The two cheapest short-haul winter sun destinations revealed – with 20C highs, holidays under £250 & £3 pints
THE two cheapest destinations for winter sun have been revealed - and flights from the UK are just over three hours.
The destinations are the Mediterranean sunspots of Malta and Tunisia.
Tunisia
An appealing option for Brits looking for winter warmth without going over budget is Tunisia, often called the ‘jewel of North Africa’.
The country offers a unique combination of history, scenery, and affordability in the Mediterranean, with beautiful beaches like Hammamet and Sidi Bou Said great for catching winter sun.
Sidi Bou Said is a quaint village overlooking the Mediterranean and less touristy than Hammamet.
The town is known for its cobblestone lanes, blue-and-white buildings, al fresco cafés, Tunisian restaurants, and tiny art galleries.
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But Hammamet is very popular, thanks to its beaches and watersports.
The Marina Yasmine Hammamet is a chic spot for eating by the waterfront or grabbing a cocktail at sunset.
A strong break wall shields the calm sea and is home to an impressive collection of million-dollar boats.
The life-sized replica pirate ships are also a popular attraction for kids and adults alike.
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Elsewhere inland, the capital is located near Lake Tunis, near the Gulf of Tunis on the Mediterranean Sea.
Tunis has a rich history with the must-see centuries-old medina and the Bardo Archaeology Museum, which has renowned Roman mosaics in a series of palaces from the fifteenth century.
The nation’s rich legacy is displayed in the Roman arena at El Djem, the Tunisian medina, and the ancient Carthaginian ruins.
Souks, or local marketplaces, are available across the country and provide insights into the local culture and Tunisian food, a blend of North African and Mediterranean flavours.
Here are some of the best deals for a winter sun break to Tunisia in 2024:
- 7 nights all-inclusive at Bel Azur Hotel Hammamet, Tunisia - from £283pp
- 7 nights all-inclusive at TUI SUNEO Royal Kenz in Port El Kantaoui, Tunisia - from £299pp
- 7 nights all-inclusive at Occidental Marco POLO Hammamet, Tunisia - from £340pp
Malta
Situated in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta is a winter sun holiday that offers Brits a warm getaway without breaking the bank.
The archipelago island country is of great value compared to other popular travel locations during this time of year, as they tend to be long-haul hotspots.
However, thanks to the island’s mild climate and more than 300 days of sunshine, the island has become the cheapest winter sun destination in 2024.
According to the Post Office Holiday Report, a bottle of local beer in Malta will set you back £2.94, less than a cup of coffee in the UK.
The same study revealed that a three-course evening meal for two with a bottle of wine costs about £30pp - while a glass of wine at a bar is only £4.97.
The Blue Lagoon in Comino is one of the island's best beaches. It has crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, even during winter, as the water temperature is around 19C.
Beyond the cheap deals, Malta has many winter and early spring events.
History lovers will also find many things to explore, including an underground burial site dating back to 4,000 BC and many museums, including The Malta Classic Car Museum, the National War Museum and the Maritime Museum.
For a deep dive into Malta’s marine traditions, you’ll want to visit the fishing resort of Marsaxlokk and stop to eat at one of the traditional restaurants along the harbour.
Malta’s location has had an impact on his cuisine, which has a mixture of Mediterranean traditions and recipes, especially with seafood.
The country also has many cultural events happening during winter, like the Malta Carnival, which takes place every February and lasts five days.
The biggest parties will be in Valletta, with locals wearing masks and costumes, parades, music bands and parties.
During this time, there is also the traditional seasonal food ‘perlini’, which is multi-coloured, sugar-coated almonds, and a sponge cake with fruits, pine nuts and biscuits called ‘prinjolata’.
These are some of the best deals to visit Malta in 2024:
- 7 nights all-inclusive at Cardor Holiday Complex St Paul’s Bay, Malta -from £273pp
- 7 nights all-inclusive at QAWRA Palace Resort & SPA Qawra, Malta - from £353pp
- 7 nights self-catering at Sunseeker Holiday Complex in Bugibba, Malta - from £233pp
- 7 nights b&b at Labranda Riviera Hotel & Spa in Mellieha Bay, Malta - from £299pp
- 7 nights self-catering at Luna Holiday Complex in Mellieha Bay, Malta -from £298pp
- 7 nights self-catering at Canifor Hotel Qawra, Malta - from £163pp
We’ve also revealed the cheapest Caribbean island for all-inclusive holidays, with direct flights and 29C temperatures.
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And the huge family hotel that fans call ‘Turkish Disneyland’ with on-site waterparks, theme parks and arcades.
And for somewhere closer to home, now is the best time to book cheap Easter breaks at top UK caravan parks from £9pp a night.
