Winter is dragging; summer is still months away. Time to start looking into city breaks for spring sun then. If those Vitamin D pills just aren’t cutting it, and you’re craving the rejuvenating effects of actual sunshine, then good news. You don’t have to jump on a plane to Dubai or the Maldives to bask under cloudless blue skies. Summer starts early in southern Europe, meaning that uninterrupted sun and mild temperatures are just a short-haul flight away.
With temperatures already nudging the early 20s, spring breaks to Europe’s southern cities offer the best of both worlds: sun-drenched attractions without the crowds. Typically, flights and accommodation options are also more affordable. Win, win, win. These short-haul city destinations promise both a sun tan and a culturally-rich mini spring holiday. We could be wrong, but we doubt you’ll locate any Caravaggios in Florida.
Paphos, Cyprus Where to stay: Anassa Just four hours via plane, the small but mighty island of Cyprus has plenty to offer fly-and-flop travellers looking for a healthy dose of vitamin D this winter. Dating back to Neolithic times, Paphos, one of Cyprus’ largest cities, is rooted in history, home to several archaeological marvels relating to the cult of goddess Aphrodite, whose mythical birthplace was at Old Paphos (Kouklia). The city has a cosmopolitan side too, featuring a modern, bustling harbour, UNESCO World Heritage sites such as ancient ruins of tombs and fortresses at Paphos Archaeological Park, and several beautiful beaches including Coral Bay and Alykes Beach. Don’t miss a day trip to the pine-fringed Troodos Mountains – home to the famous Mount Olympus – for guaranteed panoramic views and easy hiking trails.
Anassa is one of Europe’s most iconic hotels and Cyprus’ Grand Dame, making it an ideal locale to soak up the guaranteed sunshine from March to October, thanks to temperatures from 22°C early in March and 27°C in October. Since opening in 1998, the hotel has become world-renowned, featuring rooms, suites and residences designed by Parisian interior designer Joelle Pleot laid out like a traditional Cypriot village, while boasting beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea. Elsewhere, discover the award-winning Thalassa Spa, which is based on the concept of a Roman-style health retreat, offering an extensive range of therapies from one-off treatments to immersive 10-day detox programmes.
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