The sunny destination where the sea is warmer than the pools in winter – and is just 4 hours from the UK

ONLY four hours away from the UK, there is a sunny destination where the sea is warmer than the pools.

Egypt has so much to offer in winter, and it’s usually recognised as a destination for ‘affordable luxury’.

The Red Sea is warmer than most unheated hotel pools, which is one of the main benefits of visiting Egypt in the winter - and a unique quality that not many destinations can claim.

The average water temperature of the Red Sea in winter is 20C, making for a perfect winter sun holiday.

But that’s not all, as the Red Sea offers a unique, immersive swimming experience.

The Red Sea contains some of the world’s hottest and saltiest seawater and is home to impressive marine life and coral reefs.

Many tourists describe the Red Sea waters as ‘magical’, and snorkelling should be at the top of your list.

The coral reefs at Ras Mohammed National Park, close to Sharm El Sheikh, are filled with one-of-a-kind underwater scenery.

While Dahab’s famous Blue Hole has been described as an ‘unmatched’ underwater experience, visitors are only advised to visit with a trained guide.

With its warmer temperatures, the winter months between November and early March make it the perfect escape.

During the day, the average temperature is between 20 and 25C - meaning sunbathing will still be on the cards.

To make it even better, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, the most popular resorts on the Red Sea, provide first-class facilities at a far lower price than other well-known winter sun destinations.

Sharm El Sheikh was named number 10 in this year’s best-value holiday destinations by the Post Office .

The average three-course meal with a bottle of house wine was £46.39, while bottled beers and glasses of wine will set you back anywhere between £2.45 and £4.