Best Winter Sun Resorts for 2026

Best Winter Sun Resorts for 2026

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The dark days of winter are the perfect time for travelers craving a vitamin D supplement.

Despite soaring prices for long-haul holidays, medium-haul flights (flight times under six hours) still promise to swap the blues of winter for turquoise seas.

Active adventure from the mountains Madeira Go to the beach and bathe egyptian There are plenty of pleasant climates to visit during the gloomiest months of the year.

There is a direct flight connection U.K. Tried and tested in North African hotspots spanish The islands sweat it out during Santa season, but here’s a sun-drenched destination to escape this winter.

Read more: Little-known tropical island perfect for winter getaways

Best midway winter sun destinations

1. Hurghada, Egypt

Egypt's desert climate offers warm winters

Egypt’s desert climate offers warm winters (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Flight time: 5 hours 30 minutes

Egypt has a pleasant climate all year round, making it a popular choice for Brits looking for some sunshine. Go to hurghadaa tourist hotspot in the east sahara desertfamily-friendly resorts and a shallow ocean shelf teeming with marine life. With winter temperatures reaching up to 22 degrees Celsius, this beach resort is a great option for enjoying some extra heat. Plus, it’s less than six hours’ flight from the UK.

Where to stay

Jaz Akwaviva This is an excellent choice for families who own Water World Makati. The hotel also features five swimming pools, a kids’ club, tennis courts, evening entertainment and an 18-hole championship golf course if you want to play a few rounds before dinner.

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Read more: Why Egypt’s Sharm El Sheikh Is the Ultimate Winter Sun Holiday

2. Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

Temperatures in southern Tenerife remain high at 22 degrees Celsius in December

Temperatures in southern Tenerife remain high at 22 degrees Celsius in December (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Flight time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Known as a cheap and cheerful star canary, Tenerife Welcome 23 degree Celsius beach days and 8 hours of sunshine into winter (and get there faster than cornwall road trip from London). Spend a few days enjoying beach bums, al fresco dining, and hiking in Las Cañadas del Teide National Park.

Where to stay

Adults only Corrales Beach Royal Hideaway It has 121 bright and spacious suites with unique views of the Atlantic Ocean. There is a luxury spa, various sun terraces and a restaurant with no less than four Michelin stars.

Read more: A family-friendly guide to a winter sun holiday in Tenerife

3. Marrakesh, Morocco

Escape the summer heat and head to Marrakech in winter

Escape the summer heat and head to Marrakech in winter (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Flight time: 3 hours 40 meters

The average winter temperature on Morocco’s southwestern coastline is about 20 degrees Celsius, the souks are bustling, the weather is dry, and the sunshine lasts for up to 7 hours, making it colorful. Marrakech. With its garden courtyard, decadent décor and delicious tapas, the Riad is the perfect place to stay in a neighborhood of Medina that’s a joy to explore throughout the winter.

Where to stay

Tizwa There are seven spacious and beautifully decorated rooms, some with tent beds and marble floors. The hotel also has a large communal roof terrace where you can have breakfast or soak up the sun on the deck chairs.

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Read more: Swap Spain for these Moroccan cities on your next winter sun holiday

4. Sal, Cape Verde

Plenty of sunshine makes Cape Verde an ideal winter destination

Plenty of sunshine makes Cape Verde an ideal winter destination (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Flight time: 5 hours 50 meters

It’s only a six-hour flight away. cape verde With temperatures reaching as high as 26 degrees Celsius, marking the end of the island’s winter rainy season, visitors can enjoy a tan. Sal’s golden sandy beaches and the lively town of Santa Maria offer lazy beach days and vibrant nightlife in an “Afro-Caribbean” destination dotted with luxury resorts.

Where to stay

Sobrado Boutique Hotel A good economical option for visitors to Santa Maria. It’s in a quiet part of the resort but within easy walking distance of restaurants and bars. The hotel has a fitness center, gardens and a small swimming pool for swimming, and there are lounge chairs reserved for guests on the beach 600 meters away.

Read more: No crowds, comfortable all the way – experience the wildest coast of Africa

5. Funchal, Madeira Island, Portugal

Madeira brings a much-needed dose of vitamin D

Madeira brings a much-needed dose of vitamin D (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Flight time: 3 hours 50 meters

Mild climate throughout the year Madeira The climate in January is mild, with an average temperature of 19°C. Ideal excursion for active people holiday In terms of nature, this self-governing Portuguese island is home to the famous peaks of Pico Ruivo and Pico do Areeiro, as well as cliff-side public beaches and wineries for delicious tastings.

Where to stay

fashionable Karu Hotel Situated on one of the city’s oldest streets, it is within walking distance of most of Funchal’s attractions. This 19th-century building has been carefully restored with exposed brickwork, making it a great mid-range accommodation option.

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Read more: This boutique hotel is the ideal retreat for couples in Lisbon

6. Valletta, Malta

Malta’s capital enjoys mild winter weather

Malta’s capital enjoys mild winter weather (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Flight time: 3 hours 15 meters

One of the smallest capitals in Europe, Vallettacalling on winter vacationers travel In January, with its baroque architecture and the grand harbor, the sun is shining and the temperature is 16 degrees Celsius (compared to the single digits in the UK, it’s T-shirt weather. The flight is just over three hours, and it’s quiet off-season, and it’s a dream to walk the Rue de la République and taste the rabbit stew on a dry day) Rabbit stew, National dish.

Where to stay

Coleridge The hotel is a converted traditional Valletta townhouse with just five rooms and friendly staff. The suites are uniquely decorated, blending Maltese limestone and frescoes with antique furniture.

Read more: Best things to do in Valletta, Malta

7. Paphos, Cyprus

Winter is the ideal time to explore off-the-beaten-track Cyprus

Winter is the ideal time to explore off-the-beaten-path Cyprus (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Flight time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Year-round mildness as winters warm Paphoswith a maximum temperature of 17C, is a tempting cypriot A change from the usual gloomy atmosphere at home in January. Less than a five-hour flight from London, sports, history and nature lovers can enjoy sleepy golf courses, hiking in the Troodos Mountains and tapas in the Old Town away from the summer crowds.

Where to stay

Between Paphos Port and Coral Bay Beach, Capital Coast Resort & Spa Offers unobstructed views of the Mediterranean Sea. This beachfront hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, spa, hammam, sauna and tennis courts.

This article was first published in December 2023 and has been revised and updated.

Read more: Best places to holiday in Cyprus