When the days start to get shorter and colder in the UK, like most people, you probably find yourself daydreaming about beaches and longing for escape. So why not turn that dream into a reality, this winter? Travelling to a new location to get some sunshine on your face can do wonders for your overall mood and well-being. It might also be exactly what you need to come back re-energised and ready for a big 2024.
If you’re contemplating a winter getaway and stuck with settling on a perfect destination, fear not. Here are our top suggestions for (hopefully) sunlit and cloudless places that aren’t a nightmare to travel to, from the UK.
#1: Canary Islands, Spain
If you had to pick just one climate to choose from anywhere in the world, you would be hard-pressed to find one better than the Canary Islands. Although each island in the Canaries has its own microclimate, it rarely gets below 15 degrees or higher than 23 degrees on any of them during the winter months.
Just as they have their own microclimates, each respective island offers something a bit different, in terms of vibes. For lovers of the outdoors, for example, Tenerife is home to both the Anaga Rural Park and Masca Valley, which provide great hiking trails for visitors. It’s also where Spain’s highest peak is at Teide National Park. Gran Canaria has rock climbing destinations like Roque Nublo, and Lanzarote has the incredible Timanfaya National Park.
Even though it’s not the peak season, the winter months are a good time to be in the Canaries for cultural events. The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife begins in winter each year and attracts tourists from all corners of the globe, as does the International Music Festival of the Canary Islands. The latter features some of the best soloists and conductors that the world has to offer.
#2: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
If your idea of a winter getaway is one of luxury, then Dubai is the one for you. Sitting high up in a hotel whilst overlooking the futuristic skyline at night will have you feeling like you’re in a Blade Runner movie.
Beyond looking at skyscrapers, one unique experience you can have here is a desert safari. Due to very little light pollution, you’ll be able to get amazing views of the sky in the Arabian desert at night, and you can spend your days on quad bikes or even riding camels.
Dubai is a great place for foodies, too. It’s a truly international city, and this is reflected in its culinary scene. You can expect to find all types of different cuisines in very different settings. You can have everything from an upscale meal at the Michelin-starred Sea Fu with beautiful views of the waterfront to a traditional Bedouin-style feast over bonfires in the desert.
#3: Paphos, Southern Cyprus
Next up is the stunning city of Paphos, which is located in Southern Cyprus.
When it comes to holiday havens for Brits during winter months, Paphos is up there among the warmest destinations in February, alongside places like Tangier. As highlighted by the travel blog, Cyprus is lucky enough to have 340 days of sunshine every single year, and when you add in the fact that Paphos is less than five hours from the UK by plane, it quickly stands out as a prime candidate.
Given its proximity to the sea, Paphos is the perfect place to get out on the water, with snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing, and even deep-sea fishing experiences available. If you’d prefer to stay on land, you could visit one of Paphos’ several world-class golf courses like Aphrodite Hills and Elea Golf, or take in some incredible history. Both the Tombs of the Kings and Kato Paphos Archaeological Park are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are well worth exploring.
Outside of what to do, let’s talk about what to eat. Anyone travelling to this part of the world will be inundated with incredible food choices. Keep an eye out for delectable traditional dishes like tavas (slow-cooked lamb casserole), avgolemono (chicken soup with lemon and egg), and kleftiko (roasted lamb).
#4: Marrakesh, Morocco
Rounding out the list is Marrakesh, Morocco, a sometimes chaotic city and a great place to escape the brutal coldness of the UK winter. One unique travel experience in Marrakesh is to stay in a traditional Riad. These are essentially old historic homes that have been transformed into boutique hotels. They typically have stunning architecture and feature a courtyard right in the middle, with most offering a swimming pool, too.
While you’re here, exploring the beauty of Majorelle Garden is a must. This is a botanical garden set on two acres that is home to hundreds of different plant species. It has a strong French influence, and it was purchased and restored by the famous French designer Yves Saint Laurent in the 1980s.
After the gardens, you can spend your time wandering around the city’s Medina quarter. Here, you can sharpen your haggling skills with local merchants selling everything from hand-woven Berber rugs to Argan oil skincare products.
A reprieve from winter can be truly invigorating and just the reset you need. Each of these four destinations offers unique experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. Decide what type of getaway will suit you best this winter, and get started planning right away. You won’t regret it!