Open fires, hot chocolate, and snowy walks paint a pretty picture, but let’s face it: sometimes, a winter break in the sun surrounded by palm trees is the only pick-me-up we truly need during the cold winter months.
Swap your scarves and snow boots for your coolest shades and sunny days as you make a break for our pick of the best winter sun holiday destinations.
Our experts have picked their best winter holidays for sun and balmy average temperatures in Europe and beyond. Take a look at our curated list of close-to-home city breaks and far-flung luxury holidays to inspire your next getaway.
Winter sun holidays in Europe
Madeira, Portugal
A Portuguese archipelago off Africa’s northwest coast, Madeira is perhaps the ultimate away-from-it-all destination that’s close to home. Here, you’ll find cosmopolitan living, a vibrant nightlife, gorgeously dramatic greenery and endless sea views.
The island’s capital, Funchal, is home to the perfectly-landscaped Madeira Botanical Garden. Visit here for a scenic stroll before swimming with dolphins or sailing out on a whale-watching expedition. For a taste of traditional cuisine, tuck into exotic papayas, bolo de caco breads, and scabbardfish with bananas, all complemented, of course, with a glass of fine Madeira wine.
Andalucia, Spain
For an active escape combining snow-capped mountains with warmer climes, take to the lush landscape of Andalucia in southern Spain. Here, you’ll find the Sierra Nevada National Park and Los Alcornocales. Spend your time exploring deep gorges and venture across hanging bridges on the Cahorros walk at the former, or birdwatch en route from Los Barrios to Facinas at the latter.
Leisure travellers will find their slice of heaven in Seville, Andalucia’s picture-postcard capital. Visit Plaza de España to see a great example of grand neo-Moorish architecture, and the Real Alcázar palace which seems like it’s straight out of a film set (you may even recognise it from 1960s classic, Lawrence of Arabia). Architecture aficionados should also make a beeline for Granada, where the Alhambra Palace steals the show.
Peloponnese, Greece
As Greek island life settles down for the winter, set your sights on the Peloponnese, a peninsula on the mainland known for its rich archaeological heritage.
The fortified Byzantine town of Mystras in Laconia is particularly enchanting, while the ancient Great Theatre of Epidaurus is an unmissable architectural landmark of epic proportions. Try the seaport town of Nafplio for coastal climes coupled with plenty of Venetian-style charm, or take a walk along Kalamata’s coastline to gaze out at a divine sky-meets-sea setting.
Wherever you choose, prepare your taste buds for a feast of flavours that include southern Greek olive oil, lemon, lamb, fish and honey – goat stew is a popular and warming dish in the winter time, best sampled with a glass of wine in a cosy taverna.
Long and Mid-haul winter sun holdiays
Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
Sea, sand and a much-needed dose of sun are guaranteed during the winter months on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. Head straight to the Riviera Maya, well-known for being close to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and home to some of the best all-inclusive options in Mexico. This is the world’s second-largest reef, home to over 500 fish species and 100 coral types.
Tulum and Chichén Itzá’s impressive Mayan ruins make a classic contender for those with a thirst for history and archaeology. While the turquoise waters of the flooded caves of Sistemo Dos Ojos offer a thrilling and enigmatic experience in crystalline shades of blue.
Oahu, Hawaii, USA
Wonderfully warm year-round weather is a staple attraction in Hawaii. The island of Oahu is your best bet for a crowd-pleasing getaway that mixes tropical beach idylls with historic colonial sites and rugged, heart-stopping landscapes.
Hawaii’s capital Honolulu makes its home here, with the Diamond Head volcanic cone at its heart. Work up a sweat on a hike along its popular trail, which leads up to a scenic viewpoint from where, on clear days, the panoramic vistas are unforgettable. History buffs can plan a sobering visit to the iconic USS Arizona Memorial, while surfers should trek to Haleiwa and Mokuleia on Oahu’s northern shores.
Phuket, Thailand
With a dry season running from December through to April, Phuket is a fail-safe destination for winter sunshine. Whether you’re an intrepid backpacker on the path of adventure, or an upscale and worry-free, all-inclusive resort holidaymaker, Phuket ticks all the boxes.
As Thailand’s largest island, you’ll find plenty to do here. Explore Patong’s neon-lit nightlife, dig your toes into soft white sands on one of more than 30 sandy beaches, or get your sea legs into motion with water sports or an excursion to the Phi Phi Islands (where The Beach was filmed).
Saint Lucia, Caribbean
A far-flung destination of dreams, this Caribbean country offers the complete package. From its soaring peaks to its volcanic beaches and colourful coral reefs adored by scuba divers, St Lucia has it all.
Edmund Forest Reserve is a must-visit for visitors seeking out exotic birdlife, while the Toraille Falls in the Soufriere district offer a fantastic display (where you could swap hiking gear for swimsuits and take the plunge).
For somewhere to kick back, Marigot Bay is a picturesque, TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence-awarded location known for lending a lush backdrop to many a Hollywood film.
Essaouira, Morocco
Swap Morocco’s much-loved capital for a coastal retreat to Essaouira, an Atlantic Ocean-facing port city most notable for its 18th century seafront ramparts.
The perfect destination for a short-haul winter sun break, you can expect a laid back vibe, plenty of grilled fish, Game of Thrones-like settings and famous winter swells for surfers. If you’re after a spot of shopping, the hustle and bustle of the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is never too far away. During your stay, stock up on hand-painted ceramics, bright leather slippers, and shiny tajines to help you whip up a traditional seafood feast back home.
Still wondering where to go for a winter sun holiday? Browse our collection of last-minute winter sun package holiday and hotel deals below. From affordable family holiday options to all-inclusive winter sun holidays, our curated deals below make the most of balmy climates and optimal hours of sunshine.
