February Half Term Holidays

The Canary Islands are a no-brainer. After all, they’ve been coined the land of eternal sunshine. We’re talking bright blue skies and average temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius. Plus, they’re only a 3-5 hour flight from the UK, so you won’t have to worry about jet lag. Tempting, right? You might get the odd shower, but once it passes, it’s usually smooth sailing. And while it might feel a little cool for a dip in the sea, pick a hotel with a heated pool and you’re golden! 

It probably won’t be warm enough for sunbathing (averaging 12-16 Celsius in February), but Malta is still one of the warmest spots in Europe this time of year. In fact, it gets more sun than all other European cities (3000 hours a year!). Plus, mild temperatures mean you’ll have more stamina for exploring the 320 monuments in its UNESCO-stamped city, Valletta. As a year round destination, most (not all) places will be open. 

Just a quick 2 hour 55-minute hop from London, Portugal is a great choice for escaping Britain’s chill. The north's a tad rainy, but shimmy south to the Algarve for mild temps. Averaging around 13-18 degrees Celsius, it’s perfect t-shirt weather. The sea is still quite cold, but with big waves, it’s a big draw for surfers. And it’s the perfect time for clifftop hiking. February is Portugal's chill time – fewer crowds, and not much open. But Carnival Loulé, brings three days of dancing, street food and parades galore (over Shrove Tuesday). Plus, you’ll likely bag 4 star hotels at an absolute bargain.

You can’t really go wrong with a trip to Cyprus during February half term holidays. It’s still a winter month, but temperatures are mild, averaging 14 – 23° C. It's the perfect time for countryside hikes, poking around ancient ruins and farm gastro tours. Some days will be warm, while others will bring a little rain, it’s 50/50. It’s not scorching enough for splashing in the sea, but it’s the perfect weather for jogging or surfing along the coastline. A few resorts are closed, but major cities are still open, like Limassol and Paphos. If you visit Larnaca, make a trip to the salt lake to spot flocks of pink flamingos. 

If you're prepared to travel a little further, warm weather escapes are yours for the taking – from sandy shores to palm-fringed paradises, where the thermometer spikes between a balmy 24 and 30°C. High-five with Mickey in Florida, dazzle in Dubai's desert gems, uncover Egypt's famous coral reefs, savour Mexico's beach life, or dive into Mauritius' magic. Then there’s the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and Barbados. 

Score an epic city break deal this February half term! Venice's Carnevale di Venezia steals the spotlight with its enchanting masks and vibes (dates vary so check before you book!). Prague's charming streets are straight out of a fairytale. How about Paris? Hello iconic sights! And Amsterdam's cool canals are always ready for fun. Take your pick – culture, adventure, or whimsy, these cities have got you covered.