Four must-see places for winter sun holidays

Collaborative Post | The summer is, sadly, over. The days are drawing close again, and the nights are drawing colder. Gone is the threat of a humid day wafting yourself cool in the back garden, and the promise of a roasting summer day spent somewhere coastal. Or is it? Just because it gets cold here in the bonny British Isles doesn’t mean you have to swear off the warmth of the sun until next March.

​Indeed, it’s possible to get a healthy dose of winter sun as part of an off-season getaway. While Europe is entering winter, not all the Northern Hemisphere is intolerably cold for the duration of it. Indeed, there are several standout destinations that are picture-perfect for a winter sun holiday, some of which we’ll be exploring in this very guide.

Photo by Hendrik Cornelissen on Unsplash

Canary Islands

First of all, for year-round sunshine and diverse landscapes, you needn’t look further than the Canary Islands. These are a popular summer holiday destination for Brits already, and eminently easy to get to as a result; an open secret, though, is how clement the weather remains here even during the winter. If you’re after winter sun holidays that cater to the whole family, you couldn’t do much better than the Canary Islands for a resort-style sun-and-sea experience out of the usual season.

Madeira

In keeping with the island theme, and if you’re more inclined to travel a little farther afield for a decent does of natural beauty, you might consider Madeira, the Portuguese archipelago off the coast of Africa. This is an island that truly sees the sun all year round, and which benefits greatly from it – particularly when it comes to natural landscapes. This volcanic island is rich in greenery, and mountainous too; the cliffs are must-see, as are the views you can take in from them.

The Algarve

Now, to the Iberian Peninsula, more specifically to Portugal, where a true coastal gem awaits. This is the Algarve, Portugal’s southern shore and home to Faro and Albufeira. It’s the mildest of winter climates, and one of the most inspiring coastal destinations you can visit. As far as winter sun holidays go, there are few better candidates than this incredible region, rich in cuisine and culture alike. The wine is a particular highlight!

Morocco

Finally, we come to the place where Europe and Africa almost touch: Morocco. This is a truly exotic winter-sun escape, being a true melting-pot of a country that contains multitudes and stays warm all the while. Morocco is perhaps most often visited by way of Marrakech, whose markets are globally recognised and never boring. The Western Sahara is a bucket-list place to visit, too, and much safer to visit in the winter.


Disclaimer: this is a collaborative post.