Short & mid-haul holiday destinations that are still great during winter
NEW research has revealed the top four short-haul destinations where the sun never stops shining.
The destinations included are less than a five-hour flight from the UK, and deals start from £260pp.
But it doesn’t end there, as they also all have an average temperature of at least 21C throughout the year.
Here are the best destinations to visit for guaranteed sunshine, according to On the Beach:
1. Canary Islands
Unsurprisingly, the Canary Islands come out on top of the destinations to visit all year round.
Just off the coast of northwest Africa, the islands benefit from a subtropical climate, with the lowest temperature never dipping below 18C.
The islands also have something for everyone, from sunbathers, groups of mates, and surfers to families looking to relax.
Maspalomas in Gran Canaria is one of the best beaches on the islands, with more than 10 miles of sandy shores and rolling sand dunes.
Tenerife’s Playa de las Teresitas has golden sand that looks like it’s been taken from the Sahara. Meanwhile, Lanzarote’s Papagayo Beach offers crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling.
Prices start from £310pp for seven-night stays, including return flights from the UK, and these are the best hotels to visit:
- Paradise Lago Taurito & Aqua Park (Gran Canaria) – great family-friendly hotel on the beach of Playa Mogan
- Hotel KN Arenas del Mar Beach & Spa – Adults Only (Tenerife) – a beachfront hotel with a relaxing on-site spa
- Oasis Duna (Fuerteventura) – with two swimming pools, waterslides and plenty of activities for the kids
- Sol La Palma Hotel (La Palma) – with plenty of facilities for all ages
- Sol Lanzarote (Lanzarote) – a modern hotel with views for days
2. Turkey
Thanks to its gorgeous Mediterranean and Aegean shores, Turkey has long been a popular beach resort.
But what’s attractive is its accessible luxury and balmy weather. Although the country is a great destination to visit all year round, it shines between March and October if you’re looking for a beach holiday.
The coastal areas in Bodrum, Marmaris and Antalya offer water sports, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful sandy beaches.
Some of the best beaches will be along the Turkish Riviera, sometimes called the Turquoise Coast, thanks to its incredible waters.
But Turkey is more than just beaches. Its abundance of culture, history, and food makes it a great city break from November to February.
Prices start from £260pp for seven-night stays, including return flights from the UK, and these are the best hotels to visit:
- The Land of Legends – the hotel has the largest waterpark in Europe, a theme park with rides for all ages, a 5D cinema and an aquarium
- Eftalia Splash Resort – this one has an on-site waterpark, pirate ship, exclusive beach club and watersports
- Titanic Beach Lara – this hotel has a cruising vibe without being at sea, thanks to its ship-like structure with loads of pools, restaurants and activities
- Granada Luxury Belek Hotel – home to the jaw-dropping Wonderland Aqua Park, cinema, adults-only zone and a relaxing spa
- Liberty Fabay Hotel – at this hotel, you can wander across to the beachfront or the pools, enjoy a Pilates class and swim up to the bar for a cocktail
- Green Nature Resort And Spa – tucked away among the pine forests but still close to the heart of the action, this hotel in Marmaris features three lagoon pools
- Hillside Beach Club – set along its own private Blue Flag beach with tons of sports, a candlelit beach restaurant and live DJ sets in the evening
3. Spain
Although we’ve already mentioned its islands, mainland Spain deserves recognition, too.
Spain is a year-round beach resort with plenty to offer to sunseekers. Beach lovers can enjoy the Costa del Sol’s consistent Mediterranean weather and relaxing atmosphere.
Meanwhile, those who enjoy rocky shores and crystal-clear waters should head to the Costa Brava.
On the Atlantic coast, Costa de la Luz offers a more relaxing vibe, which is pleasant even during winter.
Spain offers many holiday options, whether you’re interested in water sports, relaxing, or discovering quaint coastal locations and new cities during the ‘colder’ months.
For instance, Madrid is home to renowned art museums, plazas and nightlife, while Barcelona is a popular destination thanks to its distinctive architecture, beaches, and cuisine. And Valencia is a seaside city that perfectly blends contemporary design with an ancient old town backdrop.
Prices start from £264pp for seven-night stays, including return flights from the UK, and these are the best hotels to visit:
- Evenia Olympic Resort – based on the Costa Brava, this hotel has a mini club, nightclub and swimming pools
- Sol Principe – this one has direct access to the beach, poolside bar and kids’ club
- Torremolinos – an ideal spot for your next family holiday
- Sol Pelicanos Ocas – this is where they filmed the famous ‘Benidorm’ TV show, with three swimming pools and lively entertainment, it’s fun for all ages
- BCL Levante Club & Spa Hotel – with a beautiful spa, pool and vibrant local area, is an ideal spot for your adults-only break
- Magic Aqua Rock Gardens – this hotel is just a stone’s throw away from the beach and also has slides, a safari-themed area and a separate adult-only zone
- Blue Sea Montevista Hawai – in Lloret De Mar, this hotel boasts plenty of kids’ facilities, two outdoor pools and restaurants
- Holiday World Polynesia – this hotel in Benalmadena gives you free access to ‘The Beach Club’, where you’ll find pools, a waterpark and tons of activities
4. Balearic Islands
The list wouldn’t be complete without the other beloved Spanish islands, the Balearics.
With an average temperature of 19C throughout the year, they’re great for escaping the gloomy British weather.
The ‘beach paradise’ islands are a tourists’ favourite all year long, whether you’re visiting the shores of Majorca, Ibiza, Menorca, or Formentera.
Even in the winter, the climate on these islands is pleasant, but summer is the best time to go swimming and sunbathing.
On the islands, you’ll be able to explore secluded coves, take in the local culture, or have a wild time in Ibiza and Formentera.
Prices start from £260pp for seven-night stays, including return flights from the UK, and these are the best hotels to visit:
- INNSiDE by Melia Alcudia – the hotel has sleek interiors, ultra-modern rooms and two beaches on your doorstep
- Ibiza Rocks Hotel (adults only) – daily DJ sets, pool parties, huge evening shows, this one is a one-stop-shop for a proper Ibiza party
- Sol Katmandu Park & Resort – one for kids here, there’s a theme park, splash park and plenty of entertainment
For a holiday this year, we’ve rounded up the hottest short-haul destinations to visit in December.
And the best winter holidays with ‘guaranteed sun’ that are also great value.
And if you’d like to start planning ahead, Jet2 launches the biggest-ever summer sale with 16 million seats on 350 routes in 2025.