The dark days of winter are the ultimate time for Brits craving a dose of vitamin D to dream of jetting off for some winter sunshine.
While long-haul winter bargains seem to be a thing of the past as flight prices surge, a rise in mid-length flights – under six hours long – hold the promise of trading winter blues for turquoise oceans on holidays that don’t require journeys to far-flung destinations halfway across the world.
From active holidays on mountainous Madeira to beach bathing on Egypt’s sandy shores, there are plenty of inviting climates to make a beeline for during these gloomy months that won’t break the bank.
With direct flights linking the UK to north African hotspots and tried and tested Spanish islands, here are the sun-drenched destinations to escape to this winter.
Read more: The winter sun destination bouncing back with stunning beaches and no jet lag
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 hotspot for tourists in the eastern Sahara desert, for family-friendly resorts with shallow sea shelves teeming with underwater treasures. This beach resort enjoys highs of 22C, 21C and 22C in December, January and February respectively, making it an excellent option for some midwinter warmth. Plus, it’s a less-than-six-hour flight away from the UK – that’s not even three reruns of The Little Mermaid…
Where to stay
The five-star Jaz Aquaviva is a great choice for families as it’s also home to Makadi Water World, a huge water park with more than 50 slides. There are also five swimming pools, a kids’ club, tennis courts, evening entertainment and even 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
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Flight time: 4h 30m
With a reputation for being the cheap and cheerful star of the Canaries archipelago, Tenerife welcomes 23C beach days and eight hours of sunshine well into winter (and it’s…
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