5 Winter Sun Destinations in Europe Under 5 Hours from the UK

Missing the sun already? Well, it seems like Brits are with searches for a ‘winter holiday’ up 104% in the last 3 months on Google, and interest is only on the up, according to the Association of British Travel Agents. 

Winter holidays are great for many reasons, as not only are they typically less expensive, but as well as this, you still enjoy some glorious sun without the need to travel for hours. 

With that being said, the team at Omio has compiled a list of the five hottest European destinations you can travel to for some vitamin D: 

Gran Canaria- 21°C 

If Gran Canaria isn’t on your winter holiday bucket list, it is time to add it now with no delay. There may be only six hours of sun per day between November and February; however, average peak temperatures remain at a minimum of 21 °C—yeah, you heard that right! With 60 miles of golden beaches, Gran Canaria is the perfect place for those who have only one thing on their mind: sun, sun, and more sun.

Average starting cost of flights from London Airports: From £47 (round trip)

The average duration of flight: 4 hours, 30 minutes

Lanzarote– 20°C 

Flying 228 miles from Gran Canaria, you will find the beautiful island of Lanzarote, famous for its volcanic landscapes and palm tree beaches. The average temperatures you can expect in December are around 20°C, perfect for a day of visiting beaches, exploring volcanic tunnels, and enjoying views of the ocean. 

Average starting cost of flights from London Airports: From £49 (one way)

The average duration of flight: 4 hours, 15 minutes

Madeira– 20°C 

The beautiful Portuguese island of Madeira offers a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters with average temperatures of 18–20 °C.  This enchanting island is full of unique experiences, from whale watching to walking through Madeira’s famous laurel forest. So, if you are looking to have an action-packed holiday whilst still being able to enjoy the sunshine, this is the place to go! 

Average starting cost of flights from London Airports: From £68 (round trip)

The average duration of flight: 2 hours, 25 minutes

Marrakech- 19°C 

One of the cheapest destinations to fly to at this time of year, not to mention its gorgeous weather and 7 hours of daylight, is the beautiful city of Marrakech with an average temperature of 19°C in December. 

The ‘red city’ has a plethora of stunning landmarks, such as the Jardin Majorelle and Musée Yves Saint Laurent, making the word ‘boredom’ non-existent when travelling here! 

Average starting cost of flights from London Airports: From £31 (round trip)

The average duration of flight: 3 hours, 40 minutes

 Malta- 17°C 

One of the destinations that is on the cooler side compared to the other ones on the list but still offers some lovely sun is Malta, with temperatures typically averaging around 17°C in December. 

Due to the reduced footfall, popular tourist attractions like Valletta and the Blue Lagoon can be explored and enjoyed with far fewer crowds. Boasting over 300 days of sunshine, Malta makes an ideal holiday destination no matter what time of year. 

Average starting cost of flights from London Airports: From £62 (round trip)

The average duration of flight: 3 hours, 15 minutes