Winter sun closer to home

You don’t have to travel halfway across the world to grab your fix of Vitamin D. In fact, there are plenty of nearby destinations which offer continuous sunny skies and lush temperatures from Morocco to the Canary Islands to Cape Verde.

For many, the most obvious choices are popular islands like Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote which offer plenty of tropical resorts to choose from. Plus, with an average flight time of just 4 hours and 30 minutes, you could be enjoying a warmer climate in a matter of hours and these are the perfect winter sun destinations to whisk away the kids with plenty of family friendly activities all over.

But the winter sun doesn’t end there – we also offer some fantastic deals to year-round favourites like Morocco and Cape Verde where the average yearly temperatures rarely dip below 20°C. It’s t-shirt weather all year round. These winter sun destinations are perfect for that ‘other side of the world’ feeling but with a shorter flight! So, if a day on the beach is in order, you could be lazing on Sal’s Caribbean-like beaches in less than six hours or exploring Marrakech’s Sahara desert in less than four!

Escape the cold on faraway shores

If a long-haul flight is no bother for you then travelling a little further afield for a spot of winter sun opens you up to a world full of options and seriously stunning destinations. Whether you go for hotspots in the Caribbean like the Dominican Republic, Mexico favourites such as Cancun or popular resorts in Thailand like Phuket – ones things for sure, you’re guaranteed plenty of sunshine, plenty to do and gorgeous views!

Mexico remains a firm favourite for a winter sun holiday, from its Caribbean Coast to its Pacific you’ll find a whole host of resorts perfect for all kinds of travellers. And a winter break in Mexico means you get glorious sunshine without the rainfall you’d see in summer. If you’re looking for a little luxury, Mexico has plenty of luxurious hotels that are just waiting to sweep you off your feet this winter.

If luxury really is what you’re looking for and you want to push the boat out, then you can always swap those frosty morning views for Indian Ocean sunrises. Sit among palm-covered spots on the beaches of Mauritius, or better still, immerse yourself in new and fascinating cultures and take a trip to Sri Lanka or Goa. Winter sun has never been better.

Wallet-friendly winter sun

A winter sun getaway doesn’t mean you have to break the bank and pull out all the stops. Forget scrimping and scraping all year round for that two week holiday, sign up to the Holiday Hypermarket newsletter for plenty of discounted holidays and offers delivered straight to your inbox. You can enjoy a well-earned winter holiday for less – maybe even a spot of winter sun and summer sun!

Booking at the last minute can also save you a fortune, especially if you’re not restricted to the school holidays and can be a little flexible with travel dates. With huge savings on holidays travelling within 8 weeks, you could be jetting off to warmer shores in days. We offer a whole variety of last minute winter sun destinations, so get your countdown started and you could be in destinations like Jamaica, or Portugal before you know it!

All inclusive winter sun holiday destinations

The only thing that could make a winter sun holiday that little bit better, is an all inclusive winter sun holiday! Imagine escaping the cold and dark days by making one payment and then you’re sunning it up surrounded by beautiful scenery with food and drink right at your fingertips. With the chance to try the local cuisine of where you’re staying, but also having your home favourites, all inclusive couldn’t be better. Plus, it’s an easy way to make sure you stay within budget. 

There’s a plethora of all inclusive hotels in Lanzarote that you can book up for winter at great prices and enjoy temperatures around 20°C. With so much to do and explore in Lanzarote, it’s the perfect temperature to adventure around while soaking up some sun. It’s also great for families with kids as many hotels have poolside entertainment and a selection of buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Most winter sun destinations will offer all inclusive options, for example, Mexico, Cape Verde and the Caribbean. But all inclusive may not be for everyone, we know that some holidaymakers enjoy visiting different restaurants every night so you can look for self catering options too.

Winter sun holidays in January

January is a great time of year to get some winter sun. For long-haul destinations, Goa has an average temperature of 32°C. You can try the local cuisine, or for an action-packed break why not get involved in some water sports. Thailand is another favourite with similar temperatures. For an unforgettable experience, it offers activities such as island-hopping or spending time at an elephant sanctuary – don’t miss bath time!

If you prefer something closer to home, Morocco is a great option for a spot of winter sun in January. Venture into the desert and explore the rugged landscape while riding a camel, or if you prefer, why not watch the sunset over the Atlas Mountains?

You can find some good deals in Cape Verde as it’s a great destination for all year round. It’s becoming more popular with tourists, which is not surprising due to its laid-back charm and the friendly locals. You can experience the culture in Boa Vista – why not try the traditional food? It tends to be a mix of African, European and Caribbean cuisines. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll see turtles laying their eggs on the beach, or you may even be able to spot baby turtles hatching and making their first trip to the sea.

Best places for winter sun in Europe

You don’t need to travel far for some winter sun, you can enjoy beach days and get a glorious tan within Europe. The Canary Islands, for example, are a great option. Being close to Africa, the warm temperatures rarely fluctuate. In Gran Canaria, you can explore giant sand dunes or go parasailing. You can also explore the island on a jeep, travel through the mountains and take in the local sights such as the natural caves or the wildlife. 

With temperatures hovering around 20°C, Cyprus is another excellent choice for some winter sun. Whether you’re interested in waterparks, nature parks, or the local cuisine, Cyprus has it all. With just over a 4 hour flight time, you’ll be soaking up that glorious Cyprus sun in no time.

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, sees temperatures of around 20°C-25°C in the winter making it yet another fantastic European winter sun destination. Visit Teide National Park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see some dramatic landscapes and explore Spain’s tallest volcano. You can even take a cable-car trip soars above the crater, giving you stunning views of the Canarian archipelago. Tenerife is also home to Loro Parque – featuring parrots, dolphins and sea lions, there’s something to keep all the family entertained all through the winter.