AS the Irish winter chill sets in, many of us dream of swapping frost for sunshine.
We have found the perfect destination for a cheap winter getaway to soak up the sun and not dent your bank account before Christmas.
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This stunning resort town offers a lovely 20C to peaks of 24C throughout the day, as well as 6 hours on continuous sunshine daily.
Firgas, a town located in the north of Gran Canaria, and is the perfect destination.
With Ryanair offering flights from Dublin for as little as €28 this December, a winter getaway has never been more affordable.
Firgas, a quaint town in the north of Gran Canaria, is a hidden gem known for its stunning natural beauty.
One of the town’s most unique features is its cascading water steps, the Paseo de Gran Canaria.
This is beautifully decorated with ceramic tiles showcasing each municipality on the island.
For active holidaymakers, Firgas is a paradise.
The surrounding landscapes are crisscrossed with hiking and cycling trails, offering breathtaking views of lush forests.
And even volcanic terrain, as well as the sparkling Atlantic Ocean.
The nearby Barranco de Azuaje is a must-see, featuring dramatic cliffs and trails perfect for exploring Gran Canaria’s rugged side.
After a day of activity, visitors can relax in the town’s cosy cafés and bars.
Firgas is also known for its budget-friendly prices, with pints of beer costing just €2.50 – a far cry from the pricey pints back home.
Foodies will be delighted by the local cuisine, from fresh seafood to traditional Canarian dishes like papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce.
For those seeking a more laid-back vibe, Firgas offers a glimpse into Gran Canaria’s quieter side, away from the hustle and bustle of its busy beach resorts.
The town is also a great base for exploring the island, with easy access to iconic destinations like Las Palmas and Maspalomas.
Firgas is just a 20km drive to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria’s capital city and the largest city in the Canary Islands.
And the city is known for duty-free shopping and for its sandy beaches.
With some famous beaches such as Playa de Las Canteras, a coral barrier lines the beach and shelters swimmers.
Las Canteras beach is the cities main beach and its promenade is over three kilometres long.
So, whether you’re looking to soak up some sun, get your heart racing on the trails, or simply enjoy the local culture, Firgas delivers it all – and at a fraction of the price of other winter sun destinations.
The quaint town has the perfect mix of quiet village life as well as the big cities at your doorstep.
And accommodation is very cheap with prices starting at just €37 a night for double rooms.
One place, the Acoran Family guests house in Firgas has rates of €37 a night and even includes morning yoga practice.
This sunny getaway could be just what the seasonal blues has called for.
FOUR MORE WINTER SUNSHINE SPOTS
HERE are four more winter sunshine destinations to check out.
- The Cyclades island in the Aegean Sea looks like a place straight out of a fairytale and even has flights for less than €90 from Dublin Airport.
Santorini, located in Greece is calling your name as the peak tourist season comes to an end but the hot sunshine isn’t.
Roam the peaceful black-sand beaches or stroll the streets of one of Santorini’s charming villages. - Tuscany stretches from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Apennines and is located in west-central Italy.
With breathtaking beaches, Mediterranean islands and highs of 23C in October, this European spot has something for everyone. - The island of Sardinia in Italy is home to nearly 2,000km of stunning coastline. With average highs of 23C throughout October this is the prime month to visit and avoid large crowds.
It’s a great time of year to swim in the sea, with the water at an average temperature of 22C. - Cordoba in southern Spain is the capital of the province and the ideal place for an autumn getaway.
The city enjoys temperatures from 18 to 24C even into the month of October, so visitors can soak up the last of the sunshine.
And it’s just three hours from Dublin Airport with Ryanair operating regular flights to the city’s closest airport in Malaga for just €24.99.
