The Top 4 Winter Sun Holiday Destinations
Love or loathe the winter season or even the autumn chills in the air. It’s safe to say that escaping the sunshine during the darker, colder months can be a much-needed positive endorphin inducer. The heat on our skin, the waves at our feet, the warm evening breeze — it’s paradise, especially when it comes as an escape from the chilliness.
Not only is vitamin D good for the soul, but it’s also got benefits, including better sleep, maintaining strong bones, and even giving you a longer life. So winter sun travel is basically essential. We’ve curated a list of the best winter Sun holiday destinations in 2022, so you can feel your best.
Our favourite places to visit in winter
Spain
The Canary Islands are ideal for a sunny winter escape. Tenerife has got those coastal views that look like Windows screensavers, in that perfected ocean wave, sculpted cliffs kind of way. We recommend the Los Gigantes cliffs on the island’s West Coast, complete with a small ‘Playa’ (Spanish for the beach, of course) and crystalline waters. The island offers more incredible hikes, beaches, and, duh, the warm weather.
Gran Canaria, or “mini continent” as it’s known due to its varying landscapes within the island, not only boasts sun, sand, and waves but more diverse experiences for tourists. The Maspalomas are Gran Canaria’s famous dunes nature reserve in the quaint resort town of Maspalomas. Spend the day exploring the real-life dessert simulation, then take a walk along the beach to check out the town’s tall 19th Century lighthouse. Must-sees on the island include dolphins on boat rides, the impressive Poema del Mar aquarium, and touring the Tejeda volcano.
The Jameos del Agua caves, the Timanfaya National park with volcanic landscapes and geysers, scuba diving, and food and trinkets markets like Teguise’s Market — Lanzarote is a treasure trove for sun and adventure-hungry travellers. There are even vineyards for a more relaxing day trip. Our recommendation? Bodega Stratvs vineyard.
Our recommended sun in fun winter stays are:
Thailand
Over the Thai winter, temperatures are still pretty warm (around 27 °C / 79 °F) — not to mention the end of Monsoon season is in November — so it’s a lovely time to visit. Some people reckon it’s the best time of year to visit this SouthEast Asian hotspot.
Phuket is a fantastic destination, especially for Thailand first-timers. Since winter is the high season in Thailand, there’s plenty to keep an eager tourist busy; jungle safari, bamboo rafting, and elephant trekking in Phang Nga Province. The most popular beach in Phuket is Nai Harn Beach, which can get pretty busy at its peak, but is incontestably one of the most beautiful beaches.
If you’re more chill-seeker than a thrill-seeker, Railay beach, between the city of Krabi and Ao Nang resort, is undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Thailand; white sand beaches meet the turquoise water and give access to gorgeous viewpoints, including limestone cliffs. Accessible solely by boat, there are four stunning beaches on the peninsula.
Our recommended sun in fun winter stays are:
Chanalai Romantica Resort – Adults Only
Cyprus
This Mediterranean island is ideal for winter sun since it gets one of the warmest winters in Europe, often reaching a peak temperature of 23°C / 73.4 °F. Winter is off-season in Cyprus, but don’t be fooled — the lack of crowds makes exploring the island’s culture and history all the more relaxing.
Paphos Castle is a Byzantine fortress on the Paphos Port and a gorgeous landmark in Cyprus; a stroll around the marina and boardwalk will lead you to some nice restaurants to enjoy the local seafood. The area is complete with numerous archaeological sites and fabulous resorts.
Kakopetria Village in Nicosia is picturesque on the foothill of the Troodos Mountain and offers a range of activities, from wine trips to waterfall tours in the mountains. Fun fact — Nicosia was voted the coolest area in Cyprus, not to mention its gorgeous eateries for authentic Cyprian cuisine.
For a truly authentic experience, Limassol is the perfect coastal town to spend your vacation in. It’s got a metropolitan feel to it, with one of the biggest Old Towns in Cyprus. You’ll never get bored here, from the large promenade to its big waterpark, beaches and ancient castles.
Our recommended sun in fun winter stays are:
Portugal
The island of Madeira is Portugal’s very own winter sun trap, with temperatures hovering around 20°C. The capital city, Funchal, is known for its rolling hills, vibrant botanic gardens, and famous wine cellars. To dive into the local culture, visiting Funchal’s old town with divine Portuguese cooking that won’t hurt your wallet is recommended. Take the Monte Cable car to soak up the view before reaching the ‘Monte’ mountain itself — once you arrive at the top, you have a choice between checking out the Madeira Botanic Gardens or venturing to the Monte Palace Tropical Garden.
Our recommended sun in fun winter stays are:
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