Towards the sun – a few ideas for spring family holidays
The spring is finally here! After months of grey, cold and darkness all we want is to bask in the sun, which may or may not be the case in Europe… Unfortunately, in our climate this season can bring any weather, from hot, sunny days to thick snow. Fortunately, only a few hours by plane away there are at least a few places where the sun is guaranteed. Here are a three ideas for short spring family holidays 🧡
Morocco
Due to the size of the country, if you have time only for a short trip, then you should pick one specific region. Assuming that Marrakesh is our starting point, we shall immediately experience Morocco at its finest. From the lively, north-African souks, to exotic, spicy meals in atmospheric cafés, to the very buzz of the Arab street – you always know where you are 🧡 Leaving the city you will travel through the magnificent Atlas Mountains, often complaining about the quality of local roads (which in fact sometimes do not deserve to be called roads 😉). Nonetheless, the views are spectacular, and they change with each mountain pass. The famous Ajt Bin Haddu ksar feels like the end of the world – all you can see from there is the Sahara desert. This part of Marocco is known for its many ksars and kasbahs; if you want to really experience Maghreb’s atmosphere, it’s best to look for accommodation there. Next, you can travel through Taroudant towards the ocean, where I highly recommend you watch a presentation of argan oil production. Broad, sandy Moroccan beaches offer all the charms of beach life, as well as excellent conditions for surfing 🧡 Do hurry up though! Temperatures there are bearable until the end of May, when it becomes scorching hot 😉
Malta
Malta is just perfect for a short spring trip 🧡 Valletta has so much to offer! The elegant capital has a unique architectural style and plenty of charming spots, bars, and cafés, where you can dance until dawn – some nights to remember! Valetta is in fact a fort erected on a rocky island. You can go on a cruise to admire the capital from the sea, or take advantage of its excellent public transport and visit atmospheric fishing villages, such as the famous Marsaxlokk. Moving on, the beautiful Dingli Cliff, or Mdina, a spectacular fortified city, should also be on your list. If you crave swimming in amazing, azure water, then Blue, Crystal or Comino Lagoon are a total must-see! The nearby Gozo island is also worth an excursion. Malta is small enough for you to experience its atmosphere to the fullest within a few days – from long walks to endless, spectacular sunsets 🧡
Tall walls of Valletta downtown give a break from hot sun rays
Cyprus
Cyprus is another Mediterranean island which is highly recommended off-season 🧡 If you decide to rent a car, you can easily visit the whole south-eastern part of the island. You can set off on a trip along the coast from Larnaka, famous for its architectural monuments and plenty of beautiful places to stroll and play; on your way you will visit an archeological site, Khirokitia, the famous Aphrodite’s Rock, Limassol – a city with a beautiful promenade, offering plenty of restaurants with delicious mezze, Pisuri – a charming seaside town, and finally Paphos with its archeological park. On another day you can visit the Troodos Mountains and traditional villages, such as Lefkara or Lania, with their breathtaking views of the island and coastline. The picturesque Cape Greco in the southeastern part of the Island will be our cherry on top, with its rocky, cliff coastline and seemingly endless plateaus leading to it – a genuine paradise for photographers and amateurs of open spaces, green nature, and blue seas. The area is full of typical holiday resorts which are nonetheless charming, especially off-season. Beautiful, clear water and sandy beaches invite visitors for long beach days even in March. It’s just a perfect destination for a spring family holiday 🧡
How about a spontaneous Easter trip? Spring is wonderful in all these three places, offering more fresh air and clear water than in the high season. If you want to visit these countries without hordes of tourists and in bearable temperatures, the time is now!