The gray months just don't want to end? Falstaff TRAVEL reveals where you should travel to enjoy extra hours of sunshine and a mild climate - from near to far.
The gray, dark winter months often seem to never end in this country. Many people only want one thing: sunshine! And plenty of it. Falstaff TRAVEL reveals the countries where the days are particularly long and where you should travel to get an extra dose of vitamin D.
You don't have to travel too far to find places with more hours of sunshine. From near to far, these are popular destinations that spoil vacationers with more light and a milder climate.
Culture, exoticism, warm temperatures and sunlight; Oriental Morocco is the perfect destination for a sun-kick not far from Europe. City trips are particularly appealing at this time of year.
Casablanca (sunrise 8.32 am, sunset: 6.50 pm)
Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco, is a vibrant economic center of the country and home to around three million people. Between high-rise buildings and modern city districts, stately villas with green front gardens line the outskirts of the city. The Hassan II Mosque should definitely be on your travel list. If you have a little more time, you should take a stroll through the Habous quarter. Built in the 1920s, it looks like a cozy souk, lined with stores selling spices, souvenirs and traditional crafts.
Marrakech (sunrise: 8.30, sunset: 18.56)
The Atlas Mountains rise majestically high above the ochre-colored stone buildings of the "Red City", the alleyways smell of orange blossom, spices and tanned leather - Marrakech reveals a new facet with every visit.
The heart of the city beats in the medina, the historic center of the royal city. On the Djemaa el Fna - one of the most famous squares in the world - snake charmers move to the sound of pungi, while carpets, pottery, leather, fabrics and handicrafts are piled up in the narrow souks.
If you like to seek the sun on islands, you can make the journey to these European Atlantic islands.
Madeira, Portugal (sunrise: 8.07, sunset: 18.30)
Madeira has many faces: jungle-like laurel forests, green mountain terraces and rugged coastal landscapes invite you to explore. Whether on a levada hike through lush greenery, a view from the skywalk or a cable car ride to the coastal gardens of Fajã dos Padres. Madeira also has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine. In Funchal, it is worth visiting the Mercado dos Lavradores, where you can sample local specialties such as bolo de miel or the refreshing poncha. Wine lovers can sample the famous Madeira wine at Blandy's.
Gran Canaria, Spain (sunrise: 7.53 am, sunset: 6.33 pm)
The island scores with its diversity: Gran Canaria's landscape offers massive rock formations as well as desert landscapes, beaches and mountains, a flourishing flora thanks to the year-round spring climate and an even more colorful nightlife. The destination is particularly suitable for hiking tourists who want to explore extensive trails with a historical background.
Tenerife, Spain (sunrise: 7.57 am, sunset: 6.35 pm)
The highlight of Tenerife? Nature! The largest of the seven Canary Islands is considered to be an absolutely sun-drenched vacation destination in the middle of the Atlantic. Every year, the island comes to life with a huge and colorful carnival in spring. Thanks to the island's volcanic origins, the surrounding area resembles a lunar landscape, framed by picturesque coastlines and stretches of beach. Tenerife is also home to Spain's highest mountain, Mount Teide, which can be climbed either by cable car or on foot.
Currently, cities such as Melbourne, Buenos Aires and Cape Town have the longest daylight hours: the day is currently almost 14 hours long here.
Melbourne, Australia (sunrise: 6.22 am, sunset: 8.41 pm)
Melbourne is a paradise for foodies; star chefs and up-and-coming talent characterize the lively scene. The city also has a lot to offer culturally: The National Gallery of Victoria exhibits Australian art, the Australian Center for Contemporary Art shows contemporary highlights and you can get creative yourself at the Australian Center for the Moving Image. The street art laneways, which can be explored on foot or on guided tours, are legendary, as is the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, which offers insights into the art and culture of the First Nation people.
Buenos Aires, Argentina (sunrise: 6.03 am, sunset: 8.06 pm)
Life pulsates on the streets of Buenos Aires - musicians, street artists, tango dancers and colorful markets create a lively street theater. Classics such as the "Pizzeria Güerrín" on Avenida Corrientes serve airy pizzas, while the numerous parrillas delight meat lovers. The districts have different facets: La Boca impresses with its brightly colored houses, the Caminito and the tango culture, San Telmo seduces with flea markets, historic cafés and a nostalgic flair. Recoleta is elegant with European-style villas, the famous cemetery and upscale restaurants, while Palermo attracts the trendy with boutiques, rooftop bars and modern parrillas.
Cape Town, South Africa (sunrise: 5.57 am, sunset: 7.58 pm)
At the southern tip of Africa, contemporary art meets magnificent, lush nature and visitors can choose between exciting restaurants and fine hotels. As you approach, you can already see it prominently: Table Mountain, Cape Town's most famous landmark. In its shadow, the "Mother City" - as South Africans call the metropolis of five million people - has been transforming itself into a tourist hotspot for years; first-class hotels and fantastic restaurants complement impressive museums. There is also a varied surrounding area from the Winelands to the Cape of Good Hope.
Cities in the tropics and near the equator enjoy almost equally long days all year round. For travelers who appreciate consistent weather and reliable times of day, these places are perfect.
Honolulu, Hawaii (Sunrise: 7.08 am, Sunset: 6.22 pm)
The capital of Hawaii on Oʻahu combines city flair with paradisiacal nature. White beaches, turquoise waters and the famous Waikiki Beach invite you to surf, sunbathe and relax. O'ahu also attracts visitors with the Diamond Head Crater. Hula dancing, luau festivals and the famous coconut instead of a postcard show the unique combination of nature, community and joie de vivre.
Lima, Peru (sunrise: 5.58, sunset: 18.40)
As the second largest city in the world in a desert region, Lima surprises with its remarkable cultural depth. The Peruvian capital is a melting pot of history - from pre-Inca cultures through the colonial era to the present day.
Internationally acclaimed cuisine, traditional cevicherías and historic districts such as Barranco and Miraflores characterize the authentic cityscape. The mixture of pre-Columbian heritage and colonial architecture makes Lima an ideal destination for travelers who want to experience the "real" Peru.
Quito, Ecuador (sunrise: 6.21, sunset: 18.29)
Quito is one of the oldest and highest capitals in the world and is spectacularly nestled in the Andes.
The UNESCO-protected old town, markets, colonial churches and traditional arts and crafts give the city its special character.
The combination of Inca heritage and Spanish colonial style in particular makes Quito an ideal place to experience Ecuadorian culture up close.
