There’s nothing quite like a Scottish summer.
Typified by slightly less drizzle than usual, the changing of the seasons often means very little in Scotland, with countless barbecues spoiled by downpours and school holidays washed away in the blink of an eye.
When the sun does shine briefly, it’s enough to prompt sun-starved Scots to whip out their bagpipes and strip off their t-shirts in a celebratory fit, before quickly dashing inside as the sky begins to blacken angrily and the heavens inevitably open once more.
Whatever way you slice it, this simply won’t do.
In an effort to escape these frequent deluges, then, every year hundreds of thousands of Scots park at Edinburgh Airport, hop on a shuttle and hotfoot it to the terminal to jet off for their annual pilgrimage abroad.
But before you run screaming from your home clutching your passport, where should you go?
Alicante
Jet off to the Costa Blanca and breathe in the sights and sounds of the Alicante province’s capital. With mild winter temperatures, hot summers and very little rain, this Spanish city is one of the most popular tourist destinations for Scottish holidaymakers.
While you’re there, be sure to check out Santa Bárbara Castle, a fortification in the centre of the city, as well as the Gravina Museum of Fine Arts, which is located in the beautiful Palacio del Conde de Lumiares, a four floor building constructed between 1748 and 1808.
Cancun
Although Cancun is a 10-hour flight from Edinburgh, it’s worth it just to take a stroll on its magnificent beaches, sample its many fine restaurants or let your hair down in one of its uber-cool nightspots.
If that all sounds a bit too energetic, why not take a wander around the glorious Chichen Itza, a large pre-Columbian city constructed by the Maya people of the Terminal Classic period. Alternatively, head to the Cancun Underwater Museum, which is dedicated to the Art of Conservation, or explore some of the best things to do in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Rhodes
Ahh, wonderful Rhodes. The largest of the Dodecanese islands and famous for its beautiful beaches, it’s also home to some stunning ancient ruins, set up for you to enjoying a relaxing or adventurous break in the sun.
As you would expect from such a bustling destination, the bars, clubs and restaurants in Rhodes are teeming with life, although there are plenty of quiet spots you can retreat to if you’re looking for something a tad more tranquil.
Now it’s your turn …
What’s your favourite destination to fly to when the summer refuses to play ball? Anywhere you’d recommend our readers add to the list? Please let us know by leaving your comment below – we’d love to hear from you.
