If you're craving a sunshine fix but summer still seems an age away, don't worry. It is possible to soak up some rays right now without having to travel seriously long haul. So dig out your bikini and check out spring's sunniest destinations...

Malta meltdown
With temperatures nudging a balmy 23-30C through April, May and June and a flight time of just three hours from the UK, Malta is the perfect destination for those in search of spring sunshine. Often described as one big open-air museum, this Mediterranean island is an ideal combination of sandy beaches, lively towns and tonnes of historical sites to explore. Must-sees include the history-enriched capital Valletta with its artworks, military fortifications and markets - famous for lace and intricate basketware. You can enjoy the buzzy nightlife or just spend your time chilling in Birzebbugia, the favourite beach resort of the Maltese themselves. Either way, a spring break in Malta will almost guarantee you all the sunshine you desire plus plenty to see and do.

For more information on Malta, go to www.visitmalta.com. To find out about flights from the UK, visit www.airmalta.com

Lazy days in Dubrovnik
If you want to boast to your friends that you've already checked out 2004's must-see destination, head to the ancient Croatian city of Dubrovnik. Also known as the pearl of the Adriatic, Dubrovnik is rich in culture and history as well as having the advantage of nestling besides crystal clear waters with an abundance of nearby sandy beaches. Spring temperatures average a pleasant 20-25C, making it the perfect weather for sitting by your pool or exploring the town and its numerous museums, cathedrals and of course, the imposing city walls, one of the strongest and most beautiful fort systems in Europe.

For more information on Dubrovnik, go to www.dubrovnik.com. To find out about flights from the UK, go to www.opodo.co.uk

Riviera romance
For a spring break that oozes glamour why not head to the French Riviera and its major city, Nice? Stroll the world-famous Promenade des Anglais that hugs the beautiful shoreline of the crystalline Baie des Anges or visit one of Nice's many famous gardens such as the Jardin Albert, the oldest in the town. Or you could just sit back and soak up the rays poolside. While it's just as beautiful and glam as its near neighbour Cannes, Nice is a little more laid-back and less glitzy so cheap flights and budget accommodation are still an option.

For more information on Nice, go to www.firstforfrance.com. To find out about flights from the UK, go to www.easyjet.co.uk

Ibiza
Before Ibiza goes seriously mental when the clubbers descend for the summer, why not check out this gorgeous Balearic island during the slightly quieter springtime for some of the best weather around? With temperatures hovering around 30-35C during the spring months, Ibiza is the perfect place to get to work on a pre-summer tan. While you're there you can also check out the chic boutiques of Ibiza town or the hippy markets throughout the island famed for their fabulous leather goods. Sun, sand and shopping - what more could you ask for after a long cold winter?

For more information, go to www.Ibiza-spotlight.com. To find out about flights from the UK, go to www.iberia.com

Andalucia
Spanish sun, sand and sangria doesn't have to be confined to the height of summer. Spring is the perfect time to visit the southern region of Andalucia. The coastline boasts over 800 km of sandy beach so finding a quiet spot to relax and sunbathe in shouldn't be too difficult. If that's a little too quiet for your liking, why not try something more adventurous like mountain biking (a favourite activity of the locals) or horse riding, a great way to see the country in the milder spring temperatures (averaging around 25-30C).

For more information, go to www.andalucia.com. To find out about flight from the UK, go to www.monarch-airlines.com

Sizzling Samos
Imagine everything that's great about your favourite Greek island rolled into one, and on the large (but not totally touristy) island of Samos that's what you'll find. Lush green pine forests, long sandy beaches, clear blue seas and quaint whitewashed mountain villages can be found in abundance as well as excellent restaurants, lively bars and of course the ancient ruins and monuments that Greece is famed for. Situated in the eastern Aegean sea, with Turkey just two kilometres away from the island, it's easily possible to take a day trip by boat to visit some Turkish sights too.

For more information, go to www.laskarina.co.uk. To find out about flights from the UK, go to www.britanniaairways.com

Time out in Tunisia
This northern African country is a mere three hours from the UK and enjoys heavenly spring temperatures of between 21-28C making it the perfect destination for soaking up some sun. Rich in museums, archaeological sites and Roman temple ruins, as well as over 1,250 km of Mediterranean coastline to explore, Tunisia has the advantage of feeling extremely exotic without being too far from home.

For more information, go to www.tourismtunisia.com. To find out about flights from the UK, go to www.travelocity.co.uk