We’ve all missed travelling, whether it’s exploring a new city or just relaxing on the beach, nothing says holiday like soaring to a warm destination. As travel restrictions were still strict back in summer, many of us missed the chance to get our vitamin D fix and instead made do with staycations and unpredictable British weather. If you are looking for a sunny holiday fix but don’t have the time or budget (or patience!) to fly further afield, then fear not as Wizz Air have put together popular winter sun destinations which are cheaper to visit and closer to home.
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Tenerife, Canary Islands – Average temperature of 22 degrees with 6 hours of sunshine
Not just popular as a summer destination, Brits tend to visit Tenerife all year round. With its location just off the African coast, Tenerife boasts higher temperature and more hours of sunshine during the winter than other European destinations, but it’s not just the sunshine which draws people in. Tenerife offers something for everyone, to family holidays to solo travellers exploring new islands and even hen and stag dos. Best of all, it’s just a short flight away.
Visit the National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or go whale watching or simply soak up the rays across Tenerife’s 400km of coastline, which is packed with beaches.
Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt – Average temperature of 23 degrees with 8.5 hours of sunshine
With average temperatures reaching around 23 degrees in winter, it’s no wonder that Egypt was shortlisted as one of the best winter sun destinations. Egypt in winter is perfect for those who would like a taste of warmth but don’t want to navigate the typical crowds or hot temperatures of the typical Egyptian summer.
A fantastic destination is Sharm El Sheikh, or Sharm, is known for sandy beaches and clear waters, and is a resort town between the desert and Red Sea. Nature lovers can visit the nearby Nature Reserve or visit the Old Market, a culturally rich market which has everything from souvenirs to delicious food to sample.
Palermo, Italy – Average temperature of 16 degrees with 5 hours of sunshine
The capital of Sicily, Palermo in winter is perfect if you desire a taste of sunshine but without the busy crowds. Many locals would say the best time to visit Palermo is, in fact, the winter, as the weather is mild there are plenty of hidden gems to visit. Accommodation, attractions and flights are also more affordable compared to peak season. As Sicily was once a colony of Greece, some of the most popular tourist attractions are the Greek temples, which in the tourist season tend to be extremely overcrowded.
Palermo is also the perfect destination for foodies, as there are a multitude of small independent restaurants open to serve the locals.
Seville, Spain – Average temperature of 18 degrees with 6 hours of sunshine
If you crave sunshine yet don’t fancy just relaxing on a beach, then Seville in Southern Spain is perfect for your European City fix. Famous for flamenco and architecture, Seville is the perfect destination for history buffs as it is rich in culture. Visit incredible places such as Catedral de Sevilla, a gothic cathedral, and Torre del Oro, a 13th Century military watchtower, and spend hours wandering around its museums.
If you prefer to travel off the beaten track, visit Triana Market (Mercado de Triana), an indoor market with a personality of its own. A popular spot for locals with a buzzing atmosphere, this market is a much visited destination.
Larnaca, Cyprus – Average temperature of 18 degrees with 6.5 of sunshine
Larnaca is a stunning coastal city in Southern Cyprus, boasting beautiful sandy beaches with cultural landmarks, including the 9th century church of Saint Lazarus, which houses the tomb of the saint who is said to have risen from the dead. Larnaca’s Mediterranean climate allows holiday makers to visit during winter yet still experience sunshine and little rainfall, with temperatures averaging at around 17 degrees.
A common misconception about Larnaca is that it’s a city for beach fans and beach fans only, however this is not the case. Larnaca offers something for everyone, whether you are part of a larger family holiday or a solo traveller. Not only offering a slice of culture and history, Larnaca also caters to nature lovers during winter, as Larnaca’s famous Salt Lake fills with water and attracts flocks of flamingos who typically stay from November to March. For adrenaline junkies, Larnaca offers numerous activities including scuba and snorkelling spots, all of which will be considerably less busy than during the peak summer season.
