For those chasing winter sun with their family, last-minute breaks can offer the perfect respite from dreary weather and the back-to-school blues after Christmas.
Fortunately, there are some sunny destinations within easy reach and budget-friendly too – virtually tailor-made for quick escapes over a long weekend with kids. Malta is a firm favourite amongst UK travellers, drawing in crowds with its attractive blend of scenic beauty, English-speaking locals, and enticingly low-priced travel options.
With return flights starting from just £62, Malta clearly stands out as a choice destination for those eager to ditch the cold without denting their wallets. Just a short three hours and 15 minutes flight from London, this gem in the central Mediterranean offers radiant sunshine even during the off-peak season when tourist numbers dwindle.
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Thanks to its blissful Mediterranean climate, Malta promises mild winters with temperatures averaging between 15°C and 17°C, assuring visitors can pack light with maybe just a jacket or jumper for those cooler moments.
Malta’s alluring climate might be the main selling point, but there’s plenty to love for families, too. Countless travel enthusiasts on platforms like Tripadvisor give the country rave reviews.
They often note the agreeable temperatures outside the peak summer months of June, July, and August, reports the Express. But one reviewer highlighted a special event that takes place in the late winter in the country’s capital, Valletta.
They wrote: “The weather is pleasant in the early and late parts of the year but very hot in June, July and August. There is a festival in February/March where floats and dancers entertain in Valletta, which is totally amazing and involves all the children, from babies to teenagers, from far and wide dressing up in very expensive outfits and joining the parade. Quite a spectacle.”
User An-Lord added: “Even when the day’s temperature is ‘low’ (12C to 14C) with a bit of sun, it is still shirt and jumper weather, and when it is warm, well, it is glorious.
“It is like late spring in the UK, and because of the scorching summer, this is their growing season.”
Thirdagetravellers added: “This is a lovely island full of history with a hot climate and open, helpful people who welcome you with their warmth and share their culture with kindness.”
Strolling through the cobbled streets of Valletta, discovering the ancient temples, or simply basking in the sunshine are among Malta’s top attractions. A comprehensive visit to Malta should also encompass a trip to the iconic Blue Lagoon, which may even offer a more tranquil experience during the winter months due to fewer crowds and milder weather.