9 Of The Best Winter Sun Destinations From The UK
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It’s that time of year when the days are shorter, the nights are longer and colder, and any glimpse of sunshine on UK soil is a glimmer that keeps many people going throughout the winter months.
Now, don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot to love about winter in the UK – I love the cosy vibes, any excuse to drink hot chocolate, and there’s always a reason to enjoy a good night in with friends – but the cold temperatures and gloomy weather days take a toll on even the biggest fan of winter.
That’s why many of us, including me, are always tempted to jet away to the warmer temperatures of southern Europe or even hop aboard a long haul flight to somewhere more tropical.
Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy some winter sun in Cyprus, Thailand, Malaga and Seville – and there are many places still on my list that I’d love to enjoy for a bit of winter sun. Not only is it great to get away and warm up the bones, but in some places it’s an ideal way to try out a more luxurious stay at a more affordable price – perfect if you’ve had your eye on a gorgeous hotel but don’t want to pay peak season prices.
I’ve tried and tested all of the destinations below, and added a few more options that are on my wish list too, so you know they’re going to be a great winter sun destination to enjoy a bit of warmth that’s so lacking during the winter months in the UK.
I’ve split the below into the best winter sun destinations in Europe and the best long haul winter sun destinations. 3 days of winter sun in Europe can be just enough to lift your spirits, and great if you don’t have much annual leave to spare at the end of the year. Long haul is great for almost guaranteed sunshine and if you’ve got extra time off during the winter season.
Best Winter Sun Destinations In Europe
Don’t fancy flying more than a few hours? A winter sun destination in Europe is your best bet for a bit of sunshine. The chances are, your local airport will fly to at least one of these destinations and in 2 to 4 hours you can be stepping out of the airport into balmy weather ready to enjoy some rest and relaxation while everyone else back home is wrapped up, trying to get through another cold day.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote was never on my list of islands to visit. I had the wrong impression that it was full of people looking for nothing more than a cheap week in the sun. How wrong was I?
What I found when I landed in Lanzarote was an island drenched in beautiful weather, other-worldly landscapes, and an artistic history that gives the island its unique look today.
With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, visiting in the winter is a real treat. Enjoy days filled with wine tasting and hopping around Lanzarote’s many vineyards (the wine in Lanzarote is some of the most delicious I’ve tried). Alternatively, take a trip through Timanfaya National Park and see Lanzarote’s volcanoes up close before enjoying food cooked over real volcanic heat at Restaurante El Diablo. If you’re more of an active beach bum, seek out the waves at Famara Beach, a cool little surf town shrouded by Lanzarote’s towering cliffs.
You can also visit several places, including Jameos del Agua, the Cactus Gardens, and Mirador del Rio, that are all created by Cesar Manrique, the man behind Lanzarote’s beautiful aesthetic. The reason Lanzarote has no high rise buildings, and a colour scheme of white, red, black, and blue is because of him and this gives Lanzarote its distinctive look – one that feels very special. He’s well loved around the island and when you land in Lanzarote, you might even notice Lanzarote’s airport is named after him.
Other Canary Islands where you can enjoy winter sun include Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Las Palmas and Fuerteventura. I love Lanzarote though as there’s loads of stuff to do in between enjoying the sunshine!
Things To Know About A Winter Sun Holiday To Lanzarote
☀️ Average Winter Temperature
18–22°c
✈️ Flight Time From UK
4–4.5 hours
🛏️ Where To Stay
Costa Teguise
👉 Radisson Blu Resort Lanzarote, Paradisus Salinas Lanzarote, Barcelo Lanzarote Royal Level
Puerto Calero
👉 Secrets Lanzarote Resort and Spa, Royal Marina Suites Boutique Hotel, Seaside Los Jameos
Puerto del Carmen
👉 La Isla y el Mar
La Asomada
👉 Cesar Lanzarote Luxury Boutique Hotel
Famara
👉 Casa Sua
Best Winter Sun Activities In Lanzarote
⭐ Timanfaya National Park Tour
⭐ Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua Tour
⭐ Volcano Hike
⭐ Lanzarote Surf School – 2 and 4 Hour Lessons
⭐ Wine Tasting Tour at El Grifo Bodega
Cyprus
I visited Cyprus in March 2025 and oh boy was that Cypriot sunshine good for the soul. Staying in Paphos, the weather was ideal for exploring Cyprus’s historic sites, walking on one of the island’s many hiking trails, and enjoying many leisurely lunches outside.
Although the flight is slightly longer than some European winter sun destinations (around 4.5 to 5 hours), it’s worth it for a slightly longer break – although I visited for only 4 nights and it felt like I’d been away a lifetime by the end of the trip. We even got to stay in one of the most gorgeous luxury hotels on the island at a fraction of what it would cost in the summer – and there was always a chance of getting a sunbed by the pool.
If you want to mix up lazy days in the sun with exploring, make sure to visit the Tomb of Kings in Paphos – a UNESCO Heritage site where you can get incredible insight into Cyprus’s history. If you prefer being out and about in nature, take an early morning stroll (even by 11am in March this walk was hot) on Aphrodite’s Trail.
One thing you have to do though is try real, authentic, Cypriot halloumi. You can find this on most menus in Cyprus but if you want to try the real deal, head to Sofia’s House where you can see bread and halloumi being made and enjoy a good home cooked meal at the same time. Then you can go back to the sunshine full and happy.
Things To Know About A Winter Sun Holiday To Cyprus
☀️ Average Winter Temperature
17–20°c
✈️ Flight Time From UK
4.5–5 hours
🛏️ Where To Stay
👉 Cali Resort Hotel & Spa, The Agora Hotel, LIV and CO Suites and Villas, Ivi Mare, King Jason Paphos, M Boutique Hotel
Best Winter Sun Activities In Cyprus
⭐ Jeep Safari Coastal Tour and Blue Lagoon
⭐ Mountain Towns and Cheesemaking Day Trip
⭐ Paphos Sightseeing Tour
⭐ Wineries Tour and Wine Tasting
⭐ Akamas Panorama Walk
Madeira
Now Madeira does have a reputation for being a top destination for older generations. And yes, I can see why it appeals with its mild climate and busy capital city. However, Madeira is so much more than a cruise stop off point and an island for those that have already been visiting for 30+ years. Madeira is an adventurous place with weather that makes it great if you want to be out and about in nature.
Take on some of Madeira’s levada walks, enjoy a city walk including some food tasting at Funchal’s indoor market, or take a stroll around the Botanic Gardens via one of the island’s cable cars.
The weather might not always be sunny so be prepared with a rain coat, but it is mild – the perfect destination if you like to be outdoors but don’t want to be wrapped up. I visited in March and I only had to wear a fleece and rain jacket when in the mountains. The rest of the time was jeans and t-shirt weather – a welcome break from wrapping up in a scarf.
A few of my favorite things I did on the island was a food tour around Funchal, visiting Maktub – a chilled out restaurant where surf shack meets exquisite seafood, and taking in the views and waterfalls of Madeira on a jeep tour.
Things To Know About A Winter Sun Holiday To Madeira
☀️ Average Winter Temperature
18–21°c
✈️ Flight Time From UK
3.5–4 hours
🛏️ Where To Stay
👉 Next by Savoy Signature, Three House Hotel, The Views Baia, Saccharum Resort and Spa, The Vine Hotel, Savoy Palace, Pestana Fisherman Village
Best Winter Sun Activities In Madeira
⭐ Eco Catamaran Dolphin and Whale Watching
⭐ Nuns Valley Half-Day Tour
⭐ Pico do Arieiro Sunrise Hiking Transfer
⭐ West Side Jeep Tour With Natural Pools
⭐ Guided Old Town Tuk-Tuk Tour and Botanical Gardens
⭐ Toboggan Ride and Wine Tasting
The Algarve
The Algarve is a favourite year-round destination for winter sun lovers. It’s the warmest place in Portugal and attracts golfers, adventure seekers and those wanting a long weekend in the sun. Even in the depths of winter, the days are bright and mild, and there’s something about the Atlantic breeze and the golden cliffs that feels instantly restorative.
The beaches in Portugal are incredible – wide stretches of soft sand backed by dramatic ochre cliffs, and tiny coves you’ll stumble upon almost by accident. One of the best things to do here in winter is walk the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, arguably one of the most beautiful coastal hikes in Europe. It might not be quite warm enough to take a dip in the sea, but winter is perfect hiking weather. Start at Praia da Marinha and follow the trail west towards Praia do Carvalho, soaking in views of Benagil Beach and its famous cave along the way.
If sightseeing is more your thing, head to Lagos, a cool surf town with cobbled streets, colourful houses and a chilled but buzzy café scene. Wander around the old town, visit Ponta da Piedade for some of the Algarve’s most iconic rock formations, or just enjoy lazy afternoons people-watching with a pastel de nata and a strong Portuguese coffee.
For something different, drive inland to explore whitewashed villages like Silves and Monchique, both perfect for slow, sunny afternoons and long, leisurely lunches. And if you’re into golf, winter is one of the best times to play – warm but not scorching, and the courses are in great condition.
Whether you come for beaches, walks, food, or a dose of vitamin D, the Algarve delivers that soft, gentle winter sunshine the UK can only dream of.
Things To Know About A Winter Sun Holiday To The Algarve
☀️ Average Winter Temperature
16–19°c
✈️ Flight Time From UK
2.5–3 hours
🛏️ Where To Stay
👉 The Westin Salgados Beach Resort, Marriott Residences Salgados Resort, Pine Cliffs Hotel, Hotel Indigo Albufeira, NAU Sao Rafael Suites, W Algarve, The Editory By The Sea Lagos, Roots Hotel, 3HB Faro
Best Winter Sun Activities In The Algarve
⭐ Half-Day Algarve Jeep Safari or Full Day Algarve Jeep Safari
⭐ Hidden Beaches and Cliffs Guided Kayak Tour
⭐ 7 Hanging Valleys Guided Hike
⭐ Benagil Caves and Dolphin Watching
⭐ 4-Hour Wine Tasting Tour
Malaga
Oh Malaga, what can I say about this gorgeous Spanish city? Having visited in October 2025, this city stole my heart and I have so much to say about Malaga. But with temperatures reaching up to 27 degrees in October, and still 23 degrees in December, Malaga should be high on your list for a winter sun holiday.
The other thing I love about Malaga is that it’s super affordable. Tapas bars mean you can try small dishes from around €2 a plate. For lunch and dinner, including plenty of wine and tinto de verano, you can easily spend less than €40 a day per person. That’s with snack stops too!
If the sun is warm enough, enjoy days at Malagueta beach – around a 10 minute walk from the city centre – eating freshly grilled sardines from the sardine carts (espeto) before heading back for an evening hopping around the tapas bars. Finish your day with an evening of flamenco at one of Malaga’s flamenco theatres. If you’ve not seen a flamenco show before, add this to your to do list. It’s one of the best things to do in Malaga and is quite emotional, even if you don’t understand the singing in Spanish. We caught an evening show at Teatro Malaga Flamenco and it was a great way to end our first night in Malaga.
For history buffs, Malaga is a really historic city – it’s especially worth taking a guided tour around Malaga’s Alcazaba. You can visit yourself but our guide Danni really brought this city’s history to life and I wouldn’t hesitate to enjoy a tour on a future visit. There’s also the Picasso Museum if you’re into art – just buy tickets for this in advance as it gets booked up quickly!
Things To Know About A Winter Sun Holiday To Malaga
☀️ Average Winter Temperature
17–20°c
✈️ Flight Time From UK
2.5–3 hours
🛏️ Where To Stay
👉 Hotel Catalonia Puerta del Mar, Molina Lario, H10 Croma Malaga, Room Mate Collection Valeria, TOC Hostel
Best Winter Sun Activities In Malaga
⭐ Flamenco Show at Teatro Flamenco Malaga
⭐ Museo Picasso
⭐ Guided Caminito del Rey Hike
⭐ Winery Tour
⭐ Roman Theatre and Alcazaba Tour
⭐ Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas Day Trip
⭐ Tuk Tuk Tour of Malaga
Seville
Seville is another Spanish city I love. So much so that back in 2024, I had the joy of visiting twice enjoying glorious weather on both visits. March was jeans and t-shirt weather with the occasional downpour of rain. However there are plenty of tapas and wine bars to shelter if you do get caught out by the weather. Also around this time of year, the streets smell of beautiful oranges and the fruit trees make for great photos around the city.
In October, the weather was great. Pure sunshine with the balmy nights you spend your winter dreaming about. This Andalusian city is best during the UK’s cooler months – in summer it can reach over 40 degrees – far too hot to really enjoy anything.
I’d recommend Seville if you’re happy with a winter sun break full of food. Tapas bars are plentiful here and visits are only interrupted by slow wanders around the old town and evening flamenco shows. Among all the tapas bars in Seville, it’s worth a wander over to Triana to grab lunch at Bar Triana on C.Castilla for a warm welcome and some of the best food you might eat all trip. Order the pork cheeks and fried fish and ask what specials or off-menu items there are – you shouldn’t be disappointed. While you’re over in Triana, Mercado de Triana is also worth a visit if you need a snack while wandering the city.
You should also pay visits to Seville Cathedral – it’s worth climbing the Giralda Bell Tower for gorgeous city views (there are plenty of pitstops along the way up to catch your breath), the Plaza de Espana for classic Seville scenes, and the Real Alcazar, the oldest Royal Palace in Europe, to see where Spain’s Royal Family take up residence on their stays in Seville. If you want to visit Seville Cathedral or the Real Alcazar, book your tickets in advance as they do sell out – trust me, it’s not worth missing out on either of these attractions.
Things To Know About A Winter Sun Holiday To Seville
☀️ Average Winter Temperature
16–20°c
✈️ Flight Time From UK
2.5 hours
🛏️ Where To Stay
👉 Hotel del Pousada Lucero, Los Seises Sevilla, Intelier Casa de Indias, Hotel Alfonso XIII, Soho Boutique Catedral
Best Winter Sun Activities In Seville
⭐ Seville Cathedral and Giralda Tour
⭐ Setas de Sevilla
⭐ Real Alcazar Entry or Real Alcazar Entry with Audio Guide
⭐ Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour Of Seville
⭐ Spanish Cooking Class and Mercado de Triana Food Tour
⭐ Sherry Wine Tasting
⭐ Traditional Flamenco Show
Best Long Haul Winter Sun Destinations
These winter sun destinations probably require a little more advance planning than a European winter sun holiday. But if you know you always struggle through winter, why not take a look at some of these long haul winter sun destinations – some of which might be a bucket list holiday to tick off!
Singapore
Singapore would never have crossed my mind for a winter sun holiday. I don’t know why, maybe I just didn’t know enough about it. However, after visiting in November 2025, I’d 100% go back for a blast of hot, humid sun.
Yes it is around 13 hours from the UK but if you’re able to cope with jetlag relatively easily, Singapore is the place to go for some heat this winter. Stay in one of Singapore’s gorgeous hotels (we stayed at the Andaz Hotel but I also had my eye on the Mondrian at Duxton and The Standard) for leisurely days by the pool. With temperatures barely dipping below 26 degrees and high humidity, I’d recommend exploring early morning and late afternoon, refreshing with a relaxing dip just after lunch.
One of the best things to do in Singapore, and one of the things the city is famous for are its hawker markets. Dotted all around the city, Singapore’s hawker markets provide a place where everyone is welcome to enjoy good, affordable food. The idea is that you could be a millionaire business owner, a bus driver, or a tourist but everyone can enjoy a fulfilling, affordable meal in one place. Maxwell Food Centre is one of the most well known, along with Lau Pa Sat but others include Tekka Centre and Chinatown Complex Food Centre.
In between all the food, go and enjoy Gardens By The Bay. Go to the Cloud Forest in the morning – time your visit for ‘misting hour’ because it’s just magical – and make sure to head down in the evening for the Garden Rhapsody, a wonderful light show among the Supertree Grove which is something you can’t miss. It’s worth getting there ahead of when the Garden Rhapsody starts – there are places to sit but most people take a blanket or jacket to lay down on the floor.
Things To Know About A Winter Sun Holiday To Singapore
☀️ Average Winter Temperature
26–30°c
✈️ Flight Time From UK
12.5–13 hours
🛏️ Where To Stay
👉 Andaz Singapore by Hyatt, Mondrian Singapore Duxton, The Standard Singapore, Pan Pacific Orchard
Best Winter Sun Activities In Singapore
⭐ Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour Of Singapore
⭐ Gardens By The Bay – Cloud Forest, Flower Dome and Super Tree
⭐ Universal Studios Singapore
⭐ Street Food, Cultural and Historic Tour
⭐ National Gallery Singapore
⭐ LeVel 33 Rooftop Brewery Tour and Craft Beer Tasting
Sydney
Sydney, a city that has my full heart and is perfect for a long haul hit of winter sun. Although temperatures can get hot – we’re talking mid 30s – that doesn’t matter when you’ve got all the sand, sea and surf on your doorstep.
Stay in Bondi, one of the city’s liveliest suburbs for a bustling beach break where you can enjoy a world famous beach and that classic laid-back Aussie lifestyle. Drink cocktails at Pocket Bar Bondi, take surf lessons, and enjoy the glorious Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.
Alternatively, stay in the heart of the city with easy access to Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, Surrey Hills, The Rocks, Newtown and Sydney’s CBD. On our most recent visit, we stayed on the edge of the CBD in the Porter House Hotel, just one block from Hyde Park. We were easily able to walk to the Sydney Opera House as well as to Sydney’s Central Station for direct connections to the airport and the Blue Mountains. However, I’ve also stayed at Wake Up Hostel, YHA Sydney Central and YHA Bondi Beach which if you’re travelling on more of a budget are all great places to stay!
In terms of things to do in Sydney, you can’t be in Sydney and not visit the iconic Sydney Opera House. Take a tour to learn about how the Sydney Opera House was built along with the performances that are played here today. Then do the Harbour Bridge Climb, an incredible experience where you’ll see Sydney from a completely different perspective. After this, treat yourself to a cocktail by the water at the Opera Bar – with views of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge, it’s a view that’s hard to beat.
Summer is a great time to be in Sydney, the perfect antidote for winter in the UK, and is a place where you can easily combine city living, a beach holiday, and outdoor activities all in one.
Things To Know About A Winter Sun Holiday To Sydney
☀️ Average Winter Temperature
22–28°c (their summer)
✈️ Flight Time From UK
21–24 hours (with layover)
🛏️ Where To Stay
Central Sydney
👉 The Porter House Hotel Sydney
👉 Ace Hotel Sydney
👉 YHA Sydney Central or YHA Sydney Harbour
👉 Wake Up! Sydney Central
👉 InterContinental Sydney by IHG
Bondi Beach
👉 QT Bondi
👉 Hotel Bondi
👉 Wake Up! Bondi Beach
Best Winter Sun Activities In Sydney
⭐ Sydney Opera House Guided Tour
⭐ Sydney Tower Observation Deck Entry
⭐ Taronga Zoo
⭐ Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour of Sydney
⭐ Day Time Summit Climb of Sydney Harbour Bridge
⭐ Historic Walking Tour of The Rocks
⭐ Blue Mountains Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour with Scenic World Entry
⭐ Surrey Hills Food Tour
Thailand
Thailand is one of those winter sun destinations that just fills your cup. Warm, humid air hits you the moment you step off the plane, the kind of heat that instantly reminds you what sunshine is supposed to feel like after months of grey UK skies. And with everything from tropical beaches to buzzing cities and peaceful mountain towns, Thailand is the perfect option if you want your winter break to feel like a proper adventure.
If you’re flying into Thailand from the UK, you’re likely flying into Bangkok so why not spend a couple of nights here to get over the jetlag, eat great food, and visit the golden Grand Palace. At the end of the day, head to a rooftop bar to enjoy the sunset and get ready for the rest of your winter sun adventure.
If it’s beaches you’re dreaming about, make your way to Ao Nang in Krabi – a brilliant base for island hopping, sunset dining and those classic limestone cliffs Thailand is famous for. From here, hop on a longtail boat to Railay Beach, a tiny peninsula only accessible by water and one of the most beautiful coastal spots in the country. We loved our time here and spent many hours paddleboarding on the water and relaxing on the beach under the palm trees.
Then head north to Chiang Mai, where winter brings warm days and warm evenings ideal for exploring. The city is full of temples, craft markets, coffee shops and incredible Thai cooking classes. We did one that took us to a local market to pick out our food before going to cook, and eat, several courses of delicious Thai food. This day was so good we still make the recipes we learnt at home today.
One of the joys of Thailand in winter is how easily you can mix things up: a few days in the city, a few days in the jungle, and a week by the sea doing absolutely nothing except reading, resting and sipping something cold while the waves roll in.
Things To Know About A Winter Sun Holiday To Thailand
☀️ Average Winter Temperature
25–32°c
✈️ Flight Time From UK
11–13 hours
🛏️ Where To Stay
👉 Bangkok: Movenpick Hotel Sukhumvit 15 Bangkok, MUU Bangkok, The Standard, W Hotel Bangkok
👉 Ao Nang/Railay: The Canopy Krabi, Anana Ecological Resort Krabi, Krabi Heritage Hotel
👉 Chiang Mai: 99 The Heritage Hotel
Best Winter Sun Activities In Thailand
Bangkok
⭐ Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun Sacred & Local Tour
⭐ Michelin Guide Street Food Tour by Tuk Tuk
⭐ Ayutthaya & Ayothaya Floating Market Day Trip
Ao Nang and Krabi
⭐ Early Bird Phi Phi & 4 Islands by Speedboat
⭐ Half-Day Rock Climbing Introduction at Railay Beach
Chiang Mai
⭐ Traditional Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour
⭐ Doi Inthanon Trip with Pha Dok Siew Guided Trek
⭐ Doi Suthep Temple & Wat Pha Lat Hike
⭐ Historic Temples and City Guided Walking Tour
So, which winter sun destination will you choose for your next holiday? With many places to choose from, there’s no need to go through another cold winter!
