12 of the best short-haul winter sun destinations

1. Malta

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.

Divers can discover the spectacular underwater caves and wreck sites of the even smaller island of Comino.

Best winter month to visit: February

Flight time from the UK: 3 hours 15 minutes

2. Morocco

Morocco’s searing summer heat has gone by the time winter rolls around, leaving pleasant sunny days in the 20Cs. This makes exploring Marrakech’s souks much more of a pleasure.

Stop for a refreshing pot of mint tea in the rooftop cafés 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.

Best winter month to visit: November

Flight time from the UK: 3 hours 40 minutes

3. Tenerife

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. Just to the east is El Médano, whose 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 if you want a gentler way up.

Best winter month to visit: November

Flight time from the UK: 4 hours 35 minutes

4. Egypt

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

Cairo’s jaw-dropping pyramids should be at the top of your itinerary – you can’t miss them, as they’re right on the edge of the city. Winter’s cooler climate makes exploring them far more enjoyable.

Go diving in the Red Sea resorts of Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh, or take a relaxing boat cruise down the River Nile.

In search of adventure? Head into the desert dunes for sandboarding and 4x4 safaris.

Best winter month to visit: February

Flight time from the UK: 5 hours 20 minutes

5. Cape Verde

With flight times of more than five hours, the Cape Verde islands slightly stretch the short-haul definition.

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. And if you can find a direct flight, it’s one of your best bets for winter sun within six hours of the UK.

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.

Best winter months to visit: December and January

Flight time from the UK: 6 hours (or 8 hours 30 minutes with a stopover)

6. Lanzarote

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 breathtaking ochre sands of Playa de Famara. On the south-eastern tip of the island is Playa Blanca, whose sheltered beaches are popular with families.

Best winter month to visit: November

Flight time from the UK: 4 hours 15 minutes

7. The Azores

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 San 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.

Best winter month to visit: November

Flight time from the UK: 4 hours 20 minutes

8. Cyprus

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?

Best winter month to visit: November

Flight time from the UK: 4 hours 30 minutes

9. Gran Canaria

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 looks 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.

Best winter month to visit: November

Flight time from the UK: 4 hours 25 minutes

10. Madeira

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.

Best winter month to visit: November

Flight time from the UK: 3 hours 55 minutes

11. La Palma

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.

Best winter month to visit: December

Flight time from the UK: 4 hour 25 minutes

12. Tunisia

Ancient sites, palm-fringed beach resorts, historic cities, lush landscapes of olive groves and vineyards – they’re all part of what makes Tunisia such an enticing choice for a short-haul winter sun break.

Browse the stalls in the 7th-century medina in the capital, Tunis, before heading to the dazzling blue and white village of Sidi Bou Said. Combine a beach break in Hammamet with visits to the ancient Roman sites at El Jem and Dougga.

Best winter month to visit: December

Flight time from the UK: 3 hours 10 minutes