Fancy swapping the woolly scarves and de-icing the car for sarongs and lazy days spent sunning yourself on the beach?
Ditch the thermals without having to trot halfway around the world this winter. Let dreams become reality and get your sunshine fix in one fo these seven short-haul destinations. With flights from as little as from €31* return, see you on the beach!
1. Malaga, from €41* return
Head to Malaga and the Costa del Sol for some winter sun, as the temperatures are still pretty balmy. It’ll take you just a couple of hours and you’ll be watching the world go by from a cobbled side-street cafe in Malaga’s old town.
Flights to Malaga2. Tenerife from €43 return
This holiday hotspot of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is a great option for anyone wanting to keep their parka firmly packed away in the winter closet! Just a four and a half hour flight from Ireland, you’ll be enjoying some Spanish sangria on the sands in no time!
Flights to Tenerife3. Lanzarote from €51* return
One of the Spanish Canary Islands, Lanzarote is actually only 70 miles off the coast of West Africa, which explains why it’s a perfect spot for some glorious winter sun, with average temperatures of 20 degrees C at this time of year. Hop on a flight and you could be kicking back on one of the island’s black volcanic beaches.
Flights to Lanzarote4. Morocco from €82 return
Lying on the edge of the Sahara desert can bank on Marakkech, Agadir or the chilled-out port of Essauoira to bring the year-round sunshine, When you fancy a break from the beach, get all steamed up in a traditional Hammam spa and bathhouse.
Fights to Morocco5. Madeira from €155 return
Head to Madeira if you’re up for adventuring through lush laurel forests while working on your tan. This tiny island’s tropical climate means it gets plenty of rain, so pack the umbrella. But you’ll have an average of 10 sunlight hours to soak up your daily dose of vitamin D.
Flights to Madeira6. Gibraltar from €165 return
Gibraltar still enjoys temperatures in the mid-20s during the winter months, making it a great place to escape the chill. Go jogging on the sandy stretch of Eastern Beach, or even go beneath the waves at Marina Bay for a spot of scuba diving.
Flights to GibraltarPublished November 2018. Any prices are lowest estimated prices only at the time of publication and are subject to change and/or availability.
