Where's hot in March? From the Philippines to Morocco

Winter shows no sign of disappearing just yet, even though it’s only three weeks till spring. If you can’t hang in there and are desperate for some sun now, these ideas could tempt you. And if you’re planning ahead for June, these European destinations could be just the ticket.

open image in gallery

The smallest of the Canary Islands is the least developed by tourism, and still has an edge-of-the-world feeling to it. March brings pleasant temperatures in the early 20s – perfect for hikes through this tiny island’s volcanic deserts, ancient forests, lava fields, vineyards and banana plantations. Inntravel has a seven-night self-guided walk in El Hierro from £898pp for Saturday departures in March. The price includes B&B accommodation, five dinners, two picnics, luggage transfers and internal flights. External flights are extra but can be arranged.

Combine a visit to Havana with a slow exploration of the Cuban countryside in a fly-drive holiday. Discover the cooling greenery of the Sierra del Rosario mountains and the eco-village of Las Terrazas. Picnic in the tobacco plantations of the Vinales Valley before ending up on the tranquil beaches of Cayo Jutias. Western & Oriental has an eight-day Cuba Rural Fly Drive from £2,019pp for March departures, including flights, car hire, B&B accommodation and tours of Havana.

Temperatures in the Philippines are in the high 20s at the moment – an excellent time to visit some of the world’s loveliest yet least-known beaches. Start in the capital, Manila, before heading to the Palawan archipelago, with its blinding white sands and superb diving and snorkelling. Trailfinders has an eight-day holiday taking in Manila and Palawan from £1,511pp, including internal transfers, most meals and guided visits, but excluding international flights.

Temperatures in Morocco are comfortably in the early 20s in March, making a weekend escape to the laid-back Atlantic port of Essaouira an appealing idea. Its souk is a much mellower affair than Marrakech’s, and don’t pass up the chance to eat freshly grilled fish by the port. Stay at the stylish Villa de l’O behind the Medina walls, where you can chill out on the roof terrace and take in gorgeous Atlantic views. I-escape has B&B breaks from £86 a night.

open image in gallery

With lemon season in full swing in June, it’s an apt time to stroll the cobbled streets of Limone along the shores of Lake Garda breathing in the scents of the nearby lemon groves. Inghams has a week’s holiday at the four-star Hotel Le Palme, an elegant 17th-century lakefront hotel with a pool and a large waterside terrace. Costing from £879, the holiday includes flights, half board and transfers, departing 2 June.

The quieter Turkish side of the Mediterranean island is still off many people’s radar, but it deserves to be better known. Long, empty beaches, unspoilt landscapes, sleepy villages and fabulous Turkish food make an alluring combination. Discovery Collection has a luxury two-centre holiday in Kyrenia on the northern coast and the walled city of Famagusta on the eastern side. The starting price of £699pp includes four nights’ B&B at the Arkin Colony Hotel in Kyrenia and three nights at the Palm Beach in Famagusta, as well as flights and transfers, for June departures.

Immerse yourself in the south-western French countryside with a house rental in a quiet corner of northern Dordogne. Maison de Lussas is a three-bedroom house whose simple architectural style is enhanced enormously by its private lake as well as a swimming pool and vast lawns. Set in the Parc Naturel Régional Périgord Limousin near the town of Nortron north of Périgueux, the house is available in June through Vintage Travel from £940-£1,268 for a week’s rental.

Mary Novakovich is editor at large at 101holidays.co.uk