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Beat the winter
blues
If the long, dark, cold nights have left you
dreaming of sunnier skies, then why not
ease your way through these chilly times
with a warming winter break?A trip to
one of our sun dappled destinations is
a sure-fire way of chasing away those
seasonal blues and should help bring
spring that little bit closer.
SHARM EL SHEIKH
Basking on the shores of the Red Sea,
it’s hard to believe that this vibrant
holiday resort was a sleepy fishing
village just two decades ago.Amecca for
divers and sun seekers alike, its crystal
blue seas and sandy beachesmake it an
unforgettable destination. Soak up the
sunshine, then take the plunge andmeet
a host of colourful fish – or perhaps a
friendly turtle! And with a fabulous array
of welcoming restaurants, and stylish
clubs and bars, there’s plenty to keep
you busy back on dry land too.
We fly to Sharmel Sheikh from
Gatwick, Luton andManchester.
GRAN CANARIA
Regarded as the best of the Canary
Islands for families, Gran Canaria is the
perfect destination for some half-term
fun in the sun. Little ones can frolic on
the beaches of Playa del Inglés and
SanAgustín, enjoy the views froma
mini-train tour or even take part in
unforgettable camel safari across the
famous Maspalomas Sand Dunes.And
cowboys and girls of all sizes can ride
back in time on a trip to the gun-slinging
Sioux City. This 320,000m
2
theme park
replicates aWildWest town, with bank
hold-ups, shoot-out shows and a cast
of sheriffs, can-canning girls and Indian
chiefs all adding to its unique and lively
atmosphere.Yeehaw!
We fly to Gran Canaria fromGatwick.
LANZAROTE
Blessed with amazing natural beauty,
the Spanish island of Lanzarote always
enchants everyone who visits. Its
volcanic ecosystemhas earned it the
status of Biosphere Reserve,and its
magical coves and beaches, crystal clear
waters andmild, dry, climatemake it an
ideal winter-sun destination. Not to be
missed is the low-key seaside hamlet
of Caleta de Famara; this charming
fishing village offers a relaxed bohemian
vibe, quiet beaches and dramatic
cliff-top views.
We fly to Lanzarote fromGatwick
and Liverpool.
MADEIRA
Affectionately knowasThe Pearl of the
Atlantic, the Portuguese isle of Madeira
makes for an idyllicwinter holiday
destination. Some 483kmoff the coast of
Morocco, its enviable subtropical climate
and relaxed culturemake it the perfect
retreat for somewell-earnedR&R.
Things change 18 February however,
as the annual Mardi Gras rolls into the
capital, Funchal, in themost spectacular
of fashions. Celebrations beginwith the
excellently organised Allegorical Parade,
with thousands of participants adorning
colourful costumes and dancing through
the streets to the electrifying sounds
of samba.Then onTerça-feiraGorda
(ShroveTuesday) the four-day party
reaches its thrilling finale,with the
Rapalhão Parade. Everyone’swelcome to
join in, so dust down your glad rags and
get involved.
We fly toMaderia (Funchal) from
Gatwick, Stansted andBristol.
MALTA
For a peaceful weekend away from it all,
spend some time on the beautiful island
of Malta. Basking in sunshine, history
and culture this Mediterranean jewel
is well worth a visit. Take a stroll on its
pristine beaches andmarvel its Neolithic
temples, built some 1,000 years before
the pyramids of Egypt.
The island is also famed for its café
culture, which can be perfectly enjoyed
on a quiet afternoon in the tranquil
fishing harbour of St Paul’s Bay.
We fly toMalta fromGatwick,
Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and
Belfast International.
TRAVELLER
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