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March can still feel like a long month in the UK. The days are slowly getting lighter, but the weather often stays grey, chilly, and rain is common. It's the point in the year when many people start thinking about sunshine, blue skies and an easy escape. And there is one island that offers exactly that.

Sal, which is part of Cape Verde, is often called the country's "sunshine island". While much of Europe is still cold in early spring, Sal stays warm, bright and reliably dry. It also has direct flights from the UK, so it's one of the simplest and most affordable long-haul options for British tourists who want to swap rain for beaches.

The island sits off the west coast of Africa and forms part of the Cape Verde archipelago.

According to data from the Cape Verde Weather & Climate Guide, Sal reaches around 26C in March, with highs of 27C on many days.

Rain is extremely rare at this time of year, and sunshine is almost guaranteed. Sea temperatures sit at around 23C, so it's definitely warm enough for swimming.

The conditions are so stable that the island has become somewhat famous for its long dry season.

Many travel guides say March is one of the best months to visit because you get warmth without the higher summer temperatures and winds. It is also quieter before the Easter rush.

Among many things, visitors come to Sal's beaches. Santa Maria, on the southern tip of the island, is the most popular spot.

It has soft sand, turquoise water and a long line of cafés and restaurants. Many people stay there and explore from the shoreline outwards.

There is also plenty to do beyond the beach. One of the most unusual attractions is Pedra de Lume, a volcanic crater filled with salt lakes.

You can float in the water because of the high salt levels, similar to the Dead Sea. Another favourite is Shark Bay, where lemon sharks can often be seen in shallow water. Local guides take groups out to watch from a safe distance.

Natural sights also include Buracona, which is a rocky coastal pool where sunshine forms a bright blue "eye" in the water.

Water sports are very popular too, with kite surfing and windsurfing available around Kite Beach.

According to those who have visited, Sal's nickname as a sunshine island makes sense once you look around.

The skies are clear for much of March, the weather is steady, and the beaches stay warm throughout the day.

The island is also very easy to get to. There are direct flights from the UK with airlines such as TUI, which operates routes from London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol. Flight times are usually around six hours.