Spring holidays from Heathrow: Madrid

The abundant cherry blossom in Madrid – most delectable at the Quinta de los Molinos park – explodes into life in spring and the pleasant weather makes it peak time to ponder and peruse the city while sidestepping the dry winter and baking-hot summer.

Cycling the city is recommended this time of year and bikes can easily be hired by the hour from myriad bike stations, with the Madrid Rio – the riverside park area – a popular destination to make a beeline for.

Spring is also festival time in Madrid: the San Isidro (Madrid’s patron saint) celebrations take place from 11-15 May involving traditional dancing, bullfights, street parties, gigs and more; and during Easter hoardes of gorgeously attired penitents wearing cone-shaped hoods parade around the city carrying enormous statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary.

Another famous hotspot in spring is the city’s biggest street market, the Rastro, where you can buy everything from old vinyl to flamenco accoutrements to antiques. Avoid the masses at midday by getting your shopping done early and then relaxing with some tapas and a cold beverage in one of the many bars.

Spring really is the perfect time for al fresco magic in the delightful rooftop bars and decorative plazas of Madrid. So make sure you get your activities done early and leave plenty of time to soak up the weather and enjoy the very best that Madrid has to offer.