Escaping the British winter does not have to mean travelling halfway around the world. From the sun blessed beaches of the Canary Islands to the cultural wonders of Morocco, there are plenty of incredible short haul winter sun holiday destinations within a relatively short distance of the UK where you can enjoy warmer temperatures, beautiful scenery and a first class hospitality.
With so many short haul winter sun holiday destinations to choose from, making a final decision can prove divisive. That's where our Luxury Travel Specialists come in, drawing on their first hand experiences to recommend some of the best winter sun holiday destinations that will suit you based on your stated hopes and requirements. Whether you are planning a family adventure, a romantic break, a relaxing beach holiday or a cultural city tour, we hope that these suggestions will help provide you with a little inspiration. Let's start off with a few destinations that will provide activities and attractions that will appeal to all members of the family.
The Best Short Haul Winter Sun Holiday Destinations For Families
When travelling with children during the winter months, sunshine, short flight times and a good choice of family-friendly activities are often high on the priority list. Fortunately, several destinations offer all three of these criteria with abundance.
The Canary Islands are a particularly popular choice for families seeking short haul winter sun holidays. Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote each offer their own combination of attractive beaches, outdoor adventures and luxury resorts. Tenerife is especially well suited to families who want variety, with opportunities to explore Mount Teide National Park, enjoy boat trips along the coast and spend fun-filled days at the island's incredible water parks. Gran Canaria meanwhile offers sandy beaches, fascinating volcanic landscapes and plenty of opportunities for family excursions. Winter temperatures are generally mild, making outdoor activities far less strenuous than they otherwise would be during the peak summer season.
Another destination worth considering is Madeira, the Portuguese island known for its beautiful scenery, gardens and picturesque coastline. Families who prefer exploration to spending every day beside a swimming pool can discover botanical gardens, take cable car rides above Funchal or enjoy gentle walks through the island's spectacular landscapes. Its mild winter climate is ideal for outdoor activities, although it is worth remembering that Madeira is not primarily a traditional sandy beach destination.
The Best Short Haul Winter Sun Holiday Destinations For Couples
For couples seeking a little winter warmth, the best destination often depends on whether relaxation or exploration is the priority. Fortunately, several potential winter sun holiday destinations combine 5 star accommodation with mouth watering restaurants, interesting excursions and opportunities to enjoy quality time together.
Morocco is an excellent option for couples looking for a change of scenery. Its largest city, Marrakech, offers an atmospheric blend of traditional souks, elegant riads, rooftop restaurants and peaceful gardens. Days can be spent exploring the city's architecture and food markets before returning to a luxurious hotel for an afternoon beside the swimming pool. Couples who want to venture beyond the city can also arrange excursions into the Atlas Mountains or the Agafay Desert, adding an element of adventure to their holiday.
For a more laid-back escape, the Algarve in Portugal is also worth considering. Although winter is cooler than during the summer season, the region enjoys plenty of bright days and a relaxed atmosphere. Couples can explore picturesque coastal towns, walk along dramatic cliff-top paths and enjoy long lunches overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Many resorts are also quieter during winter, making this an appealing option for those who prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle.
The Best Short Haul Winter Sun Holiday Destinations for Romance
If romance is the main reason for travelling, we'd recommend considering destinations where beautiful surroundings, intimate accommodation and memorable experiences are the key criteria.
One short haul winter sun holiday destination we'd recommend considering is Lanzarote where striking volcanic scenery, secluded coves and stylish hotels create a captivating setting for a romantic break. The island's distinctive landscapes are particularly beautiful at sunset, while its vineyards and excellent seafood restaurants offer opportunities to discover an altogether different side of the Canary Islands.
Another strong contender has to be the before mentioned Marrakech, particularly for couples who appreciate boutique accommodation and fascinating cultural experiences. Staying in a traditional riad provides complete privacy away from the city's busy streets, often with tranquil courtyards, intimate dining spaces and rooftop terraces. A guided tour of the local attractions and a romantic dinner beneath the stars can make a short haul winter winter sun holiday feel particularly memorable. Armed with the right itinerary, a few days here can provide a sought after combination of culture, relaxation and romance.
The Best Short Haul Winter Sun City Breaks
Winter is perhaps the best time to explore a city without the intense heat and crowds that often come hand in hand with the summer months. For travellers who want to combine sightseeing with warmer weather, several destinations come to mind for providing the platform from which to enjoy particularly memorable winter sun city breaks.
The Spanish city of Barcelona is a wonderful choice for architecture, history and food. Its gothic quarter, hilltop gardens and charming historic attractions provide plenty to discover on foot. Tourists can explore its magnificent 14th century cathedral, admire Montjuic Castle and enjoy tapas in traditional neighbourhood bars. Although winter evenings can be slightly chilly, daytime temperatures are often ideal for outdoor sightseeing, making the city an attractive alternative to colder European capitals.
For a more exotic experience, Marrakech offers a fascinating contrast to a conventional European city break. Its medina (old town) is filled with colourful market stalls, historic buildings and traditional cafes, while contemporary restaurants and luxury hotels provide a more modern side to the city. Winter is generally a comfortable time to explore, although evenings can be slightly cool. A carefully planned itinerary can combine guided sightseeing with time to relax, ensuring you get the chance to experience the city's main highlights without the crowds of the summer months.
The Best Short Haul Winter Sun Beach Breaks
Sometimes the ideal winter escape involves little more than sunshine, beautiful coastal scenery and time to unwind beside the sea. If this kind of holiday sounds more up your street, then the Canary Islands remain among the best short haul winter sun holiday destinations.
Tenerife offers a particularly eclectic style of beach holiday, with resort areas catering to a variety of different tastes. The south of the island is popular for its generally sunnier, drier winter weather, while a range of beachfront hotels provide everything from family-friendly facilities to sophisticated adults only resorts. Beyond the beach, boat trips, coastal restaurants and excursions into the island's volcanic interior provide plenty of options for those who want to take the opportunity to explore.
Gran Canaria is another option that is well worth considering, particularly for travellers who enjoy combining beach time with interesting surroundings. The famous Maspalomas dunes provide a striking natural backdrop, while the island's southern resorts offer sandy beaches, restaurants and opportunities for fun watersports. Choosing accommodation carefully is important during winter, particularly if a heated swimming pool, direct beach access or a quieter setting is high on your holiday agenda.
Plan Your Tailor Made Short Haul Winter Sun Holiday With Elegant Resorts
The best short haul winter sun holiday is ultimately the one that best suits your individual interests, preferred travel style and expectations. While one traveller may be looking for a family-friendly resort in Tenerife, another might prefer a romantic riad in Marrakech or cultural exploration in Seville.
At Elegant Resorts, our Luxury Travel Specialists use their first-hand destination knowledge and personal experience to help you discover the right short haul winter sun holiday destination for you. They can recommend destinations and accommodation, arrange flights and relevant excursions, and create a tailor-made holiday itinerary that brings together everything you want to get from your time away.
Whether you are looking for a few days of winter sunshine or a longer escape combining several experiences, our team can take care of the planning and finer details. Get in touch with the Luxury Travel Specialists at Elegant Resorts today to begin the exciting planning process for your own tailor made short haul winter sun holiday.