Flee the grey skies and falling leaves for sun, sea and sand…
When the clocks have changed, the novelty of knitwear has worn off and Manchester hasn’t seen a blue sky for what feels like weeks, there is another way. Manchester Airport has plenty of routes towards warmer weather through the winter, from the reliably mild Canary Islands to the beaches of Egypt and the souks of Morocco.
Whether you’re a seasoned winter sun type, or mulling opting out of the gloom of autumn and winter for the first time, there are stacks of options, and Jet2 can take you to them. There are great-value flights if you want to plan things yourself (always with 10kg hand luggage included), or package holidays with everything included, including hotel, return transfers, 22kg baggage and 10kg hand luggage.
Here are some of our best picks to cling on to the summer…
Egypt
Egypt is joining Jet2’s winter sun line-up with flights to Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh from February 2027, opening up two very tempting Red Sea escapes. Both combine golden beaches and resort-style relaxation with some seriously impressive marine life, making snorkelling and diving major reasons to visit. There are family-friendly waterparks, luxury hotels and plenty of opportunities for long days doing very little beside the sea. Add Egyptian food, famously warm hospitality and the prospect of exploring some of the country’s extraordinary culture and history, and you’ve got rather more than a fly-and-flop holiday.
Morocco
Morocco is a winter sun option for anyone who wants a bit more than a week beside the pool, and a taste of adventure. In Marrakech, hours disappear inside its dizzying warren of colourful souks, atmospheric streets and markets, with food, shopping and centuries of history around every corner. Agadir offers the slower alternative, combining sandy beaches and resort comforts with a distinctly North African feel. Across both, there’s warm hospitality, sweet mint tea by the gallon and plenty of sunshine to go around. It’s a destination that makes it easy to mix switching off with actually seeing somewhere new, preferably with a plate of something excellent in between. So, whether you’re looking for a city break in Marrakech, a beach holiday in Agadir or simply flights to explore Morocco your own way, there’s plenty to discover.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote does winter sun with a dash of drama. Beyond the beaches of Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen, the island is all volcanic landscapes, strange rock formations, caves and brilliantly green lagoons. Explore its UNESCO-protected biosphere by bike, browse local artisan markets or head into the vineyards, where vines grow from the island’s black volcanic soil. Watersports are a big deal too. For something properly memorable, head towards Fire Mountain for lunar-looking scenery and even a volcanic barbecue. Best of all, Lanzarote is compact enough to explore easily.
Madeira
Madeira is ideal for anyone who wants winter warmth but gets restless after more than a couple of days beside the pool. The Portuguese island combines a subtropical climate with mountains, steep green valleys and a coastline that looks purpose-built for lengthy lunches overlooking the Atlantic. The capital of Funchal makes an easy base, with restaurants, markets and bars to dip into between excursions. Elsewhere, walking the island’s famous levadas will take you through forests and spectacular mountain landscapes, while natural swimming pools and small coastal towns give you plenty of reasons to hire a car and explore.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is a bit of an all-rounder, which makes it a very easy winter escape. Playa del Inglés brings busy beaches, bars and plenty going on after dark, while Meloneras is the smarter option for boutiques and waterside restaurants. Around Maspalomas, things slow down among leafy boulevards and those enormous golden sand dunes, with plenty for families too. Don’t spend the whole holiday by the coast, though. Head inland and you’ll find rugged scenery, traditional towns, quiet squares and cafés filled with locals – a completely different side of the island.
Tenerife
There’s a reason Tenerife remains such a winter sun favourite. Down south, Costa Adeje and Playa de las Américas bring beaches, bars, shops and that reliably holiday-ish atmosphere, while Siam Park delivers a full day of waterslides for kids and grown-ups alike. But Tenerife gets much more interesting when you explore beyond the resorts. Mount Teide dominates the island, while the greener north offers outdoor adventures and pretty colonial towns. You can also spend your trip stargazing, tasting local wines or disappearing into a wellness retreat when doing absolutely nothing starts feeling too easy.
