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Sunshine holiday destinations for March - including two secret islands and £29 flights
Reach Daily Express | March 10, 2026 3:41 PM CST

With UK weather still flip-flopping between rain-soaked cold and (slightly) warm spring sunshine, people are still looking for getaway destinations with certified sun and balmy winds. That's where we come in.

If you are someone in search of holiday destinations not too far from Britain that are toasty at this time of year, all while being super affordable, look no further, because we've got you sorted.

As the UK begins to thaw, we've rounded up the best spots for a March-April getaway in the meantime, with temps in each of these destinations ranging between 16C to 24C.

Think fun in the sun as you swim in pristine waters surrounded by some of the most dramatic and breathtaking scenery in the world - all while sipping cheap pints.

Without further ado, here's the list of sunshine destinations not too far from the UK you can visit in March and April without breaking the bank.

This tiny Canary Islands gem is extraordinary in every way - it boasts zero paved roads due to its heavily protected status as the largest Marine Reserve in Europe and as a National Park, meaning there are no cars on this island whatsoever.

It's the first secret island on our list, and an absolute dream for holidaymakers craving peace and seclusion, with the island's wild, unspoilt and genuinely remote character perfect for those tired of tourist-packed crowds and relentless travel chaos.

Getting to La Graciosa is straightforward. Catch a direct flight from the UK to Lanzarote and then a brief ferry to the island. At the time of writing, a direct one-way flight from London Stansted Airport to César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport on March 11 was just £29.

From there, hop on a 30-minute ferry from the port of Órzola, which will transport you to La Graciosa. Prices on this little island paradise are reasonable, with a pint of local beer priced at around £2.

Caleta del Sabo, the island's sole village, is a top attraction whilst there and Playa de las Conchas is the island's most famous beach.

The spectacular sandy shores of Playa de las Cocinas and Playa Francesa are also highly rated attractions, offering stunning views of the towering Famara cliffs across in Lanzarote.

Del Ámbar, Del Salado, and De la Laja are some of the other unspoilt beaches located on Graciosa. You can even treat yourself to a boat trip to the nearby Isla de Lobos for some bird watching.

The little-known Maltese island of Comino, renowned for its stunningly brilliant Blue Lagoon, is a treasure hiding in plain sight, and our second lesser-known secret island paradise.

With no towns - and consequently no cars - visiting Comino is genuinely an experience like no other.

Regarded as a sanctuary for swimmers, snorkellers, hikers and photographers - travellers are known to journey from across the globe just to savour a taste of life in this deserted paradise.

To reach Comino, visitors can fly into Malta International Airport - a one-way flight from London Stansted Airport to Malta International Airport on March 12 would cost holidaymakers £51 - and then from mainland Malta you can board one of the regularly operating ferries from irkewwa Ferry Terminal, which will transport you to Comino in approximately 35 minutes. In terms of drinks, pints on Comino range from anywhere between £2.60 to £4.

Comino's - and arguably the Maltese archipelago's - premier attraction is undoubtedly the internationally famous Blue Lagoon which draws visitors to its impossibly white sands and glistening turquoise waters throughout the year.

Santa Marija Bay, situated on the more peaceful side of Comino, boasts a tranquil beach, shallow waters and none of the Blue Lagoon's tourist crowds. The Santa Marija Caves are also a major attraction on this island and hiking up to the iconic Santa Marija Tower is a popular activity.

Almost circular in shape, Gran Canaria is frequently referred to as a 'miniature continent'. Flight costs are reasonably priced, with a direct one-way flight on March 13 (which includes one carry-on bag) from London Luton Airport to Gran Canaria Airport priced at £29 at the time of writing.

A pint of beer in many places across Gran Canaria will only cost you £2 and if that wasn't enticing enough - there are many pubs offering the renowned Canary Islands Happy-Hour €1 pints, which equates to roughly £0.87.

Las Alcaravaneras and Las Canteras, sandy beaches that border Las Palmas - Gran Canaria's largest city, are all significant tourist draws catering extensively to visitors.

Other popular beaches on the island include Maspalomas, Playa del Inglés, San Agustín, Amadores, and Puerto de Mogán. The tourist hotspot of Puerto Rico is also a must-see for those seeking a lively atmosphere. Anfi del Mar, Playa de Taurito, and Meloneras Beach are also fantastic options for travellers to discover.

Roque Nublo, the 80-metre volcanic monolith rock is a key attraction for hikers, whilst the 'Dragon's Tail' in the Tamadaba Natural Park boasts unparalleled panoramic views of the island in the north west.

Quaint villages like Tejada, Artenara, Fataga, and stunning towns such as Santa Lucía de Tirajana and Agüimes are also well worth a visit. Natural pools, hidden coves off dramatic coastlines, wild beaches, and lively cities - Gran Canaria has it all.

As the fourth largest island in the perennially popular Canary Islands in Spain, Lanzarote is an awe-inspiring destination.

Featuring black sand beaches in one region and a rocky landscape in the other, the island's terrain encompasses the Famara mountain ranges in the north and Ajaches to the south.

At the time of writing, a direct one-way flight from London Stansted Airport to César Manrique-Lanzarote Airport on March 11 was just £29, and pints will cost you just £1.30 on this tropical paradise.

Lanzarote's all-inclusive resorts are incredibly popular with holidaymakers on a budget, with luxury alternatives available for those who fancy splashing out.

The island's distinctive landscape is another draw for visitors - featuring mountains, enormous craters, red terrain, black sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, white sands, and the icing on the cake; an active volcano called Mount Timanfaya which features lava fields formed centuries ago.

In terms of recreation, there's plenty to do on this compact island, with pursuits such as surfing, scuba diving, kiteboarding, and windsurfing popular with tourists. There are also numerous family-friendly beaches in Lanzarote, particularly for young children.

Despite its compact size, Gozo packs a hefty punch. The island can be reached through various routes - initially by flying to Malta's main international airport, then either taking a brief but picturesque 25-minute ferry from Cirkewwa Terminal in northern Malta or a 45-minute ferry from the beautiful capital Valletta to Gozo.

At the time of writing, a one-way ticket from London Stansted Airport to Malta International Airport on March 12 cost £51. The best part? Drinks in Gozo are affordable - chilled pints of tasty local beer for just £1.80.

Ramla Bay, considered one of Gozo's finest beaches, ranks as a popular draw, whilst the gantija temples, numbered amongst the globe's oldest and most well-preserved free-standing structures, are must-visits.

The Ta' Kola Windmill represents another key feature of the island, while the Cittadella, Gozo's recently renovated historic settlement at the centre of the island's capital Victoria (Rabat), is another unmissable destination should you venture to this magnificent haven.

It's not just stunning views on offer in Gozo, as the island also features four Michelin guide restaurants - Tmun, Level Nine at The Grand, Al Sale, and Ta' Frenc.

The food and wine scene in Gozo is unrivalled, with food and wine tours being a favourite activity amongst tourists. For those seeking unique experiences, look no further than the traditional milking of sheep and goats in Gozo, which is then turned into traditional Gozitan cheese. For activity lovers, clifftop hiking, kayaking and biking are excellent choices for an ideal day out.

The oldest island in the Canary Islands Archipelago, Fuerteventura is truly breathtaking. Known to be a perfect destination for watersports, particularly for those keen on surfing, waterskiing, and windsurfing, this exotic Spanish island epitomises sun-soaked fun.

A direct one-way flight from London Luton Airport to Fuerteventura Airport on March 15 costs merely £29, and pints are reasonably priced at £1.70 on this lively island.

Boasting 152 individual beaches, this Canary Islands gem has a unique landscape. Some of Fuerteventura's best beaches include Playa de Sotavento, Playas de Corralejo, Playas de El Cotillo, Playa de Cofete, Playas de Jandia, and Playa de Ajuy.

Popular resort destinations including Corralejo, Caleta de Fuste and El Cotillo attract countless visitors, with Corralejo's historic quarter offering authentic Spanish character through its narrow streets, tapas bars and seafood establishments. The area is particularly celebrated for the Corralejo Dunes, while the Calderón Hondo volcano trail lies nearby, offering stunning panoramic views.

Family-friendly Caleta de Fuste features an upmarket marina and traditional markets, equally worthy of inclusion on any Fuerteventura travel plans.

El Cotillo is an appealing, lively fishing settlement known for its surfing conditions and tranquil lagoon, whilst the remote Cofete Beach and the ancient Ajuy Caves are also must-see attractions on the island.

Madeira is a jaw-dropping destination providing countless activities and experiences for travellers to enjoy, and reaching the island is remarkably easy.

A direct one-way flight from London Luton Airport to Madeira Airport on March 16 costs £43 at the time of writing, whilst the typical price of a pint of beer sits at roughly £2.10.

Frequently described as the 'Pearl of the Atlantic', this compact Portuguese volcanic island lives up to its impressive reputation, with one social media commenter describing it as "unfairly beautiful", whilst another branded it "Europe's Hawaii".

Calheta Beach and Machico Beach are among the island's most frequented spots, whilst the Natural Pools of Porto Moniz are another gem in this Portuguese island's crown - and definitely its most renowned attraction.

Another must-see destination in Madeira is Seixal Beach - a breathtaking natural black sand beach known for its dramatic lush green backdrop, vertical cliffs and the cascading waterfall, Miradouro do Veu da Noiva, which spills directly into the ocean and is an exquisite sight to behold.

Funchal, the historic vibrant capital of Madeira, is a top draw, with the city renowned for the Old Town (Zona Velha), Monte Cable Car & Toboggan Ride, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, and the Mercado dos Lavradores market.

The Laurissilva of Madeira is a 20-million year old forest celebrated for its vast biodiversity, and a trek through its wooded trails is a no-brainer. Pico do Areeiro - Madeira's third-highest peak is another must-visit, particularly if you're an avid hiker. The hike from Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo provides a thrilling mountain walk, linking the island's three highest peaks whilst offering once-in-a-lifetime views.

A mention of Madeira's namesake wine is inevitable, with Funchal, the town of Câmara de Lobos, and the neighbouring island of Porto Santo hailed as the top spots for wine tastings and vineyard tours.

Visitors to this stunning island can savour palm-fringed beaches, striking volcanoes, picturesque landscapes, lush forests, and delicious cuisine - all within a single trip.

The white sand, 1.3-kilometre-long Playa de las Teresitas beach proves popular amongst holidaymakers, as does the 850-metre long golden sand stretch of Playa de las Vistas. Playa Jardin beach with its volcanic black sand also attracts those seeking something different during their seaside break.

Direct flights to this sun-soaked holiday island are budget-friendly - at the time of writing, a one-way flight from London Luton Airport to Tenerife South Airport on March 24 was priced at £27 with one free cabin bag allowance, whilst pints cost just £1.30 on average.

The upmarket Playa del Duque is perfect for fine dining and leisurely family entertainment, whilst the expansive natural beach of Playa de la Tejita offers dramatic views of Montaña Roja aka the Red Mountain.

The hidden cove of Playa de Abama is renowned for its golden sands and superb snorkelling, and arguably, Tenerife's most stunning beach, Playa de Benijo is ideal for a secluded escape surrounded by nature, extraordinary cliffs and beautiful black sand.

The south-west coast of Tenerife, particularly the stretch between Los Gigantes, Costa Adeje, and Los Cristianos, is famed for dolphin and whale spotting, while a trip to the Teide National Park and the Corona Forestal Natural Park is an absolute must.

The colonial city of San Cristobal de la Laguna offers a distinctive escape within Tenerife, whilst the island's capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, serves as the vibrant hub of this sun-soaked paradise.


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