The long, grey days of winter can be a drag.
Personally, I can get through January in the UK just fine, but February, despite being the shortest month, goes on For-Ev-Er!
So it’s no surprise that round about now I begin to hanker for brighter days and blue skies. In the past, I’d look for a last-minute, winter-sun-getaway flight-and-hotel-package. But in 2024 we’re trying to be mindful of our impact on the climate and are looking at more sustainable alternatives.
And it’s a chance to embrace slow travel, enjoying the journey as much as the destination. So here are five great places for flight free winter getaways.
Algarve, Portugal
An off-season delight with fewer tourists, lower prices and more wildlife. It can be cool, with daytime temperatures between 11 and 18C, but the region sees an average of 5 hours of sun a day in the winter.
Getting there without a flight will take several days, but there are some great stopover points. London to Paris via Eurostar then on to Bordeaux, San Sebastián, Madrid and Seville by train. From Seville, a coach will get you to Faro, the capital of the Algarve region and a great place to base yourself for a few nights.
French Riviera
We’ve done Nice in February and it was fabulous.
A trip up into the mountains was pretty chilly, but down by the coast you get settled, sometimes even warm days. Daytime temperatures in Marseilles, Nice and Cannes hover around the 7C mark, which isn’t exactly warm, but it’s usually dry, and you can expect around 5 hours of sunshine a day.
Getting there flight free is straightforward, with high-speed rail lines all the way.
The Amalfi Coast, Italy
Best known for long, lazy summer evenings, the spectacular coastline is equally beautiful when strung with lights in winter. And the sheltered bay means daytime temperatures can reach 14C even in winter, with plenty of sunny days.
Getting there flight-free will take several days, but after the trip from London to Paris on Eurostar, an Inter-rail pass will take you the rest of the way via Naples and Sorrento, with sleeper train options if you prefer.
Morocco, North Africa
Being Morocco bound doesn’t automatically mean a flight – there are regular short ferry crossings from Tarifa in Southern Spain to Tangier, giving spectacular views of the Rock of Gibraltar as you go by.
And here’s where you’ll get some real winter warmth, with daytime temperatures reaching about 18C and very few rainy days.
High speed trains will get you as far as Cadiz, then a local, hour long bus ride will reach the ferry port.
And finally …
Scotland
Winter sun isn’t guaranteed, wherever you go, so how about taking the train to Scotland to see the Northern Lights instead?
The further north you go, the better your chances, but one of the UK’s Dark Sky Parks is at Galloway Forest where, thanks to the lack of light pollution, there’s a good chance of spotting the Aurora Borealis.
London to Dumfries is about 5 hours by train, but you will need wheels to get you into the park itself. Or take the sleeper train from London to Glasgow, and rent a car for the hour-long drive.
And cross your fingers for clear skies!
Do you hanker for the sun, or are you happy to stay at home this time of year?
Where to next?
• Flight free travel
• Cyprus in spring
• Avoid holiday rip-offs