22C

Brits looking for warm and sunny weather in March may want to consider the beautiful island in the Canaries that has cheap drinks, beautiful beaches and 22C weather

The British winter has felt particularly drizzly in the past few months, so it’s no surprise that most of us are dreaming of sunnier and balmier climates.

While the truly hot destinations tend to require a long-haul flight, the good news is that there are parts of Europe where you can still get warm and sunny weather, at least enough so you can enjoy the outdoors without having to don about 500 layers.

Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands is a destination that just about ticks all of the boxes; affordable holidays, beautiful beaches and 22C weather in March.

The good news is that because Fuerteventura is a popular destination for Brits, there are plenty of cheap deals and offers that can be found especially for a last-minute break. Jet2Holidays currently has a sale with £150 off holidays before June, while TUI, Loveholidays and On the Beach are just some of the other firms that offer packages with various UK airport departures.

Once on the island, you can find budget-friendly options for dining out too. Pints tend to cost £3 on average, while according to research from Numbeo, it’s possible to find a three-course meal for two people costing a total of €70 in Corralejo (approximately £61).

Speaking of Corralejo, this tends to be one of the more popular towns on the island thanks to the array of restaurants and bars on offer, as well as the hotels and its beautiful Corralejo Grandes Playas beach, famed for its soft sands and clear waters. It may not be warm enough in March to go in for a dip, but it’s still warm enough to enjoy a waterfront stroll, or get a cocktail and take in those beautiful beach views while eating al fresco.

Of course there are plenty of other beautiful spots around the island. For example, the beaches at El Cotillo, Cofete and Sotavento are regular favourites with British holidaymakers, given their soft sands and waters that are ideal for a wide array of watersports if you’re feeling adventurous.

Back on land, the volcanic landscape is packed with brilliant hiking and cycling trails to suit a whole array of levels, whether you’re a beginner who wants an easy stroll, or a seasoned rambler looking for a challenge. Meanwhile the Corralejo Natural Park is the largest area of dunes in the Canaries, and you can take buggy tours along the dusty roads to explore the beautiful scenery, if you don’t fancy donning your hiking boots.

Of course if March doesn’t work for you, the great thing about the Canary Islands is that they boast year-round sunshine. Temperatures may drop come December/January, but there’s still plenty of sunshine and the weather is much warmer than the UK, so there’s ample opportunity to make the most of these picturesque islands!

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The island is popular with Brits who can’t wait until summer to get some sunshine, with 22C weather and plenty of sunshine to enjoy in March, and lots of stunning unspoilt beaches

Those looking for a cheap, sunny escape for March might want to take a look at this island that offers plenty of sunshine and inexpensive pints. Best of all, it’s a short haul destination so you don’t have to spend hours on a flight.

Gran Canaria is often overlooked when it comes to the Canary Islands, with Tenerife welcoming the most visitors, but it’s growing in popularity as a destination especially for winter sun. In March, the island enjoys daily highs of 22C and seven to eight hours of daily sunshine; a tempting prospect seeing as the UK only gets three to four hours on average in early spring.

Flights from the UK average about four-and-a-half hours, and there’s a range of routes to choose from. EasyJet has flights from Bristol, London Luton, and Manchester year-round, as well as offering seasonal services from regional airports. Meanwhile Jet2 offers routes from airports including Belfast, Birmingham, and Glasgow, with a new London-Gatwick service beginning end of March.

TUI flies from Cardiff and Newcastle upon Tyne year-round, while Ryanair offer routes from Birmingham, Bournemouth, and London-Luton among many others. Flights from London-Stansted on Ryanair start from just £24.99 in March.

Most Brits head to the south of the island, the warmest part of Gran Canaria. Maspalomas is famous for its sand dunes which cover an area of about 1.5 miles. Dunas de Maspalomas is a protected nature area that has hiking trails that allow you to explore the desert landscape surrounded by palm trees and set around a natural lagoon.

Walk along the promenade and you’ll reach the lively Playa del Inglés neighbourhood. Known for its bars, restaurants, and lively nightlife including live music, it’s also home to several shopping centres. In Maspalomas, you’ll also find the Yumbo Centre, which is where many of the island’s LGBT+ friendly bars and clubs can be found. At night, the area is known for its colourful drag shows and it’s especially busy in May with the arrival of Pride.

Pint prices vary across the island, but are generally inexpensive as you’d expect in a Spanish destination. You can generally find pints from €2 to €3 (about £1.74 to £2.60), although some bars notoriously offer happy hour deals from €1 (about 85p).

Across the island, there’s plenty to do, from visiting volcanoes to days at water parks. Many people hike the Roque Nublo trail, which takes just over an hour and takes you to one of the island’s highest points. A relatively easy hike, it offers incredible views of the volcanic landscapes, and looks particularly lush and green in spring.

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Palmitos Park is a fun family day out set in the mountains and has nature walks, exotic reptiles, and even dolphin shows, while the Angry Birds Activity Park is a colourful playground that’s a must for kids who love the mobile game.

Puerto de Mogán is often called the ‘Venice of the Canary Islands’ and is well worth a visit for its sheltered beach and stylish marina. It even has canals, and you can take a boat ride through its narrow waterways with whitewashed traditional houses along the way. The capital of Las Palmas is also a popular day trip, especially the old town of Vegueta where you’ll find museums, historic sites, and art galleries.

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The perfect winter escape awaits just 4.5 hours from London, with temperatures reaching 22 °C and 300 days of sunshine annually. As well as charming mountain villages, visitors to Cyprus can also explore the world’s only divided capital, Nicosia.

Brits looking for a sun-drenched getaway might want to consider this English-speaking island, just a short flight from the UK, with pleasant winter temperatures of 22 °C. Only a four-and-a-half-hour journey from London, this Mediterranean gem offers a welcome break from the UK’s current cold, wet weather.

With year-round sunshine and flowers beginning to bloom in March, Cyprus is a fantastic choice for families, offering numerous family-friendly hotels. The island also features a range of activities, from walking trails to discovering a variety of cultural and historical sites.

Winter sees fewer visitors, making it the perfect time to explore popular attractions without the lengthy queues. Whilst partygoers will be drawn to Ayia Napa, one of Europe’s top party destinations, those seeking blissful tranquillity can bask in the island’s 300 days of sunshine each year.

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A trip into the Troodos Mountains unveils stunning scenery and a delightful village nestled in the valley below. In a surprising twist, there’s even a ski resort located within the breathtaking Troodos Mountain Range. Operating from January to March, it’s positioned on Mount Olympus, the highest peak in Cyprus, and an iconic destination bound to intrigue lovers of ancient mythology.

Visitors can drive up to the slopes, which feature several scenic viewpoints en route. Hidden in the valley is the picturesque village of Omodos, filled with restaurants serving traditional food such as fresh halloumi and lamb Kleftiko – the ideal conclusion to a day of mountain exploration. The village also boasts the Monastery of Timios Stavros, one of the most historically significant monasteries on the island, which offers tours.

A local fortified sweet wine, commandaria, is popular in the area and can be purchased from locals’ doorsteps for €2-€5 (£1.61-£4.23). Another must-visit is Nicosia, the divided capital of Cyprus. Following the 1974 civil war, the island was bifurcated into two states: the Greek Republic of Southern Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and this fascinating city remains a stark reminder of these troubled times.

The border, known as the ‘green line’, cuts through lively Nicosia, making it the only divided capital city in the world, with a rich history stretching back more than 5,000 years. Tourists may cross the border in a fairly straightforward process, at The Ledra Street Border Crossing and The Ledra Palace Border Crossing, the second of which allows for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Other attractions include underwater waterfall hikes, a turtle conservation station, Aphrodite’s Rock, the Tombs of the Kings, snorkelling adventures, Akamas Peninsula National Park, castles and even a wellness retreat.

Do you have a story to share? Email me at julia.banim@reachplc.com

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