods parade through the historic center of the city as well as its neighborhoods and surrounding towns, filling the streets with devotion, tradition, and emotion. Can you imagine witnessing this remarkable spectacle with the ocean as a backdrop? Experiencing it firsthand offers a unique window into one of the most deeply rooted and meaningful expressions of Andalusian culture.
One of the most anticipated moments of Holy Week is the procession of Cristo de Medinaceli in Chiclana de la Frontera. This coastal town is home to Iberostar Selection Andalucía Playa, an adults-focused hotel where you can unwind at the spa and savor the finest cuisine from Cádiz, as well as Iberostar Waves Royal Andalus, a family-friendly resort featuring a water park designed for fun and relaxation for all ages. Together with Iberostar Novo Sancti Petri, considered one of the world’s most prestigious golf clubs, they form an All-Inclusive resort located directly on La Barrosa Beach. This stretch of coastline has earned the Ecoplaya distinction, awarded to environmentally responsible beaches, as well as the Q for Tourist Quality and the Blue Flag certification. At Cataria, the restaurant led by chefs Pablo Vicari and Aitor Arregi, you'll enjoy exceptional dishes inspired by the region’s farmland, coastline, and countryside, prepared using the traditional seafood grilling techniques for which the area is renowned. What more could you ask for?
Seville
About an hour away by car lies the city of Seville, one of the most celebrated destinations for Easter in both Spain and Europe. In fact, in 1980, Holy Week in Seville was declared an event of International Tourist Interest. For locals, it is much more than a religious celebration. It is also an expression of artistic heritage and community identity. The brotherhoods, along with their marching bands, spend months preparing their processions, carefully organizing every detail before taking their sacred images through the streets. For these brotherhoods, each procession is a ritual, with significance embedded in both its meaning and its execution. Today, Seville is home to 71 brotherhoods, many of which have existed for centuries. To make the most of the pleasant spring weather, you can also combine your visit with an excursion to one of Andalusia’s nearby natural treasures, such as Doñana National Park, whose extraordinary wetlands provide a sanctuary for migratory birds, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals living in remarkable harmony.
Marbella, Málaga
In Málaga, tradition and exclusivity come together through ideally located hotels that make it easy to combine days by the sea with Holy Week celebrations. From Iberostar Selection Marbella Coral Beach, you'll have access to some of the best beaches in Andalusia, including Marbella’s renowned shoreline. Every detail of this hotel has been designed with comfort in mind. Located just one kilometer from Puerto Banús and offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean, it features themed rooms so you can choose the one that best matches your style, as well as its own beach club, The Origin Beach Club Marbella. If you enjoy traveling through food, its dining experiences are sure to impress. And what about the Holy Week celebrations? Those who have witnessed it say that the procession of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad de la Encarnación, which takes place on Good Friday in Marbella’s historic center and is the oldest procession in the city, is also the most moving, thanks to its profound emotional intensity.
The Best Destinations for Couples at Easter
Santa Eulària des Riu, Ibiza
Beyond its spiritual significance, Easter has evolved into many different forms of celebration. If you're still wondering where to travel for Easter as a couple, but know you want to spend your vacation in a special destination filled with romantic settings, idyllic coves, and, why not, lively nightlife, Santa Eulària des Riu in Ibiza is an excellent choice. With the arrival of spring, the White Isle comes alive in vibrant colors. The green of its pine forests, the turquoise of its waters, and the golden glow of its sunsets enhance its unmistakable charm. All that's missing is the two of you to complete the scene.
In Ibiza, you'll collect unforgettable memories: taking your first swim of the season, wandering through the endlessly charming streets of Dalt Vila, enjoying candlelit dinners at farm-to-table restaurants, dancing until sunrise at the island’s iconic clubs, hiking scenic trails, or browsing local markets such as Las Dalias and the Hippy Market in Es Canar. Close to the latter, in S'Argamassa, you'll find Iberostar Selection Santa Eulalia Ibiza, an adults-only haven surrounded by Mediterranean pine forests where relaxation, wellness, and a welcoming atmosphere come naturally. For an even more exclusive experience, the hotel's Star Prestige areas offer added privacy and tranquility.
Yaiza, Lanzarote
There’s a romantic getaway for every season of the year. In Lanzarote, the northernmost of the Canary Islands, you'll discover one of Spain’s most appealing Easter vacation destinations, popular with groups of friends as well as active couples who enjoy staying on the move. Whether your idea of a getaway includes surfing and other water sports or exploring volcanic landscapes on foot or by bike, Lanzarote offers endless possibilities. Timanfaya National Park preserves the island’s dramatic volcanic legacy, while Lanzarote’s natural pools, many of them located within protected areas, provide exceptional spots for swimming and snorkeling.
In addition to enjoying outdoor activities and relaxing on the beach, the area around Yaiza offers the opportunity to observe some of Spain’s most unique and endangered species in their natural habitat, including the blind crab, or Jameos del Agua crab, which is endemic to Lanzarote. Iberostar Selection Lanzarote Park is located here, a five-star resort whose ocean-facing design, created by renowned artist César Manrique, draws inspiration from traditional Canary Islands architecture. In 2022, Tripadvisor users voted it the best All-Inclusive hotel in Spain. If you visit, you'll quickly see why.
Monastir, Tunisia
As you read this article, you may be wondering whether we’d include Easter destinations beyond Spain. One option that can add an unexpected dimension to your couples’ getaway is Monastir, Tunisia. From the lush palm-filled gardens of Iberostar Selection Kuriat Palace, ranked the number one hotel in the area by Tripadvisor in 2024, you'll have easy access to historic cities such as Sousse and Monastir, as well as beautiful beaches like Skanes, where this five-star resort with elegant, contemporary accommodations is located directly on the waterfront. Looking for a romantic experience with a touch of adventure? Take a stroll through the Tozeur palm grove, one of the largest palm groves in the world. The setting feels straight out of One Thousand and One Nights. Before setting off on your North African escape, you can explore this guide to Tunisia, packed with useful tips and inspiration to help you make the most of your stay.
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Looking for one of the best destinations for a romantic Easter getaway? Montego Bay, home to some of Jamaica’s most beautiful beaches, welcomes you with its laid-back luxury and deep connection to nature. After all, enjoying sustainable travel doesn’t mean giving up comfort or indulgence. On this sun-drenched island, life moves at a slower pace to the rhythm of reggae music. Beyond its relaxed atmosphere, Jamaica captivates visitors with lush landscapes, fascinating marine life, dramatic waterfalls, misty mountains that seem straight out of a storybook, and, of course, a sea unlike any other, with vibrant coral reefs, underwater worlds, and breathtaking natural beauty.
At JOIA Rose Hall by Iberostar, a luxury resort that offers butler service in select accommodations, you'll ease into a slower pace from the moment you arrive. Simply settle into a hammock overlooking the sunset, order your favorite cocktail, and raise a glass with someone special. The resort features private beachfront suites, an exceptional selection of local and international cuisine, and exclusive beauty and wellness treatments designed for complete relaxation. Through the Aliveness program, you'll reconnect with yourself and the world around you. With this level of care and attention, you'll finally be able to enjoy those blissful days together that you've both been dreaming of.
Where to Go for Easter with Children?
Playa de Muro, Mallorca
Playa de Muro, in Mallorca, is arguably the most family-friendly stretch of coastline on the entire island. It has earned a permanent Blue Flag designation for its environmental quality and offers all the services and amenities families need for a comfortable day by the sea. Its crystal-clear, calm, and shallow waters, bordered by more than 4 miles of fine white sand, create a beach environment that is ideal for visitors of all ages.
Adjacent to the beach lies the protected S'Albufera de Mallorca Natural Park, an ideal destination for family outings and a chance to discover its remarkable wildlife and plant life, including several endangered native species. Among them is the elusive Prat Orchid, whose pink and purple hues seem almost too perfect to be real. Beyond its natural beauty, Mallorca’s museums and art galleries offer a wide range of experiences that appeal to visitors of all ages, making cultural excursions an excellent complement to long days spent by the sea.
Iberostar Selection Albufera Park, located right on the beach, is part of a recently renovated resort complex featuring a total of ten restaurants and bars, including an ice cream parlor that’s sure to be a hit with the kids. The resort also offers seven pools, among them a children’s pool with slides and interactive water features for hours of fun, as well as a splash pool. Accommodations are designed to suit families of all sizes, with a variety of room layouts and configurations. Through the Star Camp program, children can unleash their creativity through play, connect with others their age, and learn about caring for the environment in an engaging and interactive way.
Rethymnon, Crete
Easter destinations in Europe such as Rethymnon, Crete, offer opportunities for the whole family to have fun and create lasting memories together. On the largest of the Greek islands, you'll be able to wander through charming whitewashed villages, unwind on beautiful beaches, and explore fascinating archaeological sites. Children can discover art and history through engaging and enriching experiences. They’ll learn, for example, that the name Crete is thought to mean “strong” or “powerful,” and that, according to legend, it was here that King Minos ordered the construction of a vast labyrinth to imprison the Minotaur, the mythical creature that was half man and half bull, until the hero Theseus finally defeated it.
In this setting steeped in myth and legend, Iberostar Selection Creta Marine, located directly on a private beachfront for added comfort and peace of mind, welcomes families with the warmth and hospitality of a destination where culture, storytelling, and outdoor living have long been intertwined. At this five-star resort, the Mediterranean is present in every detail, including three seawater swimming pools. Its unique Underwater Music Club offers an original way to experience music... beneath the surface of the water. Dining throughout the resort highlights sustainably sourced local Greek ingredients, from olive oil and seasonal vegetables to responsibly caught fish and seafood. This Crete travel guide will help you discover even more of the experiences and adventures waiting for you on the island.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
There are always fun things to do in the Riviera Maya with children. With so much to offer travelers of all ages, the beauty of the Caribbean Sea meets the color and cultural richness of a Mexico that expresses itself in a thousand different ways. Whether you're traveling with babies or teenagers, this is one of the most complete destinations for an Easter vacation in the Caribbean. At the Playa Paraíso resort, the spirit of Iberostar Selection Paraíso Lindo is cheerful and ready to welcome adults and children alike, with its own water park inside the hotel, a wave pool suitable for everyone, a lazy river where you can drift along a gentle current, and up to five different pool areas. In keeping with its sustainable philosophy, the décor includes natural and reused materials, such as the more than 14,300 pounds of recycled plastic used to create the Star Camp play area, complete with figures of fish and other aquatic animals. It will become your favorite spot!
Still can’t decide? Keep in mind that whichever of these Easter destinations you choose, each one is designed to inspire awe and help you stay present and fully connected to the moment during your vacation. The real challenge may come when it’s time to return to everyday life. To make planning your next escape a little easier, you’ll find more Iberostar hotel deals for other times of the year. Perhaps inspiration, like travel itself, moves in cycles, flowing from one season to the next without ever standing still. And in this case, it’s fueled by the joy of discovering the world.
