Winter sun from Edinburgh under £700
The Canary Islands are the dependable starting point for a winter escape from Edinburgh. Agadir can feel warmer on sunny afternoons, while the islands trade hot weather for steadier mild days.
Five ways to catch winter daylight
Choose the island landscape and transfer that suit four nights.
Indicative per-person planning ranges for four nights between November and February, two sharing a modest room. Totals allow for return flights, transfers and everyday food. Christmas, New Year and February half-term are often much dearer. These are estimates, not live quotes. Check routes, prices and availability before booking.
South Tenerife
Why it fits South-coast resorts give the best chance of dry, bright afternoons. It is the simplest choice if the priority is sitting outdoors, but high-demand weeks raise fares.
- Typical daytime
- Usually around 20–23°C daytime in winter
- Journey
- About 4 hours 45 minutes flying
- Los Cristianos promenade
- Teide excursion
- Coastal paths
Stay around Los Cristianos for local buses
Indicative cost guide
Return flight: £180–£350 return · Accommodation: £180–£300 per person sharing · Indicative total: £540–£760 per person.
Lanzarote
Why it fits Compact distances and volcanic landscapes make a short winter trip feel varied. Wind can cool the beaches, so include inland sights in the plan.
- Typical daytime
- Usually around 19–22°C daytime in winter
- Journey
- About 4 hours 40 minutes flying
- Timanfaya landscapes
- Arrecife lagoon
- Coastal cafés
Stay around Puerto del Carmen or Costa Teguise for bus links
Indicative cost guide
Return flight: £170–£320 return · Accommodation: £170–£280 per person sharing · Indicative total: £520–£710 per person.
Fuerteventura
Why it fits Long open beaches reward walkers and surfers, with a slower pace than a city break. Choose a sheltered base because winter breezes can be strong.
- Typical daytime
- Usually around 19–22°C daytime in winter; breezy
- Journey
- About 4 hours 45 minutes flying
- Corralejo dunes
- Harbour cafés
- Volcanic walking trails
Stay around Corralejo for restaurants and onward buses
Indicative cost guide
Return flight: £170–£320 return · Accommodation: £160–£270 per person sharing · Indicative total: £510–£700 per person.
Gran Canaria
Why it fits The south is generally brighter than the north in winter. Four nights work best with one southern base rather than trying to cross the whole island.
- Typical daytime
- Usually around 20–23°C daytime in the south
- Journey
- About 5 hours flying
- Maspalomas dunes
- Seafront walking
- Puerto de Mogán day trip
Stay around Maspalomas or Puerto Rico near bus routes
Indicative cost guide
Return flight: £180–£340 return · Accommodation: £180–£300 per person sharing · Indicative total: £550–£750 per person.
Agadir
Why it fits A broad beach and sunny afternoons offer a different winter feel. Evening temperatures drop; pack layers and check the operating days of seasonal flights.
- Typical daytime
- Around 20–24°C daytime; cool after sunset
- Journey
- About 4 hours 25 minutes flying when direct
- Seafront promenade
- Souk El Had
- Kasbah viewpoint
Stay around Near the seafront for walkable evenings
Indicative cost guide
Return flight: £170–£330 return · Accommodation: £150–£260 per person sharing · Indicative total: £510–£710 per person.
Compare your options
| Destination | Typical daytime | Travel time | Indicative total pp | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Tenerife | Usually around 20–23°C daytime in winter | About 4 hours 45 minutes flying | £540–£760 per person | Outdoor afternoons |
| Lanzarote | Usually around 19–22°C daytime in winter | About 4 hours 40 minutes flying | £520–£710 per person | Landscapes and easy day trips |
| Fuerteventura | Usually around 19–22°C daytime in winter; breezy | About 4 hours 45 minutes flying | £510–£700 per person | Coastal space and surf |
| Gran Canaria | Usually around 20–23°C daytime in the south | About 5 hours flying | £550–£750 per person | A settled resort base |
| Agadir | Around 20–24°C daytime; cool after sunset | About 4 hours 25 minutes flying when direct | £510–£710 per person | Sunny walks and Moroccan food |
“Winter sun” means mild or warm days, not guaranteed beach heat. Tenerife and Gran Canaria may exceed £700 on popular weeks.