Dalaman area

Start summer early in these destinations

 

Have you heard the news? This year, we’re flying to some of our favourite holiday hotspots from March and April! Early summer sun, here we come…

Did you know that beach-baking days and golden rays are actually closer than you think? That’s right, we’re starting the summer early in these dazzling destinations. Tempted? Us too…

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Crete (Heraklion Area) – flying from 29 March 2024

Soar onto Crete’s north coast as early as Friday 31 March this year and take in everything this classic Greek island has to offer. It’s the biggest of all the Greek islands, so as you can imagine, there’s plenty to see and do. Why not start at The Palace of Knossos and be transported right back to Minoan Crete?

If it’s nightlife you’re after, Malia pulls out all the stops with colourful cocktail bars, karaoke nights and epic club parties!

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Bodrum – flying from 29 March 2024

Beautiful Bodrum’s a delight any time of year, but in April, the city’s bougainvillea blooms add an extra sprinkle of magic. Make sure to take your camera as you walk through the streets to capture the pops of pink and purple cascading from the town’s whitewashed walls.

Bodrum’s springtime temperatures are just right for sightseeing. And guess what? You’ll be visiting before the summer crowds arrive, so you can experience all of the landmarks without the lines. The city’s 15th-century castle, AKA the Castle of St. Peter, should be top of your must-see list. Wander to the top of the turrets and take in the eye-popping views across the harbour and marina. The Ancient Theatre, which dates back to the 4th century BC, is another historical highlight. It once hosted gladiator contests for up to 13,000 spectators. Nowadays, it’s free to explore, so you can wander at your leisure.

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Ibiza – flying from 29 March 2024

Explore the iconic White Isle before anyone else this year and get your sunshine fix early. You’ll be able to beat the summer crowds and see a more authentic side of the island – think hippie markets, traditional restaurants and cosy cocktails bars.

Dalt Vila, the Old Town, is a picture-perfect place whether you visit day or night. Or if you fancy heading offshore, why not set sail on the glistening Med to the neighbouring isle of Formentera or legendary Es Vedra?

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Dalaman – flying from 30 March 2024

Delve into Dalaman and you’ll uncover everything from ancient ruins to buzzing bars. Perched on the twinkling Turquoise Coast, stunning seascapes and crystal-clear waters come as standard here. March’s mild temperatures are tailor-made for outdoor adventures, and there’s a thrilling menu of these on offer at Marmaris National Park. This emerald playground is packed with flora and fauna, as well as a bounty of local wildlife. Towards the edge of the forest, you’ll find a small shingle beach – the perfect place for a back-to-nature picnic. The mountains that surround the resort are primed for scenic stomps too!

If you’d prefer a more relaxing retreat, swoon-worthy scenes are Olu Deniz’s bread and butter. Take the postcard-pretty Blue Lagoon, an underwater paradise for snorkellers and scuba divers. Or how about a Turkish treatment? Base yourself in Dalyan and set sail across Lake Köyceğiz to Sultanyie’s sulphur-rich mud baths and give your skin a proper pamper.

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Dubrovnik – flying from 30 March 2024

Beat bustling summertime and head to this terracotta-topped beauty as early as March this year! You can expect temperatures around the 17 degrees mark, which sounds like the ideal climate for exploring and sightseeing to us! Stroll the UNESCO-stamped Old Town, hunt down Game of Thrones filming locations, then make a beeline for the beach and soak up those balmy Croatian rays.

You’ll also be in day trip-distance of Montenegro if you fancy venturing further afield. It’s a stunning country with five national parks and some chic beach resorts. You could just as easily pop across the border to Bosnia and Herzegovina to see stunning Ottoman palaces and deep canyons.

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Izmir – flying from 29 March 2024

This Turkish treasure is brimming with bustling bazaars and remarkable relics. You’ll find a mash up of modern-meets-traditional, from the taverna-packed Old Town to the sweeping seaside promenade. This area’s not short of bucket-list landmarks either, the ancient city of Ephesus and the hot springs of Pamukkale are both within day-tripping distance. Visit in April and you can relish all this culture for less as there are great-value options galore.

In Kusadasi, life revolves around the seafront. You’ll be spoilt for choices to lay down your towel, as this resort’s home to eight beaches. Kustur Beach is ideal if you fancy a do-not-disturb day, while Long Beach is better for those who want to try their hand at watersports. Once you’re all beached out, head to a nearby restaurant and tuck into the catch of the day. In April, it’s warm enough to pull up a chair and dine al fresco, you might just need a lightweight jacket post-sunset.

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Rhodes – flying from 30 March 2024

This glimmering Greek Isle oozes all-round appeal, with culture-vultures flocking to the Acropolis of Lindos and adventure-seekers heading to the lush interior. With so much to see and do it’s no surprise that Rhodes is a popular summer destination! But arrive on its shores a few months earlier and you can experience all of its charm without the hustle and bustle.

300-days of sunshine a year mean no matter when you visit, your chances of a blue-sky day are bright. This is great news for those who want to meander around the island’s medieval Old Town. Take a stroll through time in the labyrinth of cobbled streets which hide pocket-sized boutiques, tucked-away restaurants and even an impressive Byzantine castle.

April’s also the best time of year to immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty. And where better to start than the Valley of the Butterflies? Although it’s too early to see the winged wonders that give this nature reserve its name, the wildflower-studded trails are a delight.

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Halkidiki – flying from 20 April 2024

Snow-white beaches? Spellbinding sights? Mouthwatering cuisine? Say hello to Halkidiki. If you’re looking to pack away your brolly and get your sunshine fix, April’s this picturesque peninsula’s driest month. There’s 500km of sand-sprinkled coastline to sink your toes into, so choose your lounging location and get ready to unwind.

For those who prefer action-packed pursuits to all-day lazing, this region’s synonymous with adventure-orientated landscapes. Discover sprawling pine forests weaved with walking routes, and majestic mountains studded with cycling trails. On the coast, kayaking, diving and snorkelling ensure anyone seeking aquatic thrills is well catered for. In spring, temperatures hover in the high teens, so you can enjoy all this fresh-air fun without even breaking a sweat!

April’s also an important time in Greece’s cultural calendar, with a host of Easter festivities taking place. Each community has its own traditions, but you can expect local concerts, processions and lots of delicious food.

Posted: 23rd Sept 2022. Updated: 31st Jan 2024.

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