The sunniest winter beach in Europe has been revealed, and it’s surprisingly affordable to visit. Playa de Maspalomas in Spain takes the top spot, basking in over 10 hours of sunshine daily, making it an ideal escape from the winter gloom. Stretching for 7.5 miles along the coast, this golden-sand beach is renowned for its stunning dunes within the protected Maspalomas Natural Dune Reserve.
Famous for its iconic Maspalomas Lighthouse, which dates back to 1861 and served as a crucial navigation aid for steamboats traveling between Europe, Africa, and America, the beach also features a lively seaside promenade starting at the lighthouse. Just a short distance away lies the Maspalomas Palm Tree Plantation, a sanctuary for migratory birds traveling from Europe to Africa, offering a tranquil respite among its palm-lined pathways.
From an aerial view, the beach’s landscape resembles an otherworldly terrain, with its rolling orange sand forming unique patterns across hills, unlike any other in Europe. Named the sunniest winter beach in the continent by Saga, Playa de Maspalomas on the Canary Island of Gran Canaria not only boasts abundant sunshine but also warm temperatures, reaching 24°C and forecasted to remain at that level throughout the week.
Praised by many on TripAdvisor, this beloved beach has garnered numerous positive reviews, with visitors praising its beauty and cleanliness. If the thought of trading the damp UK weather for sunny shores appeals to you, Gran Canaria is a convenient and budget-friendly flight away. Direct flights are available this month from various UK airports, including Bristol, Manchester, Bournemouth, Belfast, Newcastle, Liverpool, Nottingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Cardiff, and Exeter.
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