Where are the best places for winter sun holidays?
Whilst meandering around a snow-dappled city with a warm mulled wine or boozy hot chocolate does have a certain romantic appeal, winter sun holidays are a welcome departure from those dark evenings and rainy days in the UK.
If it’s sunshine and warmer climes you are looking for, the obvious choice comes in the shape of winter sun holidays where sunshine is practically guaranteed.
As well as being able to boost those serotonin levels and to top up your tan, travelling in the winter months can mean that accommodation and other costs can be more budget-friendly as opposed to in the peaks of summer.
Another advantage is that the beaches and local attractions tend to be more crowd-free.
So, what are you waiting for? From far-flung tropical treasures to Turkish delights, where are the best places to go for winter sun holidays?
Bahamas
Sapphire waters, dazzling blue skies and sun-soaked sands beckon travellers who are seeking unforgettable winter sun holidays to head to the Bahamas all year-round, but especially so in the colder months.
With the beautiful weather and an abundance of unique islands to explore, this Caribbean is a fantastic choice when it comes to winter sun holidays.
It’s difficult to whittle down which of the Caribbean islands to visit, but we can’t help but think that the Bahamas makes for an extra special trip.
Canary Islands
With mild climate all year, when it comes to winter sun holidays, the eternal promise of the Canary Islands delivers on so many levels.
When it comes to winter sun holidays, even if you’re travelling in December, January or February you won’t need to pack your winter clothes.
Faced with seemingly endless days of sunshine, this Atlantic archipelago is a big hitter any time of the year, but especially so in the winter months
Even in the colder months, the average temperatures are around 20 degrees and it rarely receives rainfall, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the island’s beautiful unique landscapes.
From the lush subtropical Garajonay National Park on La Gomera, one of the smallest Canary Islands to exploring the expansive desert landscapes by the sea in Dunas de Corralejo Nature Reserve on Fuerteventura, or the iconic Maspalomas beach on Gran Canaria.
Unlike many other popular destinations that offer winter sun holidays, many resorts on the Canary islands remain open for the majority of the year, meaning you can take advantage of all the fantastic amenities on offer.
You can also enjoy fun activities like watersports, hiking, golf, wine tasting and so much more!
Malta
A perennial superb choice all year round, the pretty island of Malta is ideal for winter sun holidays.
Although it can be a tad scorching in the summer months, Malta in autumn and winter offers pleasant temperatures between 16ºC to 23ºC, so you won’t necessarily be cranking out the bikini in the depths of winter, but it’s certainly t-shirt and relaxing on the beach weather for sure.
The Maltese capital, Valletta, has one of the warmest winters in all of Europe, its mildness allows for lazy sunny days exploring the great outdoors whether this is being a city slicker or going further afield where you can rock climb and hike as well as try other exciting things to do.
Did you know that the entire city of Valletta is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site?
This intriguing fort city and the rest of the island has been home to numerous filming locations for TV and film which includes Game of Thrones, Murder on the Orient Express, Munich and the James Bond film Casino Royale was filmed in Malta.
Of course, Malta is synonymous with its beautiful lush countryside, history and culture and if you are in Malta for a pre-Christmas break, pay a visit to the Mnajdra Temple which is in the south of the island.
On the 21st December, they host a winter-solstice sunrise where the sun lights up the edges of a megalith.
If you are looking for winter sun holidays in late winter, head over to Malta where you can enjoy the Maltese Carnival in February which is chock-full of late-night parties and parades.
The Algarve
With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, The Algarve makes for a great choice for winter sun holidays.
It’s a fantastic destination for those seeking some beach time on their winter sun holidays as not can you expect to enjoy temperatures between 16°C – 19°C, you can also enjoy your choice of
87 blue-flag beaches. When it comes to The Algarve, you may just want to fly and flop which is a pretty stellar choice.
Water water everywhere! Whether you are a coastal dweller, a beach lover or even if you are a fan of waterparks,
The Algarve has H20 at its very core! If you prefer a more sedate approach, then you may just want to check out some of the region’s spectacular waterfalls.
Winter is a great time to see the stunning Monchique Mountains which are filled with an abundance of eucalyptus.
If you want to combine your love of waterfalls with hiking, why not check out the Waterfall trail?
This takes you on an invigorating walk where you can visit some of the most amazing waterfalls of the island as well as seeing some of the most incredible flora and fauna associated with this exceptional microclimate in the Algarve.
Golfers will be spoiled for choice when it comes to winter sun holidays in the Algarve. Golf and the Algarve go together like tea and cake, cheese and wine, Kate and William.
What could be better than teeing off on a glorious golf course with those breathtaking views of the glorious Atlantic coast?
Egypt
Egypt really is a year-round destination, whilst you can expect temperatures of above 35°C in summer, they tend to hover around 20°C in winter making it a lovely place to visit for winter sun holidays.
Whether you want to uncover Egypt’s must-see historical sights, or soak up the sun on one of the stunning beaches, when it comes to winter sun holidays, the cities and resorts of Egypt won’t disappoint.
Vibrant resort towns like Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada and more certainly tick all the boxes and winter sun holidays to Egypt remain a perennially popular choice as travellers can enjoy warm (but not too hot!) temperatures and reasonable prices to boot.
If you love water sports, Egypt is most definitely for you!
Whether you love diving, snorkelling or other water sports, The Red Sea is THE place to be.
From the amazing beaches to the superb conditions for aquatic adventures, you can easily spend all day at the beach.
The Red Sea is home to more than 1200 species of exotic fish dotted around colourful reefs which makes for an unforgettable experience.
Dominican Republic
Shimmering white sands, sparkling turquoise waters, blue skies and glorious temperatures all year round, say hello to the Dominican Republic!
If we could sum up your expectations for winter sun holidays in the Dominican Republic, you can immerse yourself in nature, explore the colourful towns or even just enjoy soaking up the sun in one of the Caribbean’s most popular holiday destinations.
Renowned for its picturesque beach resorts and spectacular natural beauty, this tropical paradise enjoys sunshine for (count ‘em!) 300 days of the year making it one of the best places for winter sun holidays in the world.
This inspiring island also offers world-class water sports, luxury hotels and resorts for every discerning taste as well as some of the most delicious and authentic Caribbean cuisine throughout the Caribbean.
It’s also one of the Caribbean’s most geographically diverse countries. As well as the obvious draw of the spectacular beaches, you have vibrant nightlife, storied history, UNESCO-listed tourist attractions and more.
Fancy an injection of high-octane activity?
If you want to swerve the beach for just a little bit, as well as the world-famous water sports, you can try fun activities such as jungle trekking, whale watching or even try zip lining through the forests of Bavaro.
Sicily
Did you binge watch The White Lotus? If so, then we are sure you will be aching to pay a visit to Sicily where the second season of The White Lotus was filmed.
Due to the popularity of the show, Sicily has been receiving unprecedented levels of visitors, but makes for an ideal location when seeking out your favourite places for winter sun holidays.
Despite it being winter, Sicily remains in abundance throughout the island. From the invigorating lemon and lime trees with their intoxicating scents to the vivid purple, blue and yellow flowers that blow in the gentle breeze.
Typically you can expect around eight hours of sunshine a day and with temperatures in the region of 18, a beach day is most definitely called for.
But, if you are hankering after a bit more action than just zenning out with a cocktail and your holiday book, then you will be delighted to learn that you have got some great options to choose from.
From diving down to a WWII bomber to spotting wildlife like wild orchids, turtles and falcons, there’s so much more to Sicily’s beaches than just pristine sands.
Beach adventures aside, there’s plenty of things to see and do in Sicily.
Spain
Thanks to its mild winters, spectacular beaches and mesmerising cities, Spain remains a popular choice for winter sun holidays.
Whether you are seeking out a beach life on the Costas or fancy a city break in a mild climate, you can’t really go wrong in Spain.
Whilst all of Spain is fantastic for winter sun holidays, you could consider Malaga, Benidorm, Valencia, Alicante, Murcia as well as the Balearics to visit.
Bahamas
Sapphire waters, dazzling blue skies and sun-soaked sands beckon travellers who are seeking unforgettable winter sun holidays to head to the Bahamas all year-round, but especially so in the colder months.
With the beautiful weather and an abundance of unique islands to explore, this Caribbean is a fantastic choice when it comes to winter sun holidays.
It’s difficult to whittle down which of the Caribbean islands to visit, but we can’t help but think that the Bahamas makes for an extra special trip.
Canary Islands
With mild climate all year, when it comes to winter sun holidays, the eternal promise of the Canary Islands delivers on so many levels.
When it comes to winter sun holidays, even if you’re travelling in December, January or February you won’t need to pack your winter clothes.
Faced with seemingly endless days of sunshine, this Atlantic archipelago is a big hitter any time of the year, but especially so in the winter months
Even in the colder months, the average temperatures are around 20 degrees and it rarely receives rainfall, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the island’s beautiful unique landscapes.
From the lush subtropical Garajonay National Park on La Gomera, one of the smallest Canary Islands to exploring the expansive desert landscapes by the sea in Dunas de Corralejo Nature Reserve on Fuerteventura, or the iconic Maspalomas beach on Gran Canaria.Unlike many other popular destinations that offer winter sun holidays, many resorts on the Canary islands remain open for the majority of the year, meaning you can take advantage of all the fantastic amenities on offer.
You can also enjoy fun activities like watersports, hiking, golf, wine tasting and so much more!
Canary Islands
Across its eight islands, the Canary Islands are an ideal place for a multi-generational family holiday.
With its breathtaking natural beauty and year-round sunshine, this amazing archipelago is a fantastic family holiday destination for all members of your brood.
With an average flight time of just 4.5 hours from the UK, it’s no wonder that the Canary Island remains such a popular destination with the UK market.
From its dramatic and almost otherworldly landscapes, its vibrant culture and of course, its dazzling beaches, the Canary Islands have almost shaken off their reputation as just a place to merely fly-and-flop!
But, which Canary Island should you pick? Action lovers will love the excellent water sports and the mesmerising landscape of Fuerteventura which includes some of the best beaches you’ll find in the Canary Islands.
Nature lovers will adore the stunning terrain of Gran Canaria and for members of the family who love to spend their family holiday on two wheels, then why not consider Tenerife which offers a great selection of cycling routes for all capabilities?
It also offers a delicious foodie scene where you can tuck into a memorable family meal once you have worked up an appetite.
Malta
A perennial superb choice all year round, the pretty island of Malta is ideal for winter sun holidays.
Although it can be a tad scorching in the summer months, Malta in autumn and winter offers pleasant temperatures between 16ºC to 23ºC, so you won’t necessarily be cranking out the bikini in the depths of winter, but it’s certainly t-shirt and relaxing on the beach weather for sure.
The Maltese capital, Valletta, has one of the warmest winters in all of Europe, its mildness allows for lazy sunny days exploring the great outdoors whether this is being a city slicker or going further afield where you can rock climb and hike as well as try other exciting things to do.
Did you know that the entire city of Valletta is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage site?
This intriguing fort city and the rest of the island has been home to numerous filming locations for TV and film which includes Game of Thrones, Murder on the Orient Express, Munich and the James Bond film Casino Royale was filmed in Malta.
Of course, Malta is synonymous with its beautiful lush countryside, history and culture and if you are in Malta for a pre-Christmas break, pay a visit to the Mnajdra Temple which is in the south of the island.
On the 21st December, they host a winter-solstice sunrise where the sun lights up the edges of a megalith.
If you are looking for winter sun holidays in late winter, head over to Malta where you can enjoy the Maltese Carnival in February which is chock-full of late-night parties and parades.
The Algarve
With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, The Algarve makes for a great choice for winter sun holidays.
It’s a fantastic destination for those seeking some beach time on their winter sun holidays as not can you expect to enjoy temperatures between 16°C – 19°C, you can also enjoy your choice of
87 blue-flag beaches. When it comes to The Algarve, you may just want to fly and flop which is a pretty stellar choice.
Water water everywhere! Whether you are a coastal dweller, a beach lover or even if you are a fan of waterparks, The Algarve has H20 at its very core!
If you prefer a more sedate approach, then you may just want to check out some of the region’s spectacular waterfalls.
Winter is a great time to see the stunning Monchique Mountains which are filled with an abundance of eucalyptus. If you want to combine your love of waterfalls with hiking, why not check out the Waterfall trail?
This takes you on an invigorating walk where you can visit some of the most amazing waterfalls of the island as well as seeing some of the most incredible flora and fauna associated with this exceptional microclimate in the Algarve.
Golfers will be spoiled for choice when it comes to winter sun holidays in the Algarve. Golf and the Algarve go together like tea and cake, cheese and wine, Kate and William.
What could be better than teeing off on a glorious golf course with those breathtaking views of the glorious Atlantic coast?
Turkey
Always a fantastic choice for winter sun holidays, Turkey and in particular the crystal-clear turquoise waters of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast are ideal fodder for a winter getaway.
Not only is it spectacularly beautiful but it also offers up to 10 hours of sunshine a day.
It’s warm, but not as stiflingly hot (as in summer) as it is warm enough to sunbathe, swim, hike or more.
From Antalya to Istanbul with its labyrinthine streets, a city escape can offer so much even in the colder months.
When it comes to winter sun holidays, a city break allows you to really appreciate the history, culture and architecture of a city with fewer crowds giving you a better chance of enjoying it.
Fewer crowds coupled with great weather, and plenty to see and do means you can fill up your phone with those all-important Insta-worthy snaps too!
If you want to have a different perspective, why not head east to Ankara and Cappadocia for a real taste of traditional Turkish culture where you will find some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world?
If you love to party, you are in luck. Turkey hosts several festivals and events during the winter season, including the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Mexico
Mexico makes for a mesmerising escape all year round, but especially for winter sun holidays.
The tropical treasure is chock full of stunning sandy beaches, incredible cuisine, oodles of culture and top notch historical sites.
In winter, Mexico’s dry season, which lasts from December through to April and you can expect to enjoy highs of 32C, making it a fantastic time to travel to Mexico.
Most days will be sunny and there is almost zero chance of rain during this time.
Love to surf? Head to Los Cabos between November and April for that all-important winter surfing break.
If you visit one site in Mexico, then head on over to The Yucatan Peninsula which has an estimated 7,000 cenotes (‘sacred well’ in Mayan).
These spectacular underground caves are filled with water you can take a refreshing dip in which makes for a relaxing and unique experience.
For fun-filled winter holidays, head to the popular Riviera Maya where you can explore some of the region’s incredible islands such as Isla Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Isla Mujeres.
Culture vultures will love the world-renowned Mayan ruins such as the world-famous Chichen Itza and the spectacular historical city of Tulum too which makes for an unforgettable experience.
Egypt
Egypt really is a year-round destination, whilst you can expect temperatures of above 35°C in summer, they tend to hover around 20°C in winter making it a lovely place to visit for winter sun holidays.
Whether you want to uncover Egypt’s must-see historical sights, or soak up the sun on one of the stunning beaches, when it comes to winter sun holidays, the cities and resorts of Egypt won’t disappoint.
Vibrant resort towns like Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada and more certainly tick all the boxes and winter sun holidays to Egypt remain a perennially popular choice as travellers can enjoy warm (but not too hot!) temperatures and reasonable prices to boot.
If you love water sports, Egypt is most definitely for you! Whether you love diving, snorkelling or other water sports, The Red Sea is THE place to be.
From the amazing beaches to the superb conditions for aquatic adventures, you can easily spend all day at the beach.The Red Sea is home to more than 1200 species of exotic fish dotted around colourful reefs which makes for an unforgettable experience.
Turkey
In-the-know families know that the Turkish Riviera makes for an excellent choice when it comes to a family holiday.
Warm weather – tick! Delicious food – tick! Amazing beaches – tick!
The enduring appeal of the Turquoise Coast also gets further amplified thanks to how the resorts and hotels cater for those on a family holiday.
Junior members of the family will love meeting new friends on their holiday.
The kids clubs are almost like a resort within a resort and their days will be jam packed with cool activities like climbing, archery, swimming pool escapades, arts and crafts and of course disco dancing!
From the Olympos Bey Coastal National Park in Antalya to the magnificent relics and ruins of Marmaris, you will truly be spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying a family holiday in Turkey.
Or why not check out both destinations for an unforgettable holiday you and your family will never forget!
Prefer a city break? You simply have to add Istanbul to your list of destinations for a family holiday that offers so much.
As the cultural epicentre of Turkey, Istanbul delivers on all levels when it comes to history, culture, food and more.
Dominican Republic
From the Acropolis in Athens to the Aegean islands, we can’t help but think that despite the allure of the city, you can’t beat the Greek islands for a getaway.
It is evident that Greece is most definitely the word when it comes to a fabulous family holiday!
You can find family-friendly resorts and hotels across all the Greek islands.
From the stunning beaches of Crete to the wonderful selection of family-run tavernas which serve up some of the best Greek food you will ever eat to donning your fins and snorkelling in Kos, the only question that should be on your mind is which Greek Island is best for your family holiday?!
As a great all-rounder, Corfu offers so many exciting and interesting things to do as well as stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and lush greenery, but there’s also a lot more to this picturesque isle than just its charming looks.
If a lush walk is always on the cards, then you will love the hiking routes that are scattered all over the island of Corfu.
There are a huge number of different walks that cater for different abilities and you can even use it as an opportunity to take in some of the island’s top-notch attractions and landmarks too!
Sicily
Did you binge watch The White Lotus? If so, then we are sure you will be aching to pay a visit to Sicily where the second season of The White Lotus was filmed.
Due to the popularity of the show, Sicily has been receiving unprecedented levels of visitors, but makes for an ideal location when seeking out your favourite places for winter sun holidays.
Despite it being winter, Sicily remains in abundance throughout the island.
From the invigorating lemon and lime trees with their intoxicating scents to the vivid purple, blue and yellow flowers that blow in the gentle breeze.
Typically you can expect around eight hours of sunshine a day and with temperatures in the region of 18, a beach day is most definitely called for.
But, if you are hankering after a bit more action than just zenning out with a cocktail and your holiday book, then you will be delighted to learn that you have got some great options to choose from.
From diving down to a WWII bomber to spotting wildlife like wild orchids, turtles and falcons, there’s so much more to Sicily’s beaches than just pristine sands.
Beach adventures aside, there’s plenty of things to see and do in Sicily.
Spain
Thanks to its mild winters, spectacular beaches and mesmerising cities, Spain remains a popular choice for winter sun holidays.
Whether you are seeking out a beach life on the Costas or fancy a city break in a mild climate, you can’t really go wrong in Spain.
Whilst all of Spain is fantastic for winter sun holidays, you could consider Malaga, Benidorm, Valencia, Alicante, Murcia as well as the Balearics to visit.
