The wait for Spring might be over, but as those who’ve been living in the UK for any length of time will know, that’s certainly no promise of good weather. Despite having an unseasonable week of sunshine in February, now the storm clouds are gathering and the winds are howling. It’s perhaps no surprise then that the early spring is one of the most popular times for couples to escape abroad.
The good news is that at this time of year, as long as you avoid the Easter holidays, we’re well and truly out of peak holiday season. That means there will be some excellent deals out there if you know where to look. Teletext last minute holidays are a good place to start your search for a cheap deal, but which sunshine destinations should you look for? Here are four of our spring holiday favourites…
- The Algarve
The Algarve is a popular spot for couples looking for a little spring sunshine without breaking the bank. And to be honest, we don’t think you could pick a better spot. At this time of the year, you can avoid the crowds that flock to the region in the summer months and drive up the prices of all-inclusive and self-catering deals. There’s also an excellent range of things to see and do to keep you busy.
With average temperatures of 18oC in April and highs of 23oC, it might not quite be swimsuit weather, but it’s just right for exploring the charming towns and villages, visiting the super seafood restaurants in Alvor or getting snap happy at the picture-perfect Ferragudo. If you’re a water sports fanatic, this is also a great time to make the most of the region’s famous waves, although you would be wise to don a wetsuit. The many world-class golf courses and spas are also open throughout the year – perfect for a quiet round, a little pampering, or both!
- Cyprus
If it’s beautiful spring weather you’re looking for, Europe does not get much warmer than Cyprus at this time of year. In fact, the spring months are probably the best time to visit Cyprus when the weather is milder than the summer but still warm, dry and very pleasant, with average temperatures in April of a balmy 21oC.
Whether it’s lively nightlife, sun-kissed beaches, characterful towns, rich history or picturesque countryside you’re looking for, Cyprus has a bit of everything. Lively resorts like Aghios Nikolaos, Malia and Ayia Napa are popular among younger couples looking for a party, while the southwest of the island with its traditional harbour town of Paphos and sweeping golden beaches offers a quieter and more relaxed stay.
- Marrakech
Marrakech in Morocco is a holiday destination like nowhere else. The famous ‘Red City’ is a melting pot of culture and was named the ‘world’s best destination’ by TripAdvisor in 2015, and frankly, it’s not difficult to see why. With magnificent mosques, vibrant souks, towering minarets and picturesque medinas, we’re not sure there’s anywhere in the world with so many sights crammed into a city of less than a million people.
The price of accommodation, particularly at this time of the year, is also very good, particularly if you can secure a last minute deal, and low-cost flights are available from a number of airports across the UK. In April, you can also expect average temperatures of 25oC and eight hours of sunshine a day. Not bad, hey?
- Gran Canaria
Situated on the northwestern tip of Africa is Gran Canaria, a popular Atlantic beach resort that promises hot, dry summers and mild winters, with average temperatures in April of 19oC and highs of 23 oC. In recent years, the island has gained a reputation as a particularly gay-friendly holiday destination, making it an excellent choice for couples of every type.
The island offers a diverse range of attractions, from sightseeing and historical tours to the bars, clubs and discos that line the south coast of the island and come to life at night. However, the real star has to be the expansive sandy beaches, with Las Canteras, Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés some of the best. Although flight times from the UK are four hours or more, accommodation on the island, particularly at this time of year, is extremely competitively priced.
We hope these cheap spring holiday destinations for couples have provided some welcome inspiration. If you have some favourites of your own, please share them with our readers in the comments below.
