TOP 10 breaks for spring sun
If you’re looking for a short-haul sunshine break without the sweltering heat, then spring into action...
1MADEIRA Seven nights
from €689pp Enjoy a slice of sunshine on this subtropical Portuguese island where temperatures almost touch 20°C in April. For a special treat make the five-star Quinta da Bela Vista your luxurious base. Set in five acres of beautiful botanical gardens filled with tropical plants, the 19th century mansion is just a 10-minute drive from the capital city Funchal. The hotel has two famous restaurants, Bela Vista and Avista Navios. And the poolside bar is the place to sip a cocktail or two and take in the stunning views of the mountains and the bay of Funchal. THE DEAL: Seven nights’ half-board at the Quinta da Bela Vista starts at €689pp including return flights from Manchester on April 28 with Inspired Luxury Escapes. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10
2CYPRUS Seven nights
from €593pp Spring over to Paphos, the mythical birthplace of goddess of love Aphrodite, to rekindle your romance. Ensconce yourselves in elegant Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel which has three outdoor pools, three jacuzzis and a superb spa. It’s worth taking time out to visit Paphos city, two-and-ahalf miles from the waterfront hotel, to explore UNESCO World Heritage Site the Tombs of the Kings, which dates back to the 3rd century BC. THE DEAL: Olympic Holidays has a seven-night fourstar B&B Gold Package at the Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel starting at €593pp for April 24 arrival, including return flights from London with access to VIP UK lounge on departure, and taxi transfers. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10
3MAJORCA Three nights
from €293pp It’s a simple stroll to Santa Ponsa’s beautiful sandy beach and promenade from the Bahia Del Sol Hotel. But if the 200-yard walk feels like a stretch, you can just relax in one of the hotel’s two outdoor pools, enjoying a treatment in the spa, or go for a round of minigolf on the “putting greens” on the terrace while you soak up the stunning sea views. Set in the southwest of the Balearic island, the
four-star hotel is a perfect base from which to explore the hinterland. Palma, the island’s bustling capital, is just a 20-minute drive away. Golf Santa Ponsa is just over two miles away, and waterbabies can have a splashing time at the Western Water Park, four miles away. THE DEAL: Broadway Travel has three nights on half-board at the Bahia Del Sol Hotel from €293pp, including return flights from Birmingham on April 28. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10 4 HALKIDIKI Seven nights
from €830pp On the Halkidiki peninsula in mainland Greece and 40-minutes drive from Thessaloniki, the country’s second-biggest city, five-star luxury awaits you at the stylish Ikos Olivia. This boutique hotel, set in 22 acres of manicured gardens, overlooks beautiful white sands and has its own beach along with four pools, a spa and wellness centre and tennis courts – and you can enjoy a drink in any one of the six bars. Dining here is a gourmet’s delight – there’s a buffet restaurant and four others serving Asian, Italian, French and Greek menus created by Michelin-starred chefs. You can also dine out at a village taverna as part of the all-inclusive package. THE DEAL: Loveholidays has seven nights at the fivestar Ikos Olivia staying all-inclusive from €830pp (saving up to €550pp) including flights from Stansted on April 25. mirror. co.uk/traveltop10
5 TENERIFE Seven nights from €253pp
Spring is a great time to take off for the Canary Islands, when the mercury starts rising and there’s less chance of rain. For a resort brimming with charming tradition, head to Puerto de la Cruz and its pretty harbour in the north of the island for a selfcatering stay at the three-star Casablanca Apartments. A black sand beach is a 20-minute walk away and on site there’s a huge pool with a terrace for sunbathing. Mighty Mount Teide looms in the distance – the million-year-old peak is Spain’s highest. Take the ride up 12,000ft by cable car on a clear day and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the Canary archipelago. THE DEAL: Thomson has seven nights’ self-catering at the Casablanca Apartments starting at €253pp based on two adults sharing with flights leaving Luton on April 25, and transfers. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10
6 SICILY Seven nights
from €830pp Sneak off to this Italian island before temperatures soar, and check in to Cefalu’s Hotel Tourist. It has a friendly informality combined with an old-fashioned charm. Historic Cefalu is a 20-minute stroll away, while just across the road is a sandy beach. The three-star hotel has 46 rooms, a big outdoor pool and a bar, and its traditional restaurant serves up
sumptuous meals – don’t miss the fantastic antipasto buffet. THE
DEAL: Prestige Holidays is offering seven nights’ half-board for the price of six, starting at €830pp (saving up to €96 per couple) based on two sharing a side seaview room, including flights with easyjet leaving Gatwick on April 22, and private transfers. mirror.co.uk/
traveltop10
7 MED CRUISE Fourteen
nights from €1,152pp Footie fans will go mad for this voyage round the Med which will welcome special guest Harry Redknapp, who will be hosting a Q&A and a meet-and-greet. Among the ports of call will be Barcelona, Ajaccio (Corsica), Rome, Florence, Pisa, Genoa, Marseille and Gibraltar. THE DEAL: Crown Princess sails from Southampton on April 22 on the 14-night full-board itinerary with fares from €1,152pp (save up to €1,058pp) for two sharing an inside cabin, through Iglu Cruises. mirror.co.uk/traveltop10
8 COSTA DORADA Seven
nights from €229pp Spain’s Gold Coast and its sparkling sands is a perennial favourite. The weather in April is a lovely 20C. Catch some spring rays at the threestar International 2 Apartments in Salou, just 600 yards from the beach. The Roman city of Tarragona is a 15-minute drive away, and