Winter Sun Holidays

The skies are grey, it’s miserable and rainy and the dark nights are drawing in too early. It’s time to get away and soak up some winter sun. But where can you chase the sunshine in the winter months?

The Canary Islands, of course. If you’re desperate for a relaxing beach holiday where you can spend your days bathing on the sands and nights sipping cold beers by a bar, the Canary Islands are ideal. With perfect temperatures all year round, their location close to Africa means the climate stays hot throughout the winter and their Spanish charm means they have great tapas, friendly locals and stunning beaches.

Gran Canaria

Gran Canaria is the greenest of the Canary Islands and has a lot of different resorts along the coastline. The most popular is the lively valley of Puerto Rico where there is an abundance of bars and restaurants and all the hotels are built on the hills at either side of the main shopping centre. A day trip to the picturesque fishing village of Mogan is essential, where you’ll find a much more relaxed atmosphere and get a chance to mingle with the locals. You’ll fall in love with the delicate flowers on the white buildings and colourful finishing boats in the harbour.

CC: Canary Islands Photos – UNFILTERED

Tenerife

Tenerife is hugely popular with Brits all year round. Most holidaymakers head to the south west of the island in winter to the resorts of Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje and Las Americas but be warned, these hotspots are quite commercialised now. If you’re looking for sun but without the brits abroad vibe ITC Luxury Travel has some stunning hotels outside of these destinations with amazing sheltered sandy beaches, spa facilities and bundles of sports activities to keep adventurous types entertained.

Lanzarote

Lanzarote is arguably the most barren of the canaries. Its volcanic landscape isn’t perhaps the most inspiring but after all, you’re ditching the green fields of England for sunshine anyhow. Lanzarote is great for sunbathing and there are some amazing natural sights to see as a result of the rocky terrain. It’s really interesting to go up the volcanos at the National Park of Timanfaya on the back of a camel and see the fascinating hot lava springs. Puerto Del Carmen and Costa Teguise are the biggest resorts but the capital city Aracife is bustling and well worth checking out.