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Flower Power: Seven of Europe's Most Colourful Floral Festivals

Keukenhof gardens flower arrangement | Brad Atwal

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Flower Power: Seven of Europe's Most Colourful Floral Festivals

Springtime in Europe brings on colourful shows of flowers blooming, and the best places to witnesses these gorgeous displays are at a stunning flower festival. If you're a cyclist or walker with an eye for pretty flowers, you will probably want to time your walking or cycling trip for these flower events. Note that the event dates given are approximate and it's best to confirm when the flower festivals are being held.

Holland: Amsterdam Tulip Festival

Each spring Tulp Festival celebrates the famous Dutch flower and ensures it blooms all over Amsterdam. Half a million tulips are planted in open soil and in pots and they can be seen in 85 different locations across the city – officially until 30 April, unofficially as long as they are blooming!

When: April

Tours:

Portugal: Madeira Flower Festival

Wildflowers abound along the coast of Portugal's Alentejo region | <i>John Millen</i>

Madeira’s dazzling annual Flower Festival is a tribute to spring and features beautiful displays of tropical flowers. Launched in 1979, over the years it has become known for its Sunday parade when hundreds of dancers accompanied by huge floral floats march through the streets of Funchal.

When: Late April/May

Tour: Madeira Island Walking Tour

Spain: Girona Temps de Flors

Cyclist passing sunflowers on a rural road on a self guided cycle trip in Catalonia | <i>Kate Baker</i>

The streets of Girona overflow each May with colour as the medieval city hosts the annual spring festival of Temps de Flors. There are over 100 floral exhibits, with the most impressive displays and art installations traditionally found at the Cathedral, the Arab Baths and the San Nicolás Chapel.

When: May

Tours:

Slovenia: International Wildflower Festival

Discover the delightful alpine valleys | <i>Tomo Jesenicnik</i>

Taking place in the heart of the Julian Alps, visitors to the fortnight-long festival includes a bouquet of events can anticipate a colourful display of alpine wildflowers, such as edelweiss and lilies. The symbol for the festival is the ‘Iris of Bohinj’, which turn large swaths of land a vibrant purple.

When: May/June

Tours:

United Kingdom: Hampton Court Garden Festival

The world’s largest annual flower show takes place in the setting of one of London’s most historic royal palaces. Visit the famous Floral Marquee, explore the sensational Show Gardens and discover the sweet-smelling Festival of Roses and celebrate the year’s Iconic Horticultural Hero.

When: July

Tours:

Belgium: Brussels Flower Carpet

The first Flower Carpet of Brussels was created in 1971 and has been a showstopper every two years on the central square of Grand Place since 1986. Assembled by volunteers in just four hours, the 75-metre long by 24-metre wide ‘carpet’ features over 600,000 of fragrant begonias.

When: August

Tours:

Channel Islands: Jersey Battle of Flowers

First staged in 1902, the Jersey Battle of Flowers has since grown into one of Europe’s major floral extravaganzas. In addition to the traditional day parade, a night-time Moonlight Parade now also takes place, which sees the floats festooned in lights.

When: August

Tour: Jersey: The Channel Island Way Walking Tour

Have you experienced any of these flower festivals in Europe or any other flower festivals around the world? Let us know in the comment section below!