The best winter sun holidays, six hours from the UK

Many Brits long for sun and warmth as the days get shorter and colder. But you don't have to fly halfway around the world to find a sunny spot for your winter getaway. Plenty of destinations within six hours of flight from the UK offer stunning scenery, relaxing beaches, and cultural attractions.

Whether you want to explore the rugged beauty of Madeira, enjoy the sandy shores of Egypt, or discover the charm of the Spanish islands, there are options for every taste and budget. You can escape the winter blues and start the new year with a tan and a smile.

Here are some of the best places to visit this winter for vitamin D.

Hurghada, Egypt

Flight time: 5h 30m

Egypt is an excellent choice if you are looking for a warm and sunny destination this winter. With an average temperature of 22C in December and seven hours of sunshine daily, you can enjoy the beach and the sea without feeling cold. Hurghada, on the east coast of the Sahara desert, is a popular tourist spot with many resorts that cater to families. You can swim in the clear water and see the colorful coral reefs and fish. And the best part is, you can get there in less than six hours from the UK - that's shorter than watching The Lord of the Rings trilogy…

How to get there: EasyJet has a five-night all-inclusive package at Labranda Royal Makadi for only £475Gbp, which includes return flights from Bristol, 23kg of luggage per person, and airport transfers. The five-star resort has a private beach, three pools, and seven restaurants where you can enjoy buffet meals and international cuisine.

Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

Flight time: 4h 30m

Tenerife is an excellent option for a winter break, as it offers warm weather and sunshine all year round. You can reach this Canary Island in less than five hours from London - faster than driving to Cornwall. You can relax on the beach, enjoy outdoor dining, and explore the Parque Nacional Las Cañadas del Teide, where you can see the impressive volcano. You won't miss the sun in December if you visit Tenerife.

How to get there: Tui has a four-night half-board deal at the Guayarmina Princess Hotel for £582pp. This hotel is only for adults and has elegant rooms with sea views. It is also close to the Costa Adeje beach, where you can swim and sunbathe. The price includes return flights from London Luton, 20kg of luggage per person, and coach transfers.

Marrakech, Morocco

Flight time: 3h 40m

Morocco is a beautiful destination for a winter escape, as it offers warm weather, vibrant culture, and stunning scenery. You can enjoy the charm of Marrakech, the city of a thousand colors, where you can explore the souks, the palaces, and the gardens. You can also admire the majestic Atlas Mountains, often snow-capped in winter. Morocco is where you can experience a different way of life and taste delicious cuisine.

How to get there: Love Holidays has an excellent deal for an all-inclusive seven-night stay at the Marrakech Ryads and Parc wellness hotel for only £343pp. This includes return flights from London Gatwick and a comfortable double room for two adults. The hotel is a four-star property that offers traditional Moroccan food at the à la carte restaurant and two pools where you can relax and soak up the sun.

Sal, Cape Verde

Flight time: 5h 50m

Cape Verde is a perfect choice to enjoy the sun and the sea in winter. This island nation is only six hours away from the UK by flight, and it has a warm and dry climate with temperatures up to 26C. You can relax on Sal's golden beaches or have fun in the lively town of Santa Maria. Cape Verde is known as the "African Caribbean" because of its rich culture and beautiful scenery. You can also find many luxury resorts that offer everything you need for a great holiday.

How to get there: First Choice has a seven-night deal at the Hotel Riu Palace Santa Maria in Sal, Cape Verde, for £1,172pp next year. This hotel is right on the beach and has a waterpark, a swim-up bar, five restaurants, and a steakhouse. The package includes return flights from London Gatwick, 20kg luggage per person, coach transfers, and selected local drinks.

Banjul, Gambia

Flight time: 6h 20m

If you are looking for a hot and sunny destination in winter, you might want to consider Gambia, a country in West Africa. Gambia has an average temperature of 34C in winter, so that you can enjoy the sun all year round. It is also only a little over six hours away from the UK by flight, and there is no jetlag as Gambia is only one hour behind the UK. Gambia has much to offer, such as beautiful beaches, delicious food, and fantastic wildlife. In their natural habitat, you can see hippos, chimpanzees, and other animals.

How to get there: Thomas Cook has a week-long holiday package to Kombo Beach Hotel, B&B, in Banjul for £875pp. This includes return flights from Manchester. The hotel is located on Kotu Beach, where you can relax on the sand or swim in the sea. You can also walk to the nearby markets and restaurants to experience the local culture and cuisine. The hotel also has a pool, a bar, and a spa for your enjoyment.

Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

Flight time: 3h 50m

Madeira, a Portuguese island, has a pleasant climate all year round, with an average temperature of 20.1C in December and gentle breezes. It is a perfect destination for those who love nature and adventure, as Madeira offers many attractions. You can hike to the highest peaks of Pico Ruivo and Pico de Arieiro, enjoy the beaches surrounded by cliffs, and taste the local wines.

How to get there Jet2 Holidays has a seven-night package in a sea view studio, B&B, at Porto Santa Maria in Funchal Old Town, for £995pp. This includes return flights from Leeds Bradford, 10kg hand luggage, 22kg checked luggage per person, and express transfers. The hotel is only for adults and has a great location facing the Atlantic Ocean, a rooftop terrace, and elegant rooms for a relaxing Madeira holiday.

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