Winter sun holidays

Home to some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, Madeira is an awe-inspiring place to visit at any time of year. But with fewer tourists in winter, it’s a great time to explore the island’s mountains, villages and beaches – especially when temperatures hover around the low 20’s in November and December. Hiking is popular in winter, with plenty of rugged peaks and valleys to discover. Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned pro – there are trails in Madeira for every age and ability. Just don’t miss Pico de Areeiro, a beautiful mountain peak with exceptional views. Arrive early, and you’ll get to stand above the clouds.

Capital Funchal is another must-do in winter. From the 16th century cathedral to the charming streets of Old Town, the whole place is brimming with history. When you’ve finished exploring Funchal’s fascinating past, take the cable car to Funchal Botanical Gardens for panoramic views of the island.

Gran Canaria is the hottest of the Canary Islands, with temperatures reaching the mid-20s over the winter months. It’s a true year-round destination, and that means restaurants, bars, and tourist shops will be open for business. You’ll also have a better choice of hotels, and more space on the beaches. While the ocean won’t be warm enough for most, there are an increasing number of hotels offering heated pools for the winter – don’t forget to pack your swimwear. The beaches are less crowded at this time of year, so it’s the perfect time to explore the magnificent Maspalomas dunes, or walk along the golden sands of Anfi del Mar.

If you fancy seeing Gran Canaria’s incredible volcanic landscape up close, take the easy hiking trail to Roque Nuble. A symbol of the island, this 220ft-tall monolith was formed by a volcanic eruption 4.5 million years ago. From here, you get some of the best views on the island – look out for the mighty Mount Teide in the distance.

With 40km of coastline running along the Red Sea, this exotic Egyptian hotspot is perfect for winter holidays. You can expect temperatures in the mid-20s in December, with things cooling off in the evenings. The ocean will be warm enough for swimming, so you’ll get to see the colourful fish amongst the corals. If you’re a scuba diving fan, you’ll be in your element in Hurghada – this is one of the world’s best locations for underwater adventures. Top dive spots include El Fanus, home to bottle nose dolphins, and Turtle Bay, a sanctuary for giant sea turtles. It’s also a great place for newbies to learn the ropes, with calm waters and excellent visibility.

When it comes to fun for the whole family, Hurghada delivers the goods. Spend a day at Jungle Aqua Park, a highly-rated water park open all year-round. This exciting water world comes with over 35 slides – everything from adrenaline-inducing free-fall drops to mini slides for little ones. Unwind by one of the giant pools, or join the family on the lazy river.

With temperatures in the high teens, Malta is an excellent holiday destination during winter in the UK. You’ll find plenty of sunshine and a warm breeze, making sightseeing a pleasure – it’s the best time of year to explore the captivating city of Valletta without the crowds. Highlights include St. John’s Cathedral and Upper Barrakka Gardens. Exploring Malta’s beautiful coastline is a must on your sunny winter escape. The Blue Grotto is one of the island’s most famous landmarks – this enormous sea cave is a dramatic sight, and can be witnessed either from the clifftop or on a boat tour. To get there by foot, take the walking trail from Dingli Cliff, the highest point in Malta.

For families with kids, there’s plenty to keep everyone happy. Don’t miss Malta National Aquarium, home to over 250 species of amazing marine life – look out for the reef shark! A short trip down the coast takes you to the highly-rated Esplora Interactive Science Centre, while toddlers will have a blast at Playmobil Park in Birzebugga.