The Shortest Flights For Winter Sun This Year!

Author: Tima Maherali, Senior Content Creator

Don’t ditch the sunhat just yet, there are still plenty of pool days to be had – without flying all the way to the Caribbean! These winter warmers just a few hours away mean you could be sunning yourself on the shoreline in no time! 

So, as the days get shorter and heating bills get longer, there’s no better cure for the winter blues than taking off on an off-peak budget friendly break where sun and blue skies await. From adventures in mountainous  Madeira and water park wonderland in Antalya  to basking on  Egypt’s  silky shores, check out our closer to home winter sun hotspots for your vitamin D diary... 

Malta

Average Flight Time: 3h, 15m

Average Temperatures: 16-21C 

Winter Tip: December is the busiest winter month, with Christmas festivities to enjoy!

Even if temperatures don’t climb to dizzying heights, it's worth noting that in just a few hours we could be basking in double the annual sunshine hours compared to London. During November and December, temperatures in Malta hover comfortably between 18°C and 21°C, making festive celebrations a buzz. It's the ideal time to experience the island without the summer crowds and sky-high expenses, from lodging to transportation. Whether you choose a city break in the sunny capital of Valetta, with its intricate streets and grand Baroque architecture, opt for hikes amidst ancient Roman ruins and jaw dropping cliffs, or revel in beach days at St. Julian or Gozo with their peaceful sandy bays and lush rural landscapes, Malta offers a captivating winter destination, where incredible history meets breathtaking scenery, stunning architecture, and delectable cuisine.

Marrakech, Morocco

Average Flight Time: 3h, 30m 

Average Temperatures: 17-22C  

Winter Tip: Wear an extra layer when the sun sets & expect some rain in December 

Morocco’s shoulder season hits between November to February and although the winding scented streets of Marrakesh are unlikely to be drenched in sun come January, it’s way warmer than the UK - and far more exotic! The outdoor sightseeing and culture feels in the Red City is simply magic, adventurers head to the Sahara sands or nearby mountains, while couples snuggle up in riads (traditional guesthouse). On the focal Djemaa el-Fna square each night is intrigued with belly dancers, jugglers, snake charmers and tempting wafts from tagine stalls, right below the majestic Koutoubia mosque. And then there’s the treasure hunting at authentic souks brimming with haggle-happy stallholders flaunting everything from cloves to carpets. Further out sprawl glorious tropical gardens, such as the iconic blue-hued Jardin Majorelle, and Islamic palaces.

Madeira, Portugal

Average Flight Time: 3h, 45m 

Average Temperatures: 19-21C  

Winter Tip: Pack a jacket for the mountain peaks and al fresco nights

Make oh-so-majestic  Madeira your choice for that tempting slice of winter warmth, while much of mainland Europe shivers! Close to the Canaries and aptly referred to as, ‘the island of eternal spring’ due to its subtropical climate, you can enjoy sun, sea breeze and activities all year round. As well as the subtropical weather, Madeira is favourited for its lush hiking, amazing volcanic geography, black-sand beaches, dolphin watching and of course the stellar seafood. The landscapes of Madeira are lush throughout winter, meaning it’s perfectly decked out for happy hikers who want to enjoy the island’s stunning beauty and iconic levadas minus the summer crowds.

Antalya, Turkey

Average Flight Time: 4h 

Average Temperatures: 15-20C 

Winter Tip: Expect a lovely autumn warmth in winter, with some rain in January 

Winter days in  Antalya go a little something like this: ancient ruin sightseeing sprees, R&R in authentic hammams and shopping and golfing heaven! Temperatures are usually still up in the high teens, so beach days and water sports are certainly on the cards! The mega water wonderland, Land of Legends and the myriad of tours and excursions is a big plus for families being active all year round, but the best perk of choosing Antalya is the fantastic value, plush retreats and everything-on-tap All Inclusive resorts. Away from the sizzling summers, hotels are much quieter, meaning you’re more likely to have wonderful beaches, dedicated service and cultural hotspots all to yourself!  

Canary Islands, Spain

Average Flight Time: 4h, 15m  

Average Temperatures: 18-22C  

Winter Tip: Gran Canaria and Tenerife top the temperatures!

No winter sun rundown would be complete without a shout out to the Canary Islands! Thanks to their proximity to Africa, the gorgeous Canary Islands  are great for cheating winter, with the sun shining bright for a healthy seven hours daily, with temperatures over 20°C during the day. The southern resorts of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, boasting beaches with all-the-bells-and-whistles are the warmest of the Spanish archipelago during the months of December, January and February. Scenic Fuerteventura and Lanzarote stay pretty toasty too, so forget your blankets and socks, as here you can spend your days making footprints in Sahara-style sand dunes, hopping on camels and catamaran cruises and indulging in sun-kissed al fresco lunches!  

Paphos, Cyprus

Average Flight Time: 4h, 30m 

Average Temperatures: 18-22C 

Winter Tip: Grab your light jacket for nights out on the town! 

Soak up the sun in the mild Med with a break to ticks-all-the-boxes  Paphos.  With a cluster of Blue Flag swathes backed by limestone cliffs and dip-dyed by teal-tinted waters, there’s no shortage of lounging locations. But there’s so much more to Cyprus than just beaches; Winter temperatures boast the sightseeing sweet spot - breezy enough for leisurely wanders around cultural hotspots like the Tombs of the Kings and that beautiful blue-sky backdrop for those holiday snaps. The cheap direct flights and lack of crowds adds the cherry on top! There’s a huge range of cultural activities, historical sites, pretty villages and gorgeous restaurants to be discovered. Kids will love the splash-tastic and zoo, while night owls will also enjoy plenty of entertainment with a buzzing harbourfront accessorised with a meze of bars, pubs and nightclubs. 

Hurghada, Egypt

Average Flight Time: 5h, 30m 

Average Temperatures: 22-30C 

Winter Tip: November and February are favourited for glorious weather

A slightly longer flight, but we’re talking about a heated hotspot in the eastern Sahara desert! The scorching temperatures over the summer months is long gone in winter, so it's a welcome change in Hurghada - the ideal time for activities such as desert tours, quad biking and day trips to see the famous Pyramids. This popular family-friendly resort will also have you lounging on dreamy Red Sea beaches caressed by shallow pristine waters, snorkelling through glistening coral reefs teeming with underwater treasures and exhilarating in water sports from swimming with dolphins to surfing. And if that’s not enough, there’s always the shopping and vibrant nightlife to keep you gasping for more!