The dark days of winter are the ultimate time for travellers craving a dose of vitamin D.
While prices have surged for long-haul holidays, mid-length flights – under six hours long – still promise to trade winter blues for turquoise oceans.
From active adventures on mountainous Madeira to beach-bathing on Egypt’s sands, there are plenty of inviting climates to make a beeline for during the gloomiest months of the year.
With direct flights linking the UK to North African hotspots and tried and tested Spanish islands sweating through Santa season, here are the sun-drenched destinations to escape to this winter.
Read more: The lesser-known tropical island that’s perfect for a winter getaway
Best winter sun Europe destinations
1. Hurghada, Egypt
Flight time: 5h 30m
Egypt’s year-round balmy climate makes it a popular option for Brits seeking a sunshine hit. Head to Hurghada, a tourist hotspot in the eastern Sahara desert, for family-friendly resorts and shallow sea shelves teeming with marine life. This beach resort enjoys highs of 22C in the winter months, making it an excellent option for a bonus dose of heat. Plus, it’s a less-than-six-hour flight away from the UK.
Where to stay
Jaz Aquaviva is a great choice for families home to Makadi Water World water park. There are also five swimming pools, a kids’ club, tennis courts, evening entertainment and an 18-hole championship golf course if you fancy getting a few rounds in before dinner.
Read more: Why Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh is the ultimate winter sun holiday
2. Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Flight time: 4h 30m
With a reputation as the cheap and cheerful star of the Canaries, Tenerife welcomes 23C beach days and eight hours of sunshine well into winter (and it’s quicker to reach than a Cornwall road trip from London.) Devote days to being a beach bum, dining al fresco and hiking trails in the Parque Nacional Las Cañadas del Teide.
Where to stay
Adults only Royal Hideaway Corales Beach has 121 bright and spacious suites with exceptional views of the Atlantic Ocean. There’s a luxurious spa, various sun terraces and no fewer than three Michelin stars across dining options.
Read more: Family-friendly guide to Tenerife winter sun holidays
3. Marrakech, Morocco
Flight time: 3h 40m
Morocco has an average winter temperature of around 20C on its south-west coastline, plus bustling souks, dry weather and seven sunshine hours in colourful Marrakech. Riad hotels, featuring garden courtyards, decadent decor and delectable bites are a perfect place to stay in the Medina neighbourhood, a delight to explore throughout the winter months.
Where to stay
Riad Tizwa has seven spacious and beautifully decorated rooms, some of which include tented beds and marble floors. There’s also a large communal roof terrace where you can take breakfast or soak up the sun on a lounger.
Read more: Swap Spain for these Moroccan cities on your next winter sun holiday
4. Sal, Cape Verde
Flight time: 5h 50m
Just shy of a six-hour flight away, Cape Verde promises tourists a tan top-up with temperatures that range up to 26C and mark the end of the island’s rainy season in winter. The golden sands of Sal and the buzzing town of Santa Maria cater to lazy beach days and vibrant nightlife in the “African Caribbean” destination dotted with luxe resorts.
Where to stay
Sobrado Boutique Hotel is a good budget option for travellers to Santa Maria. It’s in a quieter part of the resort, but within easy walking distance to restaurants and bars. There’s a fitness centre, gardens and small pool to take a dip in, plus guest-reserved loungers on the beach, which is a 600m stroll away.
Read more: No crowds and comfort throughout – experiencing Africa’s wildest coast
5. Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Flight time: 3h 50m
Year-round mild conditions bless Madeira with balmy weather and an average temperature of 19C in January. The ideal jaunt for an active holiday in nature, the autonomous Portuguese island is home to the famous mountain peaks of Pico Ruivo and Pico do Areeiro, plus cliff-flanked public beaches and wineries for sips of sercial.
Where to stay
Stylish Hotel Cajú sits on one of the oldest streets in the city, within walking distance of most of Funchal’s attractions. This 19th-century building has been lovingly restored with exposed brick walls and is an excellent mid-range accommodation choice.
Read more: This boutique hotel is an ideal retreat for couples in Lisbon
6. Valletta, Malta
Flight time: 3h 15m
One of Europe’s smallest capitals, Valletta, summons winter holidaymakers to tour its Baroque architecture and Grand Harbour in sunny 16C come January (which is t-shirt weather in comparison to the UK’s single-digits. With a flight time of just over three hours and an off-season lull, it’s a dream for dry days spent strolling Republic Street and tasting rabbit stew stuffat tal-fenek, the national dish.
Where to stay
The Coleridge has just five rooms and friendly staff inside a converted traditional Valletta townhouse. Suites are individually decorated, combining Maltese limestone and murals with antique furniture.
Read more: The best things to do in Valletta, Malta
7. Paphos, Cyprus
Flight time: 4h 30m
As winter warmers go, perennially mild Paphos, with highs of 17C, is an inviting Cypriot alternative to the gloom usually found at home in January. Less than a five-hour flight from London, sports, history, and nature enthusiasts will welcome sleepy golf courses, hikes in the Troodos Mountains and meze meals in the old town free from the summer crowds.
Where to stay
Between the harbour of Paphos and beaches of Coral Bay, the Capital Coast Resort & Spa enjoys uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean. This beachfront hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, spa, hammam, sauna and tennis courts.
