Where To Find Short-Haul Winter Sun

Morocco

Morocco may be just three hours from the UK but its weather is a world away from our dreary British winters – think temperatures of around 20°C (yes please!) It makes city breaks in Marrakech a great bet away from the oppressive heat of summer.

Tuck into traditional Moroccan tagines, browse the markets for trinkets or find a cute café to watch the medina’s street vendors and performers in action. If your vibe is more laidback lounging in the sun, get yourself over to Agadir on the Atlantic coast for a beach escape.

Gran Canaria

The Canary Islands are a champion choice for short-haul sunshine all year round, and Gran Canaria ticks all the boxes when it comes to sun, sand and sea! This gem of an island boasts glorious beaches, golden dunes and calm, warm waters – perfect for those after a sunny seaside stay.

There are heaps of family-friendly hotels, restaurants and activities, plus the island is known for its popping nightlife, so there’s something for everyone here. With temperatures reaching 25°C and a flight time of just 4.5 hours, what’s not to love?

Egypt

Egypt cools off a little in the winter months, but after the sweltering heat of summer, it's a relief – trust us!

Popular resort Sharm el Sheikh is still wonderfully warm, making winter a fab time for activities such as desert tours, quad biking and day trips to Cairo to see the famous Pyramids.

Marsa Alam and Hurghada are other popular picks for a holiday, largely thanks to their dreamy Red Sea beaches, glistening coral reefs and pulse-raising watersports. We’re sold.

Tenerife

There’s bucketloads of winter sunshine to be found in the largest of the Canary Islands, too.

Tenerife’s beautiful beaches, all silky, smooth sand and with activities galore, make it a top spot for family fun in the sun.

Once you’ve topped up your tan on Playa de Las Teresitas, head inland to try dune boarding or quad biking on Mount Teide. Grab your snorkel to see tropical fish beneath the waves or trade the sea for a splash at Siam Waterpark.

Cyprus

With its mild Med climate and a flight time under five hours, Cyprus is a winner for short-haul winter sun.

While a dip in the sea might be a smidge on the chilly side, mid-teen temperatures make it a prime time of year for sightseeing, and Paphos is the place to be.

Explore ancient architecture and landmarks steeped in Greek legend, head to the city’s modern harbour for a spot of shopping or feast on freshly caught seafood at one of the old town’s bustling cafes.

Madeira and Porto Santo

Portugal’s Madeira sits in the Atlantic off the northwest coast of Africa and, much like the Canaries, its subtropical climate benefits from sunshine all year round. Result.

Winter is a fantastic time to visit – the hot, dry heat of summer mellows to blissful high-teen temperatures with warm breezes drifting over from the Sahara. It’s a much more pleasant time to get your hike on or enjoy exploring the capital, Funchal, without the usual crowds.

Hop over to neighbouring Porto Santo for pretty-as-a-picture beaches stretching along the coast.

Cape Verde

Travel further south down Africa’s west coast and you’ll find the sun-kissed shores of the Cape Verde islands, reached in around six hours. Not far off the equator, the islands bask in sizzling sunshine throughout the seasons, with winter temps remaining in the toasty mid-20s.

Head to Sal’s sunny shores for fun-filled watersports and super beachside resorts or visit Boa Vista for epic volcanic landscapes, sand dunes and whale watching.

Malta

There’s a lot to love about Malta as a short-haul winter sun destination! Opt for a city break in the capital, Valletta, for the perfect blend of charming streets, Maltese markets, historic sights and excellent restaurants. Watching the sunset over the Grand Harbour from one of the waterfront cocktail bars is pretty spectacular.

For quieter beach escapes, head to Gozo where tranquil sandy bays, lush rural landscapes and some of the best scuba diving on the islands await. See you there?

Booked a short-haul winter sun holiday? Tweet us @icelollyholiday and tell us where you’re off to!