The SUN
Oh, dry up!
Where to go to escape the rain
Sun-where special … find some nice weather in Greek island Rhodes
Published: 12th May 2012
WITH another soggy bank holiday behind us it’s no wonder Brits are heading off in search of sun.
Related StoriesBEACH? Alpine? Sporty? Trekking? This main Canary Island has it all
Steve Perridge, general manager of late trading for Thomson and First Choice, says: “Last weekend we saw increased demand as people looked to escape the rain.”
So where should you go for the best spring sunshine?
Check out our guide.
Rhodes
Average rainfall: 3mm
Average sunshine: 11 hours (26°C)
RHODES is known as the Island Of Light – there are hardly any days when the sun doesn’t shine. With its sub-tropical climate and more than 3,000 hours of sun per year, you can be guaranteed a good tan.
Rhodes is one of the most popular islands – even Greeks themselves come to Rhodes for a break from the mainland.
The capital lies within the walls of a well-preserved Venetian castle built by the Knights of Saint John.
Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 4 Mareblue Cosmopolitan Hotel, Rhodes, is from £229 per person, including flights from London, Manchester or Glasgow on selected dates in May 2012. Seecheapflights.co.uk.
Morocco
Average rainfall: 1mm
Average sunshine: 13 hours (30°C)
Dry spell … Morocco
MOROCCO is a rain-free sensory overload, from Tangier along the Atlantic coast to Casablanca and the whitewashed fishing ports of Asilah and Essaouira.
Inland, the cities of Marrakesh and Fez offer a maze of winding streets and ancient medinas. Away from the cities, explore Roman ruins, Berber villages or go hiking in the High Atlas mountains. Or saddle up your camel and ride into the Sahara. For a beach holiday with a difference try the 5 Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort. An hour from Casablanca on the Atlantic coast, it has a superb four-mile beach as well as a casino, nightclub and the longest golf course in Morocco.
Five nights’ full-board at the 5 Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort is from £499 per person, including flights from London on selected dates in May and June. Go todialaflight.com or call 0844 556 6060.
Egypt
Average rainfall: 0mm
Average sunshine: 13 hours (31°C)
Get a hot deal … in Egypt
WITH fabulous deals and no unrest in the Red Sea resorts of Sharm-el-Sheikh, El Gouna, Dahab and Taba, there has never been a better time to visit. Three nights’ B&B at the 5 Kempinksi Hotel, Soma Bay, is from £719 per person, including flights from Gatwick this month.
See classic-collection.co.uk or call 0800 294 9318.
Dubai
Average rainfall: Nil
Average sunshine: 11 hours (36°C)
Turning up the heat … Emirate state Dubai
THE guaranteed sunshine makes Dubai the ideal destination for a scorching “special occasion” long weekend. In May and June the temperatures have not yet peaked and there is almost zero chance of rain.With just a six-hour flight and virtually no jetlag, you’ll soon be sunning yourself by the pool.
Three nights’ B&B at the Desert Palm in Dubai is from £699 per person, including flights from Heathrow on selected departures from May 16 to September 15 (book before May 23).
See vhiphotels.co.uk or call 0844 573 2460.
Abu Dhabi
Average rainfall: 0mm
Average sunshine: 11 hours (40°C)
Sizzler … UAE’s Abu Dhabi
ONE of the driest destinations imaginable, the capital of the United Arab Emirates has year-round sunshine.
There’s something for everyone, from wildlife drives to kayaking, heritage sites and museums, modern shopping malls and traditional souks, pristine beaches and sand dunes. A visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque offers a fascinating insight into Islamic culture – but petrolheads will probably prefer Ferrari World on Yas Island, now the world’s largest indoor theme park.
Seven nights’ B&B at the Yas Island Rotana is from £906 per person, including flights from Heathrow in May and June.
See kuoni.co.uk or call 01306 747 008.
Fuerteventura
Average rainfall: 1mm
Average sunshine: 11 hours (23°C)
Come in, the water’s lovely … Canary island Fuerteventura
FUERTEVENTURA gets far less rainfall than its neighbouring Canary Islands as it’s safely sheltered by Lanzarote.
May and June are ideal months to visit, with blissfully warm weather and lots of space to spread out on the beach before the peak season starts. Head there this month and the only water in sight will be the stunning views of the Atlantic.
The R2 Rio Calma Hotel near Pajara’s Costa Calma beach has fabulous two-tier infinity pools and its own private beach as well as an indoor pool, health club and spa. Seven nights’ half-board is from £503 per person, travelling from Gatwick on May 19.
See thomascook.com or call 0844 412 5970.
Turkey
Average rainfall: 10mm
Average sunshine: Nine hours (28°C)
Sunny delight … Turkey
KEMER, one of Southern Turkey’s most popular tourist resorts, enjoys a mouth-watering 300 days of sunshine a year.
Kemer is increasing in popularity, with fantastic ocean views and plenty of fun for kids. Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 5 Sensimar Kemer Marina Hotel is from £565 per person. See cosmos.co.uk or call 0844 573 4261.
Malta
Average rainfall: 8mm
Average sunshine: Eight hours (25°C)
Hot spot … Malta
MALTA has comfortable May temperatures. Late spring is an ideal time to explore – not too hot, with the summer season just getting into full swing.
Seven nights’ half-board at the 3 Porto Azzurro Hotel is from £259 per person, including flights from Cardiff on May 29.
See maltadirect.com or call 0845 604 0035.
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