Top Flower Festivals Found In Europe

Holland’s flower festival takes place from mid-March to early May. Arrive in good time by boarding the (free) Keukenhof shuttle bus from Amsterdam North to the tulip fields at the Keukenhof Gardens. Then witness the world-famous Keukenhof Flower Parade (Bloemencorso Bollenstreek) from the grandstand or the roadside – a Dutch tradition.

Organised by local volunteers, their aim is to share their beautiful home of Bollenstreek – the best flower region in Holland – as well as Dutch culture in spring. By crafting floral float designs using daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths, a seasonal aroma is breathed in, and a unique sight is seen. Now in its 78th year, the flower parade first took place to encourage people to celebrate and socialise after World War Two (from 1947).

To make the most of your trip, source a tulip festival Card that includes access to the Keukenhof Gardens, a cruise along the canal, discounted tours and attractions in Amsterdam. Plus, a full commentary about the history of Amsterdam, Keukenhof, Lisse, and the seven million blooms you’ll spot along the way. There are a range of garden tours you can book ahead of your visit, such as a helicopter tour over the colourful floral fields of red, white, yellow, and green.

For nature lovers and hikers alike, Merano-Meran in South Tyrol, Italy is an appealing spa town due to its Alpine, Mediterranean climate and scenic walking trails. Spend your days hiking through nature or wonder around one of 80 botanical gardens at Trauttmansdorff Castle.

Trauttmansdorff Castle spreads across 12 hectares and has four garden worlds to explore! From the ‘Water and Terraced Gardens’ to the award-winning ‘Garden For Lovers’, each is home to flourishing flowers found across the globe. Depart for a daily garden tour to admire them all, or celebrate a diverse range of rare plants, flowers, and shrubs during the Merano flower festival in mid-April.

At the Merano flower festival many Italian and inspiring international nurseries arrive at the town with an array of ornamental plants and floras, displaying them at colourful flower exhibitions that run along the Kurpromenade. Running from the Post Office Bridge to the Theatre Bridge, this boulevard is known for its captivating flower compositions and trimmed hedges, all looked after by the city’s gardeners since the Kurpromenade’s creation (following a major flood in 1817, a new, safer dam was needed).

Each April, the flower festival draws more attention to the Kurpromenade. Visitors can request garden advice from top gardeners and attend garden workshops on Merano’s distinguished promenade and landmark.

Another flower festival that occurs beneath the mountains is in Bohinj, Slovenia…

Enjoy botanical garden tours? Slovenia’s international wildflower festival combines the best tours alongside workshops, art exhibitions, music, and cultural events (with floral themes) that appear across 24 hamlets in Bohinj.

Bohinj is in the northwest region of Slovenia, high up in the Julian Alps within the Triglav National Park. Compromising clusters of carefree, tranquil hamlets along the shore of a peaceful lake, you can escape to this hidden retreat for inspiration or to improve your own personal oasis of calm. Aspirational artists and chefs should take note of the array of extraordinary Alpine flora, from Helleborus to tiny yellow flowers.

The flower festival encourages guests to discover Bohinj’s natural cultural heritage and rediscover its Alpine flora throughout Bohinj gastronomy. Foodies can indulge in culinary experiences that celebrate the selection of the diverse, nutritious wild-growing plants in the area. The botanical workshops provide people with a wealth of new knowledge, folk stories, and ancient wisdom that will brighten their lives thereafter.

From late May to early June, surround yourself with blossoming meadows in Bohinj while learning something new about Slovenia and its celebration of nature.

Celebrate spring each May in Madeira, off the coast of Portugal. Embrace this volcanic island’s subtropical climate and unique culture with the locals, while following a floral programme that lasts three weeks. It includes a fragrant, floral dance of flowers (a traditional parade), which flows throughout the streets of Funchal (the capital city), as well as a flower exhibition.

Also, a floriculture competition is situated at the Flower Pavilion. After a theme is announced, participants are inspired to utilise the island’s colourful flora and architecture, as well as traditional, celebrated handicrafts such as lacework or embroidery. With many floral masterpieces to admire, visitors are invited to wander among the displays, gardens, and summer houses in Funchal.

To Madeirans, the flower festival pays tribute to their creativity, while helping them showcase the island’s beauty to visitors. May is a joyful month devoted to the flowers, which naturally symbolise the island’s beauty and the Madeirans’ everlasting hope. One way Madeirans represent hope is by adorning the ‘Wall of Hope’ with flowers. The wall symbolises Madeira’s appeal for peace and a better world. Since 1979, children have been welcome to leave flowers to express their desire for tranquillity during the flower festival. On reflection, it’s no wonder Madeira is known as ‘The Island of Flowers’!

Take a detour from Barcelona to avoid the queues and discover a top detour destination instead – Girona. The city is the capital of Catalonia, which sits on the northeast coast of Spain. You can explore Catalonia by joining a coach tour to experience the best of Spanish culture, or join a tour group in Barcelona to visit Girona with a local guide.

Girona is the home of Salvador Dalí, which may entice art fans to visit the Dali Museum. Also, visitors can admire the Girona Cathedral – an amazing architectural site. Step back in time as you explore, with or without the assistance of an on-site guide. You can also wander around the medieval quarter known as ‘The Call’, then join the locals during their flower festival,’‘Temps de Flors’ in May.

Since 1954, Girona’s flower festival has grown from an exhibit in the city theatre to a festival that flows across 100+ venues around the Old Town. Follow the flower festival map to spot the ‘10 Must See’ colourful venues that embody the city’s symbols and emblems. These include Girona’s coat of arms, shield, and flag, which represent the community’s identity. With Roman, Carolingian, Moorish, Gothic, Baroque, and Modernist buildings dotted across the city, there’s a story around every corner.