As the temperature plummets and some places in the UK enjoy a sprinkling of snow, the idea of escaping the cold weather could not be more enticing. Happily, there are several family-friendly warm, beach locations not far from the UK, which don’t cost the Earth to get to.
While the UK has many beautiful beaches to offer over the winter months, Europe is where it is at if you are after something a little warmer and less rain-soaked. Now is the ideal time to pack a bag and enjoy some off-season sun, without the crowds or sunbed stealers. Last minute flights are all relatively cheap, with most coming in under £100.
Here is our pick of the bunch.
Poetto Beach — Sardinia, Italy
Average high temperature: 20C
Flight time: Under three hours
Cost of flights: From £70
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Around a 20-minute drive from Cagliari Airport, is Poetto Beach. This vast and stunning soft sand beach features white dunes, kiosks, a summer camp, and multicoloured beach huts. It is also one of the largest city beaches in Europe. Located only a few kilometres from the centre and port of Cagliari, the beach offers a charming walk, including along the city’s marina.
Perfect for families, the water is clear and shallow — ideal for children to play in. There is also a pathway that runs behind the modern waterfront, which is perfect for walking, jogging, biking or skating. Kiosks along the beach also serve refreshments, and there are toilets and showers available on the beach too. For families looking to do more than swim or sunbath, the beach and surrounding area offers many activities including diving centres, canoe rides, volleyball courts, sailing schools, beach tennis and sailing schools.
Praia de São João — Lisbon, Portugal
Average high temperature: 18C
Flight time: Under three hours
Cost of flights: From £64
Lisbon is the hilly, coastal capital of Portugal which benefits from warmer November temperatures, reaching highs of 18C. The city is rich with history, but also offers the ideal destination for families as there is plenty to do. Just a 28 minute drive from the airport is Praia de São João beach. This long one kilometre stretch of golden sand has free parking, foot access and is a Blue Flag beach.
Ideal for families, the water is crystal clear and the beach has many amenities including toilets, showers and beach volleyball. The beach also is great for history lovers as nearby is the Trafaria Prison, located on the hill behind the beach. This disused prison offers guided tours and there are several hiking routes in the area that offer panoramic views.
Several restaurants are also located near to the beach, including Restaurante Cais da Trafaria, which serves an array of seafood dishes. The beach is also well-known for spectacular sunsets, making it the perfect all-day beach.
Mondello Beach — Palermo, Italy
Average high temperature: 20C
Flight time: Under three hours
Cost of flights: From £79
Just a short 20-minute drive from Palermo Airport is the beautiful seaside village of Mondello, home to one of Sicily’s most beautiful beaches. Mondello Beach is known for its fine white sands, clear waters, clear waters and idyllic setting. Temperatures can reach up to 20C in November, making it the ideal escape from British wet weather. Mondello also comes with a lot of history to explore as it dates back to being an Arab outpost known as Marsâ ‘at Tin (Port of Mud). In addition to the beach, there is a quaint old fishing harbour and palm tree-lined promenade.
The beach is particularly perfect for small children and toddlers as the waters are quite shallow. In the middle of the beach is Alle Terrazze — a high end Italian restaurant with views out across the ocean. The Liberty-style restaurant sits on a pier, stretching across the water, and even includes steps directly down into the crystal clear ocean. There are several other bars and restaurants along the beach, as well as sporting companies for boat tours and snorkelling activities.
Playa de Illetes — Majorca, Spain
Average high temperature: 20C
Flight time: Under three hours
Cost of flights: From £41
A 30 minute drive away from central Palma, is Playa de Illetes. This smaller beach on the island is the ideal location to take children away from the hustle and bustle of Palma. Whilst the cove beach is extremely popular during the peak season, for the winter months it becomes quieter. It is located in the holiday resort town of Illetas, which means it benefits from many local amenities, including hotels, restaurants and shops.
The beach is around 200 metres long and made up of white sand. The water is very calm making it ideal for families wanting to swim. The cove can be accessed via a small, paved walkway from the streets of Illetas.
Similar to many other locations in Majorca, visitors can hire sunbeds and umbrellas, and there are some activities for children to enjoy such as paddle boats and stand-up paddle boards. There are also a few restaurants directly on the beach, as well as showers and toilets on site.
Playa del Zapillo — Almeria, Spain
Average high temperature: 20C
Flight time: Under three hours
Cost of flights: From £133
Located not far from central Almeria, is Playa del Zapillo — a 2.3 kilometre long beach with sparkling waters. The beach, while busy in the summer months, is less busy as winter approaches, but can still experience temperatures of up to 20C.
Due to the length of the beach, it is the ideal place to go for a walk and all within a short distance, are basic amenities including bars, deckchairs and umbrellas. Some of the beach’s seven restaurants, are even set in the sand. For families with older children wanting to try something different, the beach is ideal for windsurfing.
