That feeling when you step off the plane into warm sunshine? It’s even sweeter when you’ve left a cold, damp UK winter behind. But, where are the best places for winter sun? Join me as I run through my favourite travel ideas for winter sun holidays for couples, families and luxury escapes – along with a few tips and tricks for finding the best value deals.
Where to go for winter sun holidays
I don’t know about you, but as soon as the temperature starts to dip after the summer, I start searching for a beach break to escape the winter cold that’s just around the corner. Sun, sea and sand instead of shivering at home? Yes, please! And I’m not alone – winter sun destinations from UK airports are incredibly popular. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family trip or a luxury escape, I’m here to guide you through all the best winter sun destinations for each traveller type – making it a cinch to plan your perfect getaway.
Winter sun holidays for couples
Winter is a fantastic time to get away with your other half – travel outside the school holidays for the most peaceful vibes. I’ve found it’s the best time to soak up scenic views, relax in romantic hotels and enjoy doing the things I love in those warmer winter temperatures. Here are my top three destinations for winter sun holidays for couples.
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Miles of beautiful beaches, stunning volcanic landscapes, and year-round sun make Fuerteventura a top choice for couples seeking space and calm for relaxing winter holidays. Think scenic walks, quiet dinners, and average daytime temperatures of 18-19°C (December – February). Check here for today’s best deals and book your winter break to Fuerteventura.
Essaouira, Morocco
An absolute favourite of mine for exploring local culture, Essaouira is a lovely, laid-back town on Morocco’s west coast. Daytime temperatures are around 18-19°C in December and January, and, while it’s often slightly cooler in February, this pretty spot is always a delight for couples wanting winter sun, history and a chance to discover somewhere that’s just a little different. Plus, all this charm is just a short flight from the UK!
Lanzarote, Canary Islands
Think the Canaries are just about cheap beach breaks? You’ll be surprised by this classy little island! Combining natural beauty with art and architecture, Lanzarote is ideal for design-loving couples. Discover volcanic parks, wine routes, and boutique hotels with ocean views. Quiet and stylish, it’s also blessed with perfect winter sun temperatures of 18-20°C.
Winter sun family holidays
Of all the brilliant options for winter sun family holidays, these are the three that come out on top. Tenerife, Hurghada and Cyprus pack a punch with their child-friendly beaches, short flight times and tons of things to do with kids – all with an eye on those tight family budgets, too.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Super easy to get to from the UK, Tenerife is simply perfect for families: child-friendly beaches (check out Playa del Duque!), zoos (we love the rescue program at Monkey Park), and the fun of Siam Park. Open all year, this huge waterpark is one of the best places for families to enjoy Tenerife’s consistent winter weather – you’re looking at 20-22°C!
Hurghada, Egypt
One of our favourite cheap winter sun destinations, Hurghada offers fantastic value. There’s a great choice of all-inclusive resort hotels, with family-focused facilities and kids’ clubs covered by the price of your holiday, making budgeting easy. And the beaches are divine, with daytime temps of around 18-20°C. As for things to do, the warm waters of the Red Sea are teeming with fish that are really easy to spot just by snorkelling straight from the sand – how magical is that?
Larnaca, Cyprus
With some of the best winter sun Europe can offer, Cyprus is a dream for family holidays. It’s one of the mildest spots in the Med, with quiet beaches and plenty of family hotels. Explore ancient ruins, fun seaside promenades, and kid-friendly food, from eat-with-your-hands kebabs to sticky baklava. Paphos and Larnaca both have a great blend of culture and comfort, especially for school-age kids – but for me, Larnaca comes out on top for its medieval fort, shallow Finikoudes Beach, and the wild flamingoes at Salt Lake!
Luxury winter sun holidays
Winter is a dreamy time for an upmarket getaway, with the time and space to unwind and indulge. You’ll find high-end resorts in lots of sunny destinations, but some are just a cut above. With their stunning hotels, exclusive beaches, fine dining and guaranteed sunshine, Dubai, Mauritius and the Maldives are the gold standard for luxury winter sun holidays.
Dubai, UAE
Shimmering in the desert sun (av. 21-23°C Dec-Feb), Dubai’s glamorous aura is almost tangible. World-class resort hotels so luxurious that some even hit 6- or 7-star heights. Infinity pools where you feel you could float off into the view. Michelin-starred restaurants that will make your mouth water for more. And adventures into the desert for exhilarating experiences you’ll never forget.
Maldives
This is the pinnacle of escape-it-all hideaway destinations for winter luxury. Tiny coral islands scattered in the Indian Ocean, with daytime averages of 29°C, turquoise lagoons and private white-sand beaches. The ultimate goal? Your own overwater villa. Adored by luxury travellers, the islands of the Maldives are the perfect retreat for couples – and unrivalled for honeymooners looking to disconnect from the world.
Mauritius
Elegance is the name of the game in Mauritius, where you’ll be pampered in boutique hotels with luxury spas and premium service. January is the hottest month of the year on this sultry Indian Ocean island, so it’s absolutely perfect for a stylish tropical escape in the middle of winter. Expect daily temperatures to average around 26°C, with highs of a gorgeous 30°C-plus.
How to find cheap winter sun holidays
When to book for the best prices – early or last-minute?
Benefits of booking your winter sun holiday early:
• Look out for earlybird deals at the start of the year – there are usually all sorts of amazing offers available between January and March.
• With plenty of availability still, it’s an especially good time to book if you’re planning a family break in the school holidays, or want to go over Christmas or New Year.
Benefits of booking last-minute winter sun holidays:
• Winter sun prices often drop in October to December, too, with some very attractive last-minute bargains.
• This is an excellent option if you can be more flexible with the details, such as your travel dates and hotel.
Where to look for cheap winter sun holidays:
• Holiday comparison websites can be really helpful for finding the lowest prices. Especially if you’ve got your heart set on something fairly specific.
• Use an online travel agent registered with ABTA, like Thomas Cook, where you can get your flights and hotel for one price, including ATOL protection. You’ll still have an incredibly wide choice of airlines, airports, dates and accommodation.
• Check different dates. Even moving your departure by just a day or two can make a difference. And if you’re not taking school-age kids, avoid the Christmas and half-term holidays.
Cheap winter sun destinations for the most sun per pound:
• Egypt – Lots of quality All Inclusive options for great value. And as it’s definitely beach weather here in winter, you won’t need to splash all your holiday spends on things to do!
• Canary Islands – Great choice for value all round. From the fantastic line-up of UK flights to the range of different hotels and board options available.
• Morocco – Inexpensive flights, plus low prices for food, attractions and services, make winter sun holidays to Morocco excellent value for money.
For added value, make your winter sun holidays All Inclusive:
- If you’re planning on spending lots of time at your hotel, booking an All Inclusive holiday might just be one of the best-value things you could do.
- A great way to manage your budget on cheap winter sun holidays, All Inclusive packages include breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks.
- Most all-inclusive hotels also throw activities (from fun games to sports), kids’ clubs and entertainment into the mix.
- You can still head out to see the sights and get to know the local culture. Some all-inclusive packages even include day trips, local experiences, or shuttle bus transport to key locations nearby.
How to get the best flight prices from UK regional airports:
• Plan ahead – You’ll need to keep an eye out for impressive deals. Flights from regional airports often cost more – the sooner you can start watching prices the better.
• Fly early or late – Early morning and evening flights are usually cheaper, so the more flexible you are, the easier it will be to find a low price.
• Flex your dates – Mid-week departures (especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays) often cost less than more popular travel days.
Which winter sun destination is right for you?
From romantic hand-in-hand strolls on desert-island beaches in the Maldives to racing down waterslides with the kids in Tenerife. It’s fair to say you’re covered for winter sun holidays, whoever you’re travelling with. I’ve taken care to recommend all-time favourites, including both cheap and luxury options, so you know you’re in for an amazing time on your sun-seeking adventures this winter – whatever your budget. Which one are you booking?
Looking for travel inspiration? Read these articles next:
- How to Choose Your Dream Travel Destination
- 5 Luxury Travel Adventures to Add to Your Bucket List
- Top holiday destinations for foodies around the world
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