Winter Sun: Ten Hotter-Than-Home Getaways

Cold? Miserable? Can’t wait for next summer? The good news is you don’t have to hang around here in your thermals. Swap winter blues for sunny skies with these ten hotter-than-home getaways…

Cyprus

Paphos, Cyprus: Wish you were here?

Cyprus has a lot in common with this part of the world. The cars drive on the left.  The plug sockets are the same.  But right now there’s one MAJOR difference: it’s still t-shirt weather in sunny Cyprus.

 

Winter Highs: 22C

 

Daily hours of sunshine: 9

Gran Canaria

Winter…what winter?

 

Forget icy chills and long, dark nights and look forward to lazing on the sandy beaches of Puerto Rico and partying into the early hours of the morning in the bars and clubs of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.  Summer is still alive and well on this sizzling Canary Island.

 

Winter Highs: 22C

 

Daily hours of sunshine: 7

 

Tenerife

Go on, make them jealous!

Expect sun, sand and sangria, as well as spectacular volcanic peaks and sparkling turquoise seas of Tenerife. Chill out with a cocktail, kick back on the beaches, take a few instagram snaps and be the envy of all those huddled around a heater back home.

 

Winter Highs: 22C

 

Daily hours of sunshine: 6.5

Fuerteventura

Prepare for that welcome blast of heat as you step off the plane and get ready to claim your spot on Fuerteventura’s 32 km stretch of coastline. Grab your surfboard and catch some waves or simply sit back, forget your troubles and soak up some rays on the beach.

 

Winter Highs: 22C

 

Daily hours of sunshine: 7

Lanzarote

Papagayo Beach, Lanzarote

Reliably sunny, Lanzarote has a climate that’s as impressive as its rugged volcanic landscapes. No matter what time of year you visit, you’re mostly greeted with blue, cloudless skies and sunshine. Stunning scenery and glorious heat makes Lanzarote the perfect destination to top up on your Vitamin D this winter.

 

Winter Highs: 22C

 

Daily hours of sunshine: 8

Marrakech

Fall for Marrakech’s exotic charms

Spice up your winter plans with a sunshine break in Marrakesh.  Shop in the souks, chill out in the hammam and fall for the exotic charms of the Medina at dusk.

 

Winter Highs: 21C

 

Daily hours of sunshine: 7

 

Malta

Malta’s got it all

Inject a little bit of culture into your winter break with a trip to sunny Malta.  The island is home to three amazing UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the island’s capital, Valetta.  Once you’ve ticked ancient temples and city sights off your list, let your hair down in the lively bars and nightclubs of St Julian’s Bay, take a bike tour around the coastal towns, or go for a dip in the Blue Lagoon.

 

Winter Highs: 22C

 

Daily hours of sunshine: 8

Seville

There’s no time like the present to pay Seville a visit

With its fiery flamenco performances, colourful fiestas and mouth-watering tapas, Seville is the quintessential Spanish city. In the summer months, temperatures are sweltering (almost oppressively so), but locals will tell you that now is the perfect time to experience its spectacular architecture and culture.

 

Winter Highs: 23C

 

Daily hours of sunshine: 6

 

Valencia

Enjoy the best of the city and the beach

Fly into Valencia and combine a city break with a beach holiday.  Mild temperatures mean you can check out the city’s Gothic sights and palaces at your leisure before heading to the coast to feel the sun on your back and the sand between your toes as you stroll the beaches of Malvarrosa and Pobla de Farnals.

 

Winter Highs: 19C

 

Daily hours of sunshine: 9

The Azores

Live the dream

Get ready to cross a few experiences-of-a-lifetime off your bucket list. If you’ve ever fancied hiking up a volcano or swimming with wild dolphins, it’s time to pack those bags for a winter break with a difference.

 

Winter Highs: 20C

 

Daily hours of sunshine: 6

 

Book your flight here

 

- Fiona Hilliard