A few weeks into Semester 1 and reading is stacking up already, tiredness seems to be permanent and the days are becoming shorter. So why not escape it all? For a brief but beneficial weekend off, you could be exploring a new city, trying a new cuisine or sitting on a much needed beach. I have collated my best suggestions for budget-friendly destinations, all easily accessible from Edinburgh, whether you’re looking for sunshine, culture or the perfect place to potter, I’ve got you covered.
Agadir: swapping lecture halls for sunny beaches
Famed for its exquisite beaches, Morocco’s coastal city of Agadir is my recommendation for any sun-bathing fans or those in dire need of escapism from the drizzly winter days of Edinburgh (I don’t blame you).
Keen to dig into activities? The conditions of Agadir provide excellent opportunities for water-sports or chilled surfs, bringing an influx of surfers, along with their laid-back, boho vibes.
In addition to its famed stretches of sandy shores, a short inland trip to the Atlas Mountains finds the lush turquoise pools of the oasis Paradise Valley, perfect for a refresh after hours in Morocco’s warm winter sun. Within the city, many historic sites such as the 16th century, rammed earth Agadir Oufella portray it’s interesting culture and past.
Copenhagen: a weekend of the hygge lifestyle
Though often a popular destination for travellers in the summer, I’m proposing Copenhagen to those eager to wander the calming city in the beautiful winter ambience. With its gorgeous colourful cottages, cute design shops and famously delicious bakeries, Copenhagen provides a wonderful getaway for sedative pottering and window-shopping, crucial to Denmark’s famous hygge.
It is the winter essence that truly enhances my recommendation for Copenhagen as the city’s aesthetic is fulfilled when locals wander in woollen coats and chunky scarves down the snow dusted cobbled streets. This is even more so as Christmas markets and ice rinks absorb various squares and gardens throughout November and December.
Lisbon: the role model for city breaks
If you’re looking for a jam-packed city break, Lisbon is an impeccable choice, combining enticing cultural sites with atmospheric streets full of soul. Though being a large and bustling capital city, Lisbon’s best spots can easily be squeezed into a weekend on a popular tuk-tuk tour, visiting locations from the historic Carmo ruins and Estrela Basilica to the stunning city viewpoint at Senhora Do Monte.
Within the narrow, cobbled streets of the city’s centre, Lisbon bursts with colour and life as antique yellow trams brush past tiled buildings housing bakeries selling pasteis de natas and tiny bars with locals standing outside, a glass of port in hand.
Each of these destinations offers a different type of weekend getaway dependent on your objectives and interests when it comes to a break from student life in Edinburgh. Personally, my favourite is Agadir for its relaxing beaches and cultural sites, accompanied by its high temperatures and winter sun – something that seems alien in Edinburgh! Hopefully, from this, you can find your favourite getaway destination for winter 2024.
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Photo by Mustafa Elkhnati on Unsplash
Photo by Maksym Potapenko on Unsplash