The title of Europe’s sunniest winter beach has been awarded, and it’s surprisingly affordable to visit. Playa de Maspalomas in Spain has claimed the top spot, basking in an average of just over 10 hours of sunlight daily – an ideal destination to escape the winter gloom. Extending along the coastline for 7.5 miles, this golden sand beach is renowned for its stunning dunes, which shape the protected Maspalomas Natural Dune Reserve. Visitors can spot walkers, surfers, and nudists mingling on the beach, which also offers secluded areas for nude sunbathing.
The famous Maspalomas Lighthouse, erected in 1861, was historically crucial for guiding steamboats between Europe, Africa, and America. Today, it marks the start of a lively seaside promenade. Not far from the beach lies the Maspalomas Palm Tree Plantation, a sanctuary for migratory birds traveling from Europe to Africa. Strolling through its palm-fringed pathways provides a refreshing break after a day under the sun.
Viewed from above, the striking beach resembles an otherworldly terrain. Its undulating orange sands across vast hills offer a unique sight not commonly found in Europe. Named as the sunniest winter beach in Europe by Saga, Playa de Maspalomas in the south of the Canary Island of Gran Canaria boasts not only sunshine but also high temperatures. The island has hit 24°C today and is expected to remain at that level throughout the week.
Highly praised on TripAdvisor, Playa de Maspalomas has garnered numerous positive reviews. Visitors describe it as “enjoyable, especially in the early morning and at sunset,” offering breathtaking views of the ocean waves and golden sand dunes. Another reviewer hailed it as “one of the most beautiful beaches in Gran Canaria,” praising its vastness and unique dune landscape.
For those considering a sunny beach getaway, Gran Canaria is a convenient and budget-friendly option. Direct flights this week start at £24 from Edinburgh Airport with Ryanair. Later in the month, one-way fares can drop to £13. Direct flights are also available this month from various UK airports including Bristol, Manchester, Bournemouth, Belfast, Newcastle, Liverpool, Nottingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Cardiff, and Exeter.
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