Brits seeking a winter escape from the gloom have a remarkably affordable and sunny destination within easy reach. A stunning beach in Spain has been officially named the sunniest in Europe during the winter months, and it costs just £23 to fly there this week.
A Golden Winter Sanctuary
Topping the charts for winter sunshine is Playa de Maspalomas on the Canary Island of Gran Canaria. According to research compiled by Saga, this spectacular coastline soaks up an impressive average of just over 10 hours of sunshine per day, offering a potent antidote to the winter blues. The island is currently enjoying balmy temperatures, having reached 24°C recently, with forecasts predicting the warmth will continue throughout the week.
The beach itself is a vast expanse of golden sand, stretching for an estimated 7.5 miles along the southern coast. Its most famous feature is the breathtaking Maspalomas Natural Dune Reserve, a protected area where great hills of orange sand undulate and twist, creating a landscape so unique it has been compared to an alien world when viewed from above.
More Than Just Sun and Sand
Playa de Maspalomas is a vibrant and diverse space. Visitors will find a mix of sunbathers, surfers, and nudists, with quieter, isolated areas available for nude bathing. The beach is anchored by the historic Maspalomas Lighthouse, which was built in 1861 and once guided steamboats on routes between Europe, Africa, and America. Today, it marks the start of a lively seaside promenade.
A short distance from the shore lies the Maspalomas Palm Tree Plantation, another protected natural space. This oasis serves as a crucial resting spot for birds migrating between Europe and Africa and offers visitors shaded, palm-lined paths for a peaceful stroll after a day in the sun.
Affordable Escape from the UK
The prospect of trading the UK's rain for this sunny paradise is more accessible than many might think. Ryanair is offering a direct flight from Edinburgh Airport for just £24 this week. For those with flexible plans, fares drop even lower later in the month, with one-way tickets available for £13.
Direct flights are not limited to Scotland. Throughout November, travellers can also fly directly to Gran Canaria from a host of other UK airports, including Bristol, Manchester, Bournemouth, Belfast, Newcastle, Liverpool, Nottingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Cardiff, and Exeter.
The beach's popularity is well-documented on TripAdvisor, where it has garnered thousands of glowing reviews. One visitor praised the "unique and always new views" at sunrise and sunset, while another commended it as "one of the most beautiful beaches in Gran Canaria," highlighting its extensive size, unique dune landscape, and clean water.
