Winter Sun Holidays

Portugal is a holiday favourite during the summer, but it offers many hidden winter sun treasures for those willing to look for them. The Algarve, with its breathtaking coastline, is more than just a summer escape with moderate temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and some fantastic deals on the most sought-after hotels and resorts. Flights to the Algarve over Christmas, in particular, are extremely cheap.

Alternatively, Madeira has an equally appealing midwinter holiday pitch. The archipelago boasts simply outstanding natural beauty, gorgeous beaches (which won’t be crowded in the winter) and a mild climate all year round. A glorious combination of historic European charm, particularly in the seaside town of Funchal, and that quintessential island atmosphere, Madeira is a fantastic winter sun holiday destination. With flights from airports across the UK, and a wonderful array of top-class hotels offering cheap winter holiday deals, end 2020 or kick-start 2021 with a taste of Portuguese paradise.

Eternal sunshine is the calling card of these island gems. Located just off the coast of Africa, the Canaries enjoy year-round sun as well as boasting striking landscapes, gorgeous coastlines, and a vibrant social scene. These winter sun holiday favourites are a perfect choice for anyone sick to death of grey skies and looking for an island paradise at bargain prices on flights.

Each island has a distinct personality and it’s worth going back to try them all! Tenerife, the biggest of the bunch, really does have something for everyone. Beautiful beaches, the famous Mount Teide national park and stunning nature, as well as a thriving nightlife, you really couldn’t ask for more. However, Tenerife isn’t your only choice for a fantastic midwinter holiday.

Famed for its lunar landscape, Lanzarote also has some fabulous beaches, like the three which make up the Playa Blanca resort - perfect for lounging in the sun and building a winter tan. Lanzarote also has an average high of 22 degrees, even in December. Talking of beaches, Fuerteventura has an amazing 150 of them, and with that Canaries sunshine keeping the temperature high, it would be rude not to exploit them for a winter break. We haven’t even mentioned the fabulous Gran Canaria, which will satisfy that craving for sun without breaking the bank.

There is a reason December and January are highpoints for holidays on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. When Europe is at its coldest and greyest, Mexico and the Caribbean enjoy their driest, sunniest, and most popular holiday period. UK winter is the perfect time to enjoy a sun holiday on a Caribbean island. Picture yourself sipping rum cocktails on the beach of the Dominican Republic, sunbathing on the sugar white sands of Barbados, dancing in the streets of Cuba, or embracing the laid-back vibe of Jamaica. Now that’s how we’d spend winter! With a fantastic array of all inclusive and half board hotels, there’s a resort catering towards every winter holiday preference.

If not a Caribbean Island then a winter break in Mexico is equally dreamy and we've got deals on flights and hotel packages, too. For relaxation in idyllic surroundings head to the stunning beaches of Tulum and the Riviera Maya. But if you’re looking to dance away those winter blues head to vibrant Cancun, where sun soaked days on the beach give way to throbbing nights of clubbing, live music, circus shows and so much more. With holidays to suit families as well as luxury adult-only resorts, whatever your budget and holiday style, you’ll find the perfect fit this winter.

Boasting one of the warmest climates in Europe, Cyprus makes a fantastic winter holiday choice. Anyone looking to enjoy some warm sunny skies, glorious landscapes, and fascinating European history, will find their fill of holiday delights without having to take a long flight. Visiting popular spots like Limmasol, Larnaca and Paphos in the off-season means you escape the crowds but enjoy the full benefit of historic coastal towns. Think stunning, uncrowded beaches, glorious local food, and fantastic rates at some of the top hotels and resorts!

Towards the end of the year temperatures remain in the high teens to low twenties on the coast, so you can still enjoy a sunny beach holiday even in December! Inland on Troodos mountain, you’ll find snow should you feel like breaking up your beach holiday with some skiing. Make the most of winter 2020 and escape to one of Europes’ most unspoilt treasures for a cheap holiday you'll remember for years.