by Mary Novakovich, The Independent, April 3, 2017
If April weather in Britain is too unpredictable for you, take heart in the fact that the Mediterranean is beginning to warm up nicely. By now, you won’t have far to go if you want to snatch a few days in the sun. Here are some ideas for lazy days on the beach, more exotic adventures, and a look ahead to the summer holidays.
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Crete
Temperatures are nudging the 20s in Crete, and wildflowers are beginning to smother the island’s landscapes. As resorts come to life after their winter break, everyone’s gearing up for Easter. Join the festivities in Chania from the elegant comfort of the Doma Hotel, a 19th-century neoclassical house that at one time was a British consulate. Sunvil has a week’s B&B from £824pp departing 15 April, including flights and transfers.
Namibia
April in Namibia brings touches of greenness to the desert landscape, and the dusty air of summer has yet to hit. Explore the deserts, mountains and dunes on a self-drive safari that takes you close to big cats at the AfriCat Foundation and the wildlife in Etosha National Park. Natural World Safaris has a 12-night, self-drive tour staying in luxurious lodges, starting from £2,995pp including flights, breakfast and most dinners. Departures are throughout April.
Costa de la Luz
A few days in Tarifa will get you in the mood for summer, especially if you’re a fan of windsurfing and kite-surfing. The beaches here are among the best in Europe for wind sports, and the less athletic can settle for the spectacle of whale watching. Stay in the Moroccan-style self-catering apartments Dar Cilla – from the roof terrace you can see Tangiers and the Rif mountains. Two nights with i-escape start from £84pp, excluding flights.
Jordan
As the winter rains come to an end, Jordan in April is fresh and green, with temperatures in the pleasant mid-20s. Discover the country’s highlights on an eight-day tour with On the Go Tours. You’ll spend two nights in Petra, camp in the desert landscape of Wadi Rum and go swimming in the Dead Sea. The price of £1,145pp excludes flights but includes six nights’ B&B in hotels, a night camping and two dinners, departing 15 and 29 April.
Book now for July
Ontario
Join Canada’s 150th birthday celebrations in July with a family adventure on a self-drive tour in Ontario. Start with a few days in Toronto before heading up to the Blue Mountain resort near Georgian Bay for a few days of ziplining and mountain biking. Carry on into the lake-filled Muskoka region for kayaking and hiking before finishing in Niagara Falls. This 10-night tour with Canadian Sky costs from £1,299pp based on four sharing, and includes flights, SUV hire and car insurance. Departures are from 11 July to 20 August.
Sardinia
Families in need of a break can head to Sardinia’s northern coast and the village of Isola Rossa. At the Hotel Marinedda Thalasso & Spa, parents can leave the kids at the children’s club while they relax in the heated seawater pool. The sandy beach is only about 300m away. A week’s half-board with Sardatur Holidays costs from £3,532 for two adults and one child, including flights and transfers, departing 15 July.
Mary Novakovich is editor at large at 101holidays.co.uk
This article was written by Mary Novakovich from The Independent and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to [email protected].