Spring in Europe feels like a jolt of life after the dreariness of winter. The skies brighten, the air smells fresher, the days get longer, and suddenly, every tree and bush seems to be throwing a floral party.
Having lived here a while and experienced one too many gray sunless winters, I can tell you that when Europe wakes up in spring, it wakes up spectacularly.
It’s understandable then that Europe does spring flowers in a big way! So you get tulips marching in perfect rows, entire streets covered in floral carpets, and cherry blossoms popping up like confetti on trees.
I’m here to guide you through the crème de la crème of Europe’s springtime celebrations – 10 flower festivals that are worth traveling for. They’ll make you want to romanticise the season, plus they’re great for your Instagram game.
Let’s see spring like we never have before.
1. KEUKENHOF GARDENS (THE NETHERLANDS)
If spring in Europe had a capital, it would undoubtedly be Keukenhof Gardens.
Known as “The Garden of Europe,” this sprawling 79-acre park in Lisse, just outside Amsterdam, is tulip territory at its absolute finest.
Seven million tulip bulbs are planted here each year, creating a patchwork of color so vibrant it feels like stepping into a Van Gogh painting.
In addition to tulips, you’ll also find daffodils, hyacinths, orchids, and a rainbow of other flowers vying for your attention. The gardens are meticulously designed, with themed areas, water features, and winding paths that practically beg you to get lost (in a good way).
When: Mid-March to mid-May.
Pro Tip: For a less touristy, more local experience, ditch the Keukenhof Gardens, rent a bike and explore the nearby Bollenstreek, or Flower Strip. You’ll cycle past local farms growing their own tulips, on a clearly marked and easy to follow bike path.
2. CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW (UNITED KINGDOM)
Held each May on the sprawling grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, the Chelsea Flower Show is part art exhibit, part science fair, not to mention a really posh garden party where even the plants seem to be having a great time.
The flower show has been running since 1913, drawing garden enthusiasts, celebrities, and even royalty (yes, you might occasionally spot the King inspecting a hydrangea).
It’s also a deeply creative space where designers give free rein to their craft. Expect towering garden installations, themed floral displays, and cutting-edge designs that might make you rethink how you water your houseplants.
Highlights of the show include the Main Avenue gardens, where the best of landscape designers create breathtaking outdoor spaces. Then there’s the Great Pavilion, bursting with blooms in every color imaginable.
When: Mid to late May.
Pro Tip: The event can be quite expensive. Ticket prices typically range from £45 to £100 for general admission. Preview day tickets, which give early access, are pricier. If you’re on a budget, it’s worth checking for early-bird tickets.
3. MADEIRA FLOWER FESTIVAL (PORTUGAL)
Every year, in early summer, Madeira’s capital city of Funchal bursts into life, as this island in the Atlantic transforms into a kaleidoscope of flowers. The entire city becomes a celebration of spring, and the scent of jasmine, orchids, and carnations fills the air like a perfume commercial.
The highlight of this European flower festival is the Allegorical Flower Parade. Floats covered in vibrant flowers roll through the streets, and local children, dressed in traditional costumes, scatter petals in every direction. Crowds cheer on. Another unique feature is the Wall of Hope. Made entirely of flowers, it’s an appeal for peace and a decades old tradition. Place a flower here and join in.
When:
Late April or early May.
Pro Tip:
If you want to get away from the crowds, make sure to visit the Botanical Gardens in Funchal. You’ll find rare and exotic plants you won’t see elsewhere in Europe. And, if you’re into wine (can I get a hooyah!), this is the perfect time to try Madeira’s famous wine.
4. GIRONA FLOWER FESTIVAL (SPAIN)
The Temps de Flors (as it’s known locally) is one of the most beautiful flower festivals in Europe, but it’s also one of the most unexpectedly delightful… because while the flowers are spectacular, the setting is nothing short of magical.
The ancient streets of Girona, lined with centuries-old buildings and their stone walls are a perfect backdrop to the effortlessly cascading flowers.
Floral art installations pop up in every corner of the city, from church courtyards to the narrowest alleys, with the historic Jewish Quarter looking like something out of a medieval fantasy. It’s as though the entire town is putting on a show.
The contrast between the old-world architecture and the vibrant flowers is enough to make you want to sit down with a glass of sangria and just breathe it all in.
During the Flower Festival, Girona also hosts guided tours, floral exhibitions, and workshops, so you can get up close and personal with the art behind the flowers.
When:
Mid-May.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to visit the Cathedral of Girona, where the floral installations are especially breathtaking.
5. FLORALIA BRUSSELS (BELGIUM)
Nestled in the magnificent Chateau de Grand-Bigard, just outside Brussels, this festival is a dream come true for all flower fanatics.
While Brussels is often celebrated for its waffles, chocolate, and beer, Floralia is the city’s floral gem… quite literally!
One of the best parts of Floralia Brussels is that it takes place within the grounds of a 16th-century chateau, which means you get the bonus of stunning architecture paired with the flora.
Every April, the Chateau’s sprawling gardens are decked with a million spring flowers, from tulips and daffodils to lilies and more. It’s a particularly serene affair compared to the grander spring flower festivals in Europe, with an elegant, almost otherworldly atmosphere.
When:
Mid-April to early May.
Pro Tip:
Pack a picnic! The Chateau’s gardens are so charming, you’ll want to sit back and soak it all in with a good sandwich and perhaps a little Belgian beer to round out the experience.
6. TULIP FESTIVAL ISTANBUL (TURKEY)
Turkey’s Tulip Festival is a citywide explosion of color, and it’s a tradition that dates back to the Ottoman Empire, where tulips symbolized luxury and prosperity.
The city’s vast array of parks line up with radiant blooms, with Emirgan Park being the star of the show. Here, thousands upon thousands of tulips bloom in every color imaginable. But walking along the Bosphorus or through Sultanahmet also offers a unique (and delightful, obviously) experience.
It’s like the city itself puts on a floral cloak. Fountains, walkways, and even famous attractions are adorned in floral grandeur.
There are also live performances, food stalls offering Turkish delights (both sweet and savory), and cultural events that showcase the country’s music and dance traditions.
When:
Late March to early April.
Pro Tip:
Keep an eye out for the iconic tulip motif throughout Istanbul. You’ll find it decorating everything from the tiles at the Topkapi Palace to the intricate patterns on Ottoman-era ceramics and textiles.
7. BLÜHENDES BAROCK (GERMANY)
If, like me, you believe that flowers and grand places are meant to coexist, Blühendes Barock at Ludwigsburg Palace is exactly where you want to go.
This annual flower festival, held on the outskirts of Stuttgart, is set within one of Germany’s most spectacular baroque palaces.
The festival covers the vast grounds of Ludwigsburg Palace, which itself is a sight to behold. The gardens are designed with meticulous attention to detail. Expect to see everything from towering sunflowers to delicate orchids, and a massive display of roses.
One of the festival’s unique elements is the annual theme, which gives the floral displays a fresh personality each year. Past themes have included Mediterranean gardens, tropical paradises, and even fantastical themes.
TheBaroque Gardenis a particular highlight. It boasts ornamental fountains, neat rows of flowers, and grand alleys that lead you to quiet spots for reflection. Also don’t miss the Fairy Tale Garden, where flowers are arranged in playful scenes from popular fairy tales, perfect for children.
When to Visit:
Late April to early December, but the peak bloom period is from May to June.
Pro Tip:
Don’t just stick to the main gardens – also explore the palace itself. The Ludwigsburg Palace is one of the largest baroque palaces in Germany, and its opulent rooms and gardens are a true testament to 18th-century European architecture.
8. GENZANO INFIORATA (ITALY)
Held in June, the Genzano Infiorata is another famous Spring Flower Festival in Europe everyone should visit.
The heart of the Infiorata is the infioratori, local artisans who spend days preparing these stunning flower carpets.
Over a 24-hour period, volunteers and artists gather thousands of flowers to create elaborate designs that cover the town’s main streets. These designs are often religious or historical in nature, blending traditional Catholic imagery with Italian folklore and contemporary art.
It’s truly a living work of art, as the flowers are laid down carefully by hand. As you wander through Genzano, you’ll find that the whole town gets involved, from the children collecting the flowers to the grandmothers diligently laying them down. The scale is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Some of these designs stretch for hundreds of feet!
When:
Early June, typically the long weekend of the Feast of Corpus Christi.
Pro Tip:
If you’re up for a bit of a post-festival adventure, make sure to explore the surrounding Alban Hills for stunning views of the countryside.
9. ROSE FESTIVAL (BLUGARIA)
Organized in Rose Valley in Bulgaria, the Rose Festival is one of the most fragrant and colorful flower festivals in Europe. The celebration is dedicated to the legendary Bulgarian rose, Rosa Damascena, a variety prized for its aromatic oil and centuries-old cultural significance.
The festival takes place in Kazanlak, the region’s rose capital, and kicks off with a rose picking ritual – an experience tourists can also partake in. It’s such a beautiful exercise; it connects you to the generations of Bulgarians who have cultivated these roses for centuries.
The rose festival in Bulgaria isn’t just a treat for the eyes though – you can enjoy some rose jam and rose tea, which taste just as good as they smell. So, you’re in for a sensory overload… but in the best way possible.
In Kazanlak, the streets come alive with parades, traditional music, and folk dancing. Local women dressed in elaborate traditional costumes weave roses into garlands, while performers keep the mood festive with lively Bulgarian tunes. The highlight of the festival is the crowning of the Rose Queen, a long-standing tradition that adds a touch of pageantry to the festivities.
When:
The first weekend of June.
Pro Tip:
For the ultimate Rose Festival experience, consider booking a guided tour that includes visits to the rose fields and distilleries. Seeing how rose oil is extracted using traditional methods is fascinating.
10. GRASSE ROSE FESTIVAL (FRANCE)
This flower festival is held every year in the sun-soaked hills of the French Riviera. The charming Provencal town of Grasse turns into a blooming wonderland of roses, paying homage to the flower that has defined its identity for centuries.
Did You Know: Grasse is the center of the French perfume industry and is also called the Perfume Capital of the World. 😯
Grasse is world-famous for its roses, especially the Centifolia rose, also known as the “rose of a hundred petals”. During the festival, the streets, squares, and fountains are adorned with thousands of roses. Floral displays pop up in every corner, conjuring a living, divine bouquet.
The center of the festivities is Place aux Aires, where rose vendors and artisans gather to showcase everything from rose boutonnieres to rose-infused products like soaps, oils, and confections.
When:
Mid-May.
Pro Tip:
If you’re feeling creative, sign up for a perfume workshop to blend your own rose-inspired scent … a uniquely Grasse souvenir! This way you can also learn about how Grasse became the perfume capital of the world and why roses are such an essential part of its story.
************************************
This post might contain affiliate links. My full disclosure and privacy policy is really boring, but you can read it here.
