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You don’t need to fly far (Picture: Getty Images) If you’re anything like us, the limbo period between Halloween and Christmas can be pretty depressing. The weather has turned — colder temperatures and greyer skies are the norm — and there’s not much going on in our social calendars. So, what better time to escape the UK for some winter sun? Metro has rounded up 9 holidays that you can still book if you’re looking for a last-minute getaway this year. From Morocco to Mexico, check out some great deals below. Marrakech, Morocco With highs of 23°C and sun until 7pm, November is a great time to visit fascinating Marrakech. The Moroccan city offers a melting pot of culture — by day, you can explore historic sites like the Medina, Bahia Palace, and Koutoubia Mosque, and by night, relax on a rooftop and watch the sunset. @mariamsimonny 10 best things to do in Marrakech for first timers 🇲🇦 #marrakech #marrakesh #maroc #morocco🇲🇦 #thingstodoinmarrakech #marrakechactivities #marrakech🇲🇦morocco ♬ Anxiety – Doechii No trip is complete without a visit to Jemaa el-Fnaa, the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site-designated main square. For centuries, the bustling plaza has been the city’s cultural hub. Today, it combines tradition and modernity. Other notable activities include shopping in the souks (traditional open-air markets) and gorging on couscous and tagines. Best deals: We found a week-long Jet2 all-inclusive holiday on Monday, November 17, departing from London Stansted for £377 per person. Stay at the three-star Valeria Madina Club Resort, complete with a spacious pool area, an on-site Aqua park and Splash park, and a range of restaurants and bars. Malta and Gozo Looking for a ‘breathtaking’ European island with ‘mesmerising blue’ sea and 18°C temperatures in December? Malta is stunning, whatever time of year (Picture: Getty Images) Malta sits between Sicily and the North African coast, and is known for its ancient history, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and some of the world’s oldest free-standing temples. Oh, and its beaches are pretty spectacular, too. In winter, the country’s tourism declines, meaning you’ll get to experience all these attractions without fighting the crowds. For those seeking a relaxing coastal base with good transport links, St. Paul’s Bay is ideal — and we’ve found just the holiday. Best deals: Jet2 flies from London Stansted on Monday, December 15, for one week, with accommodation at the four-star db San Antonio Hotel & Spa, for £473 per person. The half-board deal features an adults-only rooftop infinity pool, seven restaurants, and a selection of bars. Metro's favourite under-the-radar winter sun spots Menorca: The breathtaking’ Mediterranean island with £25 flights and November highs of 18°C Mogán: ‘Little Venice’, a lesser-visited gem with few crowds Trapani : The ‘City of Salt’ Taiwan: The underrated Asian island that surprises at every turn Alicante: Spain’s ‘sunniest city’ with £23 Ryanair fares Fuerteventura, Canary Islands You can always count on the Canary Islands for reliable winter sun. Fuerteventura — often nicknamed the ‘mini Maldives’ — has highs of 22°C in December. The island boasts 150km of white sand coves, bays and beaches along its coastline. Fuerteventura beaches are something else (Picture: Getty Images) And, it’s less crowded than its popular Canary neighbours — while 2.5 million visitors headed to Fuerteventura in 2024, Tenerife welcomed a staggering 6.2 million tourists. Meaning, you can explore the beaches sans crowds. Best deals: For £505 per person, stay self-catering at Puerto Caleta. You’ll depart with easyJet on Monday, December 8, and return on Monday, December 15, from Birmingham Airport. Hotel highlights include an on-site outdoor pool and a poolside bar. Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia Tunisia has surged in popularity for winter sun holidaymakers in recent years, thanks to its consistently high temperatures and low prices. @nospaceinmypassport Absolutely loved this town in Tunisia 💙 The name of this place is 📍 Hammamet Old Town. Have you been to Tunisia? #tunisia #tunisian_tik_tok #tunisiatravel #visittunisia #hammamet #hammamet_tunis #hammametbeach #hammametoldtown #hammametmedina #travelbucketlist #northafrican #notthafrica #visittunisia ♬ sonido original – cata perez Explore spots like Sidi Bou Said, aka the ‘Santorini of Tunisia’, for cool coffee shops and local art, or stroll around the northeastern coastal town of Hammamet, where you’ll find whitewashed traditional villages, palm-lined promenades, and glistening azure waters. In December, expect highs of 21°C. Best deals: EasyJet has a week-long holiday from London Southend to Hammamet on offer, departing on Tuesday, December 9, and returning on Tuesday, December 16. Staying at the four-star The Mirage Resort & Spa, this all-inclusive deal costs £505 per person. Puerto Banús, Spain Puerto Banús, otherwise known as the ‘millionaire’s playground,’ is affordable to budget travellers in the slow season. @sarahtopley_ In my element… A MUST visit when visiting Marbella 💜☀️🌸✈️ 📍Puerto Banus street market #marbella #marbellamarket #puertobanus #foryou #fyp #thingstodo #market #holidaymarket ♬ sonido original – Jhey :) In November, the exclusive Costa del Sol area is 18°C, the perfect temperature for exploring the large marina, upmarket bars and restaurants, and sprawling market. By the harbour, check out swarms of super-yachts and luxury cars, while experiencing a snippet of the 300 days of sunshine Puerto Banús enjoys each year. Just a 20-minute drive away is the equally blinged-out resort town of Marbella. Best deals: Fly with easyJet from London Southend on Thursday, November 20, for one week. Stay at the four-star Bluebay Banus on a bed and breakfast basis for £501 per person. Facilities here include a spacious sun terrace with sun loungers and a luxury pool. Mallorca, Spain Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands, and one of Spain’s most popular holiday destinations. Whether it’s a long weekend or a week-long break, there’s plenty to do in Mallorca (Picture: Getty Images) Explore the capital Palma, taking in sights like the Gothic Santa María cathedral and Almudaina, the Moorish-style Arab fortress, which was converted to a royal residence. Of course, the island is also famed for its unspoiled beaches. Fly and flop at endless spots, from the sandy stretches of Playa de Alcúdia to the secluded coves of Cala Deià and Sa Calobra. In November, sunbathing is still possible in Mallorca, as highs average around 18°C. This is also the perfect temperature for sightseeing. Best deals: EasyJet is flying from Birmingham Airport to Palma de Mallorca Airport for one week, from Tuesday, November 25. Stay at the three-star Amic Horizonte in Palma City on a room-only basis for £504 per person. Lanzarote, Canary Islands Lanzarote is the hottest Canary Island in November. In December, temperatures are just as pleasant, averaging around 21°C. The island is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and boasts Mars-like volcanic terrain, golden sands, and white-washed villages. One of the Papagayo beaches (Picture: Getty Images) Lanzarote is one of the best Canary Islands for outdoor lovers. There’s more of a focus on nature, with plenty of natural parks, volcanic landscapes, and of course, the island’s 100+ beaches. For travellers seeking a relaxed, sunbathing experience with a book in one hand and a cocktail in the other — which is likely so close to Christmas — Playa Blanca or Costa Teguise are standouts. The Papagayo Beaches in the southernmost tip of the island — some of which are located in the Papagayo nature reserve — are perfect for privacy. Best deals: Jet2 has a week-long half-board holiday at the four-star Barcelo Lanzarote Active Resort for £566 per person. Return flights from Manchester depart on Wednesday, December 10. The hotel is on the beach and features a palm-lined pool area. If you’re in the market for travelling a bit further afield, Mexico is an ideal place to soak up plenty of December sun. The country has warm, dry, and sunny weather, with daytime highs of around 27–30°C, perfect for beach activities and swimming. Paradise is in Mexico (Picture: Getty Images) The sunshine shouldn’t be your only pull to this stunning country, though. Mexico has a rich culture and is known for its diverse landscapes, including breathtaking beaches and ancient ruins. The Chichén Itzá, a complex of Mayan ruins on the Yucatán Peninsula, is perhaps the most famous. Other Mexican highlights include music, celebrated festivals such as Day of the Dead and a tasty cuisine, which features unique products like chocolate and tequila. Best deals: On Monday, December 1, return flights with TUI from London Gatwick to Cancun start from £576 per person. Stay at Bahia Principe Grand Coba on the Caribbean coast, and enjoy a week-long all-inclusive holiday for £1254.64 per person. If it’s sprawling beaches and turquoise seas you’re after, Cape Verde should be on the cards. @travelpassion.4 what to do in Cabo Verde, Sal #caboverde #capeverdean #capvert #caboverdetiktok #kapverde #capeverde #sal #santamaria #zipline #snorkeling #activity #traveltiktok @Suzana = Travelpassion4 🌴 ♬ son original – TRINIX The 10-island archipelago, which sits off the coast of West Africa, enjoys temperatures as high as 27°C in December. Cape Verde is renowned for water sports due to its consistent winds and clear waters. For windsurfing and kitesurfing, it’s a global hub — especially on the islands of Sal and São Vicente. Snorkelling and scuba diving are popular here, too. On land, you can go quad biking or hike up volcanoes on islands like Fogo. Don’t fancy these adrenaline-inducing activities? Float in the high-saline pools at the Pedra de Lume salt pans, explore the Blue Eye Lagoon, or lounge on the many beaches across the 10 main islands. Best deals: TUI is offering a week-long return holiday from London Gatwick from Monday, December 15. Stay on the island of Sal in the Ouril Pontao on a bed and breakfast board for £925.96 per person.
