After a cold and stormy winter, no one can blame Brits for wanting to enjoy a bit of sunshine before the weather heats up on our chilly isles. The Easter holidays mark the first time in the new year when the kids have time off school and sunny destinations are within reasonable flying distance - so why not make the most of them?
This year, Easter Sunday lands on April 12th. While the average temperatures in Western Europe are generally warm at this time of year, they don’t always guarantee the strong sunshine you want from a beach break. Sure, you might get lucky on a trip to Spain or Portugal, but why not fly an extra couple of hours and watch the mercury climb a little higher? Eastern Mediterranean destinations like Cyprus and Turkey are beginning to sizzle at this time of year - and there’s always the prospect of a dreamy long-haul vacay.
Here’s the Flexicover team’s guide to the best beach breaks for Easter 2020.
Larnaca, Cyprus Like your beach holidays with a side of culture? Try Larnaca. One of Cyprus’ premier beach destinations, it offers all you could want from a fly and flop. Beautiful sandy Mackenzie Beach is set up with rows of comfy sun loungers and parasols, and there’s a wide array of chic beach clubs, bars, and restaurants to choose from. Temperatures in April rise to a comfortable 23C. Away from the promenade, known locally as the Finikoudes, you can delve into the more traditional side of Cypriot life. Head inland to the old Turkish quarter of Skala for a glimpse into the Cyprus of years gone by, or visit the Byzantine church of Agios Laros and the diminutive Larnaca Castle.
Bodrum, Turkey While immensely popular with tourists, Bodrum remains a sophisticated option for a beach holiday. The spellbinding Aegean character of the city, influenced by Cretans in the 1920s, has been preserved, with low-slung whitewashed houses and vibrant blue detailing the theme. The stunning castle and ancient ruins around town add to the elegance and historical feel. Bodrum isn’t a traditional beach resort, but located on a peninsula. The extra coastline means you can pick a spot that’s perfect for you. 3km away, Gumbet boasts a number of beaches, both sand and shingle, while 7km away you’ll find Bitez, known for windsurfing. The temperature in April rises to comfortable 22C highs. Nice.
Eilat, Israel What if we told you that 31C heat is just five hours away? Book a trip to the Red Sea resort of Eilat this Easter, and that dream will become a reality very soon. With the turquoise waves of the Red Sea lapping onto the resort’s large golden sandy beaches, this is the perfect destination for families with children who fancy a traditional beach holiday. Scuba diving, snorkelling, and swimming are all on the menu; beneath the surface of the sea you’ll discover beautifully unbleached coral. The resort is also home to an aquarium, and its proximity to the desert makes for spectacular sandy hikes for those who don’t just want to lay on a sunlounger for a week.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam Up for a bit of long-haul action? Why not head to Phu Quoc - Vietnam’s so-called ‘secret island’ - confusingly located off the coast of Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand. The southwest coast of the island is known for paradisiacal white sand beaches and idyllic palm-lined resorts. Lying on a Vietnamese beach in balmy 32C highs is all well and good, but what if you want to do a bit of exploring? More than half the island is covered by Phu Quoc National Park, where hiking trails wind through dense tropical jungle and up jagged mountains, and there’s plenty of wildlife to spot.
Mirissa, Sri Lanka On the south coast of enchanting Sri Lanka lies the surfing paradise of Mirissa. A crescent beach lined with chilled out bars and shallow, bath-warm sea makes this an idyllic beach destination for couples seeking a rustic romantic retreat. Accommodation varies from basic rooms above beach bars to guesthouses complete with beachfront swimming pools. It’s not a luxury destination, and can be experienced on a modest budget. Easter is the perfect time to visit Mirissa: at this time of year the mercury soars to average highs of 31C. Think of laying back in a hammock, coconut or cocktail in hand: that’s the essence of Mirissa.
Wherever you plan on heading to over the coming months it’s good to know that Flexicover is committed to providing you with the highest level of protection to ensure you are safe and secure 24 hours a day when away.