The sun is at the foundation of much ancient spirituality, and in another form sun worship continues today.  Here are a few suggestions of places not too far away where you can enjoy some early season rays.

Crete:  Largest of the Greek islands Crete has been spared the worst effects of mainland economic travails.  Along the north coast an arterial road has ensured tourism development of questionable value from west to east.  However, inland the White Mountains, towering Mount Psiloritis itself, numerous charming villages, and a south coast of coves accessible only by boat or on foot, reveal an island of stories, of superlative food and hospitable people.

Egypt:  A country that's passed through a revolving door marked 'revolution' and 'military dictatorship' has thousands of good people depending on tourism for a living.  If there's a time to wander the magnificent Pharaonic temples of Karnak it's now.  If there's a time to explore crowd-free the royal tombs over the Nile from Luxor it's now.  And if that all reeks of temple fatigue now too is the time to take indolent pleasure in relaxing on the beaches of the Red Sea.

Majorca:  Main island of the Balearics, Majorca soaks up visitors like a sponge.  However, though some resorts are euphemistically categorised as 'lively', away from Palma and the west coast island topography has kept ill-considered outsize developments at bay.  In particular the Serra de Tramuntana mountains stretch for over 90km and covering almost 30% of the island encompassing villages and small towns that maintain an authentic identity.

Malta:  In the past the Mediterranean's most southerly island state has been oversold as a Middle Aged 'fly and flop' backwater. The reality, for those who explore, is a European cultural reservoir so concentrated it practically fizzes.  Capital city Valletta is a wonderland of Baroque facades, ornate cathedrals, stalwart bastions and grand harbours.  Neighbouring Gozo is a less populous island, where directions through wild landscapes are defined by churches.

Morocco:  North Africa is closer than you think - a forty minute ferry hop from southern Spain. That said, culturally Morocco is a world away from Europe.  Proximity and 'otherness' are part of the country's allure.  Head to the spectacular night markets of Marrakech or the historic medina of Fez.  Or for a taste of authentic Berber life and stunning landscapes, trek the mountains of the High Atlas.

North Cyprus: Europe's rebel republic may lack recognition by the UN but it's directly accessible by same plane flight or by taxi across its southern border.  The beautiful though sometimes crowded coastal resort of Kyrenia contrasts with lofty crusader castles of the Kyrenia Mountans, the empty golden sands and rustic resorts of the Karpas Peninsula, and the divided capital of LefkoÅ?a (Nicosia).  For those with Pounds in their pockets Turkish Lira prices provide outstanding value for money.

Tenerife:  Moored off the West African coast Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, receiving over 5,000,000 tourists annually.  If you're an aficionado of off-the-beaten-track holidays the best advice is to turn around when possible.  However, if you're happy to settle back in a good hotel and enjoy a stretch of the island's 67 kilometres of beaches - some black sand, some golden sand and some stony - Tenerife excels.

Tunisia:  The instigator of the 'Arab Spring' revolutions, Tunisia has emerged as a functional democracy - unique in the Arab world.  Coastal resorts tend towards private beach areas 'owned' by flashy hotels.  For more character head to Djerba where French and Arab cultural influences create an intriguing blend.  And if there's not enough sand on the beach, the dune seas of the Sahara await.

Turkey:  Despite increasingly anti-democratic and egocentric moves by its president, for holidaymakers Turkey's Aegean resorts combine stunning coastlines, rich ancient and contemporary history together with great Mediterranean cuisine, in a remarkable value-for-money package.  Choose 'lively' resort-style destinations such as Bodrum or head to the Dilek Peninsula for natural beauty.

Umbria:  East of Tuscany, without a coastline, amongst the Apennine mountains and the valley of the Tiber, Italy's self-determined 'Green Heart' benefits from bright and clear early season days.  From the lakeside resorts of Lago Trasimeno to the historic towns of Perugia, Assisi, Gubbio and Orvietto, Umbria hasn't had the publicity of its more sophisticated neighbour - but no one is complaining.

This article has been produced in association with www.talkholiday.com