The British wintertime can be cold and dreary, so it’s no surprise that many of us enjoy going on holiday for a sunny break to break up the cold season.
But where’s best to go for some winter sun? Read on to find our top destinations for sunny winter getaways.
The best winter sun destinations in Europe
If you’re looking for a winter sun holiday on European soil, here’s our top destination picks.
Cyprus
Sunny Cyprus is a great destination in the south-eastern region of Europe. You can often expect warm and sunny weather in the winter months, perfect for visiting Cyrpus’ many beaches.
Morocco
Morocco in the north of Africa, gets a lot of sun in the winter months.
While Morocco isn’t known as a beach holiday location, there are some lovely coastal areas.
The country’s many vibrant cities, including Marrakesh and Rabat, make for great urban getaways too.
Canary Islands
Dotted off the coast of Spain, the Canary Islands are a very popular holiday destination for Brits.
With islands like Tenerife and Lanzarote being a big hit during the summer, it’s worth remembering that you can also have a sunny Canary Islands getaway in the winter months.
The Canary Islands are a particularly good option for winter beach holidays, with many resorts dotting their coastlines.
Greece
Greece isn’t only famous for its food. The country often boasts clear skies and warm weather in the winter months.
Whether you want to soak up the history or relax on the beach, Greece’s winter weather makes for a great getaway.
Malta
Malta is made up of multiple islands off the coast of southern Italy in the Mediterranean Sea.
This makes it a gorgeous holiday destination year-round, including in winter.
You can either stay on the mainland and enjoy the many resorts and sites, or head off to one of Malta’s smaller islands, like Gozo.
Turkey
Turkey is a popular holiday spot for Brits, and it’s easy to see why.
With lots of gorgeous beaches, delicious food and vibrant cities, Turkey could be the perfect getaway spot for you.
The best winter sun destinations worldwide
If you want to go further afield, there are plenty of beautiful winter sun locations outside of Europe.
Dubai
The capital city of the UAE, Dubai has become a beloved location spot over the past decade, with its luxury hotels and stunning beaches.
To grab some sun and enjoy the finer things, consider heading to Dubai on your next winter trip.
Cancún
Located on the Yucatan Peninsula, Cancún’s weather and beaches offer the perfect sunny holiday spot.
While it’s a popular spot for party holidays, it also offers quieter resorts and areas if you want a more relaxing trip.
The Maldives
The Maldives offer a taste of paradise, with white-sand beaches, tropical forests and stunning hotels and restaurants.
A trip to The Maldives can be very expensive than many of the other destinations listed here, mainly because of its smaller size and remote location.
St. Lucia
Nestled in the Caribbean, St. Lucia is a stunning tropical island with gorgeous beaches and a fantastic mix of different cultures from around the world.
Whether you want to hike in the mountains, try the cuisine or relax on the beach, St. Lucia could be a great fit for you.
Thailand
If you want to soak up the sun and some culture, Thailand is a great winter sun destination.
With endless restaurants, intriguing historical sites and gorgeous beaches, Thailand might be the place for you.
South Africa
South Africa’s position makes it a year-round warm country.
Cape Town can be particularly great for winter sun getaways, especially if you’re big into the beach and nature.
The city is also known for its vineyards and wine tours.
Do I need travel insurance for a winter holiday?
You don’t have to buy travel insurance for any holiday, but it can be a big help to protect you from the unexpected, including:
- loss of personal belongings (e.g. your suitcase during transportation)
- medical bills abroad
- repatriation (the cost of bringing a person back to the UK from abroad)
- cancelled or missed flights
Check out our travel insurance page to learn more about what we offer and find out about any limits and exclusions that apply.
Which kind of travel insurance is best for me?
Finding the right kind of travel insurance for you is important.
Make sure you choose a policy that covers your destination, what kind of trip you’re planning on taking, as well as any pre-existing medical conditions you have.
We offer single and multi-trip policies based on how many times you want to go on holiday in a year.
Check out our travel destinations page to learn about the cover we offer for different locations.
Can I get travel insurance for winter getaways?
Yes. You can get travel insurance for holidays at any time of the year to protect you against the unexpected.
