Chase The Sun
Missing the sunshine already? Well, head to any of these eight hot-spots to bask in the year-round warm weather
Winter getaways
1 TENERIFE, CANARY ISLANDS
You can expect 20C all through November and December on the Canary Islands, so it’s an ideal destination for those who like it warm, but not scorching. Just a four-hour flight away, it’s a perfect winter sun escape. You might feel a little rain in November, but it’ll be worthwhile taking in Tenerife’s sandy beaches, chic boutiques and numerous attractions, none more attractive than Siam Park.
2 MALAGA, SPAIN
The Costa del Sol is a short flight away from the UK and with cheap and quick flights available, it’s the perfect destination for a long weekend. Given its popularity with British tourists, Andalucía has a blend of budget hotel rooms right up to luxurious villas available. Cordoba, like Malaga, is steeped in history and attractions, as well as gorgeous beaches and stunning golf courses.
3 FLORIDA, USA
America’s “Sunshine State” is packed with things to do, and not just Disney and Universal. Due to high tourist demands during the summer, mainly due to the a forementioned the meth parks, the winter it months are the best time to visit. If you can handle the water, take in some of the local wildlife, but watch out for those crocs!
4 CAPE VERDE
With eight hours of glorious sunshine a day and average temperatures of 27C, the islands of Cape Verde are a winter paradise. Flights tend to take eight hours and can be pricey so if you’ve got the budget and time it can make for an excellent winter sun escape. The capital of Praia is a melting pot of cultures, heavily influenced by Portuguese, African and Brazilian traditions and customs. There’s little rain in Spain! 5 THE MALDIVES Don’t let a 10-hour flight put you off this idyllic South Asian set of islands. Crystal-clear water and sandy beaches that look too good to be true are commonplace across the islands. Offering a variety of holiday types, explore all the islands or take in your resort for a week and everything in between, the Maldives have it all.
6 VALETTA, MALTA
You can expect warm weather and sun in Malta’s capital right through the year, although it does get slightly chillier over Christmas. The current European Capital of Culture, alongside Leeuwarden in the Netherlands, it’s packed with culture and is often called an open-air museum, due to its simply stunning architecture. Despite its size – Malta has a population of just over 6,000 – there are a 25 churches across the island.
7 CYPRUS
Cyprus is Aphrodite’s place of birth, and it’s clear to see the Greek goddess of beauty has left her mark. Home to white sandy beaches, renowned wine-producing villages and lovely scenic walks, the island is a lovely place for a winter escape. For a more vibrant, city feel, head away from the sandy beaches to the bustling capital, Nicosia.
8 MARRAKESH, MOROCCO
Take a short flight to northern Africa to take in one of the quirkiest cities in the world. Roughly a five-hour flight from London, the fourth city of Morocco is packed with quaint architecture and historical points of interest. A stay in a city riad offers the perfect base for a Saharan adventure.