How travellers can take advantage of an early Easter

By Nick Trend, travel writer 

I have every respect for the Christian tradition, but I'd like to point out that the ever-shifting dates of Easter are a mixed blessing in the traveller’s calendar. This year it falls particularly early, on March 27. It will be 2035 before we have an earlier date, and next year Easter Sunday is on April 16 – that’s three weeks later than this year. 

It is mainly skiers who benefit from such early timing; especially family skiers. Schools break up sooner than usual, so, instead of having to face the the chaos of the slopes at half term, you can travel in the Easter holidays instead, enjoy lower prices, more peaceful pistes and still have a decent chance of excellent snow. In fact this year, after a terrible start to the season, it looks as though March and early April will see the best of the conditions across most of the Alps.

But if it is sunshine that you are after, an early Easter presents problems. Stay in Britain and you are as likely to see snow as a warm sunny day. Meanwhile, much of the Med is only just waking up to spring and guaranteed sunshine is hard to find on a short-haul flight. 

This year the situation is further complicated by the security situation in North Africa. Tunisia and Egypt would have been strong candidates for early season sun, but both are effectively off the tourist map in 2016.

So where can you go instead? There is no sure fire solution for real heat less than six to eight hours away — too far for most families, especially if there is a big time difference. The Gambia (six hours) is probably the nearest option, but doesn't suit all tastes. Otherwise, if you want temperatures in the 80s, you are looking at the eight or nine hour flight to the Caribbean as the nearest safe bet, and that doesn’t suit all budgets.

For decent beach weather and reasonable prices, however, the Canaries remain the best option (flight about five hours). Availability this Easter is thin because of extra demand caused by the situation in North Africa, but there are enough airlines flying the bigger islands, and more than enough accommodation, especially on Tenerife, that you will always be able to find something, especially if you act now and avoid flying at weekends (see our  recommended hotels on Tenerife for inspiration, or on Lanzarote).

Cyprus too is an excellent choice at this time of year though the flight is only slightly shorter than the route south to the Canaries. Skyscanner.net is the best way to get an over-view of routes and airfares.

But I have another suggestion for Easter travellers. Don't treat it as a time for the beach. It's a much better time to explore inland. Many Mediterranean destinations are at their greenest, the wild flowers are starting to bloom, the sights are less crowded and more enjoyable to visit before it gets too hot.

It's a great time for walking and exploring, or for a city break especially with older children. It's still worth heading reasonably far south to get warmer weather — Sicily, Andalusia, and Provence are all excellent choices, while the three and a half hour flight to Marrakech, the one North African destination which has remained stable in recent years, is the quickest route to blue skies and reliably warm weather, with temperatures in the mid 20s. It works well for a shorter break too. You may get the odd shower, but I can pretty much guarantee that it will be a lot sunnier than it is at home; and there is absolutely no chance of snow. 

TOP 10
Destinations for Easter sun

The Canaries

Lanzarote is the best choice for family holidays. Although Lanzarote has been sympathetically developed compared with some of the Canaries, it is hardly unspoilt. For more local character, try one of the smaller islands, such as La Gomera or El Hierro.

Cyprus

Cyprus has the mildest climate in the Med, and warms up sharply during March and April, when the wild flowers are in bloom. Paphos is the best resort, though the north coast of the Akamas peninsula is the place to go to escape the package tourists.

Morocco

Marrakech is wonderful in the spring. The landscape is still green and midday temperatures are just right. If you are heading up into the mountains, however, expect much cooler temperatures.

Andalusia

Seville's Holy Week celebrations (March 20-27) make the city an exciting place to be, but accommodation can be hard to find. If you prefer the coast, Marbella and Nerja are two of the best resorts.

Crete

Crete has one of the earliest springs in the Mediterranean. The south coast has something of a microclimate and is warmer than the north, so head here for the best of the sunshine.

Gozo and Malta

Prettier, much less developed and far more peaceful than its bigger sister, Malta, Gozo is a good-value retreat for a spring break. But Malta is still a good option.

Madeira

Don't come if you are looking for a beach holiday, but this gentle island is at its best in spring, whether you want to get out and do the levada walks (trails alongside mini irrigation canals) while the countryside is still lush, or just relax in town.

Provence

The weather can be risky, but the orchard blossom is stunning. Choose between the milder air of the coastal resorts and the hills of the Var and the Luberon.

Puglia

Don't come here for the landscape — it's flattish and dull; nor for the sights — they are of only limited interest. Come for the fantastic local cuisine, and some of the best new hotels in Italy — many converted from former masserie (old fortified farmhouses).

Sicily

A wonderful touring destination, with some of the most evocative Greek and Roman ruins, beautiful Baroque towns and, in Palermo, one of Italy's most fascinating cities. The hilltop resort of Taormina is also attractive — but gets extremely busy over the holiday weekend.