Top Short Haul Winter Sun Destinations from the UK
As the days grow shorter and the familiar grey skies of winter settle over the UK, a dose of sunshine and warmth can feel less like a luxury and more like a necessity.
Luckily, plenty of destinations just a few hours away offer blue skies well into the winter months. From Portugal’s golden coastlines to Spain’s subtropical islands and beyond, these short-haul escapes promise everything from beach breaks with the family and cultural discoveries to adventure-filled holidays.
This guide highlights some of the best winter sun destinations to help you find your perfect fit.
1. Agadir, Morocco
Flight time from the UK: 3.5 hours
Average temperature:
- October: 28°C
- November: 25°C
- December: 22°C
Why visit?
Agadir, rebuilt after the 1960 earthquake, combines modern city planning with over 300 days of sunshine, making it ideal for winter sun seekers. Its long sandy beaches attract surfers and kite surfers, while nearby Souss-Massa National Park and Paradise Valley offer nature and wildlife experiences. The city also features bustling markets like Souk El Had and a growing wellness scene with spas and hammams, offering a quieter, accessible alternative to Morocco’s more crowded cities.
Best for
- Mature travellers and leisure seekers: Those who enjoy a calm, relaxed pace will appreciate Agadir’s modern city layout, wellness resorts, luxurious spas, and golf courses, along with easy access to markets, beaches, and local attractions.
- Families: Agadir is great for families due to its safe sandy beaches, calm waters, family-friendly resorts, and nearby gentle outdoor adventures like Paradise Valley and Souss-Massa National Park.
- Nature lovers and adventures: Surfing, kite surfing, hiking in the Atlas foothills, birdwatching in Souss-Massa National Park, and exploring natural pools in Paradise Valley.
View of the Agadir marina; photo credit: Adam Smigielski
Travel tips
- The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is a closed currency, meaning you can’t bring it from abroad. Exchange your pounds for dirhams on arrival at banks, hotels, or airport bureaus. You can bring in or take out up to 2,000 MAD, but any extra must be exchanged before leaving.
- Tipping is a common and appreciated practice in Morocco. In restaurants and cafés, it’s customary to leave around 5-10% of the bill, and small tips are appreciated for guides, drivers, and hotel staff. While not obligatory, tipping is considered polite and helps support local workers.
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2. Antalya, Turkey
Flight time from the UK: 4.5 hours
Average temperature:
- October: 27°C
- November: 21°C
- December: 17°C
Why visit?
Known as the gateway to Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, Antalya blends golden beaches with history, culture and dramatic landscapes. The city’s old town, Kaleiçi, charms with its narrow cobbled streets, Ottoman-era houses and lively harbour, while the surrounding region offers everything from ancient ruins such as Perge and Aspendos to stunning waterfalls like Düden and Kursunlu. With its year round sunshine, luxury resorts and mix of relaxation and exploration, Antalya is one of Turkey’s top winter sun escapes.
Best for
- Families: Antalya’s all-inclusive resorts offer pools, kids’ clubs and entertainment to keep little ones busy, while its safe, sandy beaches such as Konyaaltı and Lara make family days out easy. Family-friendly attractions like Antalya Aquarium and The Land of Legends theme park add extra fun beyond the beach.
- History and culture lovers: This region is steeped in history, with highlights including the Roman theatre of Aspendos, the ancient city of Perge, and Antalya Museum, one of Turkey’s best archaeological collections. Kaleiçi’s maze of streets and restored Ottoman houses also offer a glimpse of the city’s past.
- Nature and adventure seekers: Outdoor lovers will find plenty to do, from hiking parts of the Lycian Way with its coastal views, to visiting Düden or Kursunlu waterfalls. The nearby Taurus Mountains invite jeep safaris and canyoning, while boat trips from Antalya’s harbour showcase the dramatic coastline.
- Mature travellers and leisure seekers: With a wealth of luxury resorts and spas, Antalya is ideal for travellers who simply want to unwind in the sun. Traditional Turkish hammams, beachfront loungers and laid-back harbour cafés make it easy to slow the pace.
Harbour in Antalya old town; photo credit: Aleh Varanishcha
Travel tips
- For traveling in Antalya, the city's trams and buses offer an affordable and reliable access to key areas, especially the main terminals, city centre, and museum. Using a reloadable AntalyaKart is the most efficient way to pay for public transport.
- While dress codes at hotels, beaches, and tourist centres are relaxed, it's respectful to dress more conservatively when visiting mosques, rural areas, or walking through residential neighbourhoods.
3. Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal
Flight time from the UK: 3 hours
Average temperature:
- October: 23°C
- November: 19°C
- December: 16°C
Why visit?
Once a quaint fishing village in southern Portugal, Albufeira has grown into a vibrant destination that blends charm, sun, and excitement. Boasting around 300 days of sunshine per year, it’s ideal for beach lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. By day, visitors can relax on golden sands and explore scenic coastal views, and by night, Albufeira comes alive as the Algarve’s nightlife capital, offering everything from bars and clubs along the famous neon-lit Avenida Sá Carneiro “Strip” to the more relaxed, charming atmosphere of the Old Town with cobbled streets, live music, and cozy cocktail bars.
Best for
- Young travellers and partygoers: Avenida Francisco Sá Carneiro “Strip”, aka, (Montechoro Strip) offers a lively evening atmosphere with a variety of bars, clubs, and entertainment options for those looking to enjoy the Algarve’s vibrant nightlife.
- Nature and adventure lovers: Less than an hour from Albufeira, travellers can explore coastal trails, cliffs, and natural parks, including Benagil Cave, Ponta da Piedade, and Ria Formosa, perfect for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife spotting.
Sea Cave of Benagil, Algarve, Portugal; photo credit: Eloi_Omella
Travel tips
- Car hire is ideal for exploring the Algarve’s scenic coastal drives and nearby towns, particularly as public transport is limited, but keep in mind that many toll roads are electronic and not always clearly marked.
- October still offers a lively atmosphere, but from November onwards, bars on the Strip will have reduced hours, reflecting the quieter off-season. Despite this, December brings a festive spirit to Albufeira, with a lively Christmas market and charming decorations.
- Many restaurants offer a “couvert,” a small starter such as bread and olives that is usually charged even if you didn’t order it. If you don’t want to pay, politely decline or ask for it to be removed from the table.
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4. Madeira, Portugal
Flight time from the UK: 3.5 hours
Average temperature:
- October: 24°C
- November: 21°C
- December: 19°C
Why visit?
Often overlooked in favour of the Algarve, Madeira is a subtropical Portuguese archipelago located in the North Atlantic Ocean with a mild climate, dramatic volcanic scenery, and year-round sunshine. Nicknamed the “Floating Garden”, it’s famous for its lush mountains, vibrant botanical gardens, and network of scenic “levada” walking trails. The capital, Funchal, charms visitors with its relaxed pace, colourful market, rich maritime history, and cable car rides offering sweeping ocean views.
Best for
- Nature and adventure lovers: Madeira is a paradise for walkers, with its unique levada trails leading through forests, waterfalls, and dramatic gorges. Adventurers can tackle Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo, one of the island’s most spectacular ridge hikes, or explore the wild coastline at Ponta de São Lourenço. Year-round whale and dolphin watching adds to its natural appeal.
- Mature travellers and leisure seekers: Those seeking a slower pace will enjoy Funchal’s botanical gardens such as the Madeira Botanical Garden and the Monte Palace Tropical Garden, both filled with exotic plants. A scenic cable car ride to Monte offers beautiful views across the island. Wellness resorts, thermal spas, and the relaxed café culture of Funchal provide plenty of opportunities to unwind.
- Cultural explorers: Madeira is world-famous for its fortified wine, best experienced at cellars like Blandy’s Wine Lodge in Funchal. Visitors can also immerse themselves in Madeiran traditions at vibrant festivals and Funchal’s Christmas and New Year celebrations. The city’s Mercado dos Lavradores (farmer's market) showcases local produce, embroidery, and handicrafts, giving a taste of the island’s cultural heritage.
Fishing village of Camara de Lobos in Madeira; photo credit: Juergen Sack
Travel tips
- Renting a car gives you the most flexibility to explore Madeira, but roads are steep, narrow and winding - meaning GPS can sometimes suggest unsafe routes. Stick to main roads if unsure and only drive if you feel confident and comfortable enough to do so.
- The island can get very busy with cruise ship passengers, particularly around the Funchal cable car and other popular sites. Check cruise ship schedules online and plan your visit for less crowded times.
- If you’re planning to explore Madeira’s levada trails, come well prepared with a headlamp or torch for dark tunnels. Trainers may work for easy walks, but sturdy waterproof boots are best for tougher, muddy trails. Always pack layers and a rain jacket for cooler, higher-altitude conditions.
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5. Paphos and the Akamas Peninsula, Cyprus
Flight time from the UK: 4-5 hours
Average temperature:
- October: 23°C
- November: 18°C
- December: 15°C
Why visit?
Paphos blends ancient history with modern resort comforts, featuring mosaics, Roman villas, and archaeological parks, while the nearby Akamas Peninsula offers a rugged, protected wilderness perfect for peaceful winter hikes through gorges and along quiet beaches. Hidden gems like the myth-shrouded Baths of Aphrodite and tranquil Avakas Gorge add intrigue, and Paphos old town charms visitors with a lively café scene even in the off-season. The region is ideal for families and travellers seeking a mix of cultural exploration and natural adventure.
Best for
- Families: Safe beaches, gentle hikes in the Akamas Peninsula, and cultural attractions like Roman villas and mosaics make it easy to combine learning and leisure.
- Cultural explorers: History enthusiasts will love the archaeological sites, ancient mosaics, and mythic locations like the Baths of Aphrodite.
- Nature and adventure lovers: Rugged trails, secluded gorges, and the protected wilderness of the Akamas Peninsula offer peaceful winter hikes and off-the-beaten-path exploration.
Blue Lagoon on the coast of Akamas National Forest Park; photo credit: Mlenny
Travel tips
- Rent a 4x4 to explore the rugged Akamas Peninsula, but keep in mind that boat trips to the Blue Lagoon from Latchi are limited and weather dependent.
- Exploring historical sites in Paphos is best done on foot during the quieter, cooler hours.
Consider staying near Coral Bay for resort-style comfort close to the beaches or in Paphos Old Town for a lively café scene and easy access to both cultural sites and the Akamas trails.
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6. Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Flight time from the UK: 4.5 hours
Average temperature:
- October: 26°C
- November: 23°C
- December: 21°C
Why visit?
Tenerife is popular for good reason. Boasting a year-round warm climate, diverse landscapes, and a wide range of activities, the island is a great destination for all types of travellers. Part of the Spanish archipelago of the Canary Islands, the island offers everything from dramatic volcanic scenery and lush forests to lively beaches, water sports, a bustling nightlife and rich cultural experiences.
Best for
- Families: Tenerife is ideal for kids and families, with Siam Park (Europe’s top waterpark), Loro Parque zoo, and family-friendly beaches in Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje. Gentle coastal walks and short hikes like Barranco del Infierno are perfect for all ages.
- Adventure and nature lovers: Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, is perfect for hiking, while the Masca Valley and levada trails offer scenic walks through forests and waterfalls. Whale and dolphin watching trips, paragliding, and mountain biking provide additional adventure, while stargazing at Teide National Park ranks among the world’s best spots for clear night skies.
- Younger travellers and partygoers: Southern resorts such as Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos are the heart of Tenerife’s nightlife, offering vibrant beach bars, late-night clubs, and live music venues. Even in winter, mamy venues remain open, with beachfront parties, themed nights at popular clubs like Papagayo Beach Club or Tramps Tenerife, and a variety of bars along the promenade.
Playa de Las Teresitas in Tenerife; photo credit: querbeet
Travel tips
- If you’re planning a December trip, it’s worth booking flights and accommodation well in advance. Christmas and New Year are especially popular on the island and early planning helps secure both availability and better prices.
- During autumn and winter, the island comes alive with a variety of festivals and local celebrations. From colourful romerías and harvest traditions to lively parades and food fairs, visitors can immerse themselves in a vibrant blend of music, dance, and cuisine that fills Tenerife’s towns and villages with energy.
- For wildlife lovers, November is part of the winter migration season, making it one of the best times to go whale and dolphin watching. Alongside resident pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, you may spot species such as humpback and fin whales passing through the island’s waters.
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Final thoughts
Of course, these are only a handful of the many places where the sun keeps shining through the winter months. Across Europe and beyond, there are countless destinations ready to swap the UK’s grey skies for golden horizons. Other tempting options include Rhodes and Crete in Greece, Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt, and the ever sunny island of Malta, each offering its own mix of beaches, culture and adventure. These suggestions are just the beginning and your ideal winter escape might be closer than you think.
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