If you are looking for a sunny holiday fix this winter but don’t have the time or budget (or patience!) to fly further afield, then fear not as Wizz Air has 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°C 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 temperatures 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, from family holidays to solo travellers exploring new islands and even hen and stag dos.
Visit the National Park, which is UNESCO World Heritage Site, go whale watching or simply soak up the rays across Tenerife’s 400km of coastline, which is packed with beaches.
Cyprus
Average temperature of 19°C with 6 hours of sunshine
Famed for its stunning white sand beaches, ancient historical sites and a Turkish, Greek and Middle Eastern inspired cuisine, Cyprus is a fantastic island to get some well-deserved winter sun.
Start your day with a hike up to incredible historical sites, such as the birthplace of Aphrodite and Kourion, an archaeological site that’s home to a Greco-Roman amphitheatre, Roman baths and an early Christian Basilica. After a long morning of exploring, cool down with a dip in shallow turquoise waters or dial up the fun with some water sports, depending on what you enjoy doing. Finally, finish the day with traditional Cypriot cuisine and indulge in a meze, a feast of up to 30 platters that are perfect for sharing with your holiday companions.
Malta
Average temperature of 17°C with 6 hours of sunshine
Malta boasts sunny weather all year round, making it one of the best places for Brits to find their winter sun destination. Although lovely and sunny, Malta is considerably milder than it would be in peak months, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Malta’s landscape and culture in more comfortable conditions. Malta also boasts 300 days of sunshine, meaning it’s great for travellers who love spending time outdoors.
Not only will your holiday be more comfortable but visiting in the winter provides more affordable flights to Malta and, because it’s out of peak season, accommodation and activities are much cheaper than they would be in the height of summer.
Funchal, Madeira
Average temperature of 21°C with 5 hours of sunshine
Affectionately coined the “Hawaii of Europe” by many who visit, Funchal, Madeira’s largest city is one of the safest and cleanest cities in the world. Found in the very south of Madeira, Funchal is full of natural scenery with luscious gardens, blooming flowers and dramatic, rugged mountains. Although you’d be forgiven for thinking Funchal is a sleepy city, the reality is that once midnight strikes its nightlife wakes up. Bars tend to stay open until around 4am but don’t be surprised if you spot some clubs that are open until 7am!
Despite only being 520km off the coast of Africa, affordable flights to Funchal can be found easily for the whole family.
Alicante, Spain
Average temperature of 18°C with 6 hours of sunshine
As Alicante boasts a Mediterranean climate, the port city on the Mediterranean coast enjoys mild and dry winters, making winter a pleasant time for exploring. Alicante also has prominent historical and cultural significance, hosting numerous museums including the Archaeological Museum of Alicante which exhibits artefacts from over 100,000 years ago, to the Museum of Contemporary Art which features art from many influential Spanish artists such as Picasso and Dali.
If, however, you prefer spending your time outdoors and basking in the winter sun, then Alicante is home to endless beaches with pristine waters and even designated sports areas which makes Alicante perfect for family getaways.