Where to seek the winter Sun – without going bankrupt

In the immortal words of Ned Stark, winter is coming. The nights are drawing in, the temperature is falling and Christmas is still too far away to get excited about – it is no wonder so many of us are looking for a way out. Which is why we have compiled a list of the top 5 winter Sun destinations that don’t require you to sell the family heirlooms to afford. 

1: Paphos – Cyprus

With average temperatures ranging from the low thirties to mid twenties throughout October and November, Paphos is a great place to enjoy a cocktail on the beach while gloating at how terrible the weather is back in Blighty. 

The town boasts a number of beachfront resorts offering all-inclusive packages, most of which are less than half an hour away from the airport. The prices are reasonable too, tending to range from £500pp to £1,000pp for 5 nights all inclusive – with flights. 

What is there to do if you feel like venturing outside of your resort? History buffs will have plenty to choose from, with the Paphos archaeological park offering a huge array of historical features, ranging from ancient Greek, to Roman and Byzantine. The House of Dionysos and its nearby House of Aion are considered to contain some of the best known Roman mosaics to be excavated. Nearby is the UNSECO World Heritage Site, the Tomb of the Kings. 

If history is not your thing, Paphos boasts a zoo, waterpark, wineries, quad biking tours to waterfalls, shipwrecks and much more. Of course, you could also jump on one of the several party boats that operate in the bay to enjoy all inclusive booze and banging eurotrash tunes. 

2: Antalya – Turkey

Antalya, a popular tourist destination on the southern coast of Turkey, is primarily known for its stunning beaches and warm Mediterranean climate. Although most famous for its summer holidays, Antalya still beats mid-winter Britain, with average temperatures usually in the mid to high teens during the day.

Unlike the peak summer season, Antalya is much less crowded during the winter months. This means you can explore the city’s attractions, beaches, and historical sites without the large crowds that the peak season brings. And thanks to the golden rule of supply and demand, accommodation and the prices of activities are often considerably discounted. 

While the beach may not be the primary draw during winter, there are still plenty of things to do in Antalya. You can explore the historical sites like Kaleiçi (Old Town), visit museums, and enjoy the city’s vibrant dining scene. The city is also known for its luxurious spa resorts. A winter holiday is an excellent opportunity to relax and rejuvenate in one of the many world-class spas the city offers.

Although Antalya may not offer the typical beach experience during the winter, it provides a unique and more relaxed atmosphere for those who prefer milder temperatures and fewer crowds. Just be prepared for cooler evenings and occasional rain during this season.

3: Tenerife – Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a group of autonomous Spanish islands located off the northwest coast of Africa. These volcanic islands are known for their mild and pleasant climate year-round, making them an ideal destination for a winter escape.

The largest of these islands is Tenerife, where one can bask in temperatures typically ranging from the high teens to mid 20s centigrade over the winter – though it is wise to pack a few layers for the evenings. 

Tenerife boasts some beautiful beaches, and you can still enjoy them during the winter months. Popular beaches like Playa de las Teresitas and Playa de las Vistas offer sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. Rich marine life also provides the perfect opportunity to book a whale and dolphin tour, allowing you to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat – and not behind 3ft of perspex at a sealife centre.

For the outdoors type, Tenerife has excellent hiking trails, and the cooler winter weather is perfect for exploring the island on foot. Some popular trails include Masca Gorge, Anaga Rural Park, and the La Orotava Valley. 

Meanwhile, the island offers some of the best conditions for stargazing, thanks to its clear skies and low light pollution. If this is up your street, visit Teide Observatory for an unforgettable stargazing experience.

Santa Cruz is the capital, providing an eclectic mix of culture, cuisine, history and architecture – such as the iconic Auditorio de Tenerife.

4: Seville – Spain

Although Seville may be best known as the home of an operatic barber, thanks to its mild winter weather it is also a fantastic place to escape for some winter sun. 

Daytime temperatures often range from 15°C to 20°C, providing the perfect temperature to explore this historically rich city, which boasts iconic buildings such as Seville Cathedral, the Alcazar palace or the renowned Parque de María Luisa.

Seville is the heart of Flamenco culture. You can catch an authentic Flamenco show at one of the many tablaos (Flamenco venues) in the city, and then go find a fine venue for some of the most exquisite tapas cuisine in Spain. 

If you visit during December, you’ll get to experience Seville’s beautiful Christmas lights and decorations. The city comes alive with festive markets, nativity scenes and a lively atmosphere.

Although the sport is not condoned by this author, the succinctly named plaza de toros de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Sevilla is worth a visit. This impressive 18th century arena is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Seville. The bonus is that visiting during the winter not only means fewer crowds, but there is no chance of you seeing a bull slaughtered for laughs as the bullfighting season runs from March to April. 

5: Sharm El Sheikh – Egypt

No list is complete without mentioning the charm of the Sharm. With a wide range of resorts, hotels, and accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences, Sharm El Sheikh is a great place to escape to in the winter. 

Temperatures tend to hover around the low to mid 20s over the winter, meaning Sharm El Sheikh is still a viable beach destination. This is ideal, because this Red Sea town is renowned as a launch pad for diving and snorkelling expeditions to coral reefs, where the year-round warm, clear water offers an excellent opportunity to marvel at exotic marine life. 

For the adventurous, quad biking or camel-riding in the stunning Sinai Peninsula is a must and there are even trips to Mount Sinai available (of the 10 commandments fame). 

Sharm El Sheikh has a lively nightlife scene with bars, clubs, and restaurants where you can try out traditional Egyptian cuisine like falafel, shawarma, and koshari.

Although considered a safe resort in and of itself, it should be remembered that the Sinai Peninsula is not far from some pretty turbulent places and it is wise to take into account cultural sensibilities when out and about. Nonetheless, for summer sun seekers who enjoy different cultures and adventure, the charm of Sharm is too much to be ignored.