Looking for outdoor action? Lonely Planet has great ideas for places to visit in March
THE Lonely Planet has come up with some great recommendations for those looking to getaway in spring.
Valencia hailed as one of Spain's most attractive cities
NORTH WALES
Why now? Outdoor activities among daffodils and lambs
Springtime in Wales. For once, reality matches cliché – though sunshine is never guaranteed here, the Welsh countryside is glorious now, a great time to dust off wintry cobwebs and explore less-visited countryside.
The Dee Valley is a destination for active adventures, the River Dee being one of the few offering great whitewater year-round, with rafting, kayaking, bodyboating, even stand-up paddleboarding.
The region, including the Clwydian Range to the north, is packed with attractions – hikes to ruined Castell Dinas Brân and Thomas Telford’s Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a ride on steam-drawn Llangollen Railway and zip lines, cave trampolines and the artifi cial surf wave garden in Snowdonia to the west.
Trip planner: Llangollen makes a great base for an active break in the Dee Valley and Clwydian Range; Snowdonia is 20 miles to the west
Llyn Nantlle in Snowdonia
Pedoulas in the High Troodos mountains, Cyprus
CYPRUS
Why now? Explore green fields and dazzling blooms
When the mountains and the emerald-green hillsides are strewn with wildfl owers, the sun bathes beaches such as Lara and Fig Tree Bay, and the skies are an unblemished blue, you know that spring has arrived on the island of Cyprus.
Winter rains have subsided and comfortable temperatures have arrived – but not the crowds.
Snow is melting from the trails in the Troödos Massif, offering heavenly hiking and cycling between traditional villages and the Byzantine-frescoed churches of the central highlands.
Many, though, come to Cyprus to wind down rather than rev up; a wave of yoga retreats has emerged beyond the popular beaches and a terrace that is overlooking the Mediterranean really is the perfect place on which to start the day with a sun salutation or six.
Trip planner: The republic’s international airports are at Larnaka and Pafos
Skiing in Alberta, Canada
ALBERTA, CANADA
Why now? Enjoy the late-season skiing
The Albertan Rockies rejoice in big dumps of snow late in the season and as backdrops go, the mountain ridges and profuse wildlife of Banff National Park are hard to top, summer or winter.
Watch for elk, moose and bighorn sheep alongside the road.
With three ski areas in touching distance (Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and smaller Mount Norquay, all accessible by free bus) Banff is a great base, with ample restaurants, brewpubs and bars.
Accommodation prices tend to be lower in winter than in summer here, so there’s good value to be found in the plentiful lodgings.
Temperatures hover around or just above freezing with a dry climate, so the air feels pleasant. And if you do need to warm up post-ski, you can slip into the steaming thermal hot baths at Banff.
Trip planner: Banff is 85 miles west of Calgary Airport
Aerial shot of Roberton Island, Bay of Islands, New Zealand
BAY OF ISLANDS, NEW ZEALAND
Why now? Late summer kayaking, swimming and sailing
Flecked with 144 jade outcrops, the stretch of water embraced by Cape Brett and the Purerua Peninsula is a marine playground.
March is a great month to roam its coves and inlets, without the crowds of high summer but still in long, warm days.
However well you think you know New Zealand’s history, the Waitangi Treaty Grounds just north of Paihia, where Queen Victoria’s representative signed the important (and controversial) agreement with 43 Maori chiefs, are a fascinating place to visit.
But take to the water to get the most from your trip: kayak on calm waters, sail among the islands on the tall ship R. Tucker Thompson, or take a dip with the dolphins.
The bottlenose and common varieties are year-round residents of the bay, while orca and various whales visit at times.
Trip planner: Paihia, a threehour drive north of Auckland, is the base for exploring the bay, with accommodation, eating and drinking options and activity providers, all close to historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
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Man playing a Sax in Savannah, Georgia, USA
SAVANNAH, USA
Why now? Admire spring blooms in a gracious old town
To meet a grand Southern belle in her prime, venture to Savannah in March.
The azaleas and dogwoods are blooming, the air is warm but not too warm, the stately antebellum architecture of the historic district looks at its finest, and a string of events see melodies drifting through the streets, parks and 21 historic squares.
Either side of the renowned St Patrick’s Day celebrations, Savannah Stopover hosts up-and-coming acts and Savannah Music Festival brings top classical, world, country and jazz.
There’s a chance to nose around some of those historic properties too, with the Annual Savannah Tour of Homes and Gardens (March 23-26).
But it’s not all moss-draped oak avenues, riverboats and plantation houses; the student population keeps things lively with a great nightlife and a thriving arts scene.
Trip planner: The choice is whether to coincide with a festival or enjoy thinner crowds between big events
The Fallas Festival, Valencia, Spain
VALENCIA, SPAIN
Why now? Sample the finest paella in the spring sunshine
Spain’s third city heats up in March – meteorologically and culturally.
This is when a legion of massive figures called ninots are constructed in the city centre, then burned in a vast conflagration accompanied by the fireworks and festivities of Las Fallas.
Aside from the pyrotechnics though, March is a great time to explore the city’s culinary variety, reflecting the fertility of the surrounding Huerta farmlands.
This is the home of paella, and nowhere else is the rice feast prepared so magnificently.
Head to the wetlands of nearby Albufera National Park to see the lush rice fields, and take a cookery class in how to prepare the perfect paella.
Spare time to explore the warren-like Barrio del Carmen and admire La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias cultural complex, largely designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava.
Trip planner: Valencia is served by fl ights from Gatwick and other UK airports.
Extract taken from Lonely Planet’s Where To Go When (lonelyplanet.com/best-in-travel), £19.99