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Elise Christian November 19, 2024

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Jet2holidays If you’re looking for a great value package holiday to sun-kissed shores within easy reach of the UK, you’re certainly not the only one.

Perhaps you love the idea of a last-minute getaway to sunnier climes after a long year. Or maybe the arrival of colder weather has you longing for something to look forward to in 2025.

Whatever your reason for seeking out sunny blue skies, delicious food, and beautiful natural landscapes, you can reach plenty of wonderful places from the UK in five hours or less. These places also tend to be warm year-round, making them great destinations to visit during the UK’s coldest months.

To help you on your way, we’ve partnered with Jet2holidays – the UK’s largest tour operator and Which? Travel Brand of the Year 2024 – to provide fully ATOL and ABTA-protected package holidays you can trust. Flights, baggage, transfers, and accommodation are all included in the price and, even better, you can secure your booking today for as little as £60pp and start dreaming about your next escape.

Plus, you can save up to £60pp on all November and December 2024 holidays! *T&Cs Apply

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So, if you’re ready to jet away – or just start dreaming – here are 10 sunny spots five hours or less from the UK.

1. Tenerife, Spain

Tenerife, Spain

Tenerife may be known as a tourist hotspot – but isn’t your typical island destination. Here, you’ll find world-class diving, spectacular stargazing, black and white sand beaches, and mountain forests home to rare bird species. Tenerife also has five Michelin stars spread across four restaurants, so if fine dining is your thing, you’ll be in for a treat. Head to the Ritz Carlton in Abama to dine at M.B Martín Berasategui – awarded two stars – which builds on traditional Spanish flavours.

For nature lovers, the Teide is the best-known mountain here. But the lesser-known Anaga Mountain Range is also a treasure trove of humid forests, traditional villages, plunging ravines, and rugged coastlines, and offers an escape from busier areas. And, for a unique beach experience, why not head to pretty El Bollullo – a remote, volcanic beach with dark sand?

2. Faro, Portugal

Faro, Portugal

Despite being the capital of the Algarve, Faro is often overlooked in favour of towns like Albufeira and Lagos – but this is a charming, colourful city. Whitewashed buildings and fragrant orange trees line quaint, cobbled streets; palm trees sway at the marina; and history oozes from spectacular 13th-century cathedrals and 16th-century colleges and convents, rivalling those in Porto and Lisbon. Faro is also home to Ria Formosa National Park: a wonderful maze of islands, lagoons, canals, and marshes.

Praia de Faro, stretching for 5km, is the most popular beach here, and it’s no wonder. Warm, sparkling blue waters lap golden, power-soft sands; it’s the perfect place to relax with a drink in hand. Talking of drink, foodies will want to head to Bago Wine Bar for wine and nibbles (the rosé is amazing!) and O Recife – Churrasqueira, a favourite among locals where you can pick up some of the best grilled chicken around.

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3. Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Lanzarote, Canary Islands

There are so many reasons why the northernmost Canary Island has remained a holiday favourite, from its moon-like landscapes and natural swimming pools to its cactus garden and hilltop village of Haría. The golden beaches also attract surfers from all over the world and are home to some fantastic resorts. Being just 60km long and 30km wide, the island is also easy to get around.

Though a popular destination, there are plenty of quirky, unusual things to do here. For example, you can head beneath the surface to visit Europe’s first underwater sculpture museum, near the Marina Rubicon, where the statues are slowly being colonised by marine life. Timanfaya National Park is also a must-visit to marvel at the Mars-like landscape of volcanoes in a sea of lava – a reminder of the sheer power of Mother Nature.

4. Paphos, Cyprus

Paphos, Cyprus

Romantic, charming, and picturesque, Paphos is a small harbour city in southwest Cyprus with a flight time of around 4.5 hours from the UK. It’s the birthplace of Aphrodite and all over the city, mosaics act like pages of a storybook, telling ancient tales. A giant geological formation also stands in the exact place on the pristine coastline that the goddess is believed to have emerged from.

Even if you’re not that into history, the sunsets in Paphos are magical, with some arguing that they’re some of the best in the world. And if you’re looking for a slice of paradise, Blue Cove, which has Blue Flag status, is revered by sunbathers, marine enthusiasts, and photographers alike. The mysterious sea caves dotted here are a delight to explore – as is the eerie, eye-catching shipwreck.

5. Agadir, Morocco

Agadir, Morocco

Morocco’s premier beach resort has come a long way since 1960, when it had to be rebuilt after a devastating earthquake. And, today, the southern city is known for its laidback atmosphere, sandy beach, warm weather, hammams, and maze-like souks. Souk El Had – with around 6,000 stalls, sprawled across 32 acres – is one of the largest markets in Morocco and the colours, smells, and sights are a treat for the senses.

Then, if you’ve had enough of shopping and sunbathing, why not book surf lessons, take a boat trip along the coast, or visit Medina d’Agadir? Just a short drive away, the museum houses a detailed replica of Agadir before the earthquake. For nature lovers, the Crocoparc is also a must-visit to see the rare Nile crocodile, which once thrived in Morocco but has largely been wiped out by hunters. Luckily, all this can be reached by plane in just four hours.

6. Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Palma is the chief city of the Spanish island of Mallorca and aside from its 300 days of sunshine, and 200 unbelievable beaches with powder-soft sands and dazzling cerulean waters, there’s plenty more to fall in love with here. For example, Palma is a haven for cyclists; with lovely smooth roads and stunning mountain vistas. Plus, there’s plenty of history to discover at the awe-inspiring La Seu cathedral and gothic-style Bellver castle, and in the compact cobbled streets of the old town.

Palma also stands out for its Arab-influenced architecture, seen in the hidden courtyards of noble houses like Can Oms – and the city’s local character is retained too. Laundry hangs across narrow streets in the Sa Gerreria quarter and ensaïmadas (spiral pastries found nowhere else in Spain) are sold in century-old bakeries.

7. Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza, Spain

In just two and a half hours from the UK, you could enjoy the blissful beaches and shimmering sunsets of Ibiza. While partying may be what this boho island is best known for, this is an island of two stories – and southwest Ibiza is a coastal wonderland, boasting clear turquoise waters, towering limestone cliffs, hidden coves with secluded beaches, and rich flora and fauna.

If you’re looking for a peaceful Ibiza retreat, then places like Santa Eulalia, Cala Llonga, San Miguel, and Playa Es Cana are good choices. The local cuisine is delicious too – think various fish and meat stews, butifarra and sobrassada (traditional Ibizan pork sausages), flaó (baked cheesecake), and paella de mariscos (an Ibizan-style paella made with local seafood). Most restaurants have their own unique paella recipe that’s been in the family for generations.

8. Antalya, Turkey

Antalya, Turkey

If you’re looking for a Turkish escape, the resort city of Antalya is a holiday paradise. Pristine beaches stretch beneath a patchwork of silvery olive groves and emerald avocado orchards, while the mighty Taurus Mountains rise majestically in the background, their peaks adorned with whispering pine forests.

When you’re not soaking in the gorgeous scenery or kicking back somewhere on the 400 miles of soft sand, there are plenty of fascinating sites and ruins to explore, from the historic district of Kaleiçi to the Temple of Apollo in Side. The golf courses here also have international appeal – especially in the town of Belek, just 35 minutes away from Antalya. And, if you’re in the mood for retail therapy, head to Terracity, a shopping mall with over 150 shops.

9. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Gran Canaria is the third largest Canary Island and a wonderful place to head for some winter sun, with temperatures sitting in the low 20s. One of the main draws of this beautiful island is the incredible diversity of landscapes; combining sun-soaked beaches, soaring mountains, sweeping desert landscapes, dramatic volcano formations, and lush rainforests.

This means that there’s plenty to do here, from exploring the historic charm of Las Palmas’ UNESCO-protected Old Town and trekking to the iconic Roque Nublo summit to riding a camel across the Maspalomas Dune and discovering underwater wonders through snorkelling, diving, and whale watching. But the nightlife is vibrant here too, and there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking to sip a quiet cocktail or hit the dance floor.

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10. Malaga, Spain

Malaga, Spain

Malaga may be an affordable, easy place for Brits to kick back and get some sun (boasting an average of 320 sunny days a year) – but a closer look reveals so much more. For starters, the city is overflowing with culture. You can visit the house where Picasso was born; wander around Alcazaba, an ancient Arab fortress offering sublime views and captivating Moorish gardens; and explore the Soho district, home to cultural events and colourful murals.

And while a visit to the nearby idyllic beaches and fishing villages is a must in Malaga, in Hammam Al Andalus, you can soak your stresses away in thermal pools with intricately carved archways and tiled walls. Alternate between hot and cold pools, have a gentle massage, sip sweet mint tea, and enjoy the peace of a candlelit atmosphere.

Final thoughts…

With Jet2holidays, these sun-drenched destinations are more accessible than ever. Whether you’re dreaming of wandering through whitewashed villages in the Canaries, lounging on golden beaches in the Algarve, or savouring fresh seafood in Mallorca, your perfect escape is just a booking away.

By choosing a trusted operator like Jet2holidays, you can focus on the exciting part, while they take care of the details. With flexible payment options, full ATOL and ABTA package protection, and a deposit of just £60pp, there’s never been a better time to secure your slice of sunshine. After all, sometimes the best part of a holiday is having something wonderful to look forward to.

And, remember that you can save up to £60pp on all November and December 2024 holidays! *T&Cs Apply

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Are you dreaming of a sunny escape? Have any of the destinations above caught your eye? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Elise Christian

Elise Christian is Lifestyle Editor at Rest Less. She joined Rest Less in 2018 after achieving a first class Master’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Kent, and writes across a range of lifestyle topics such as mental health, home and garden, and fashion and beauty. Prior to this, she worked as a freelance writer for small businesses and also spent a year training to be a midwife. Elise spends her spare time going to the gym, reading trashy romance novels, and hanging out with loved ones. She also loves animals, and has a fascination with sharks and tornadoes.

* Links with an * by them are affiliate links which help Rest Less stay free to use as they can result in a payment or benefit to us. You can read more on how we make money here.

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