The Winter Sun Destinations That Are (Almost) on Your Doorstep

The temperatures are dropping, it’s getting wet and dark outside, all you’re craving is a bit of sunshine. Well, what are you waiting for? From time to time you just need a break from the norm, but you don’t always want to be heading to the other side of the world just for a fix of warm weather.

With this in mind, we’ve done the hard work of the holiday research for you and put together a list of warm, winter sun destinations with a short flight time for less travelling and more tanning.

The Balearics

Flight time: Approx. 2 hours 40 minutes/4 hours 20 minutes – dependent on your chosen location

The Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza are set in the Mediterranean Sea, between Spain and the coast of North Africa. Enjoying mild winters, here you can take your pick from sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, dramatic landscapes, historic culture cities such as Palma or shopping heaven in Ibiza Town.

If you’re looking for somewhere to relax, the Balearic is the ideal destination for you. Experience the great nightlife and unforgettable Mediterranean sunsets for a truly memorable trip.

Tenerife

Flight time: Approx. 4 hours 30 minutes

Aside from sunshine and endless beaches, Tenerife is entrenched with history and surrounded by volcanic landscapes. With an average winter temperature of around 20°C, you’ll only need to pack a light jumper to wrap around your arms for evening dining on the terrace – beats de-icing your car at 8am, doesn’t it?

Tenerife boasts the highest mountain in Spain and several Unesco World Heritage sites, so you can do more here than just lying on the beach. With millions of people heading here every year, Tenerife’s entertainment is never-ending, with wine tasting, vineyard visits and long walks for the more laid-back tourist, to one of the world’s best water parks in Siam Park, cruises and quad biking for the more adventurous.

Costa del Sol

Flight time: Approx. 3 hours

Known as the sunshine coast, Costa del Sol certainly lives up to its name. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, this makes for the perfect short haul destination for any time of the year. What’s more, the region’s 161 kilometres of coastline has everything you need to make the most of this weather.

The scenery here is fabulous, with mountains on one side and the Mediterranean on the other. Your choice of leisure activities will keep you busy from museums and restaurants to casinos watersports, an array of sightseeing opportunities, and shopping opportunities in stunning towns such as Gibraltar and Malaga.

Malta

Flight time: Approx. 3 hours 40 minutes

This charming island is a must for anyone with a love of history. With conditions in the winter months, you can enjoy Malta’s landscape and culture in a cooler yet still sunny climate. From the fascinating capital city of Valletta and plenty of events taking place around Christmas and New Year, to Malta’s countryside, you can discover all of the island’s natural wonders.

Perfect for a city break or a week’s holiday, take your pick from boutique hotels to apartments in Bugibba and Qawra to all-inclusive resorts situated in Mellieha – Malta has the widest selection of winter holidays to suit all.

Gran Canaria

Flight time: Approx. 4 hours 35 minutes

Expect warm temperatures all year with highs of 20 and lows of 14°C. This location has it all, with beautiful beaches to enjoy in the day, as well as a handful of national parks to enjoy.

It’s an ideal trip to take with the family where you can enjoy water parks such as Aqualand and Lago Oasis Waterpark, as well as family friendly seaside towns like Playa del Ingles, Maspalomas and Las Palmas.

Gran Canaria’s appeal begins with its stunning beaches, with the larger than life coastal resort of Maspalomas, where sunbathers mean business and the nightlife is vibrant. On the other hand, you have the sleepier towns of Puerto Mogan and Puerto Rico, where the evening entertainment is low key and the beaches are typically more spacious. If you want to catch a glimpse of traditional nightlife, just half an hour from Playa del Ingles you’ll find Fataga – car-free cobbled street, lined with whitewashed houses.