With the weather the UK has been experiencing lately, what sounds better than escaping the brutal and cold conditions? It’s not going to get warmer anytime soon, so why not treat yourself to a break full of sun and sand?

Better yet, you won’t need to spend a fortune or travel far across the globe. The opportunity to experience the perfect winter escape is just a few hours away by plane.

Gran Canaria, located just off the coast of Northwest Africa, is a stunning island that stays warm all year round and boasts a number of sandy beaches.

In fact, even its coolest month, February is still warm, with an average temperature of 22C. Sounds incredible? Well, flight comparison site Skyscanner currently shows £22 one-way flights from Manchester Airport to the island, which is only four hours away.

While you may have to pay extra for things like baggage and seat allocations, return flights are also similar in price, so this isn’t a deal you want to miss out on.

Gran Canaria is the third-largest island of the Canary Islands and is sometimes labelled as a “miniature continent”, because of the diverse changing landscapes it is home to.

The sun-filled destination boasts around 60 km of beaches along its 236 kilometres of coastline, all of which have their own unique touch. So, whether you’re looking, you’re looking to visit the island’s busy hot spots like Maspalomas, which is known for its dunes and great lighthouse.

If you want to wind down and experience some peace, whether that’s by yourself or with the family, beaches like the ones at San Agustin, Amadores, or Puerto de Mogan offer that option, too.

Relaxing by the beach is good for your well-being, but Gran Canaria takes things a step further. By the second half of the 19th century, the island had become an important health resort, welcoming thousands of visitors who searched for a good climate and “medicinal waters.”

Tourists can find a number of Spas and Wellness Centres dotted around the island, including the grand spas at Azuaje Berrazales. The centres offer the latest wellness treatments.

But behind the beaches, sun, and crystal blue seas, the island has a rich history and culture that has to be explored. It is a World Heritage Site made up of a blend of cultures, and once you step onto the island, the surroundings are bound to keep you captivated.