Our top 3 spring sun destinations
The days are getting longer, the temperatures are rising, but summer hasn't really arrived yet. Yet the sun is already shining beautifully in many places. Now is the perfect time to soak up some vitamin D and escape the summer crowds. We have gone in search of great places where the sun is shining for you and you can also experience a lot.
1. Andalusia - 2,860 hours of sunshine a year
2,860 hours of sunshine per year almost suggests that you can see the sun at least once a day in Andalusia, even on the grayest of days. September, October and November are particularly beautiful months to visit. So when the gray wet is already setting in in Germany, you can really soak up the sun here.
What is there to discover?
Andalusia is full of culture, endless sandy beaches and rich in flora and fauna. If you keep your eyes open, you might spot the odd flamingo. Bars and restaurants are bursting with life, the famous flamenco is a must and once an Andalusian starts clapping his hands to the typical rhythm, you'll forget you've ever been anywhere else.
Tarifa - Africa closer than ever before
The Mediterranean and the Atlantic meet in Tarifa at the exit of the famous Strait of Gibraltar. The Moorish-influenced town is full of small alleyways lined with old white houses. There is a beautiful, kilometer-long sandy beach on the Atlantic and several pebble beaches on the Mediterranean.
Tarifa is characterized by the wind: if the Levante blows from the east, the Sahara is close enough to touch, as the air is full of Saharan sand and gets really hot, especially in summer. If the Poniente blows from the east, it can get icy. This doesn't bother kitesurfers, for example, as the wind makes Tarifa a paradise for these sportsmen and women. In the right conditions, hundreds of kitesurfers can be out on the Atlantic off Tarifa at the same time, providing a wonderful photo backdrop. The highlight of Tarifa: on clear days, Morocco on the African continent feels like a stone's throw away.
Seville - the magnificent city
Seville is the capital of Andalusia. The city is a magical place and at the same time the hottest city in Europe - in summer it can reach 48 degrees, in this blistering heat we only recommend the city to hardened heat worshippers. The best months to visit Seville are April and May. During these months, Seville blooms in purple splendor and the old city center smells magically of orange blossom.
Granada - transported to 1,001 nights
Granada is bursting with Moorish influence. If you didn't hear Spanish people talking everywhere, you'd be forgiven for thinking you were somewhere in the Orient. This is not least due to the Alhambra - a must-see for every architecture fan. Granada is particularly picturesque when the weather in the city is hot and the top of the Sierra Nevada is already covered in snow. You will hardly find a more romantic backdrop.
2. Cuba - 2,799 hours of sunshine per year
With 330 days of sunshine a year, Cuba is a popular vacation destination for sun lovers all year round. The best and sunniest time to visit is November to April. It is therefore a perfect destination to escape the cold weather in Germany.
What to discove
The Caribbean island paradise offers much more than just sunshine. Cuba - history, culture, music, architecture, cigars, rum and, of course, dream beaches. Incidentally, Cuba is not just the name of the Caribbean island, but of an entire island state consisting of a total of 4,000 islands. The main island of Cuba is located in the far west of the Caribbean and can be reached from us in around 10 hours by plane.
Havana, the Cuban metropolis
Dilapidated magnificent buildings, colorful vintage cars and salsa rhythms: Havana is the cultural, political and administrative center of Cuba. The capital of the socialist republic has an impressive history behind it and there is something new to discover on every corner.
Viñales, the green paradise
Off into the countryside! In the Viñales Valley, 180 kilometers west of Havana, you can find the original, rural Cuba with its tobacco plantations. The beautiful landscape with red clay soils and green tropical vegetation attracts visitors from all over the world. The valley is so unique that it has even been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cayo Levisa, the Caribbean dream
Not far from the Viñales Valley lies Cayo Levisa, a small island about 3 km off the north coast of Cuba. It offers everything you could wish for in the Caribbean: a beautiful white sandy beach and bright blue sea. The best thing is that you don't have to share this Caribbean paradise with crowds of people. Due to its seclusion, the island is fairly quiet - a perfect place to unwind.
3. Rügen, Germany - 1,805 hours of sunshine per year
It doesn't always have to be an expensive long-distance trip, our home country also has great and, above all, sunny places to offer. The north-east of Germany has the most hours of sunshine in Germany and the island of Rügen is one of the sunniest places in our country. In spring, you can escape the crowds here and find plenty of inexpensive accommodation.
What to discover?
For all sun worshippers, Rügen's white beaches in front of emerald green water are a dream, but active vacationers and architecture fans will also get their money's worth on Germany's largest island: spa architecture, chalk cliffs, national parks and biosphere reserves - Rügen offers much more than just sunshine!
Jasmund National Park, the small but beautiful protected area
The Jasmund National Park is the smallest of its kind in Germany, but certainly one of the most impressive. It is located on the north coast of the island and is home to the famous chalk cliffs. They are the landmark of the island of Rügen and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. White cliffs, ancient beech forests and the blue sea - an impressive combination.
Sellin seaside resort, the "pearl of the island of Rügen"
Most people only know the Baltic seaside resort of Sellin for its pier, but it is definitely worth taking a stroll through the whole town and admiring the facades of the houses. It is not for nothing that Sellin is also called the "pearl of the island of Rügen" by the locals. Nevertheless, the pier is and remains Sellin's landmark. You can also admire it from a beach chair.
"Rasender Roland", the traditional attraction
The "Rasender Roland" is one of Rügen's biggest attractions: a steam-powered narrow-gauge railroad that connects various seaside resorts on the island. For decades, the little trains have been delighting passengers as they cross forests, meadows and fields or make their way through the Baltic seaside resorts with the tinkling of their bells. Not just a must for technology fans!
And while you're planning your trip, why not take a look at our Summer travel tips.
Authors: Saskia Lössl, Julia Hupel