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Ditch the Winter Gloom and Hit the Beach in These Sunny Holiday Destinations
The dark days of winter are the ultimate time for travellers craving a vital dose of vitamin D. While prices have surged for long-haul holidays, mid-length flights – under six hours long – still promise to trade winter blues for turquoise oceans and golden sands. From active adventures on mountainous Madeira to beach-bathing on Egypt's warm shores, there are plenty of inviting climates to make a beeline for during the gloomiest months of the year.
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, offering a perfect blend of warmth, culture, and relaxation.
Best Mid-Haul Winter Sun Destinations
- 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 tourist hotspot in the eastern Sahara desert, for family-friendly resorts and shallow sea shelves teeming with vibrant marine life. This beach resort enjoys highs of 22C in the winter months, making it an excellent choice for a bonus dose of heat. Plus, it's a less-than-six-hour flight away from the UK, ensuring a quick escape from the cold.
Where to stay: Jaz Aquaviva is a great choice for families, home to the Makadi Water World water park. There are also five swimming pools, a kids' club, tennis courts, evening entertainment, and an 18-hole championship golf course if you fancy getting a few rounds in before dinner.
- Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Flight time: 4h 30m
With a reputation as the cheap and cheerful star of the Canaries, Tenerife welcomes 23C beach days and eight hours of sunshine well into winter. It's quicker to reach than a Cornwall road trip from London, making it an accessible paradise. Devote days to being a beach bum, dining al fresco, and hiking trails in the Parque Nacional Las Cañadas del Teide for a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
Where to stay: Adults-only Royal Hideaway Corales Beach has 121 bright and spacious suites with exceptional views of the Atlantic Ocean. There's a luxurious spa, various sun terraces, and no fewer than four Michelin stars across dining options.
- Marrakech, Morocco
Flight time: 3h 40m
Morocco has an average winter temperature of around 20C on its south-west coastline, plus bustling souks, dry weather, and seven sunshine hours in colourful Marrakech. Riad hotels, featuring garden courtyards, decadent decor, and delectable bites, are a perfect place to stay in the Medina neighbourhood, a delight to explore throughout the winter months.
Where to stay: Riad Tizwa has seven spacious and beautifully decorated rooms, some of which include tented beds and marble floors. There's also a large communal roof terrace where you can take breakfast or soak up the sun on a lounger.
- Sal, Cape Verde
Flight time: 5h 50m
Just shy of a six-hour flight away, Cape Verde promises tourists a tan top-up with temperatures that range up to 26C and mark the end of the island's rainy season in winter. The golden sands of Sal and the buzzing town of Santa Maria cater to lazy beach days and vibrant nightlife in the "African Caribbean" destination dotted with luxe resorts.
Where to stay: Sobrado Boutique Hotel is a good budget option for travellers to Santa Maria. It's in a quieter part of the resort, but within easy walking distance to restaurants and bars. There's a fitness centre, gardens, and a small pool to take a dip in, plus guest-reserved loungers on the beach, which is a 600m stroll away.
- Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
Flight time: 3h 50m
Year-round mild conditions bless Madeira with balmy weather and an average temperature of 19C in February. The ideal jaunt for an active holiday in nature, the autonomous Portuguese island is home to the famous mountain peaks of Pico Ruivo and Pico do Areeiro, plus cliff-flanked public beaches and wineries for sips of sercial.
Where to stay: Stylish Hotel Cajú sits on one of the oldest streets in the city, within walking distance of most of Funchal's attractions. This 19th-century building has been lovingly restored with exposed brick walls and is an excellent mid-range accommodation choice.
- Valletta, Malta
Flight time: 3h 15m
One of Europe's smallest capitals, Valletta, summons winter holidaymakers to tour its Baroque architecture and Grand Harbour in sunny 16C come February – t-shirt weather in comparison to the UK's single digits. With a flight time of just over three hours and an off-season lull, it's a dream for dry days spent strolling Republic Street and tasting rabbit stew stuffat tal-fenek, the national dish.
Where to stay: The Coleridge has just five rooms and friendly staff inside a converted traditional Valletta townhouse. Suites are individually decorated, combining Maltese limestone and murals with antique furniture.
- Paphos, Cyprus
Flight time: 4h 30m
As winter warmers go, perennially mild Paphos, with highs of 17C, is an inviting Cypriot alternative to the gloom usually found at home in February. Less than a five-hour flight from London, sports, history, and nature enthusiasts will welcome sleepy golf courses, hikes in the Troodos Mountains, and meze meals in the old town free from the summer crowds.
Where to stay: Between the harbour of Paphos and beaches of Coral Bay, the Capital Coast Resort & Spa enjoys uninterrupted views of the Mediterranean. This beachfront hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, spa, hammam, sauna, and tennis courts.
This article was first published in December 2023 and has been revised and updated for 2026 travel, ensuring you have the latest information for planning your winter escape. Whether you're seeking family fun, romantic retreats, or active adventures, these destinations offer a perfect respite from the cold, all within a short flight from the UK.
