From the insatiably common Canary Islands to a tiny EU island full of historical past and sugar-like seashores, listed below are the sunniest spots to go to this Easter for those who’re in dire want of topping up your tan
In determined want of some Vitamin D, however cannot afford to trek to the opposite aspect of the world? These scorching hotspots have been ranked a few of the sunniest in April, and so they’re fairly near residence.
With the Easter holidays rapidly approaching, many people are severely contemplating a last-minute getaway. However, for those who’re nervous the climate might be as bleak as it’s within the UK, you would possibly must slender down your decisions. Fortunately, there are a number of persistently sunny locations that take lower than 5 hours to fly to – and boast balmy temperatures of as much as 24C throughout this time of the yr. So, pack your bikini and do not forget the solar cream!
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The Canary Islands
Famend for its year-round sunshine and lack of rain, the volcanic Canary Islands have lengthy been a agency favorite amongst sun-worshipping Brits. Final yr, virtually 18 million worldwide and home guests flocked to the Spanish-owned archipelago, positioned simply off the west coast of Africa, regardless of a string of anti-tourist protests erupting throughout the area.
Tenerife is by far the preferred island, attracting over seven million vacationers final yr. Right here, you will discover party-mad resorts like Playa de las Américas identified for his or her wild nightlife, in addition to the world-famous Siam Waterpark and limitless stretches of golden seashores. For these wanting a much less boozy vacation, climbing up Mount Teide is a good way to work off the paella and admire Tenerife’s Mars-like panorama. At night time, the mountain turns into a hotspot for stargazers because of its low mild air pollution.
Tenerife boasts 23C climate in April with principally clear skies, making it barely hotter than Lanzarote (which nonetheless gives vacationers snug temperatures as much as 22C). Should you’re in search of a bit extra warmth, Gran Canaria is your finest wager, with 24C temperatures all through the month.
Right here, you will discover a vigorous LGBTQ+ scene, low-cost cocktails and an array of sugar-like seashores. The Maspaloma Dune system is a must-visit attraction, one that actually units it aside from the opposite islands. “Its 400 hectares, protected by the Canarian authorities as a Nature Reserve of particular worth, embody a incredible seashore, a dynamic sand dune system, palm grove and a brackish lagoon,” states Hi there Canaries. “This mixture of desert and oasis is on the southern tip of Gran Canaria and is surrounded by the well-known Maspalomas resort.”
You may fly on to Tenerife from a slew of main UK airports, together with Bristol, London, Glasgow, Liverpool Manchester and Edinburgh. Common flight instances are round 4 and a half hours, and you’ll seize return fares for as little as £28 in April. It is a comparable story for Gran Canaria, the place return fares will set you again simply £50.
Malta
Regardless of its tiny measurement, Malta packs a robust punch, and is way nearer than the Canary Islands. Nonetheless, it gives 20C temperatures in March – with 13 hours of pure sunshine on daily basis.
Town of Valetta, which was inscribed on the World Heritage Checklist again in 1980, is Europe’s most southernly capital, and a preferred base to discover the island. “With its age-old bastions, ornate structure, and bustling cobbled streets, nonetheless very a lot in motion right this moment, Valletta is the best amalgamation of historical past and trendy life,” hailed the nation’s official vacationer board, Go to Malta. “Aptly coined in 2018 because the European Capital of Tradition, there are tons to see and do on this spectacular Metropolis, based within the sixteenth Century by the Knights of St John.”
Whether or not you wish to lounge on secluded seashores all day, absorb the historical past at Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra, a website crammed with megalithic temples, or meander by way of the town’s slender alleys in quest of a classy cocktail bar – Malta actually does provide one thing for everybody. Direct flights, which take round three and a half hours, will be booked from Nottingham, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, and extra – price as little as £28 in April.
TOP TIP: If you wish to escape the crowds, get a boat over to Gozo after touching down in Malta. Right here, you will really feel such as you’re moving into an entire completely different world.
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Cyprus
In keeping with 101 Holidays, Cyprus enjoys 22C temperatures in April, making it an ideal Easter vacation vacation spot. This sun-kissed island is crammed with beautiful seashores, family-friendly water parks, bustling markets, and interesting historical past.
Whereas party-goers will inevitably flock to the hectic streets of Ayia Napa, these wanting a extra laid-back vacation can absorb the rays in Cyrpus’ capital metropolis, Paphos. “Town is full of historical past; the spotlight of which is the UNESCO protected Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, which is residence to an enormous vary of Roman treasures, together with well-preserved mosaic flooring from Roman villas,” stated journey specialists over at Mercury Holidays. “Additionally, make sure to go to The Tombs of the Kings, an historical burial floor for the excessive figures of Cypriot society, which was carved out of stable rock, in addition to Paphos Citadel.”
You may fly on to both Larnaca or Paphos from most main UK airports, with common journey instances taking simply over 4 and a half hours. Should you’re versatile with dates, you may seize return fares for round £60 in April.
Mainland Spain
Regardless of being uber near the UK, temperatures in Valencia attain highs of 20C in April – making it the right vacation spot for households with children that simply will not sit nonetheless for a near-five-hour journey to the Canaries. As soon as topped the perfect place to reside, this beautiful Spanish metropolis is the right place to chill out on the seashore with a sangria (or two) in hand.
One among your first stops ought to be the outdated city, the place you may witness a big piece of Christian historical past on the Valencia Cathedral – the Holy Grail – which archaeological research counsel could possibly be the chalice utilized by Jesus within the Final Supper. You will even be in strolling distance to the UNESCO World Heritage Web site of the Silk Trade (La Lonja de la Seda), which was the epicentre of Valencia’s thriving silk commerce within the fifteenth century.
Nevertheless, with 20km of Blue Flag seashores, we can’t decide for those who’re desirous to fairly actually fly and flop. In April, you can discover direct flights from Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast, and Nottingham – however not London. Return fares begin from £28 per individual.
*Costs primarily based on Skyscanner listings on the time of writing.
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