EimearLyons

Hello All,
We would really appreciate advice. We will be 6 months pregnant in April but are hoping to travel from Ireland to somewhere for warmth, relaxation and culture prior to baby arrival! We love heat but are well aware of this restriction then (re. time of year) on European destinations. We have been to Italy, Crete, Sardinia and Sicily - loved them all - but wonder would they be too cold in mid April (15th - 22nd). We then started thinking of the Canaries. This wouldn't be a usual option for us but were wondering if there were any spots that would someway mirror the type of trip you could get in Balearic or Greek Islands. Probably not? We have seen a few nice hotels but then when we look to the broader area, little appeals in terms of atmosphere, food, cafes, activities etc. Any advice would be greatly appreciated re location/ hotel/ BnB! Thanks! (Budget for accommodation would be €150-200 per night)

Christina

YOu aren't going to get heat in April in Europe or Greek Islands. I have a friend who went to the Canary Islands and enjoyed it but I think his wife had some family background there. It would be warmer than the Greek Islands in April, very pleasant but it won't be hot, if that's what you are expecting. It would be too cold to go into the water for most people. It will be just as warm in southern Spain as Canary Islands, most likely, and I'd rather do that (Andalucia). Of course I hope you aren't expecting beach weather or wanting to go to the beach in any of these places, at least not to go swimming.

http://www.holiday-weather.com/seville/averages/april/

Malaga being on the coast is just a bit cooler than Seville, but you could go there, it's likely as warm as Canary Islands.

hetismij2

My favourite Canary Island is La Palma. If you choose the west side you will generally get better weather (and sunsets!)
To give you an idea of the island have a look at my photos from last October. http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-surprises.cfm

We have been there many times, so I didn't take as many photos, but I hope they give you an idea.
We always stay self catering, but there are a few hotels on the island. http://www.islalapalma.com/en/index.html has some homes, and information on the island, also cheap reliable car hire, which is essential for the island despite the excellent bus service.
If it looks to small the try Tenerife, but away from the southern touristy bit.

EimearLyons

Thanks Christina and Hetismij2! They are very good tips. I have been to Seville and Andalucia in the past - it was a great trip but it would be nice to go somewhere new also. Appreciate the advice re. the weather - we are thinking of moving the trip to last week in April now to give us more European choice. I will look into La Palma - hadn't looked at that region yet. We were looking at North Tenereife - Garachico but we were worried it would be a little too quiet for us.
Thanks again - much appreciated!

Heimdall

It's not so much where to go as what you plan to do when you get there. If all you want to do Is loll around a beach, then the Canaries, which are part of Spain but off the Atlantic coast of Morocco, would be warmer.

Greece has more to see though, if you want to do some sightseeing, or just relax on an island. April 16th is Easter this year, so the Greeks will be finishing their celebrations of what to them is the most important holiday of the year. Even without sunbathing or sightseeing Greece is a great place to relax, sitting in sidewalk cafes, especially when there is a view.

MyriamC

I've been to Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and La Gomera. There's something to see/do on every island but you have to look further than the touristy coastal towns. Rent a car and venture out.