11 of the best short-haul winter sun destinations

Updated October 27, 2023
^{Published October 27, 2022}

By Mary Novakovich

Desperate for some winter sun but don’t have time for a long-haul flight? You don’t have to go all the way to the Caribbean or Asia to soak up the rays on holiday. 

Here are some ideas that are much closer to home and allow you to exchange the gloom of a northern European winter for a few days in the sun.

1. Malta

Much more than just a beach destination

Malta’s unique blend of cultures – including Italian, Arab and English – makes this trio of islands in the southern Mediterranean so much more than just a beach destination, although you’ll find plenty of those too.

Stroll through the baroque streets of Valletta, Malta’s vibrant capital and take the ferry across to little Gozo, a relaxed outpost with some wonderfully bizarre landscapes and a seriously slow pace of life. Plus, divers can discover the spectacular underwater caves and wreck sites of the even smaller island of Comino.*

2. Morocco

Pleasant sunny days that are perfect for exploring

Morocco’s searing summer heat has gone, leaving pleasant sunny days in the 20s by the time winter rolls around. This makes exploring Marrakech’s souks much more of a pleasure. Stop for a refreshing pot of mint tea in the rooftop cafes before joining the festive atmosphere among the food stalls and storytellers in Jemaa el-Fna.

If you’re in need of beach time, head to the coast and the chilled-out towns of Essaouira and Agadir, where the souks are a much less frenetic affair than Marrakech’s.

If you decide to explore the Atlas Mountains, bring plenty of warm clothing for properly chilly nights.

3. Tenerife

Windsurfing and hiking

Tenerife is a perennial favourite among the Canary Islands and it has some of the most popular beaches in the archipelago.

Playa de las Américas is the big draw for beach lovers who want everything from restaurants to dive centres in one handy place, while just to the east is El Médano, where the steady Saharan breezes attract windsurfers from all over the world.

Hikers can climb to Spain’s highest mountain, Pico del Teide, but there’s always the cable car option if you want a gentler way up.

4. Egypt

Jaw-dropping sights and adventure activities

Home to ancient sites and thrill-filled experiences, Egypt is a top choice for an exhilarating winter sun getaway.

Cairo’s jaw-dropping pyramids should be top of your itinerary and winter’s cooler climate makes a day trip to explore them far more enjoyable. Go diving in the Red Sea resorts of Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh or, if that sounds too strenuous, take a boat cruise down the River Nile. For adventure, head into the desert dunes for sandboarding* and jeep safaris.*

5. Cape Verde

A taste of the exotic without the jet lag

With flight times of around six hours, the Cape Verde islands slightly stretch the definition of short-haul. But this archipelago off the western coast of Africa is practically in the same time zone as the UK, so you can holiday without the jet lag.

Enjoy the laidback beaches of Sal and the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Boa Vista, just two of Cape Verde’s ten islands. The cultural mix is a fascinating blend of African and Portuguese sights, sounds and flavours.

6. Lanzarote

Volcanoes galore

There are volcanoes, and then there are Lanzarote’s volcanoes. At least 300 volcanic peaks dot this Canary Island, with most of the island covered in colourful tones of solidified lava. You’ll even find restaurants using volcanic heat to grill huge plates of meat.

Surfers flock to the beaches of La Santa on the northern coast, while just to the east are the breathtakingly beautiful ochre sands of Playa de Famara. On the south-eastern tip of the island is Playa Blanca, whose sheltered beaches are popular with families.

The island is activity central, too, with everything from sailing cruises to volcano experiences.*

7. The Azores

Sleepy and chilled out

Marooned in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Azores consists of nine volcanic islands where time seems to have stood still over the past half-century.

The gateway is the island of Sao Miguel, whose main town’s bustle is the noisiest you’ll come across. The rest of the archipelago is wonderfully sleepy and chilled out, with fantastic landscapes of volcanic peaks, hot springs, black-sand beaches and waterfalls.

8. Cyprus

Warm days and ancient sites

The temperatures aren’t quite as high in Cyprus over the winter, but in February you can still bask in 19C warmth in the sun and brave a dip in the sea.

As the days won’t be unbearably scorching, it will be much more enjoyable to take in the sights of Paphos, including its archaeological park and the Tomb of the Kings. And who can resist generous plates of perfectly grilled Cypriot meat dishes?

Don’t forget to take a trip to the Blue Lagoon* and the Troodos Mountains while you're here, too.

9. Gran Canaria

Soft sands that go on for miles

Like its fellow Canary Island, Tenerife, Gran Canaria resembles a mini continent, with a humid tropical northern half balanced by a hot and dry south.

Sun-seekers head straight to the south, where the soft sands of Playa del Inglés go on for miles. Eventually they reach the enormous sculpted sand dunes of Maspalomas, which look more like the Sahara than a European beach – with the unusual backdrop of the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean.

For something on a more intimate scale, relax on the sheltered sands of nearby Playa del Cura.

10. Madeira

Subtropical rainforest and volcanic peaks

Another Portuguese territory cast away in the Atlantic, Madeira used to have a staid and somewhat middle-aged image. But things have changed in recent years, with more and more luxurious boutique hotels popping up and offering a stylish alternative to all-inclusive resorts.

The island’s interior is still as lush as it ever was, with subtropical rainforests mingling with volcanic peaks and ravines. Hikers can follow the unique system of narrow canals called levadas that run through the island for 2,000km (1,242 miles), while beach lovers can flop on black-sand beaches.

11. La Palma

A serene beauty

One of the smallest Canary Islands, La Palma has two nicknames: La Isla Bonita (Beautiful Island) and La Isla Verde (Green Island). Both are spot on, as the extraordinarily rich vegetation that’s seen all over the island gives La Palma a serene beauty.

You’ll find volcanoes too, of course, this being the Canaries, and some of the most striking beaches have black lava sand. Look out for Bajamar Beach near the capital, Santa Cruz La Palma, which is backed by high cliffs.

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