Some Like It Hot

Ah the joys of spring. Chirping birds, blooming blossoms, crisp blue skies.

What’s that you say? It’s been raining all sodding month? Okay fine, so the reality has been more like April showers, dreary skies and pesky coat-or-no-coat dilemmas.

Thank God it’s summer! It’s finally here, and not a moment too soon. We say pack up your flip-flops, fish out your coconut-scented sun cream; it’s time to get sweaty in the sun. Here are three sizzling-hot mini trips to kick off your summer:

Tarifa

Sun, sea and... wind. Here’s a destination that will get your heart pumping as you bronze. Set on the south coast of Spain, this surfing hotspot proudly protrudes out into the gulf between Europe and Africa, and it ain’t half windy out there.

Tarifa’s huge white beach is fast gaining favour with the young, trendy, and hyperactive. It’s a great spot for savvy weekend-breakers to enjoy some wonderful Spanish food and culture, as well as indulge in some high-adrenaline sea sports.

Kite surfing is the order of the day, and there’s also a ton of surfboarding, windsurfing, paragliding and sailing opportunities. Even if you just want to chill out, a three-hour journey from the UK will have you stretching out on your own toasty patch of sand, sangria in hand, to watch the fun and games around you.

Croatia

Gin clear waters, enchanting old towns, vibrant little eateries – the Dalmatian coast epitomises the glories of the Mediterranean. First port of call: Dubrovnik – under three hours flight from the UK. Known as the Jewel of the Adriatic, it’s a wonderful spot to head to if you want to get your first flush of summer sun in a delightfully relaxed, artistic atmosphere.

The incredible re-birth of this radiant harbour town since the bombings in 1991 has restored Dubrovnik to her former magnificence, which some say rivals even Venice. Criss-crossing through her winding cobbled streets, admiring the enchanting architecture and breathing in the scent of the sea – winter will feel like a distant memory.