If you missed out on booking a summer getaway, or just can’t get enough of that extra dose of vitamin D, winter holidays are the perfect solution. Say goodbye to those wintertime blues, and hello to warm sun, turquoise sea and golden sand. Booking your winter getaway now gives you the best choice and a better chance of finding the perfect holiday tailored to you. Here are some of our favourite destinations for the perfect winter sun escape.
The canary islands
These islands boast year-round sunshine and warm temperatures, making them a perfect destination for that winter getaway. Tenerife is generally the warmest of the islands in winter, with an average temperature of 22.8 degrees in December. Waterparks in Tenerife like Siam Park and Aqualand remain open in December, and the water is warm enough to enjoy the rides. The South of Gran Canaria also has a similar climate to Tenerife and holds the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure. Kick back on Playa de Puerto Rico, discover the town of Teror (which isn’t as scary as it sounds!), or walk with the animals at Palmitos park. To experience some of the best beaches in the Canary Islands, take to the island of Fuerteventura, boasting white stretches of untouched sands and beautiful blue lagoons.
Cape Verde
Just an hour longer flight from the Canaries, this exotic chain of 10 islands off the West Coast of Africa comes with a guarantee of mid-20s sunshine during the UK wintertime. It holds stunning unspoilt beaches with indigo-blue seas, magnificent volcanic landscapes and an abundance of exotic wildlife. There’s a mixture of cultures within the islands, with African, Brazilian and Portuguese influences, creating a variety of music, fashion and food.
The scattering islands also give you the perfect opportunity to do some island hopping thanks to Cape Verde’s ferry service and inter-island flights. The island of Sal offers breathtaking beaches and brightly coloured, Caribbean-style towns. For water sports, Boa Vista is the island to visit, with its many wrecks for divers to explore and some of the world’s best windsurfing. Santiago is the green and mountainous island, rich in history and blessed with a buzzing African vibe.
Tunisia
Tunisia is home to some of the best beaches in North Africa, with soft white sands and crystal-clear waters. This means that no matter where you stay, you’re never too far from a beautiful sun-kissed stretch of sand. And with an average temperature of 18 degrees in December, there’s plenty of opportunity for some needed time on the beach. But the beaches don’t compare to the mighty Sahara Desert which stretches over Tunisia, creating a truly breathtaking landscape. If you enjoy trying local food, the delicious Tunisian cuisine, full of spice and flavour, is sure to get your mouth watering. Or if you’re captivated by history, then the Roman Ruins of Tunisia are must-see sights, especially the UNESCO protected Dougga, a well preserved Roman town.
Egypt
Egypt is a sun-seeker’s paradise, with long, warm days year-round. For beach lovers, there are some incredible beaches to discover, including El Nayzak in Marsa Alam, Soma Bay near Hurghada and Sahl Hasheesh Bay with its Sunken City. Egypt is one of the world’s top destinations for underwater exploring. There are fantastic snorkelling and diving opportunities discovering the wonders of the Red Sea, bringing you up close and personal with the marine life including the famous Red Sea turtles. Hurghada is a great destination for exploring Ancient Egypt. From here it is easy to visit the pyramids in Cairo, the Valley of the Kings in Luxor and the River Nile. Soma and El Gouna are two very affordable and beautiful resorts within just 30 to 40 minutes to Hurghada airport.
Goa
Holidays to Goa are perfect at any time of year, with its unfaltering weather (rarely dropping below the mid-20s) meaning you’re guaranteed to catch those much needed rays. The endless stretches of golden sand and swaying palm trees by the glistening Arabian Sea is certainly a highlight of Goa, giving it the perfect laid-back vibe. Goa is also the perfect place to do some exploring of the local cultures and impressive temples. If you’re looking for a more lively experience, then Goa’s nightlife won’t disappoint, being the party capital of India. To read our short guide to Goa, click here.
