Where to go on holiday in April 2015

Get on your dancing shoes and head to Seville this April

Thinkstock / Rami Katzav

For beach bums…

Short haul: Paphos, Cyprus

Blessed with sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and scorching temperatures, Cyprus has lured sun seekers to its shores for decades. The summertime is extremely busy, but those visiting in April will be able to take advantage of the weather without having to jostle for space with the masses.

They will also get to take part in Pascha, an Easter celebration, which, for the Greek Orthodox Church, is the most important festival on the calendar.

During Pascha, towns and cities are filled with the delicious aroma of flaounes (cheese pies), a local speciality synonymous with Easter. And, as the festival continues, there are church services, bonfires, live music and celebratory feasts.

After the party take a restorative dip in Coral Bay and visit Aphrodite’s Rock, birthplace of the goddess of love. 

Greek Cypriots celebrate Easter with fire... and cheese pies
Creative Commons / George M. Groutas

Long haul: Cape Verde, Africa

Lose that wan complexion with a trip to Cape Verde this spring. Celebrating 40 years of independence in April, the African archipelago, a former Portuguese colony, is made up of ten islands, all of which enjoy long, hot days and comfortable, breezy nights.

Each island has its own distinct character. Boa Vista and Sal are arguably the most touristy (Euros are accepted and English is widely spoken), but they offer exceptional beaches, great kitesurfing and a friendly vibe.

São Vicente, which also boasts great beaches, offers a more authentic flavour of Cape Verdean life. A hedonistic island, it has a decidedly Brazilian flavour, particularly when the sun goes down. Even less explored are the islands of Santo Antão and São Nicolau, which offer quiet beaches and exceptional mountain trekking. 

April is a prime time to chase the sun in gorgeous Cape Verde
Creative Commons / wildwuddel

For city slickers…

Short haul: Seville, Spain

Get on your dancing shoes and head to Seville this April, as the Spanish city hosts its annual Feria de Abril (April 12), a colourful jamboree dating back to the 18th-century.

Spilling over six sultry days, the fiesta started life as a simple agricultural fair but has evolved into world-famous festival that features flamenco dancing, bull fighting and plenty of drinking.

As well as providing music, sherry and fairground rides, Seville also puts on an excellent spread: food is an integral part of the celebrations and tapas takes centre stage on most dinner tables.

Heading to Seville this April? Then don't forget your fancy frock
Creative Commons / Jorisvo

Long haul: New Orleans, USA

The jazz capital of the United States” lives up to its name in April, when it plays host to the world-famous New Orleans Jazz Festival (April 24-May3).

This vibrant city is a joy for music lovers at the best of times, but during the festival visitors have the opportunity to watch sets from some of the world’s greats: The Who, Elton John and John Legend will be headlining this year.

Still yearning for more? Then fear not. After the festival, head to the French Quarter for the New Orleans Jazz Museum, followed by a gig at the Balcony Music Club. Try to swing by Felix’s Oyster Bar, too, which is a culinary institution in New Orleans.

The New Orleans Jazz Festival has a heavyweight lineup in 2015
Creative Commons / MentalBenStudio

For adrenaline junkies…

Short haul: Mont Blanc, France/Italy

Deemed too dangerous to tackle during the winter, Europe’s loftiest peak, Mont Blanc, reopens in April, much to the delight of mountaineers and skiers.

Offering epic alpine vistas, Mont Blanc, which straddles France and Italy, was first ascended in 1786 by Jacques Balmat and has enticed thrill-seekers ever since.

Tackling this monstrous peak, with its glaciers and deep snow, is no mean feat; inexperienced skiers and mountaineers shouldn’t attempt it without a guide.

The challenging slopes of Mont Blanc will open again this April
Thinkstock / Varsescu

Long haul: Svalbard, The Arctic

Registration is still open if you fancy competing in the gruelling North Pole Marathon this April (9). Dubbed the “world’s coolest marathon,” competitors must brave temperatures of -35°C (-31°F) as they battle it out in the ice and snow of Svalbard.

As well as having to contend with the possibility of hypothermia, runners also have to cope with frostbite, dehydration and polar bears, which roam this remote Norwegian archipelago in the North Pole.

It’s one of the most extreme challenges on the planet and one that comes with an enormous sense of accomplishment… assuming you make it.

Beware of polar bears at "the world's coolest marathon"
www.npmarathon.com