SOMETIMES you just want to be somewhere hotter than the UK without having to hop on a long-haul flight.

Thankfully, there are some great destinations that aren’t too far away, and also won’t cost too much even if booking last minute.

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Using our many years of holiday experience, the Sun Travel Team has revealed their favourite winter sun destinations that are affordable – and all less than six hours from the UK.

Cape Verde – 5hr45 flight time

Cape Verde was my first foreign holiday after the dreaded 2021 winter lockdown. As soon as restrictions lifted, my then three-year-old, boyfriend and I jumped on a TUI plane for some much-needed sunshine.

At just under six hours, the flight time was probably the longest I’d
do with a pre-schooler but enough to find guaranteed winter sunshine – and Cape Verde pretty much guarantees sunshine.

Even in bleak midwinter, 25C is the average maximum temperature and the sun is strong, although you never get too hot because it’s also windy.

It’s also just one hour behind the UK, so there was no jet lag to contend with.

We stayed at the all-inclusive Riu Palace Santa Maria, on the south
west coast of the island of Sal.

The nearby seaside town of Santa Maria had a strip of lively bars and
cafes and a number of seafood restaurants offering the catch of the
day, as well as a great beach bar where you could enjoy excellent
cocktails with your feet in the sand for just £2.50.

Attractions are fairly sparse on Sal, but there was more than enough
to keep us busy for a week.

We paddled with baby sharks, took a catamaran cruise and explored the island on dune buggies, but there were plenty of watersports for the more adventurous too.

– Caroline McGuire, Head of Travel

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Marrakech – 3hr35 flight time

A place guaranteed to be warm in winter is Marrakech with temperatures above 20C – and it’s one of the most affordable to.

A visit to Marrakech comes with beautiful riad hotels, lined with multicoloured tiles and ornate decor and even pools in the middle – and can be found for just £35 a night.

Sure, the Moroccan coastline might temp you away for a winter beach break.

But the bustling city is the best to go pre-Christmas to stock up one some cheap presents.

Go empty suitcased and you’ll find hand blown glass cups, embroidered cushions and leather handbags often spotted on the UK high street in places like Anthropology and Accessorize but for so much less.

And with £16.49 flights thanks to easyJet, it’s cheaper than a train into London.

– Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

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Lanzarote – 4hr flight time

I on my first winter sun holiday earlier this year and even though I’m late to the party, I’m a total convert after falling in love with Lanzarote.

I stepped off the plane in January and was met by a 20C heat – the ideal January pick me up, especially when flights are as little as £16.

And I was even happier when I went for a dip at the heated infinity pool at my hotel, the newly-opened Barcelo Playa Blanca.

The 180m-long main pool was also heated, which meant I could get my lengths in without getting chilly. 

The temperature was perfect for excursions too with four-hour boat cruises around the island, stopping near Playa de Papagayo, a golden sandy beach before a dip in the dip in the water and fresh paella.

Topped off off with evening drinks on a balcony looking out towards Fuerteventura, I didn’t once have to take out my big winter coat – which was exactly the plan.

– Hope Brotherton, Travel Reporter

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A SEASIDE town in Scotland with the country’s smallest harbour has been named the best place to live in the UK.

Located in East Lothian, just 30 minutes from Edinburgh, North Berwick is a quaint seaside town with 8,000 people.

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Its residents have reason to celebrate because the quiet seaside town was named the best place to live in the UK in 2024 by The Sunday Times earlier this year.

The newspaper analysed factors like schools, transport, culture, green spaces and broadband speed to name the UK’s most livable places.

North Berwick took the first place thanks to its easy connection to Edinburgh, which is just 30 minutes away by train, its thriving high street of independent shops and its community spirit.

The seaside town is backed by a number of sandy beaches, including West Beach and West Bay Beach.

Beach-goers who want to opt for somewhere quieter, should head to Seacliff Beach to the east of North Berwick.

The Scottish Tourism Board describes it as a “hidden gem” and “largely unspoilt”.

Seacliff Beach is a private beach, which means beach-goers will need to pay to visit, with some holidaymakers citing a £5 parking charge in online reviews.

Despite having to pay to visit, the beach remains popular with surfers and dog walkers.

The tiny beach also has a tiny sandstone harbour that’s thought to be the smallest of its kind in the country.

For wildlife enthusiasts, there’s also the Scottish Seabird Centre – an award-winning tourist attraction where visitors can watch wildlife through cameras on local islands.

On the cameras, wildlife lovers can spot gannets and puffins on the Isle of May National Nature Reserve, the biggest puffin colony on the east coast of Britain. 

On-site, there’s also the Seabird Café, which has a large seaside sun deck and a gift shop.

Seasonal boat trips around three neighbouring islands also operate between April and September.

North Berwick is also home to fish and chip shops, ice cream parlours, quirky tearooms, coffee shops and independent shops.

Other attractions include playgrounds, tennis courts and neighbouring golf courses.

Overnight stays in North Berwick don’t come cheap, with hotel rooms in the town from £150 per night.

There are plenty of other little-known seaside towns and villages to visit in Scotland, including Gearrannan, which consists of nine restored traditional thatched cottages that overlook Garenin Bay in the Scottish Outer Hebrides.

The small cluster of homes was originally built in the 1800s and is very typical of the “blackhouses” that could once be seen scattered throughout the landscape.

Today, the area acts as a living museum to the time, with visitors even able to stay in four of the remaining cottages.

And earlier this year, Sun Travel revealed the best seaside destinations to visit in winter.

And this other holiday location is getting a huge new tourist attraction.

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LONDONERS were surprised with a delightful twist as the festive season kickstarts – a charming miniature Christmas market featuring gnome-themed stores.

These whimsical stalls, which popped up overnight, were designed to be gnome-height, creating a magical atmosphere.

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Despite their petite size, the stalls are run by regular-sized staff and visitors can explore the tiny market and enjoy complimentary festive treats.

To add to the excitement, lucky passers-by also have the chance to win a special Christmas gnome, as well as a bag full to brim of seasonal goodies.

The market stalls, standing at an adorable 3.5 feet high, will be open to the public on November 7 and 8 along the scenic Southbank.

David Hills, chief customer officer at Asda, said: “It’s been fantastic to see the response to our Christmas campaign.

“We’re thrilled that the nation seems to be falling in love with our gnomes, so what better way to celebrate than to bring some playful Christmas cheer to London with our gnome-sized market.

“Visitors will not only get the chance to be up, close and personal with our pint-sized heroes, they’ll also get to sample some of the incredible products which make up our Christmas range in a really fun and unique way.”

The market featured five mini market stalls, all tailored to match the individual passions and personalities of each gnome – Max, Gnibbles, Gnorma, Gnicky and Gnarla.

Head gnome Max was managing the ‘Magical Mince Pie’ stall and perfectionist party planner Gnorma hosted the ‘Glorious Grazing’ stall.

While surfer dude Gnarla took charge of the ‘Festive Afternoon Sea’ stall, decked out with an assortment of luxurious fish canapes.

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South Korean local government cancels international event with 30,000 participants from 78 countries, causing international damage.

On 29 October, an administrative decision by a South Korean government agency triggered international controversy, raising concerns over religious freedom and resulting in considerable financial loss.

The “Religious Leaders Forum and Graduation Ceremony,” a joint initiative by two prominent religious organisations, was scheduled to take place in Paju, South Korea. The event was anticipated to attract over 30,000 participants from 57 countries, including 1,000 religious leaders representing Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism.

However, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organisation, a public entity under Gyeonggi Province, abruptly cancelled the venue rental without prior notice. This last-minute decision has led to significant financial damage for the international event. Organisers of the event stated that the cancellation constitutes an unconstitutional act of discrimination against a particular religion, violating religious freedom, human rights, and due process of law.

The hosting organisations, the Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, reported that they had received official confirmation on 23 and 28 October that there was no plan to cancel. They also claimed that the unilateral cancellation was an unreasonable administrative action targeting a specific religious group. They further emphasised that other events scheduled for the same day were unaffected, suggesting that the cancellation was “an administrative decision influenced by opposition from a specific religious group,” which “violates the principle of separation of church and state guaranteed by the Constitution.”

The Gyeonggi Tourism Organisation cited security concerns related to recent North Korean actions and the planned activities of a North Korean defector group as reasons for the cancellation. However, it was noted that other events, such as civilian bike rides and foreign tourist visits to the DMZ, were allowed within the same designated area.

The incident has reignited international debate about religious freedom and tolerance in South Korea. The U.S. State Department’s International Religious Freedom Report has previously raised concerns such as the prosecution of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus and the government’s refusal to approve the construction of a mosque.

The Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and the Shincheonji Church of Jesus are calling on the South Korean government to respect religious freedom, uphold human rights, and reverse this unjust decision. They urge international organisations to monitor the situation and take appropriate action to protect religious freedom.

SOMETIMES you just need a holiday with serious luxury.

Breakfast in bed, daily sauna, a fabulous massage? Pure heaven.

Happily, easyJet holidays offers package holidays at unbeatable prices with thousands of four and five-star hotels, so you’ll be spoilt for choice with hundreds of destinations across Europe and beyond.

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These luxurious properties are ideal for couples but they’re also great for families who simply want to treat themselves.

There’s nothing ordinary about this selection of hotels. They all come with the wow factor and a 100 per cent commitment to indulgence, bookable now at easyJet holidays with a £60pp deposit* and the option to spread the cost for free.

Better still, you can relax in the knowledge that easyJet holidays will match the price if you find the same getaway cheaper elsewhere.

After all, you deserve it.

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Grown-up indulgence

Stella Island Luxury Resort and Spa on Crete’s north coast is a sophisticated, five-star, adults-only haven of tranquillity.

It would be easy to spend your entire day at the serene lagoon-style pool, although come the evening you’ll want to enjoy dining at one of the five à la carte gourmet restaurants.

Their menus offer dishes from around the world, including Mediterranean and authentic Cretan cuisine, sushi, and grilled meat and fish.

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But leave some room for a leisurely cocktail tour around the hotel’s bars, where you’ll be entertained each night with live music and – once a week – traditional Cretan dancing.

Accommodation is a cut above too, with swim-up rooms and overwater bungalows lending your stay a tropical vibe.

You can even go one step further and opt for a villa with its own private pool – the last word in luxury.

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Grand Palladium White Island Resort and Spa, on Ibiza’s famous Playa d’en Bossa, is that rare thing: a luxury five-star hotel that caters to the whole family. Everyone gets A-list treatment here.

Four shimmering pools and a spa will keep all ages happy. There’s a cinema and video games room for teens, as well as a fully equipped crèche with soft-play and sleeping areas (now that’s a real luxury).

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Mitsis Selection Blue Domes on the Greek island of Kos is another family-friendly luxury five-star offering, with nine pools winding their way through the complex as well as a Blue Flag private beach.

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Straight out of the pages of a glossy travel magazine, this is a swanky, stylish option that offers something for all ages.

The rooms are spacious and stylish, with the architecture and interiors blending traditional touches with ultra-modern features.

From a kids’ club and outdoor playgrounds to a cinema and the indulgent Sapphire Spa for adults – as well as eight restaurants – there’s a treat in store for every member of the family.

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Stunning spas

Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa in Turkey is home to a staggering ten pools. It’s a dream for water and wellness fans, located in an enviable spot where the Dalaman River meets the Mediterranean.

This five-star resort is all about spoiling yourself, with an expansive choice of restaurants that cover everything from Turkish street food and Italian cuisine to Japanese and Indian specialities.

Of course, if you can’t decide then the main buffet restaurant is always a safe bet.

Set in beautiful natural surroundings, the resort’s rooms are swish with elegant furnishings and private balconies offering mountain, river or sea views.

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There’s also the luxurious Elysion Spa, with VIP Turkish bath, saunas, a steam room and a relaxation pool.

Drawing inspiration from Turkish traditions and Greek mythology, it offers a peaceful sanctuary where you can truly switch off from the world and focus on your wellbeing.

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Hotel Domes Aulus Elounda in Crete is a five-star adults-only gem with serious luxe factor.

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The grand views over the bay, fine dining and ultra-chic decor are only topped by the magnificent infinity pool looking out to sea and the Soma Spa.

Food-wise, there’s plenty to suit all manner of tastes from an international buffet at the Island to a choice of à la carte restaurants that serve Greek, Mediterranean and Asian fare.

This mood-lit retreat specialises in pampering treatments, with a heated indoor pool, sauna, hot tub and Turkish bath.

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Royal treatment

Fergus Style Tobago Hotel is an adults-only five-star hotel in Majorca that attracts a seriously stylish crowd.

If you like a sleek, contemporary vibe with deluxe details, this hotel will definitely float your boat.

The rooftop has a breathtaking infinity pool fringed with luxurious loungers, while guest rooms are bright and spacious with elegantly furnished balconies offering views across the bay.

The hotel’s luxury-level status extends to thoughtful extras, including fluffy robes, espresso machines and premium toiletries for round-the-clock pampering.

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And thanks to easyJet holidays taking care of airport transfers for you, the relaxation starts before you even check in.

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Grecotel Amirandes Boutique Resort in Crete offers the royal treatment at a five-star hotel designed in the style of a modern-day palace.

You’ll be in thrall to the fabulous atmosphere, with Greek marble, lagoons, palm trees and landscaped gardens around an Olympic-sized seawater pool.

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The epitome of Cretan luxury and serenity, this is a hotel where you’ll want to dress to impress.

Fortunately your easyJet holidays package includes a 23kg baggage allowance per person on all beach breaks, so you can pack a different outfit for every night.

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The Olivar Suites, on the Greek island of Corfu, is so named because it’s on the site of an ancient olive grove.

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Blending high-end five-star luxury with elegant, minimalist interiors that reflect the muted tones of the surrounding landscape, this eco-conscious hotel offers yoga, Pilates, personal trainers and spa facilities.

The suites are built with privacy in mind, and you can even book an intimate dinner on the beach beside the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea.

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Book your beach escape with easyJet holidays today with just a £60pp deposit. Plus there are thousands of free child places available, so there has never been a better time to book

Terms and conditions
*£60pp deposit: £60pp deposit available on all easyJet holidays booked at least 28 days before departure. Final balance due at 28 days. Spread the cost by making payments via your easyJet holidays online account. 

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Transfers and 23kg bag: transfers and 23kg bag on beach holidays included. Transfers and 23kg hold bag on city breaks can be added for a fee. 

Free child places: one free child place for every two full paying adults sharing accommodation is available on selected holidays, where you see the ‘Free child place’ label, subject to availability. Maximum one free child per room. When free child places sell out, the current child price will apply. Sometimes restrictions apply to some rooms. Supplements still apply for optional extras added to the holiday. A deposit is payable for the free child place at the time of booking – this will be deducted from the final holiday balance. The child age limit can vary by hotel. Offer can be changed/withdrawn without notice. 

Unbeatable package holiday prices: easyJet holidays guarantees to beat the price if you find the same ABTA/ATOL protected holiday (inc. same flights and hotel) cheaper elsewhere online within 24 hours of booking with easyJet holidays. T&Cs apply.

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