The Best Three Winter Sun Destinations from the UK
January and February are often the hardest winter months to slog through in the UK. The cosy lights and festive vibes of December have long passed and the blooming daffodils and longer spring days still feel so far away. The weather is gloomy, grey and miserable and we end up feeling the same way. The good news is that the UK is relatively close to some awesome destinations that can offer you some much needed winter sunshine and beach time to recharge your zest for life!
There are loads of places in surrounding the UK that have warmer winter weather than we do, but these are my top three for warmest weather and most culturally vibrant, and all three are within a 6-hour flight from the UK. Get your cossie, sunscreen and sunnies ready because after reading this, you’ll definitely be ready to book your winter sunshine getaway!
Paphos, Cyprus
Cyprus is a Mediterranean island that lies between the coasts of Türkiye and Greece and is actually made up of a Turkish side and Greek side. The island is rich in history and culture and is home to some incredible beaches.
Finding a Mediterranean destination that doesn’t shut down after the peak season can be difficult, but Cyprus is the perfect Med winter escape, with only a few businesses shutting down in winter. The winter day time temperatures range between 15 – 20°C, making Cyprus the perfect destination for a bit of sun bathing and enjoying the beaches without the summer crowds. The island is also green and lush in winter, which allows you to get out into nature and enjoy the greenery without the dreary grey clouds of the British winter.
One of the best and most convenient places to stay in Cyprus would be Paphos, which is located on the Greek side of the island. There is an airport just outside the city which has direct flights to and from the UK. Coral Bay is a gorgeous blue flag sandy beach, with beautiful turquoise water, just a 20-minute drive or bus ride, from the centre of Paphos. Embrace the sunshine and soak up some much-needed winter vitamin D while lounging on the beach, without the noise and stress of the summer tourists.
Some great accommodation options in Paphos are:
Paphos is also known as the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love and has many historical ruins and a very interesting archaeological site to visit if you’re looking for something to do in the area. The old town is full of historic charm with its cobbled streets and traditional tavernas, which will be much more enjoyable to explore out of peak season. There is also a hiking trail called the Aphrodite trail, where you can enjoy some breath-taking coastal views over the Mediterranean Sea. If you enjoy a good glass of wine, you may want to include a wine tasting excursion while you’re in Paphos. I’ve linked one of the most popular tours for this on GetYourGuide here.
Agadir, Morocco
Agadir is a modern, relaxed coastal town that lies in Northern Morocco. It is known for its warm and sunny weather, relaxed atmosphere and long sandy beaches. It’s exactly the kind of place that’ll sort those UK winter blues!
Agadir Airport is a 30-minute drive from the city and has many direct flights to and from the UK, with a flight time of under 4 hours. The winter weather in this laidback coastal city is warm and sunny, with daytime temperatures ranging between 18-20°C, which means you’ll definitely be able to enjoy your time relaxing on the golden sandy beach that stretches for miles and soak up all the sunshine you need! The beach is the heart of Agadir and is enjoyed by the locals just as much as the tourists. Beach chairs and umbrellas are restricted to certain areas, making the beach feel spacious and very relaxed.
These accommodation options in Agadir are rated highly on Google and Booking.com, so check them out if you’re planning on booking a stay:
Sofitel Agadir Thalassa Sea & Spa
Pickalbatros Palais Des Roses – Agadir – All Inclusive
Compared to the hustle and bustle of Marrakech and Fes, Agadir is an easy-going coastal town filled with good, very affordable food, good vibes and friendly locals. It’s a city that gives you the chance to experience Moroccan culture with calm and ease.
If you’d like to fill your time in Agadir with more than just some lounging at the beach, you can take a long walk along the promenade and browse the local shops, hike or take a cable car up to the Kasbah to enjoy sunset, stroll through the Souk or even enjoy a traditional Moroccan hammam. There is also a really popular surf spot called Taghazout Bay 30 minutes away from Agadir, if you’re in the mood for something more adventurous! If you’ve never visited the Atlas Mountains and would like to include that during your trip to Agadir, this is the most popular tour for Paradise Valley in the Atlas Mountains on GetYourGuide.
*Please make sure not to support the exploitation of animals in tourism while you’re visiting Agadir. Sadly, as lovely as Agadir is, activities like goats in the trees, camel rides and dolphin and crocodile shows are used to make money from tourism in the area.
Hurghada, Egypt
Hurghada is an Egyptian coastal town that has transformed from a small traditional fishing village into a major tourist destination that’s perfect for winter sunshine getaways. Hurghada Airport is a short 20-minute drive away from the city and has direct flights to and from the UK for under 6 hours and hotels and restaurants are open year-round, with peak seasons in Spring and Autumn.
The surrounding clear turquoise waters, coral reefs and soft sandy beaches are ideal to relax and unwind in the sunshine, with winter daytime temperatures reaching up to an amazing 24°C. The area is also known for its world-class snorkelling and diving spots. There is a protected reef in Hurghada, known as Dolphin House, that is home to large pods of wild dolphins. If you’re a nature lover, you’ll definitely want to book this tour on GetYourGuide so you don’t miss your chance to swim with them! It is always such a privilege to be able to see wild animals in their natural habitat. (*Please respect the wildlife and their boundaries. Please do not touch the them.)
Even though Hurghada has grown and developed from its humble fishing village roots, you can still experience authentic Egyptian local culture in the city by exploring the bustling souks, restaurants and coffee shops in the Old Town (El Dahar). If you’re interested to learn more about life in Hurghada, live shows like Fantasia offer a glimpse into the history and traditions of the area. There is also a lively waterfront marina to stroll along, lined with restaurants and bars.
Some highly recommended accommodation options in Hurghada are:
Pickalbatros White Beach Resort – Hurghada
If you’re interested in experiencing Ancient Egyptian history and architecture, book a day trip to Luxor, where you’ll see highlights such as the Vally of the Kings’ royal tombs, Tutenkhamun’s Temple and Queen Hatsheput’s Temple. It’s a really long day with a 4.30am start time, but when in Egypt, explore like the Egyptians!
Getting that summer feeling with a winter sunshine escape is exactly what we need to push us through the last months of the dark, gloomy UK winter. It refreshes and uplifts our mood and helps give us back the zest we need to start our year off right. Whether you’re planning on exploring historic ruins in Paphos, enjoying delicious affordable seafood in Agadir or snorkelling with dolphins in Hurghada, these three winter sunshine gems have so much to offer and will definitely make winter much more bearable! If you need any help arranging your own winter sunshine holiday, feel free to reach out and I’ll see how best to help you!
