Holidaymakers searching for early-season sunshine without the long-haul flight are being urged to look beyond the Canary Islands, with one European island quietly stealing the spotlight. Cyprus is rapidly becoming a favourite for spring escapes, thanks to warm April temperatures that regularly climb to between 18C and 24C, long sunny days and fewer crowds than peak summer hotspots.

While Tenerife has long been a go-to for guaranteed sunshine at this time of year, Cyprus offers a different kind of appeal. So much so that travel website Envols is telling Brits “Forget the Canaries, this sunny (and warm!) European island is the perfect winter destination”. April brings pleasant warmth without the intense heat of summer, making it ideal for days lounging on the beach, sightseeing and outdoor dining without feeling completely overwhelmed by the large crowds that descend during the peak summer season. Popular resorts such as Paphos, Protaras and Ayia Napa begin to come alive in spring, with hotels reopening, beach bars welcoming guests and the sea slowly warming up.

In April, the average sea temperature around Cyprus is approximately 16C, offering a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean. It’s also a sweet spot for travellers in desperate need of sunshine without packed boardwalks or inflated peak-season prices.

Beyond the beaches, visitors can explore ancient ruins, mountain villages and historic old towns all within a short drive, including the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos or the cobbled streets of Nicosia’s old quarter. 

Cyprus is also a great place for food lovers. April is a great time to enjoy long lunches in the sun, with local tavernas serving fresh seafood, grilled meats and traditional meze spreads.

For walkers and nature fans, spring is one of the best seasons to visit. The Troodos Mountains are lush and green, wildflowers are in bloom and hiking trails are far more enjoyable than in the peak summer heat.

Another major plus is the pricing at this time of year. Flights from the UK are widely available and often competitively priced in spring, while hotels and resorts tend to offer better deals before the busy summer rush. According to Skyscanner, flights can be scored from only £57 this April, while in August prices soar to a minimum of £135. 

Cyprus lies in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey, west of Syria and Lebanon and north of Egypt. Flights from London to airports like Larnaca or Paphos last between four and a half and five hours, roughly the same amount of time as flights to Tenerife and other islands in the archipelago.Â