6 Vibrant Cities to Get Your Sun-kissed Tan

Looking for the perfect tan? It’s time to take your much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the city and explore some of the sunniest destinations of the world. From the lush forests of Madagascar to the world-famous parties in Ibiza, here are 6 destinations for an exceptional summer. These cities are bound to leave you hot under the collar, so remember to pack your shades and sunblock!

To help you make the best Sunshine Destination choice, Kayak devised the KAYAK Sunshine Index. By indexing the following:

(1)    Hours of Sunshine in a Day,

(2)    Average Temperature, and

(3)    Activities You Can Do at the Destination,

Locations are rated on a 10-point Sunny Scale.

(1)   Colombo, Sri Lanka

Nicknamed the Ocean City of Sri Lanka, Colombo is the ideal place to begin or end your Sri Lankan adventure. This old colonial city is not only peppered with numerous religious sites and sprawling parks, but also incorporates a cosmopolitan side that will surprise its visitors.

The popular Mount Lavinia Beach is conveniently located along the outskirts of Colombo city, and is a must-visit to relax and work on your tan. Another must-see is the UNESCO World Heritage site and 8th Wonder of the World, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. A four-hour drive from Colombo, any trip to Sri Lanka would not be complete without visiting this amazing cave temple, and the many Buddha statues it houses.

Sunshine Score: 7/10

Average Hours of Sunshine: 7 hours, 1 point

Average Temperature: 25-28°C, 2 points

Activities at Destination: 4 points

(2)   Turks & Caicos Islands, Bahamas

Home to some of the most pristine beaches in the world, this under-the-radar cluster of islands are fast-becoming a popular beach destination.

These largely unpopulated islands house untouched coral reefs, with sparkling clear waters, and provides for a truly unique snorkeling or diving experience. Hire a boat to island-hop and whale watch, explore even more unspoiled beaches, and indulge in some quiet fishing trips. A holiday here would definitely open your eyes to a paradise on Earth.

On the most populated island of Providenciales, one can find world-class resorts and sprawling beaches, and also interesting festivals such as Cinco de Mayo, a celebration of Mexican heritage or Columbus Day, celebrating the day Christopher Columbus first visited the island. You also won’t want to miss the British ruins Fort George Cay which are a lingering memory of Europe’s first ventures into the New World.

Sunshine Score: 8/10

Average Hours of Sunshine: 8 hours, 2 points

Average Temperature: 27-32°C, 3 points

Activities at Destination: 3 points

(3)    Piha, New Zealand

If you’re a surfer dude or just enjoy surfing, this coastal town is a must for you to conquer. Located just 40 kilometres from Auckland, Piha’s beaches offer a stark contrast with its charcoal-black volcanic sand. This unique, unspoiled beauty is found nowhere else.

Another attraction to catch is Lion Rock, probably Piha’s most iconic landmark. If you’re up for it, try scaling this 101-metre tall formation and you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular view. During low tide, it’s also possible to walk out onto the beach and surround yourself with 100 metre high cliffs. And the fact that summertime happens in December means you have time to laze on the sand and work on your tan, even when it’s Christmas time.

Sunshine Score: 9/10

Average Hours of Sunshine: 10 hours, 3 points

Average Temperature: 23-25°C, 2 points

Activities at Destination: 4 points

Here are a couple more destinations:

	Ibiza, Spain	Rio de Janeiro, Brazil	Morondava, Madagascar
Sunshine Score	8/10	8/10	8.5/10
Average Hours of Sunshine	13 hours, 3 points	7 hours, 1 point	7-8 hours, 2 points
Average Temperature	22 to 25 degrees celsius, 1 point	29 to 33 degrees celsius, 3 points	29 to 31 degrees celsius, 2.5 points
Activities at Destination	4 points	4 points	4 points

This post is brought to you by Kayak.sg