The Christmas and New Year getaway is about to get underway, with more than four million Brits escaping the storms that have battered the UK recently. And ABTA has revealed the most popular short haul winter sun locations…
Canary Islands
From the energising walking trails of ‘granddaddy Canary’ Tenerife, to the seemingly endless swathes of golden beaches of Fuerteventura, to the curious undulating sand dunes of Gran Canaria, the Canary Islands have once again proven themselves as the go-to destination this winter. Already visited all three? Then why not check out the black lunar landscapes of Lanzarote, the crystal clear skies of laidback La Palma, the historical connections with adventurer extraordinaire Christopher Columbus on La Gomera or the breathtakingly secluded diving spots on El Hierro? Rápido!
Tunisia
Diverse history? Check! Astounding natural beauty? Check! Superb Mediterranean beaches? Check! Spend your winter sun break haggling with colourfully robed sellers in the myriad of souks and medinas. Traipse the historically important UNESCO World Heritage Sites – count them; there are eight in total! Spend Christmas spotting neon pink flamingo in the Ichkeul National Park. And spend the New Year exploring the film set locations for gems such as Monty Python’s Life of Brian.
Morocco
Winter-time is so much more exciting in Morocco – by day the scent of spices hits your nostrils in the bustling souqs and by night the local restaurants cook up delicious spice-infused dishes. This is the country of ornate mosques and soaring minarets that pierce the skyline. Fly and flop on Morocco’s butter soft beaches along the Mediterranean, explore the High Atlas plateau and dare to try an authentic camel safari in Saharan Morocco for a winter holiday to remember!
Cape Verde Islands
Stop searching for that unique short haul winter sun spot – and start researching the mysterious Cape Verde Islands! Fusing both West African and Portuguese culture, this archipelago is steeped in fascinating culture and gorgeous landscapes, veering from imposing volcanoes, serene beaches and lush forests. Made up of ten islands, you can indulge in a myriad of watersports, hike the inviting hills and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the big cities.
