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Best Winter Sun Holiday Destinations Less Than Six Hours from the UK
Banish the winter gloom and head for the beach with these sunny holiday destinations that promise to deliver a much-needed dose of vitamin D. While long-haul holiday prices have seen significant increases, mid-length flights – those under six hours in duration – still offer the perfect opportunity to swap winter blues for turquoise oceans and golden sands.
From active adventures on mountainous islands to relaxing beach-bathing on North African shores, there are numerous inviting climates to target during the coldest, darkest months of the year. With direct flights readily available from the UK to various hotspots, including North African gems and well-loved Spanish islands, here are the sun-drenched destinations to consider for your winter escape.
1. Hurghada, Egypt
Flight time: Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes
Egypt's consistently warm, desert climate establishes it as a favourite among British travellers seeking reliable sunshine. Hurghada, a prominent tourist hub located in the eastern Sahara desert, offers family-friendly resorts and shallow sea shelves abundant with marine life. This beach resort enjoys pleasant highs of around 22°C during the winter months, presenting an excellent option for a bonus heat boost, all within a sub-six-hour flight from the UK.
2. Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Flight time: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes
Renowned as the affordable and cheerful star of the Canary Islands, Tenerife delivers beach days with temperatures around 23°C and up to eight hours of sunshine well into the winter season. It is quicker to reach than a road trip from London to Cornwall. Visitors can dedicate their days to beach relaxation, al fresco dining, and exploring hiking trails within the stunning Parque Nacional Las Cañadas del Teide.
3. Marrakech, Morocco
Flight time: Approximately 3 hours 40 minutes
Morocco boasts an average winter temperature of about 20°C along its south-west coastline. The vibrant city of Marrakech offers bustling souks, reliably dry weather, and around seven hours of sunshine daily during winter. Traditional riad hotels, featuring beautiful garden courtyards, opulent decor, and delicious local cuisine, provide the perfect accommodation within the captivating Medina neighbourhood, ideal for winter exploration.
4. Sal, Cape Verde
Flight time: Approximately 5 hours 50 minutes
Positioned just under a six-hour flight away, Cape Verde guarantees tourists a tan top-up with temperatures reaching up to 26°C, marking the end of the islands' rainy season in winter. The golden sands of Sal and the lively town of Santa Maria cater perfectly to lazy beach days and vibrant nightlife in this unique "African Caribbean" destination, which is dotted with luxurious resorts.
5. Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Flight time: Approximately 3 hours 50 minutes
Year-round mild conditions bless the autonomous Portuguese island of Madeira with balmy weather, averaging around 19°C in February. This destination is ideal for an active holiday immersed in nature, being home to famous mountain peaks like Pico Ruivo and Pico do Areeiro, alongside cliff-flanked public beaches and wineries offering sips of distinctive sercial wine.
6. Valletta, Malta
Flight time: Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes
One of Europe's smallest capital cities, Valletta invites winter holidaymakers to tour its magnificent Baroque architecture and Grand Harbour in sunny conditions of around 16°C in February – which feels like t-shirt weather compared to the UK's single-digit temperatures. With a flight time of just over three hours and a welcome off-season lull in crowds, it's a dream destination for dry days spent strolling Republic Street and sampling traditional rabbit stew, stuffat tal-fenek, the national dish.
7. Paphos, Cyprus
Flight time: Approximately 4 hours 30 minutes
As a winter warmer, perennially mild Paphos in Cyprus, with highs of about 17°C, presents an inviting alternative to the typical gloom found at home in February. Located less than a five-hour flight from London, it welcomes sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and nature lovers with serene golf courses, hikes in the Troodos Mountains, and delightful meze meals in the old town, all enjoyed without the intensity of summer crowds.
This article was initially published in December 2023 and has been comprehensively revised and updated for 2026 travel planning.
