Mirror Travel has picked a selectiom of winter sunshine destinations that are perfect for banishing the January and February UK chill, while also not breaking the bank
A deep chill is setting in across the UK, which means a holiday somewhere sunny may be in order.
Whether you’re eyeing up a three-day weekend or an extreme day trip, the fact the UK is so well-connected makes them both possible and, occasionally, very affordable. We’ve put together a list of destinations that are perfect for a short sunny holiday that won’t cost the world, and will banish the UK winter blues.
For each we’ve included some tips from locals on things to do and places to eat, transport suggestions and the environmental impact of travelling there. This is given per passenger in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), which is a unit of measurement used to compare the climate impact of greenhouse gases. According to Curb6, every person has to limit themselves to about 1.5tonnes of CO2e a year, if the Paris Agreement’s objective of maintaining global temperature warming “well below” 2°C is to be met.
Malta
Where else can you explore a ramshackle, colorfully painted wooden village built especially for a completely mad 1980s live-action version of a beloved cartoon than Malta? “Popeye Village is a delightful blend of film history, coastal beauty and family-friendly charm. Originally a movie set for the 1980 film Popeye starring Robin Williams, it has transformed into a unique Maltese treasure where visitors can step into a world of nostalgia, adventure and stunning sea views,” persuades Tolene van der Merwe, UK & Ireland director of Visit Malta. The village is one of many Maltese spots to soak up the excellent weather, which regularly hits 20C in the winter.
Don’t miss: The sea caverns of the Blue Grotto and the dazzling colour waters that surround them.
Eat: A platter of bigilla, gbejniet, sun dried tomatoes, olives, and hobz tal-Malti at il-Merill Restaurant in Sliema.
Flight: 8.40am – 12.50pm Stansted to Valetta with Ryanair, 9.05pm – 11.35pm return on January 18. £44.
Environmental impact of flights: 812kg CO2e
Marrkech, Morocco
Nestled in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is an ancient city known today as a vibrant hub of history, culture, and community. The Medina (Old City) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features a labyrinth of narrow alleys, bustling souks (markets) and historic sites, including Jemaa el-Fnaa, the central square often filled with storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, food stalls and merchants. Enjoy the sunshine whilst wandering around Majorelle Garden – designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle, later restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent – and Menara Gardens, an olive grove with a reflective pool.
Don’t miss: The Yves Saint Laurent Museum,which is dedicated to the famed fashion designer and showcases his creations
Eat: Head to a pale blue door with flaking paint and you will find the Pétanque Social Club, a vintage pétanque court and adjoining 1930s clubhouse which serves tasty dishes beneath a magnolia tree
Flight: 7.30am – 12.20pm (easyJet) & 8.10pm – 11pm (Ryanair) Manchester to Marrakech Menara for £74 on January 13
Environmental impact of flights: 868.8kg CO2e
Tenerife, Spain
Despite the occasional anti-tourism protest in recent years, Tenerife remains an ideal destination for a quick warm-weather getaway. The destination is great for all-year round sunshine with the average lowest temperature across the entire year being 15C, but highs across all months average above 20C. As the largest of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is bustling with wildlife, serene beaches and an intricate and fascinating history.
Don’t miss: For a hidden gem, make sure to visit La Orotava — a 16th Century city on the slopes of Mount Tiede, and one of the oldest towns in the islands. The town is also home to Tiede National Park, with a 3,718-metre volcano. La Orotava is known for its idyllic gardens, detailed architecture and religious festival during Chorpus Christi – which sees up to 41 different colours feature in a large tapestry depicting different religious motifs.
Eat: Sancocho Canaria, a thick soup made with salted fish and potatoes, served almost everywhere
Flight: 6.40am – 11.10am & 7.30pm – 11.50pm London Stansted to Tenerife South with Ryanair for £49.53 on January 16.
Environmental impact of flights: 1000kg CO2e
Lisbon, Portugal
Rarely dipping below 10C at its coldest and often 18C in February, Lisbon is a little oasis of warm. TourHQ guide Marco Ribeiro laments how popular it has become in recent years, and advises escaping the hubbub via the ferry to the other side of the river in Cacilhas. There you’ll find Ponto Final, a “restaurant with a very good menu and an amazing view of the Tejo River”. At night head to Alfama, a maze of small streets where summer beer is taken outside with chicken gizzards and caldo verde soup. The world’s oldest bookshop – Livrarai Betrand – is well worth a stop.
Don’t miss: A quick trip to nearby beach town Costa da Caparica, where Benfica fans gather after a win to enjoy a dip and fresh fish.
Best place to eat: Gina.”For the price it’s extremely delicious,” says Marco of the steak, omelette and wine joint.
Flight: 9.45am to 12.45pm Manchester to Lisbon with Ryanair, 8.50pm – 11.40pm easyJet return on January 13. £74.
Environmental impact of flights: 700kg CO2