Swap snow and ice for sun and sand with one of these great winter escapes
With snow blanketing much of the UK and the icy temperatures set to continue, Britain is feeling the bite of an early winter. But don’t let the cold get you down; escape the frigid weather with a trip to warmer, sunnier climes just a few hours away!
Tenerife (20C)
With temperatures right now a perfect 21C, there’s no danger of getting snowed in here! Deemed the ‘Island of Eternal Spring’ the warm sun is balanced perfectly by pleasant sea breezes, and with 270km of coastline to its name, Tenerife is a beach-lover’s paradise with volcanic sand beaches and secluded coves to choose from.
Find flights to Tenerife from £33
Antalya, Turkey (22C)
Sitting on Turkey’s south coast and lapping the shores of the Med, Antalya lies on the Turkish Riviera and here you’ll find a welcome as warm as the weather. Antalya is a large, buzzing city, but also offers great beaches all along its coast, making it a major water sports destination with windsurfing, parasailing, water skiing, paragliding and jet skiing on offer in its warm seas.
Find flights to Antalya from £86
Dubai, UAE (27C)
The ‘winter’ weather in Dubai is much more agreeable than the summer for most people, as temperatures are pleasantly warm, rather than scorchingly hot. Jumeira beach is one of the most popular sand spots, with one kilometer of golden beach and palm trees for shade. Al Mamzar Beach Park is another favourite with four luxurious beaches and also two swimming pool areas.
Find flights to Dubai from £339
Crete, Greece (20C)
Right now temperatures on Crete are positively balmy compared to the UK. The crowds of tourists who come to the island during summer have long gone, meaning the beaches are quiet, but the sea is still warm enough to swim in and you won’t have to fight for sand space!
Find flights to Crete from £184
Tel Aviv, Israel (24C)
This lively city on the Med is fast becoming a new hang out for those who want a stylish city-break combined with white sand beaches and warm sea. The entire west side of Tel Aviv is divided into a series of different beach areas; try the Hilton beach for calm, wave-less water, Tel Baruch beach which is a wide sandy stretch with a natural, unspoiled feel; or for the true urban beach experience, Metzitzim is the place to catch the young and trendy crowd.
Find flights to Tel Aviv from £171
