Wednesday, 06 November 2013 02:32

With the winter well on its way in the UK, now is definitely the best time to begin looking at ways to escape the gloom by going on a winter sun holiday. However, not all of us have loads of spare cash, so where can you go if you’re on a budget?

We’ve come up with a few suggestions that lend themselves well to winter escapes without a hefty price tag.

Tenerife

The Canary Islands have long been a popular choice for anyone hoping to get some sunshine in the colder months of the year, with Tenerife a particularly good option as it’s described as the island of eternal spring. What’s more, it’s great for those on a budget as there are usually some fantastic deals on accommodation available in the winter – check out some of these offers – as well as plenty of free attractions.

Of course, one of the biggest draws is the coast, with glorious beaches dotted all around the edge of the island. Active travellers will love heading to the interior though for the chance to hike in the majestic Teide National Park. Winter is a wonderful time for this sort of holiday as the weather isn’t too hot.

There are also plenty of charming villages that offer a glimpse of life on the island – wandering around these at your leisure is a fantastic way to spend a day that won’t cost you a penny.

Bodrum

Bodrum is a wonderful all-round destination that’s great if you’re looking for a spot of sunshine. There’s loads to see and do here that won’t cost you the earth, as well as some glorious beaches that are perfect if you’re aiming to work on your tan.

In fact, the beach that runs between Bodrum castle and the archaeological site of Halikarnassus offers sunbeds and beanbags for free, so you can relax in comfort. You can also travel a little further out of Bodrum to the bays of Gumbet or Bitez, where sunbeds are available and there are plenty of bars and restaurants close by.

If you want your getaway to be about more than just sunning yourself though, Bodrum is a great choice because of its varied historical and cultural attractions. We’ve already mentioned Halikarnassus – a city that was once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – and although its now in ruins, the site is still well worth a visit.

Within Bodrum itself are the Myndos Gate – the former entrance to the city – and Bodrum castle, which now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, a fascinating place to explore. Just outside Bodrum is a Roman amphitheatre that’s been well preserved.

Essaouira

For something totally different, and a little off the beaten track, consider Morocco and, more specifically, Essaouira. This coastal city has a bit of everything and again can be cheap to explore if you know where to go and what to see.

It has a reputation for attracting artists, thanks to the beauty of its architecture and the quality of the light here. There are sculptures and paintings by an array of artists on show in some of the local galleries, while there are many crafts practised here – including marquetry and rug making – that are forms of art in themselves.

Essaouira is also renowned for its windy weather, something that’s made it a popular spot with windsurfers. It’s said that to truly appreciate the city you should visit during the winter as this is when you can see Essaouira at its best, with huge waves crashing against the old city ramparts and fewer people crowding its beaches.