The Top 4 Winter Sun Holiday Destinations

Love or loathe the Winter season or the even Autumn chills in the air, it’s safe to say that an escape to 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, it’s also got benefits including better sleep, maintenance of strong bones, and can even give you a longer life. So Winter sun travel is basically essential, right? We’ve curated a list of the best Winter Sun holiday destinations in 2022, so you can feel your very 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 West Coast of the island, complete with a small ‘Playa’ (Spanish for 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 sand 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.

On the coast of Costa del Silencio, Marino Tenerife Hotel is ideal for a tropical getaway. Or, stay at SBH Fuerteventura Playa, a resort right on the beach in Costa Calma.

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 time is 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 around. 

If you’re more chill-seeker than 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 4 stunning beaches on the peninsula.

Take a splash whenever you want, wherever you want at Kram Pattaya in Pattaya North, the hotel right on the water — it even has an infinity pool. With its rooms right on the beach, Paradise Ocean View in Bang Lamung will make you feel like you’re holidaying at the edge of the world in the most serene way possible.

Cyprus

This Mediterranean island is ideal for some 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 make 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 to visit 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 archeological sites and fabulous resorts. 

Kakopetria Village in Nicosia is picturesque on the foothill of the Troodos Mountain 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 it’s gorgeous eateries for authentic Cyprian cuisine. 

For a truly authentic experience, Limassol is the perfect coastal town to spend your vacation. It’s got a metropolitan feel to it, with one of the biggest Old Towns in all of Cyprus. From the large promenade to it’s big waterpark, beaches and ancient castles, you’ll never get bored here.

Get that true, blue and white shutters, quintessentially Greek Mamma Mia experience at Seaview Katerina’s House by Konnect in Corfu Town.

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 its famous wine cellars. To dive into the local culture, it’s recommended to visit Funchal’s old town, with divine Portuguese cooking that won’t hurt your wallet. 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. 

Enjoy your breakfast on the roof and take in the beaches, water, and blue skies at Monumental Apartment in Funchal. The perfect place for a family getaway in Funchal is Santa Luzia Funchal View  — there’s so much to do when you’re holidaying in the heart of the city.

Ready to book your Winter sun stay? Bidroom offers over 65,000 properties, including ecolabel accommodation, so you can curate your ideal stay. Unlock complimentary hotel extras, like free room upgrades and welcome drinks, plus travel extras with discounts on your trip extras from tours and attractions, shopping, and beyond. Sign up for free today.