12 of the best spring sun destinations

1. Cyprus

Spring in Cyprus feels a lot more like summer in many other parts of the world – rain is rare at this time of year and the mercury can hit a beach-perfect 25C. The fact that prices can be cheaper is a welcome bonus, too.

Unless you’re looking for the rowdy nightlife that comes with summer crowds, it’s an excellent time to visit. Instead, get to know Cyprus’ secret side, where wild, untouched beaches, a lush hinterland and abandoned cities await.

2. Canary Islands

There’s never a bad time for a holiday to the Canaries if you’re looking to swap grey skies for sun. Choose Tenerife for a good mix of everything: beaches, golf courses, waterparks and nightlife are easy to find here, although be aware that the island will be quieter in spring than in the peak summer season.

Looking for something more sedate? Fuerteventura just might be for you. Some of the archipelago’s best stretches of sand are here, so hire a car to discover them all. Lovely Lanzarote should also be on your radar for its otherworldly landscapes and quirky art and architecture by Cesar Manrique.

3. Rome

Rome swelters in summer, so spring – where temperatures are a much more pleasant 25C – is the perfect time for all-day urban exploration. Highlights include the Roman Forum, where you’ll find grand ruins of ancient temples, the incredibly preserved Colosseum and the beautiful baroque-style Trevi Fountain. Don’t forget to toss a coin into its waters – legend says it’ll guarantee your return to Rome.

After a busy day of sightseeing, find a sunny spot in one of the city’s charming piazzas to refuel with pasta and gelato.

4. Majorca

Majorca is one of our most popular destinations here at TravelSupermarket and it’s no surprise why. With dreamy beaches and fantastic family-friendly resorts such as Puerto Pollensa and Cala Millor, this sun-drenched spot is a proper paradise island just two hours from London.

Away from the sand, don’t miss visiting Palma’s magnificent La Seu cathedral or head inland to discover quiet towns such as Valldemossa and Pollensa nestled among the mountains.

There’s a good chance you’ll find cheaper deals if you visit in April or May, too.

5. Malta

The best way to see Malta? Hire a car and explore at your own pace. It takes less than an hour to cross this tiny island, giving you more than enough time to see its top sights and relax on some of its best beaches.

With temperatures hovering around 20C in May, spring is also a great time to add a city break to your holiday. Visit capital, Valletta, and discover the highlights of this fascinating, historic city. The Grand Master’s Palace and St John’s Co-Cathedral are top picks. If you have time, it’s worth taking the ferry to the Three Cities – take the elevator from the Upper Barrakka Gardens to get to the port.

6. Crete

Crete really starts to warm up during May, so if you are looking for a late dose of spring sun and a holiday without the crowds, consider visiting before busy July and August. If sunbathing isn’t your top priority, April temperatures reach a t-shirt-and-shorts-friendly 20C.

For history buffs, the island’s showstopper attraction is the Minoan Palace of Knossos, where the legend of the minotaur began. Keen walkers, meanwhile, will enjoy the stunning views at Samaria Gorge, the longest in Europe.

7. Barcelona

You’ll find one of Europe’s best urban beaches in the Catalan capital of Barcelona, making it ideal if you want some dedicated sunbathing time on your city break.

You may want to keep your beach time short, though. This city was Antoni Gaudi’s playground, after all, and it’s worth following his footsteps. A whistle-stop tour of his best work should include the still-unfinished Sagrada Familia, the fairytale Casa Batlló and quirky Park Güell.

8. Antalya

Pack your swimwear for a spring holiday to Antalya – highs reach between 21C and 26C in April and May. Beaches are beautiful in this part of Turkey (it’s not called the Turquoise Coast for nothing!), and nearby favourites include the huge sweeps of sand at Konyaaltı and Lara Beach on the city’s outskirts.

Stay in the city itself for a buzzier energy, or head to its neighbouring towns for a classic resort vibe. Side, Belek and Lara Beach are all popular picks for holidaymakers.

9. Athens

Athens is often overlooked by holidaymakers dreaming of a holiday to Greece. But you’ll be missing out to skip it. This ancient capital is brimming with fascinating sights such as the Acropolis; straight-from-a-movie streets around the Plaka neighbourhood; and delicious, fresh food (think, dolmades, souvlaki and seafood).

You won’t miss the seaside in these parts, either. The revitalised Athens Riviera is just a short drive away and has beaches with postcard-pretty turquoise waters and golden sands. With highs of 26C in May, it’s a great time to explore both areas.

10. Marrakech

Marrakech certainly lives up to its busy reputation, but you don’t need to stay in the thick of it on a holiday here. For a resort-style stay with all the perks of being near the city, the Palmeraie area is a good pick, and many hotels offer a free shuttle to the medina.

In town, dive into the bustle at Jemaa El-Fnaa square, get your haggle on at the souks and visit the stunning Bahia Palace before returning to your retreat outside the city – with temperatures rising as high as 29C in May, you’ll appreciate having a pool to splash in!

11. Algarve

Holidays to the Algarve are everything you’d expect from Portugal’s most popular beach destination: golden pockets of sand sit between sublime sea cliffs, top-notch all-inclusive hotels line the beachfront, and there’s a wealth of restaurants and shops to discover.

There are plenty of good-value package holiday deals to be snapped up in spring, especially in the popular resorts of Albufeira, Lagos and Alvor. Alternatively, head to the Algarve’s east for pretty fishing towns and scenic natural parks.

12. Dubai

Temperatures start to creep into the low 30s in May in this larger-than-life city, making it the last month of pleasant weather before the sweltering summer months arrive. So, whether you want to soak up the sun all day on a beach, try your hand at some watersports or sandboarding, or visit impressive sights such as the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, spring is a great time to visit Dubai.

Need a break from the sun? Indoor activities include shopping until you drop in marble-clad air-conditioned malls, sampling delicacies in some of the world’s finest restaurants and even whooshing down an indoor ski slope at Ski Dubai.