From the insatiably popular Canary Islands to a tiny EU island crammed with history and sugar-like beaches, here are the sunniest spots to visit this Easter if you’re in dire need of topping up your tan
In desperate need of some Vitamin D, but can’t afford to trek to the other side of the world? These sizzling hotspots have been ranked some of the sunniest in April, and they’re pretty close to home.
With the Easter holidays quickly approaching, many of us are seriously considering a last-minute getaway. But, if you’re worried the weather will be as bleak as it is in the UK, you might need to narrow down your choices. Luckily, there are several consistently sunny destinations that take less than five hours to fly to – and boast balmy temperatures of up to 24C during this time of the year. So, pack your bikini and don’t forget the sun cream!
READ MORE: Brits warned as Spanish beach introduces huge ban with ‘£1,700’ fines
The Canary Islands
Renowned for its year-round sunshine and lack of rain, the volcanic Canary Islands have long been a firm favourite amongst sun-worshipping Brits. Last year, almost 18 million international and domestic visitors flocked to the Spanish-owned archipelago, located just off the west coast of Africa, despite a string of anti-tourist protests erupting across the region.
Tenerife is by far the most popular island, attracting over seven million tourists last year. Here, you’ll find party-mad resorts like Playa de las Américas known for their wild nightlife, as well as the world-famous Siam Waterpark and endless stretches of golden beaches. For those wanting a less boozy holiday, hiking up Mount Teide is a great way to work off the paella and admire Tenerife’s Mars-like landscape. At night, the mountain becomes a hotspot for stargazers thanks to its low light pollution.
Tenerife boasts 23C weather in April with mostly clear skies, making it slightly warmer than Lanzarote (which still offers tourists comfortable temperatures up to 22C). If you’re looking for a bit more heat, Gran Canaria is your best bet, with 24C temperatures throughout the month.
Here, you’ll find a lively LGBTQ+ scene, cheap cocktails and an array of sugar-like beaches. The Maspaloma Dune system is a must-visit attraction, one that really sets it apart from the other islands. “Its 400 hectares, protected by the Canarian government as a Nature Reserve of special value, include a fantastic beach, a dynamic sand dune system, palm grove and a brackish lagoon,” states Hello Canaries. “This mix of desert and oasis is at the southern tip of Gran Canaria and is surrounded by the famous Maspalomas resort.”
You can fly directly to Tenerife from a slew of major UK airports, including Bristol, London, Glasgow, Liverpool Manchester and Edinburgh. Average flight times are around four and a half hours, and you can grab return fares for as little as £28 in April. It’s a similar story for Gran Canaria, where return fares will set you back just £50.
Malta
Despite its tiny size, Malta packs a powerful punch, and is much closer than the Canary Islands. Still, it offers 20C temperatures in March – with 13 hours of pure sunshine every day.
The city of Valetta, which was inscribed on the World Heritage List back in 1980, is Europe’s most southernly capital, and a popular base to explore the island. “With its age-old bastions, ornate architecture, and bustling cobbled streets, still very much in action today, Valletta is the ideal amalgamation of history and modern life,” hailed the country’s official tourist board, Visit Malta. “Aptly coined in 2018 as the European Capital of Culture, there are tons to see and do in this spectacular City, founded in the sixteenth Century by the Knights of St John.”
Whether you want to lounge on secluded beaches all day, soak up the history at Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra, a site filled with megalithic temples, or meander through the city’s narrow alleys in search of a trendy cocktail bar – Malta really does offer something for everyone. Direct flights, which take around three and a half hours, can be booked from Nottingham, Edinburgh, London, Manchester, and more – cost as little as £28 in April.
TOP TIP: If you want to escape the crowds, get a boat over to Gozo after touching down in Malta. Here, you’ll feel like you’re stepping into a whole different world.
Want the latest travel news and cheapest holiday deals sent straight to your inbox? Sign up to our Travel Newsletter
Cyprus
According to 101 Holidays, Cyprus enjoys 22C temperatures in April, making it a great Easter holiday destination. This sun-kissed island is filled with stunning beaches, family-friendly water parks, bustling markets, and fascinating history.
While party-goers will inevitably flock to the hectic streets of Ayia Napa, those wanting a more laid-back holiday can soak up the rays in Cyrpus’ capital city, Paphos. “The city is crammed with history; the highlight of which is the UNESCO protected Kato Paphos Archaeological Park, which is home to a huge range of Roman treasures, including well-preserved mosaic floors from Roman villas,” said travel experts over at Mercury Holidays. “Also, be sure to visit The Tombs of the Kings, an ancient burial ground for the high figures of Cypriot society, which was carved out of solid rock, as well as Paphos Castle.”
You can fly directly to either Larnaca or Paphos from most major UK airports, with average journey times taking just over four and a half hours. If you’re flexible with dates, you can grab return fares for around £60 in April.
Mainland Spain
Despite being uber close to the UK, temperatures in Valencia reach highs of 20C in April – making it the perfect destination for families with kids that just won’t sit still for a near-five-hour trip to the Canaries. Once crowned the best place to live, this stunning Spanish city is the perfect place to relax on the beach with a sangria (or two) in hand.
One of your first stops should be the old town, where you can witness a significant piece of Christian history at the Valencia Cathedral – the Holy Grail – which archaeological studies suggest could be the chalice used by Jesus in the Last Supper. You’ll also be in walking distance to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda), which was the epicentre of Valencia’s thriving silk trade in the 15th century.
However, with 20km of Blue Flag beaches, we won’t judge if you’re wanting to quite literally fly and flop. In April, you’ll be able to find direct flights from Manchester, Birmingham, Belfast, and Nottingham – but not London. Return fares start from £28 per person.
*Prices based on Skyscanner listings at the time of writing.
Do you have a story to share? Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk for a chance to be featured
