Winter sun
Winter is coming...so we’re whisking you away to our favourite off-season hotspots
It’s that time of year again when our thoughts turn to an escape from the dreich Scottish winter. The good news is that there have never been better flight connections from Scotland to winter sun destinations all over Europe. As a travel writer for over 20 years, I’ve learned where works and where doesn’t for winter sun.
The first choice is whether to buy a package or go it alone and sort your own flights. I’m a great fan of the latter, as you have much more freedom and flexibility. Take easyJet (www.easyjet.com), for example. They now fly to dozens of destinations from Scotland so there is plenty of choice.
Let’s look at the destinations themselves; firstly, ones that, for me, don’t really cut it for winter sun. Some on my list may surprise you. First is mainland Spain.
I’m afraid the temperatures and the weather on all the costas just don’t offer enough at this time of year. If you do choose mainland Spain, it really has to be the Costa del Sol or Costa del Luz, in the south, to even have a hope of decent weather. The Balearics don’t guarantee the weather, either – I’ve had dull, windy weeks as late as Easter on Majorca.
I’d put Croatia and most of Greece in the same boat as mainland Spain and – this may surprise you – also the island nation of Cyprus. I know it lies that bit further south and east but I’ve been here a couple of times in winter and had very poor weather. Remember, after all, you can actually ski here in winter.
The destination that works for winter sun on mainland Europe, I think, is Portugal’s Algarve. I try to take my family down there every year, as it really has a much better chance of fine weather. Sunny days are the norm, while temperatures can creep up above 20C. It’s such a great, fun destination – I’m
due back with my family soon, to go swimming with dolphins at the glorious Zoomarine park, hiking and enjoying the beaches.
We move further south now to an archipelago that boasts the finest weather in Europe. I guess, on closer inspection, it’s no surprise that Macaronesia is such a spot-on winter sun destination, as it largely lies closer to the coast of Africa than Europe.
Even with Macaronesia, you have to be choosy. The Azores may be scenic but they can be cold and windy, not really ideal for a winter escape. The same can be said of another Portuguese destination down here: Madeira. This lush island never really hits the mercury highs in winter and has plenty of rain. In its favour, it has great walking, a brilliant, fun capital in Funchal and is perfect for those who don’t like things too hot in winter.
Moving further south, down through Macaronesia, we come to my number one winter sun destination. It is the Canary Islands and the good news is that there is a Canary isle for everyone. Forget what you hear about it all being British breakfasts and raucous nightlife. Yes, you can find that in the south of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, but they offer so much more.
Take Tenerife. I head here every February when the daytime temperatures are usually over 20C and sun is the norm. For families, the isle boasts my favourite water park in Europe (Siam Park) and the best zoological park (Loro Parque). If culture is more your thing, there is the Auditorio, a brilliant arts venue, and the famous carnival in February, the second largest in the world, after Rio.
If it’s great white sand beaches you are after, I recommend the south of Gran Canaria or the stunning island of Fuerteventura. The classiest isle is Lanzarote, thanks to visionary architect Cesar Manrique, who kept the high-rise hotels away and put his graceful imprint on much of the island. For hikers, La Gomera and La Palma both tempt with myriad trails and virginal landscapes to explore. It’s no wonder Canarios call La Palma ‘La Isla Bonita’.
Last, but not least, my tip for winter sun for those looking to get away from it all, who don’t really ‘do’ beaches or resorts, is the most remote Canary isle of El Hierro. This otherworldly outpost has a swathe of unspoiled scenery that is never less than spellbinding. You can enjoy your own slice of winter sun, away from the masses and very far away from the Scottish winter.