Want to get some sun? Consider these options, too

Sometimes you just need a few days of sunshine. A break from the cold weather, your busy schedule, and your daily routine. Spain and Portugal are popular choices, but there are plenty of other destinations where you can enjoy warm weather, great food, and a relaxed atmosphere. Plus, you don’t always have to travel far for a sunny vacation.

Lisbon for Sun and Atmosphere

Lisbon is a great choice if you want to combine a city trip with pleasant weather. The Portuguese capital has colorful streets, beautiful viewpoints, and cozy outdoor cafes. In between, you can try local dishes or take a trip to the coast.

If you look up flights to Lisbon, you’ll see that there are regular direct flights available from the Netherlands. This makes the city a great option for a long weekend. So you don’t have to take a whole week off to enjoy a change of scenery.

A major advantage of Lisbon is the combination of culture and relaxation. You can visit a museum in the morning, stroll through an old neighborhood in the afternoon, and round out the day with a sumptuous dinner.

Alicante for a few days by the sea

Are you mainly looking for sun and beach? Then Alicante is definitely worth a visit. This Spanish city on the Costa Blanca is known for its pleasant climate, wide beaches, and lively promenade.

It’s a great place to visit even outside the high season. Besides relaxing by the sea, there’s plenty to do. For example, you can visit the Santa Bárbara Castle, stroll through the old town, or grab a table at a sidewalk café in the harbor.

Flights to Alicante are easy to find from the Netherlands, and the relatively short travel time makes this destination appealing for both short getaways and longer stays. The surrounding area also features several small towns and nature reserves that you can visit by rental car or public transportation.

The Canary Islands for Those Seeking Certainty

If you’re primarily looking for warm weather, the Canary Islands are a natural choice. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura all have their own distinct character, but they share one thing in common: the climate is pleasant year-round.

Lanzarote is a great choice if you love unique landscapes. Fuerteventura, on the other hand, attracts many beach and water sports enthusiasts. On Gran Canaria, you can combine the beach with mountains and nature, while Tenerife is known for the variety between its coastline and inland areas.

As a result, the islands aren’t just ideal for a relaxing beach vacation. Even if you like to get out and explore, there’s plenty to discover.

Malta for Sun and Culture

Malta might not be the first destination that comes to mind, but the island has a lot to offer. The capital, Valletta, is compact and full of historic buildings. There are also beautiful bays, clear water, and various spots where you can snorkel or dive.

The island is especially appealing to travelers who don’t want to spend the whole day lying on the beach. You can easily combine culture, nature, and relaxation. In the evening, there are also plenty of restaurants and lively spots to wind down.

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