As British weather continues to swing between dreary downpours and marginally pleasant spring sunshine, holidaymakers are still hunting for getaway spots with guaranteed warmth and gentle breezes. For those seeking holiday destinations within easy reach of Britain that are gloriously warm at this time of year, while remaining incredibly budget-friendly, we have compiled the finest options for a March-April escape. Temperatures across these destinations hover between 16C and 24C.
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Our first hidden island is La Graciosa, a diminutive Canary Islands treasure remarkable for having no tarmac roads due to its heavily protected designation as the largest Marine Reserve in Europe and a National Park. There are no vehicles on this island whatsoever. It is an absolute paradise for travellers yearning for tranquillity and isolation, with untamed, pristine and genuinely secluded nature ideal for those weary of overcrowded tourist hotspots. Reaching La Graciosa is simple: take a direct flight from the UK to Lanzarote, followed by a short ferry crossing. 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, a 30-minute ferry from the port of Órzola will carry you across to La Graciosa. Prices are affordable, with a pint of local beer costing around £2. Caleta del Sabo, the island's only village, is a must-see, and Playa de las Conchas is the most celebrated beach. Other pristine beaches include Playa de las Cocinas, Playa Francesa, Del Ámbar, Del Salado, and De la Laja. You can even take a boat excursion to the neighbouring Isla de Lobos for birdwatching.
Our second under-the-radar secret island haven is Comino, a relatively unknown Maltese island famous for its dazzlingly brilliant Blue Lagoon. With no towns and therefore no cars, visiting Comino is an experience like no other. It is considered a haven for swimmers, snorkellers, hikers and photographers. 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 cost £51—and then from mainland Malta, hop on one of the regular ferries from Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal, which will whisk you off to Comino in roughly 35 minutes. Pints on Comino cost between £2.60 and £4. The crown jewel of Comino is the world-renowned Blue Lagoon, enticing visitors with its pristine white sands and shimmering turquoise waters all year round. Santa Marija Bay, on the quieter side of the island, offers a serene beach and shallow waters without the tourist throngs. The Santa Marija Caves and the iconic Santa Marija Tower are also major draws.
