In search of sun: Embrace warmth at these winter sun destinations

This winter, think beyond the brochure clichés and discover the Canary Islands’ softer side. Yet, with 8 islands to choose from, there is tough competition for the best Canary Island for winter sun. At a steady 22ºC in midwinter, these Spanish isles offer warmth without the scorch, just a four-and-a-half-hour hop from London, manageable even with small travellers in tow.

Tenerife has outgrown its package winter sun holiday past, trading buffets for boutique resorts and smart dining. Families can spot whales off the coast, hike the volcanic slopes of Mount Teide or gaze at one of the clearest night skies in Europe. On Lanzarote, César Manrique’s legacy shapes a landscape where art and nature coexist, perfect for curious kids and parents who like their family winter sun holidays with a slice of sustainability. 

Gran Canaria delivers variety in miniature: dunes in the south, rainforest-style trails in the north and the city charm of Las Palmas in between. You can surf before lunch and stroll old-town streets by dusk. Meanwhile, Fuerteventura is the barefoot island, all wind-sculpted beaches and Atlantic rollers, a paradise for paddle-boarders, sandcastle architects and anyone who craves open space. Whichever you choose, a holiday to the Canaries promises more than sun, sea and sand during your winter break. 

Craving a city break? Want to stock up on artisan souvenirs? Or fancy a bohemian beach break? Just three and a half hours from London, Morocco offers winter sun breaks bathed in a honeyed glow and steeped in ancient culture. In Marrakech, winter temperatures hover in the low twenties, the touristy crowds are thin and the city has a local feel to it. Spend mornings shopping in the souks, then retreat to a rooftop cafe for a mint tea as the call to prayer ripples through the ochre skyline. 

Alternatively, cities like Fez and Casablanca offer a cosmopolitan edge where the hum of daily life blends tradition with modern flair, artisan workshops beside sleek galleries, and spice stalls shadowed by espresso bars. It is worth noting that during the nights in winter, the temperatures drop across the country, so be sure to pack layers for your Moroccan holiday.

Beyond the cities, the coastline of Agadir is the perfect antidote to the chaos of city life. Think golden beaches, palm-lined promenades and a family-friendly calm that contrasts with Marrakech’s bustle. Winter days reach the low twenties, perfect for surfing lessons, camel rides along the sand, or sunset walks to the Kasbah for sweeping ocean views.

Often overlooked in favour of its flashier neighbours, Tunisia may be the most underrated winter-sun spot in the Mediterranean. Flights from the UK take just under three hours, transporting you into another world full of golden beach days and laid-back charm. Tunisia is one of the best winter sun destinations for those looking to disconnect and settle into a slow pace of life. In Sidi Bou Saïd, whitewashed houses and cobalt shutters overlook a sea so blue it feels Photoshopped.

Winter days are mild, around 18°C, perfect for exploring Carthage’s Roman ruins or the Bardo Museum’s mosaic halls without the crowds. Further south, the Sahara begins in Douz, where you can take a 4x4 into sand that stretches forever. And for classic resort life, Sousse offers palm-fringed beaches, an impressive UNESCO listed walled medina, the Grand Mosque and the iconic 9th-century fortified Ribat, all close to some of the country’s best hotels. Come here to enjoy short-haul winter sun wrapped in history.

A hub of ancient history, local customs and irresistible luxury, Egypt surprises visitors with its depth and variety. For culture, fly to Cairo and explore the heady market stalls in Khan el Khalili, marvel at the exhibits in the Grand Egyptian Museum or get up close to the pyramids in Giza. And there’s no better season for a Nile cruise, drifting between ancient worlds while the sun burns gold over the water. Craving more? Hop on a plane to Luxor and watch the sunrise over the Valley of the Kings from a hot-air balloon. The winter months are the only time when it’s bearable to explore temples without melting.

If you want guaranteed warmth without the long-haul price tag, a holiday in Egypt is hard to beat. Even in January, the Red Sea resorts average 24°C by day and clear blue skies almost daily. Sharm el Sheikh offers the ultimate winter sun beach holiday with luxurious resorts and world-class all-inclusive facilities. The coral reefs are among the world’s best, and winter’s calm seas make visibility superb. So, will you be tempted to travel to Egypt this winter? 

Looking for the best winter sun, but with a twist? Venture off the beaten path and enjoy a Cape Verde holiday. Six hours from the UK and one time zone away, Cape Verde has quietly become the thinking traveller’s winter-sun secret. This chain of ten volcanic islands off the coast of Senegal offers near-constant sunshine and temperatures around 26°C, but without the jet lag or price tag of the Caribbean. If you want Instagram-worthy beaches with turquoise shallows and powdery white beaches, head to Sal, a heaven for kite surfers and families alike.

Boa Vista, on the other hand, is wilder, with long dune-backed shores, pastel coloured towns and whales visible offshore in February. Here, the sound of morna drifts through the islands’ beach bars, showcasing a culture that mixes African warmth with Portuguese rhythm. In Santiago, you will find the capital of Cape Verde, Praia. Here, life blends seamlessly with volcanic shorelines, seafood fresh from the ocean and the old world charm of Cidade Velha, the oldest town in Cape Verde. 

The best time to plan a Dubai holiday is during the winter when the heat softens and the city becomes the version of itself it was meant to be. From November to March, temperatures settle around 26ºC, making it ideal for long, leisurely beach days and rooftop dinners.

This is the season when brunch terraces at The Palm fill with locals, and dhow boats slide across the Creek under cool blue skies.

New cultural landmarks such as the Museum of the Future and Alserkal Avenue’s galleries balance out the malls and towers, while the desert, only 45 minutes away, glows rose-gold at dusk, tempting adventure enthusiasts with the allure of extreme sports. Foodies will love Dubai’s gastronomy, which doesn’t mess about. So much so, Dubai now has its own Michelin Guide. Whether you are staying in Dubai or just visiting on a stopover, winter is an easy, direct winter sun destination, predictably perfect and a place built for people who like their sun on demand.

When it comes to the best winter sun locations, Oman is a popular choice. Just a seven-hour flight from London, Oman offers a gentler, more grounded version of Gulf luxury. Here, the air is clean, the sea is topaz fresh and in winter, the mercury hovers around 27ºC. It can be tempting to revel in the luxurious surroundings of your hotel when staying in Oman, but there is so much to explore for those who venture out beyond the hotel lobby. Muscat’s whitewashed mosques gleam against the mountains, inviting visitors to stop and stay a while, making it one of the top winter sun destinations.

Admire the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, shop at the bustling market stalls or enjoy an evening at the Royal Opera House. Craving more adventure? Drive two hours into the Wahiba Sands, where Bedouin camps offer candlelit dinners and skies ablaze with stars. In the northeast of Oman, in the south of the Al Batinah region, twinkling resorts offer everything for a much-needed break. Impressive pools, private beaches and premium spas that leave you feeling as light as a feather. Oman is a place for travellers who want space and authenticity rather than spectacle.

Often overshadowed by its neighbours, Bahrain is perhaps the Gulf’s most approachable, luxury winter sun holiday. Direct flights from London take just under seven hours, and December to March brings perfect weather of mid-20s, low humidity and warm seas. The island of Bahrain is the largest in the kingdom and its compact size makes it an ideal escape for a long weekend in the sun. 

Staying in Bahrain offers the ideal opportunity to see its incredible heritage and iconic landmarks up close, especially in the capital, Manama. Start by wandering around the UNESCO-listed Bahrain Fort. History enthusiasts will love the Bahrain National Museum, full of artefacts from the ancient Dilmun civilisation. Other Bahrain highlights include browsing Manama’s Bab el-Bahrain Souq for luxurious souvenirs in the form of colourful textiles, pearls, gold and exotic spices. There’s a cosmopolitan feel here, a blend of modernity and history that feels effortless.