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Best Winter Sun Holiday Destinations Less Than Six Hours from the UK
Ditch the winter gloom and hit the beach in these sunny holiday destinations. Natalie Wilson Thursday 22 January 2026 12:36 GMT.
The dark days of winter present the ultimate opportunity for travellers craving a vital dose of vitamin D. While prices have surged for long-haul holidays, mid-length flights – those under six hours in duration – still promise to efficiently trade winter blues for turquoise oceans and golden sands.
From active adventures on mountainous islands to serene beach-bathing on North African shores, there are plenty of inviting climates to make a beeline for during the gloomiest months of the year. With direct flights readily linking the UK to numerous hotspots, here are the sun-drenched destinations to escape to this winter.
Best Mid-Haul Winter Sun Destinations
1. Hurghada, Egypt
Flight time: 5 hours 30 minutes.
Egypt’s consistently balmy, desert climate makes it a perennially popular option for Brits seeking a reliable sunshine hit. Head to Hurghada, a major tourist hotspot in the eastern Sahara desert, for family-friendly resorts and shallow sea shelves teeming with vibrant marine life. This expansive beach resort enjoys pleasant highs of 22C during the winter months, making it an excellent option for a bonus dose of heat, all within a manageable flight duration.
Where to stay: The Jaz Aquaviva resort is a great choice for families, being home to the impressive Makadi Water World water park. The property also features five swimming pools, a kids’ club, tennis courts, evening entertainment, and an 18-hole championship golf course.
2. Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Flight time: 4 hours 30 minutes.
With a well-earned reputation as a value-for-money star of the Canaries, Tenerife welcomes visitors with 23C beach days and around eight hours of sunshine well into the winter season. It is often quicker to reach than a road trip from London to Cornwall. Devote your days to being a beach bum, dining al fresco, and exploring hiking trails in the stunning Parque Nacional Las Cañadas del Teide.
Where to stay: The adults-only Royal Hideaway Corales Beach offers 121 bright and spacious suites with exceptional views of the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel boasts a luxurious spa, various sun terraces, and no fewer than four Michelin stars across its dining options.
3. Marrakech, Morocco
Flight time: 3 hours 40 minutes.
Morocco enjoys an average winter temperature of around 20C on its south-west coastline, offering bustling souks, reliably dry weather, and approximately seven sunshine hours in the colourful city of Marrakech. Traditional Riad hotels, featuring beautiful garden courtyards, decadent decor, and delectable local cuisine, provide the perfect accommodation in the historic Medina neighbourhood, a delight to explore throughout the cooler winter months.
Where to stay: Riad Tizwa features seven spacious and beautifully decorated rooms, some including tented beds and marble floors. A large communal roof terrace allows guests to enjoy breakfast or soak up the sun on a comfortable lounger.
4. Sal, Cape Verde
Flight time: 5 hours 50 minutes.
Just shy of a six-hour flight away, Cape Verde promises tourists a significant tan top-up with temperatures that can reach up to 26C, marking the end of the island’s rainy season. The golden sands of Sal and the buzzing town of Santa Maria cater perfectly to lazy beach days and vibrant nightlife in this "African Caribbean" destination, which is dotted with luxurious resorts.
Where to stay: Sobrado Boutique Hotel is a good budget option for travellers to Santa Maria. Located in a quieter part of the resort but within easy walking distance to restaurants and bars, it features a fitness centre, gardens, a small pool, and guest-reserved loungers on the nearby beach.
5. Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Flight time: 3 hours 50 minutes.
Year-round mild conditions bless the autonomous Portuguese island of Madeira with balmy weather and an average temperature of 19C in January. It is the ideal jaunt for an active holiday in nature, being home to the famous mountain peaks of Pico Ruivo and Pico do Areeiro, plus dramatic cliff-flanked public beaches and wineries offering sips of local sercial wine.
Where to stay: The stylish Hotel Cajú sits on one of the oldest streets in Funchal, within walking distance of most city attractions. This lovingly restored 19th-century building features exposed brick walls and serves as an excellent mid-range accommodation choice.
6. Valletta, Malta
Flight time: 3 hours 15 minutes.
One of Europe’s smallest and most historic capitals, Valletta, summons winter holidaymakers to tour its magnificent Baroque architecture and Grand Harbour in sunny 16C weather come January. 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 tasting traditional rabbit stew, known as stuffat tal-fenek.
Where to stay: The Coleridge offers just five uniquely decorated rooms within a converted traditional Valletta townhouse. The suites combine Maltese limestone and murals with antique furniture, all managed by exceptionally friendly staff.
7. Paphos, Cyprus
Flight time: 4 hours 30 minutes.
As winter warmers go, perennially mild Paphos, with highs of 17C, presents an inviting Cypriot alternative to the gloom typically found at home in January. At less than a five-hour flight from London, the destination welcomes sports, history, and nature enthusiasts with sleepy golf courses, scenic hikes in the Troodos Mountains, and authentic meze meals in the old town, all enjoyed free from the intense summer crowds.
Where to stay: Situated between the harbour of Paphos and the beaches of Coral Bay, the Capital Coast Resort & Spa enjoys uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean. This beachfront hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a comprehensive spa with hammam and sauna, and tennis courts.
This article was first published in December 2023 and has been revised and updated.
