5 Warm Weather Destinations in Winter

For those who aren’t looking forward to the bitterly cold trappings of winter, you have got two options. Either hibernate for a few months under a mountain of blankets with the central heating on full blast, or take a trip to warmer climes where the sun shines all-year round. If you’d prefer the latter rather than the former, here are 5 destination suggestions where warm weather is guaranteed during the winter season.

1. The Canary Islands

With nearly 200 hours of sunshine and average temperatures hovering around 20°C, the Canary Islands has got to be one of the nicest places in Europe during winter. What’s more, with four islands to choose from, you are sure to find a destination that meets your holiday desires.

The islands all have a different flavour, and can offer you different things, depending on what you’re looking for. You’ll find Tenerife is great for watersports such as scuba diving, while Lanzarote boasts an untouched and awe-inspiring landscape. Fuerteventura’s white sandy beaches are difficult to beat, but Gran Canaria is home to a host of luxurious resorts.

2. Malta

This beautiful little country makes for a wonderful winter getaway. Explore this historic island at your own pace and avoid the hustle and bustle of peak season while still taking advantage of temperatures that rarely drop below 15°C. The impressive architecture that overlooks the cobbled streets of Malta’s capital Valletta is well worth a day of exploration, but don’t forget about the rolling green hills and secluded beaches of nearby Gozo.

3. Morocco

Close enough to Europe for low-cost travel but with traditional customs and cultural delights that few can match, Morocco offers up an authentic taste of the exotic. On top of that, temperatures during winter can reach up to 18°C. A trip to the vibrant capital of Marrakech is bound to be inspiring; wander through the colourful souks, the fragrant spice markets, and the winding streets. For something a little less busy, coastal towns such as Essaouira are a little more quiet and quaint.

4. Cyprus

Yet another Mediterranean island that manages to sustain summer for 12 months of the year, Cyprus benefits from around 180 hours of sunshine in winter. This means that you can take it easy on the beach and even enjoy the occasional swim in its alluring turquoise waters. Away from the coast, the fascinating Paphos deserves your undivided attention, particularly its Archaeological Park, which features ancient ruins of tombs, fortresses, theatres and villas.

5. The Caribbean

Synonymous with lavish world-class resorts, the Caribbean also has plenty of affordable options to capitalise on too. Coupled with the laid-back lifestyle and those winter blues will soon feel like a million miles away. Arguably the best way to experience the Caribbean is on a cruise, as you can manage your money much more easily but also visit any number of captivating countries, from Bermuda and Barbados to Trinidad and Tobago.

So, before you turn up the thermostat and start stockpiling extra blankets ahead of winter, consider visiting a warm weather destination during the colder months instead.

Images by Tony Hisgett, Mark Fischer and Steve Jurvetson used under the Creative Commons license.