Posted on Friday, 5 December 2014

Believe it or not, somewhere behind all that murky cloud are blue skies and sunshine. But in order to reach such wonders at this time of year, one has to head to the airport.

Luckily, you don't have to fly half way around the world to get your vitamin D fix, since there are plenty of sunny spots that take around four hours or less to reach. Here are four winter sun destinations that will help you make full use of that annual travel insurance policy...

The Canary Islands

Fly to the Canary Islands and you can expect temperatures to be around 20 degrees – good enough to enjoy the beach and to forget the biting cold back home. Choose from thriving package-style resorts or slick boutique hotels, bustling ports or verdant mountains – the Canaries are perfect for winter-phobics.

Flight time: 4 hours

Morocco

Morocco offers similarly respectable temperatures this time of year. Alongside some fantastic beaches, Morocco is also steeped in history and a vibrant culture. From the breath-taking Atlas Mountains to fortified fishing ports and immersive cities like Fez and Marrakech, your winter blues are sure to evaporate soon after arrival.

Flight time: 3 hours 45mins

Tunisia

Tunisia is often sold as a tourist destination based on its long sandy beaches, but this North African nation offers a great deal more; the Roman and several Arab empires have left their mark in the form of fascinating ruins and spellbinding architecture. And if you want that full 'Lawrence of Arabia experience' then check out the sand dunes of the Sahara on camel back; your seasonal adjustment disorder syndrome will be but a distant memory...

Flight time: 3 hours

Cyprus

Also hovering just above the 20 degree mark is Cyprus, one of the few Mediterranean islands that you can bet your winter escape fund will let you walk around in shorts and a t-shirt – whatever time of year you go. And if you want to pretend you aren't only after sunshine, you've got incredible religious sites, castles, forts, flamingo-filled lakes and wreck diving to consider ... or you could just spend your days on the beach and your nights on the (warm) tiles.

Flight time: 4 hours 30mins

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