Escape the UK’s unpredictable weather with these toasty March and April holiday destinations within easy reach of Britain — cheap flights and even cheaper pints, what’s not to love?
Think fun in the sun as you swim in pristine waters surrounded by the most dramatic scenery(Image: e55evu via Getty Images)
With British weather continuing to swing between dreary downpours and (marginally) pleasant spring sunshine, holidaymakers are still hunting for getaway spots with guaranteed warmth and gentle breezes. That’s where we step in.
If you’re seeking holiday destinations within easy reach of Britain that are gloriously warm at this time of year, whilst remaining incredibly budget-friendly, look no further, because we’ve got you covered.
As the UK starts to shake off winter’s chill, we’ve compiled the finest options for a March-April escape in the meantime, with temperatures across these destinations hovering between 16C to 24C.
Picture yourself enjoying glorious sunshine as you plunge into crystal-clear waters surrounded by some of the most striking and awe-inspiring landscapes on earth – all whilst enjoying inexpensive drinks.
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Without further delay, here’s our selection of sunny destinations within easy reach of the UK you can explore in March and April without emptying your wallet, reports the Express.
La Graciosa
This diminutive Canary Islands treasure is remarkable in every respect – it features absolutely no tarmac roads owing to its heavily protected designation as the largest Marine Reserve in Europe and as a National Park, meaning there are no vehicles on this island whatsoever.
It’s the first hidden island on our list, and an absolute paradise for travellers yearning for tranquillity and isolation, with the island’s untamed, pristine and genuinely secluded nature ideal for those weary of overcrowded tourist hotspots and constant travel mayhem. Reaching La Graciosa couldn’t be simpler.
Take a direct flight from the UK to Lanzarote followed by a short ferry crossing to the island. At the time of writing, a direct one-way flight from London Stansted Airport to César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport on March 11 costs just £29.
From there, jump on a 30-minute ferry from the port of Órzola, which will carry you across to La Graciosa. Prices on this tiny island haven are affordable, with a pint of local beer costing around £2.
Caleta del Sabo, the island’s only village, is a must-see attraction during your stay and Playa de las Conchas is the island’s most celebrated beach.
The breathtaking sandy stretches of Playa de las Cocinas and Playa Francesa are also top-rated draws, providing magnificent views of the imposing Famara cliffs over in Lanzarote.
Del Ámbar, Del Salado, and De la Laja are among the other pristine beaches found on Graciosa. You can even indulge in a boat excursion to the neighbouring Isla de Lobos for some birdwatching.
Comino
The relatively unknown Maltese island of Comino, famous for its dazzlingly brilliant Blue Lagoon, is a gem hiding in plain sight, and our second under-the-radar secret island haven.
With no towns – and therefore no cars – visiting Comino is truly an experience like no other.
Considered a haven for swimmers, snorkellers, hikers and photographers – tourists are known to travel from around the world just to sample a slice of life in this deserted paradise.
To get to Comino, travellers can fly into Malta International Airport – a one-way flight from London Stansted Airport to Malta International Airport on 12 March would set holidaymakers back £51 – and then from mainland Malta, you can hop on one of the regular ferries from Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal, which will whisk you off to Comino in roughly 35 minutes.
As for beverages, pints on Comino can cost anywhere between £2.60 to £4.
Undeniably, the crown jewel of Comino – and arguably the entire Maltese archipelago – is the world-renowned Blue Lagoon, enticing visitors with its pristine white sands and shimmering turquoise waters all year round.
Santa Marija Bay, nestled on the quieter side of Comino, offers a serene beach, shallow waters and none of the tourist throngs found at the Blue Lagoon.
The Santa Marija Caves are another major draw on this island, and trekking up to the iconic Santa Marija Tower is a favourite pastime.
Gran Canaria
Often described as a ‘miniature continent’ due to its near-circular shape, Gran Canaria offers affordable flights, with a direct one-way flight on 13 March (including one carry-on bag) from London Luton Airport to Gran Canaria Airport priced at £29 at the time of writing.
A pint of beer in many spots across Gran Canaria will only set you back £2, and if that’s not tempting enough – there are numerous pubs offering the famed Canary Islands Happy-Hour €1 pints, which equates to roughly £0.87.
Las Alcaravaneras and Las Canteras, sandy beaches bordering Las Palmas – Gran Canaria’s biggest city, are major tourist attractions catering extensively to holidaymakers.
Additional popular beaches across the island include Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, Amadores, and Puerto de Mogán. The bustling tourist destination of Puerto Rico is also essential viewing for those wanting a vibrant atmosphere.
Anfi del Mar, Playa de Taurito, and Meloneras Beach are equally excellent choices for visitors to explore.
Roque Nublo, the 80-metre volcanic monolith rock is a major draw for hikers, whilst the ‘Dragon’s Tail’ in the Tamadaba Natural Park offers unrivalled panoramic vistas of the island in the north west.
Charming villages such as Tejada, Artenara, Fataga, and beautiful towns including Santa Lucía de Tirajana and Agüimes are equally worth exploring.
Natural pools, secluded coves off dramatic coastlines, untamed beaches, and vibrant cities – Gran Canaria offers everything.
Lanzarote
As the fourth biggest island in the perpetually popular Canary Islands in Spain, Lanzarote is a breathtaking destination.
Boasting black sand beaches in one area and a rocky landscape in another, the island’s terrain features the Famara mountain ranges in the north and Ajaches to the south.
At the time of writing, a direct one-way flight from London Stansted Airport to César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport on March 11 was just £29, and pints will set you back just £1.30 on this tropical paradise. Lanzarote’s all-inclusive resorts are a massive hit with budget-conscious holidaymakers, with luxurious options available for those looking to indulge.
The island’s unique landscape is another magnet for tourists – boasting mountains, vast craters, red terrain, black sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, white sands, and the cherry on top; an active volcano named Mount Timanfaya which features lava fields formed centuries ago.
When it comes to leisure activities, there’s a wealth of options on this compact island, with activities such as surfing, scuba diving, kiteboarding, and windsurfing popular amongst visitors. Lanzarote also boasts numerous family-friendly beaches, particularly suitable for young children.
Gozo
Despite its small size, Gozo delivers in spades. The island can be accessed via various routes – initially by flying to Malta’s main international airport, then either taking a short yet scenic 25-minute ferry from Cirkewwa Terminal in northern Malta or a 45-minute ferry from the stunning capital Valletta to Gozo.
At the time of writing, a one-way ticket from London Stansted Airport to Malta International Airport on March 12 cost £51. The best part?
Drinks in Gozo are reasonably priced – chilled pints of delicious local beer for just £1.80.
Ramla Bay, regarded as one of Gozo’s best beaches, is a popular attraction, whilst the gantija temples, among the world’s oldest and best-preserved free-standing structures, are must-sees.
The Ta’ Kola Windmill stands as another significant landmark on the island, whilst the Cittadella, Gozo’s recently refurbished historic settlement at the heart of the island’s capital Victoria (Rabat), is another essential destination should you travel to this magnificent retreat.
It’s not just spectacular views on offer in Gozo, as the island also boasts four Michelin guide restaurants – Tmun, Level Nine at The Grand, Al Sale, and Ta’ Frenc.
The culinary and wine scene in Gozo is unmatched, with food and wine tours proving a popular activity amongst visitors.
For those wanting distinctive experiences, look no further than the traditional milking of sheep and goats in Gozo, which is then transformed into traditional Gozitan cheese.
For activity fans, clifftop hiking, kayaking and cycling are superb options for a perfect day out.
Fuerteventura
The oldest island in the Canary Islands Archipelago, Fuerteventura is genuinely stunning. Recognised as an ideal destination for watersports, especially for those passionate about surfing, waterskiing, and windsurfing, this exotic Spanish island embodies sun-drenched enjoyment.
A direct one-way flight from London Luton Airport to Fuerteventura Airport on March 15 costs just £29, and pints are reasonably priced at £1.70 on this vibrant island. With a staggering 152 individual beaches, this Canary Islands jewel boasts a unique landscape.
Some of Fuerteventura’s top beaches include Playa de Sotavento, Playas de Corralejo, Playas de El Cotillo, Playa de Cofete, Playas de Jandia, and Playa de Ajuy.
Popular resort destinations such as Corralejo, Caleta de Fuste and El Cotillo draw in hordes of tourists, with Corralejo’s historic quarter exuding authentic Spanish charm through its narrow lanes, tapas bars and seafood eateries.
The area is particularly renowned for the Corralejo Dunes, while the Calderón Hondo volcano trail is just a stone’s throw away, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
Family-oriented Caleta de Fuste boasts an upscale marina and traditional markets, making it a must-visit on any Fuerteventura itinerary.
El Cotillo is a charming, bustling fishing village famed for its surfing conditions and serene lagoon, whilst the secluded Cofete Beach and the ancient Ajuy Caves are also must-see attractions on the island.
Madeira
Madeira is a truly awe-inspiring destination offering a plethora of activities and experiences for travellers to indulge in, and getting to the island is remarkably straightforward.
A direct one-way flight from London Luton Airport to Madeira Airport on March 16 costs £43 at the time of writing, whilst the average price of a pint of beer is around £2.10.
Often dubbed the ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’, this small Portuguese volcanic island certainly deserves its glowing reputation, with one social media user calling it “unfairly beautiful”, whilst another labelled it “Europe’s Hawaii”.
Calheta Beach and Machico Beach rank amongst the island’s most popular destinations, whilst the Natural Pools of Porto Moniz represent another jewel in this Portuguese island’s collection – and undoubtedly its most famous attraction.
Another essential location in Madeira is Seixal Beach – a stunning natural black sand beach celebrated for its striking lush green setting, towering cliffs and the tumbling waterfall, Miradouro do Veu da Noiva, which flows straight into the sea and presents a magnificent spectacle.
Funchal, the lively historic capital of Madeira, proves a major attraction, with the city famous for the Old Town (Zona Velha), Monte Cable Car & Toboggan Ride, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, and the Mercado dos Lavradores market.
The Laurissilva of Madeira is a 20-million year old forest praised for its incredible biodiversity, and a walk along its woodland paths is essential. Pico do Areeiro – Madeira’s third-tallest peak represents another unmissable spot, especially for keen hikers.
The trek from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo delivers an exciting mountain expedition, connecting the island’s three loftiest peaks whilst providing unforgettable panoramas.
A nod to Madeira’s famous wine is unavoidable, with Funchal, the town of Câmara de Lobos, and the adjacent island of Porto Santo celebrated as the premier destinations for wine tastings and vineyard excursions.
Tenerife
Those visiting this breathtaking island can enjoy palm-lined beaches, dramatic volcanoes, enchanting landscapes, verdant forests, and mouth-watering cuisine – all during a single holiday.
The white sand, 1.3-kilometre-long Playa de las Teresitas beach remains a firm favourite with holidaymakers, as does the 850-metre long golden sand expanse of Playa de las Vistas.
Playa Jardin beach with its volcanic black sand also draws those wanting something distinctive during their coastal getaway.
Direct flights to this sun-drenched holiday island are wallet-friendly – at the time of writing, a one-way flight from London Luton Airport to Tenerife South Airport on March 24 was priced at £27 with one free cabin bag allowance, whilst pints cost just £1.30 on average.
The sophisticated Playa del Duque is ideal for upscale dining and relaxed family activities, whilst the sprawling natural beach of Playa de la Tejita provides stunning views of Montaña Roja aka the Red Mountain.
The secluded cove of Playa de Abama is celebrated for its golden sands and excellent snorkelling, and arguably, Tenerife’s most magnificent beach, Playa de Benijo is perfect for an isolated retreat surrounded by nature, remarkable cliffs and gorgeous black sand.
The south-west coastline of Tenerife, especially the area between Los Gigantes, Costa Adeje, and Los Cristianos, is renowned for dolphin and whale watching, while a visit to the Teide National Park and the Corona Forestal Natural Park is absolutely essential.
The colonial town of San Cristobal de la Laguna provides a unique retreat within Tenerife, whilst the island’s capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, acts as the lively heart of this sun-drenched paradise.