This year, Easter arrives a bit later, with the bank holiday weekend falling three weeks after it did in 2024. While this may disappoint children eagerly waiting for the Easter bunny, it brings positive news for holidaymakers, as it opens the door to more accessible short-haul warmth. According to Advantage Travel Partnership, the UK’s largest group of independent travel agents, bookings for Easter are already up by 15% compared to last year. Notably, trips involving at least one child have seen an increase from 21% in 2024 to 25% this year, coinciding with school holidays from April 7 to 25. Here are seven delightful escapes to bask in the spring warmth.
Costa del Azahar, Spain – Average Highs in April: 20°C
The picturesque town of Peñíscola, perched on a bay, embodies the charm of Spain’s Orange Blossom Coast, stretching over 100km north of Valencia. This region, characterized by its fruit tree-studded landscapes, offers more than just stunning beaches. In Peñíscola, visitors can explore a historic hilltop castle and its battlement gardens, originally constructed by the Knights Templar in the 13th century (entry €5/£4.20 for adults, €3.50/£2.90 for children aged 9 to 16, free for under-nines). For adventure seekers, nearby Saltapins Adventure Park offers ziplining, while the Caves of Sant Joseph provide an underground boat excursion. With easyJet holidays, a week’s B&B stay at the three-star Hotel Magic Inn Costa de Azahar—including access to a waterpark and four restaurants—starts at £506 per person (based on two adults and one child), with an all-inclusive option available for an additional £60 per person.
Athens Coast, Greece – Average Highs in April: 20°C
The fang-shaped peninsula southeast of Athens is lined with beach resorts where Easter temperatures invite sunbathing. Glyfada, easily reachable by coastal tram from Piraeus in under an hour, enchants visitors with its vibrant town center filled with boutiques, trattorias, and charming cafés. Further south lies Vouliagmeni, known for its thermal lake surrounded by gardens, where water temperatures range from 21-29°C. Swimming tickets cost €17/£14 on weekdays and €19/£15.80 on weekends for adults, with discounted rates for children aged six to 12 (free for under-sixes). Don’t miss the iconic Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, perched majestically on the cliffs. Rooms at the four-star Emmantina Hotel in Glyfada start from £92, while the Athenian Riviera Hotel & Suites in Vouliagmeni offers doubles from £125.
Languedoc, France – Average Highs in April: 17°C
Languedoc, part of the broader Occitanie region, stretches along the coastline between Perpignan and Marseille, offering a wealth of family-friendly adventures. From bike rides along the Canal du Midi to sandcastle-building on broad beaches like Sérignan and Marseillan, there’s no shortage of activities. Flamingo spotting in Peyriac-de-Mer and swimming at Lac du Salagou, surrounded by stunning rust-red rock formations, are also popular. Direct flights from the UK land in Montpellier, Béziers, Carcassonne, and Perpignan. The Occitanie Rail Tour pass is a great deal at €10 per person per day for unlimited regional train travel (minimum two days, with additional bus journeys starting at €2 per trip). The Mediterranean line runs from Nimes to Perpignan, stopping at Montpellier, Béziers, and Narbonne.
Agafay Desert, Morocco – Average Highs in April: 24°C
Just a 40-minute transfer from Marrakech, the Agafay Desert showcases vast rock dunes and camel-colored sands. Its surreal landscape draws visitors for camel rides, 4×4 experiences, and quad bike tours. For those seeking an extended stay, Nkhila Lodge offers “stargazing tents” in the desert with activities like 4×4 rides to Lake Takerkoust in the Atlas Mountains, camel rides, and stargazing sessions. The lodge’s Agafay Desert Escape package starts from £465 per person for three nights. Alternatively, Original Travel offers a six-day “Marrakech and the Moroccan Desert” itinerary that includes stays in both a Marrakech riad and a desert camp, starting from £1,290 per person. Return flights to Marrakech from Gatwick can be found for as low as £218 with Wizz Air during Easter.
Kalamata, Greece – Average Highs in April: 22°C
Nestled on the southwestern coast of Greece’s Peloponnese peninsula, Kalamata boasts a charming old town with red roofs and a castle, alongside a beautiful 4km Blue Flag beach. With temperatures consistently in the early 20s, Easter is an ideal time to engage in outdoor activities. Families can enjoy canyoning and ziplining in Polylimnio Gorge, snorkel with loggerhead turtles off the coast of Marathopolis, and partake in tours and tastings at local olive groves that produce Kalamata’s famous olives. Don’t miss the UNESCO-listed ancient archaeological site of Messene, featuring a well-preserved amphitheater and impressive temples. A week’s B&B stay at the four-star, sea-view Akti Taygetos Conference Resort in Kalamata starts from £819 per person on April 5, which includes flights from Gatwick, available through loveholidays.com.
Southern Sardinia, Italy – Average Highs in April: 18°C
The southern tip of Sardinia is adorned with stunning beaches, including the dune-backed Chia and Monte Cogoni, where the soft sands and turquoise waters evoke Caribbean vibes. While Italians flock here in July and August, April offers a more tranquil experience. Beyond the coastline, expansive mountains and national parks await exploration. Jeep, quad, horse, and bike tours provide access to sights like Stagno di Chia lagoon, home to flamingos, Capo Spartivento Lighthouse, and the breathtaking peak of Monte Filau, where golden eagles soar. Adventurers can also explore the Is Zuddas Caves, featuring 500m of underground pathways. Family Classic rooms at Chia Laguna Resort Hotel Village start at £335 per night on a half-board basis in mid-April. Flights from Stansted to Cagliari are available from £127 per person with Ryanair in April.
Pissouri, Cyprus – Average Highs in April: 20°C
Situated halfway between the bustling towns of Paphos and Limassol, Pissouri offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect for families. The 1.5km Blue Flag beach is ideal for sunbathing and water sports, while the charming red-roofed village just a 10-minute drive inland features a selection of tavernas (Midway serves traditional Cypriot dishes starting at €8/£6.70). Rent a car to explore nearby traditional villages like Anogyra and Pano Lefkara, known for their artisanal lace and local delicacies. Visitors can learn about sesame seed and honey snacks at the Carob Museum in Limassol and the Oleastro Olive Park and Museum in Anogyra. Eight scenic nature trails, including the 7km Genesis Aphrodite’s Trail, offer breathtaking clifftop views of Aphrodite’s Rock, the mythical birthplace of the goddess. A seven-night B&B stay at the five-star beachfront Columbia Beach Resort in Pissouri with Jet2holidays costs £979 per person, based on two adults and two children aged two or older, departing from Birmingham on April 5.
