9 of the best destinations for a holiday without the jet lag

1. Marrakech

GMT +1 hour

With a heady mix of storytellers, street vendors and dancers filling the noisy and colourful Jemaa El-Fnaa square, the vibrant city of Marrakech will make you feel like you’re a world away from home. In fact, the Moroccan city is just one hour ahead of GMT.

Nicknamed the ‘Red City’ because of its rose-hued buildings, you can explore the maze of alleys in its ancient walled medina, bartering for beautiful handmade leather goods and ornately decorated tagines in the souks.

Afterwards, cool off in the shade as you wander through the tranquil cactus garden and admire the lily-covered ponds of the city’s Jardin Majorelle, which was owned by the late fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.

If time allows, take a trip to the soaring peaks of the nearby Atlas Mountains. You’ll be rewarded with stunning views and have the opportunity to sample a traditional lunch in a Berber house.

2. Cape Verde

GMT -1 hour

Drenched in year-round sunshine, Cape Verde, an archipelago of ten volcanic islands off the coast of West Africa, is just one hour behind GMT.

Make a beeline for the island of Sal, which is known for its superb beaches and lunar-like landscapes. The bustling town of Santa Maria on the southern coast draws holidaymakers looking to laze on its powder-white beach and swim in the crystal-clear sea, but watersports fans will be equally happy with windsurfing and scuba diving opportunities.

The island’s also a great choice for nature lovers. At Shark Bay on the east coast, you can join a guide and wade into the waters to see lemon sharks gliding through the waves.

If you visit between July and October, you’ll have a chance of seeing loggerhead turtles nesting and laying their eggs too. You might even catch a glimpse of baby turtles hatching and heading to the sea!

3. Iceland

GMT

After an adventure? Between epic drives through dramatic landscapes by day and bar-hopping by night, a holiday to Iceland packs in a lot. Plus, it has the added bonus of being on GMT.

Explore the ‘Golden Circle’, a 300-km (186 miles) route, which takes in the three most popular natural attractions in Iceland. You’ll visit the spectacular Thingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that’s home to Iceland’s largest lake.

On your journey you’ll also witness the bubbling hot springs of the Geysir Geothermal Area, as well as the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall, one of the most beautiful and powerful waterfalls in Iceland.

Then, as the island is known as the Land of Fire and Ice, take a trip to explore its volcanoes. If you’re feeling energetic, you can take a guided hike.

Afterwards, enjoy the buzzy capital of Reykjavik. The colourful and lively city is quickly becoming known as one of Europe’s hippest city break destinations.

4. Tunisia

GMT +1 hour

Tunisia bakes under warm skies all year round – and it’s just one hour ahead of GMT.

For beaches, the popular resort of Hammamet – known as the 'Tunisian Saint-Tropez' – ticks all fly-and-flop holiday boxes, while its picturesque medina wrapped in 15th-century walls is nearby when you’re ready to explore.

If you’re up for discovering more of Tunisia's best bits, delve into the enchanting capital of Tunis, where a UNESCO-listed medina is filled with maze-like souks and stunning architecture. History buffs should head to the ancient ruins of Carthage, on the city’s outskirts, to walk the footsteps of Roman emperors and Phoenician traders.

For something truly unique, head south to the desert town of Matmata, famous for its underground troglodyte dwellings that served as Luke Skywalker's home in Star Wars. Or take a desert safari into the Sahara, where you can ride camels across golden dunes and spend a night under the stars in a traditional Bedouin camp.

5. Portugal

GMT

Many families flock to the sandy bays and secluded coves of the Algarve’s scalloped coastline in summer, but with more than 300 days of sun annually, Portugal is a reliable pick for a jet lag-free sunshine escape all year round.

Follow the families to Portugal’s southernmost region for golden beaches, fun-filled resorts and coastal strolls along its iconic cliffs. For another side to this package holiday classic, head east towards the Spanish border and you’ll discover sleepy villages, upmarket boutique hotels and untouched natural parks teeming with wildlife.

Also on GMT is Portugal’s Madeira archipelago. You’ll get two very different holidays on these islands adrift in the Atlantic: laidback Madeira’s craggy coastline and lush interior begs to be explored, while sister island, Porto Santo, is even sleepier, defined by its epic 9km-long (5.6 miles) beach. Both benefit from pleasant summer temperatures (around 25C) and mild 16C winters.

6. Zanzibar

GMT +3 hours

Think lazing on a tropical beach means inevitable jet lag? Think again because the exotic island of Zanzibar, off the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean, is just three hours ahead of GMT.

When you’re not unwinding on picture-perfect, palm-fringed beaches and swimming in the warm turquoise waters, you can explore the world under the waves. The colourful marine life and coral reef make it a haven for divers and snorkellers.

Be sure to visit vibrant Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through its charming streets and bustling bazaars before stopping at the Forodhani Gardens food market to sample some local delicacies.

No trip to Zanzibar is complete without visiting a spice farm. Dubbed ‘Spice Island’ after its main export for the last thousand years, you’ll discover more about the many different varieties grown including cloves, cardamom and cinnamon.

7. South Africa

GMT +2 hours

With waterfront cities, world-renowned wines and wildlife drives that make your jaw drop, South Africa promises the holiday of a lifetime just two hours ahead of GMT.

Start in Cape Town to soak up the atmosphere of the V&A Waterfront, which is filled with restaurants, theatres and museums such as the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa.

The city has the spectacular Table Mountain as a backdrop; and the views from the top are equally as stunning. A cable car can take you to the summit or, if you’re feeling active, the trails scribbled across the mountain are a rewarding hike.

For the ultimate wildlife experience, visit the Kruger National Park, where you can take game-drives as you search for the ‘big five’. You’re also close to some of the world’s finest wineries, so join a tour and sample all the best drops.

8. Malta

GMT +1 hour

This sun-drenched Mediterranean island, just one hour ahead of GMT, packs an incredible amount of history, culture and natural beauty into its compact size.

For culture cravers, capital Valletta dazzles with its 16th-century honey-coloured buildings, grand harbour views and clutch of museums and opulent churches. Pair it with a visit to the ‘Silent City’ of Mdina, Malta's ancient capital that’s just 30 minutes away.

Beach lovers can choose from countless swimming spots, from the aptly named Golden Bay to the rocky coves at St. Peter's Pool, or join a boat trip to crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon.

A winter visit to Malta is particularly appealing for budget-conscious travellers, as hotels often offer incredible bargains during the off-season. With temperatures typically hovering between 15-17C (much warmer than the UK), it's perfect for exploring its historical sites and charming villages without the summer crowds or intense heat.

9. The Gambia

GMT

It may be small, but the West African nation of The Gambia offers a big welcome. In fact, it’s dubbed the Smiling Coast of Africa because the locals are so friendly. Plus it’s on GMT, so you don’t need to worry about jet lag.

Head to its sun-soaked Atlantic coastline and laze under a parasol on Kololi Beach. Then check out the nearby craft markets, bars and restaurants.

You can also spot wildlife by taking a boat trip along the River Gambia. If you’re lucky, you’ll see hippos and crocodiles – and look out for monkeys and birds in the trees too.