The Best Short Haul Winter Sun Holiday Destinations

Following yet another disappointing summer, many of us find our thoughts turning to trying to find some winter sunshine. But long haul holiday destinations are quite often too expensive, or for some of us, the thought of that long flight is just too much to bear, so I'm going to look at some options to help us get away this winter, to holiday destinations all within three hour flights of the UK.

Malta: Malta is a small island just east of Tunisia and south of Sicily, an island that is full of endless activities, stunning scenery, and a captivating history that is guaranteed to keep you busy throughout your stay here. Often referred to as an open air museum, Malta combines its fascinating history with modern cultures to perfection with inspiring castles and striking architecture. You can walk in the footsteps of St Paul in Rabat's catacombs, and see where the Knight's of St John defended Christendom at Fort St Elmo's. You can even walk in the footsteps of famous film stars as movies such as Gladiator, Troy and Alexander were all in part filmed here. There's lively St Julian's, where you might even be lucky enough to catch a top international D.J. at one of the local bars or nightclubs.

The quieter resorts of St Paul's Bay, Bugibba and Qawra are extremely popular during winter and there are two beautiful beaches at Golden Bay and Mellieha It is fair to say that Malta's image has altered vastly over the last thirty years or so; there aren't many holiday destinations that offer the heritage and culture of years gone by with the chance to experience some of the best Mediterranean nightlife around. Its natural beauty draws travelers back to Malta year after year, but its party atmosphere is now attracting the younger generation. Temperatures can fluctuate between early sixties and late seventies and there's always a packed social calendar in Malta so despite it's laid back persona, there's never a dull moment. So for some winter fun with your winter sun, Malta is probably one of the best holiday destinations you could choose.

Tunisia: As far as winter holiday destinations go, is simply one of the very best, but then again you'd expect nothing less with a history that dates back to 814 BC. The historic city of Carthage, a UNESCO world Heritage site, is possibly one of the most breathtaking archaeological sites in the country; built by the Phoenicians, then destroyed and subsequently rebuilt by the Romans its fascination and beauty are practically unrivaled. Some of the finest beaches in Africa are found in Tunisia making it one of the best winter holiday destinations for that much sought after winter sun. Shopping will see you spoiled for choice between cosmopolitan shopping centers with designer outlets; to traditional stalls set in beautiful medina's where you can barter for traditional Arabic souvenirs and authentic African goods. Its landscape is beautifully baron yet perfectly verdant enough to have featured in films such as The English Patient and Star Wars, adding to the fascinating lure of this countries magic. With around five or six hours of sunshine a day, and winter temperatures well into their sixties, Tunisia is an excellent choice among winter holiday destinations.

Costa del Sol: The Costa del Sol is one of the most popular year round holiday destinations, located on the southern coast of mainland Spain, with over 100 miles of coastline and a variety of resorts to select from. The tranquil resort of Nerja is a peaceful haven along a busy coastline; relatively unspoilt you'll find no concrete high rises here, just breathtaking views and pretty coves hugging the sparkling Mediterranean waters. Lively Torremolinos is a vibrant resort linked to neighbouring Benalmadena by a chic, cosmopolitan marina overflowing with everything from small fishing boats to multi million pound yachts and an authentic American paddle steamer.

Benalmadena is one of the most popular family resorts on the Costa del Sol with a wonderful promenade and abundance of bars, shops and restaurants to suit every taste. There's a beautiful park with a lake full of wildlife, a Dolphinarium and Sea Life Center to name just a few of the attractions here. Next stop along the coast is Fuengirola; another favorite choice for families with fabulous beaches, great shopping and a trip to Fuengirola Zoo an absolute must. Further south still you'll come across the affluent resorts of Puerto Banus and Marbella, the ideal places to do some star spotting, not up in the sky but around the restaurants and bars of the prosperous marina, holiday hot-spot of the rich and famous. The Costa del Sol has been a strong favorite among winter holiday destinations for a long time with some people lucky enough to be able to come here for long stay holidays to escape the harsh British winter, and often enjoy temperatures in the high sixties.

Costa Blanca: Probably the first place that comes to mind here is Benidorm with its wide sandy beaches and concrete hotels full of family fun and entertainment that create an almost iconic skyline. The bucket and spade shops, neon lit karaoke bars, and hustle and bustle of this family friendly resort, epitomize everything that is good about great winter sun holiday destinations. Extremely popular with the older generation who love to 'retire' here to avoid the harsh British winters, yet increasingly popular with the younger generation, especially since the filming of ITV's 'Benidorm' series in this very town. There are other resorts in this area though; quiet and sophisticated Albir is just a twenty minute drive away and offers a more relaxing, laid-back outlook on life. There's also Alicante, home to the region's airport and one of Spain's quickest growing cities where the streets come to life with a superb choice of cafes, bars and restaurants. The weather in winter on the Costa Blanca is mild compared to much of northern Europe, there are the occasional cooler days, however the warm climate here makes it an extremely popular choice as one of the better long stay holiday destinations.

Majorca: Majorca has been one of the best year round holiday destinations since the rich and famous started coming here in the 1930's. By the 1980's though Majorca had become a little less affluent and was perhaps better known for cheap and cheerful holidays that everyone could afford, gaining a reputation as attracting 'lager louts' who paraded about in union jack shorts. Majorca has worked extremely hard on reinventing itself though and has re-established itself as one of Europe's favorite holiday destinations again, especially with families who return year after year to it's clean sandy beaches and resorts with excellent entertainment and great facilities. Winter months see temperatures remain above a healthy sixty degrees with around five or six hours of sunshine a day. The island's capital, Palma, is fast becoming one of Spain's most enticing and stylish cities, it's breathtaking cathedral stands majestically above the harbor, where multi million pound yachts bob in the warm winter sun. Holidays to Majorca have it all, from lazy beaches to vibrant nightlife, fascinating history to modern culture, making it the ideal place to choose out of the many winter holiday destinations on offer at the moment.

The Algarve: The Algarve's stunning rocky coastline covers an amazing 155km, and stretches from Cape St Vincent in the west to Villa Real de Santo Antonio to the east. Standing on the cliffs at Cape St Vincent you're at the most south westerly point in Europe and as you gaze out to sea, there's nothing between you and the American coast but the stunning Atlantic Ocean. It's also a bird spotter's paradise as many species stop off here as they migrate south for the winter. The Algarve is highly popular with golfers at any time of the year, but especially during the winter when the sun is not so hot and a stroll around the course is extremely pleasant. Many of the Algarve's sea side resorts started life as sleepy little fishing villages and while a lot have retained their traditional charm and tranquillity, despite the increase in tourist traffic, others have expanded into busy holiday destinations with superb water sports, varied family entertainment and vibrant nightlife.

Albufeira, Montechoro and Vilamoura combine traditional towns, stunning beaches and lively nightlife to perfection, while Praia de Luz and Alvor are superb examples of tranquil resorts and are very appealing to families. The regions capital Faro, also home to the Algarve's airport offers a historical look at the region with monuments and museums depicting Portugal's impressive heritage. The rocky coastline, mild winter temperatures and fantastic golf facilities will ensure that the Algarve continues to be one of the most popular winter holiday destinations for many years to come.

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