Where to go for winter sun?

skintsaver_2

Morning all

We would like to go away around 27th Dec for a week to somewhere that is warm

I've been told the canaries are warm be are there any other places as well?

We have never been away this time of year before so need some advice please

Thanks very much

Voyager2002

The Canaries are just about the only place in Europe that is really warm at that time of year. You could of course go to many other places in the world (Egypt, Dubai, Australia...) but the Canary Islands might be more convenient. Check out Madeira as well.

daveyjp

In general anywhere nearer the equator than the UK!

Canaries, Madeira (however both can get very wet and cold winter weather), Cape Verde, Egypt. For guaranteed warmth and little chance of rain, Dubai.

Ballard

If you can only get away for a week then my suggestion would be not to go too far from the UK time zone so how about South Africa?

Cape Town is beautiful and I think that you'd be able to drive the garden route in a week (although I haven't done it and don't drive so can't be too sure).

Another option would be Zanzibar (Tanzania) which I absolutely adored.

A lot of this depends on what you want out of your holiday. I like to travel around a country seeing as much of it as is practical whilst other just want to relax near a beach. I'd say that my two suggestions would give opportunity for both.

michele-p

You could also consider The Gambia. We went in Feb a few years ago it was a constant 36 degrees. But you do need to know what you're getting into, it's a poor country, the people are so friendly, but they will want to speak to you the second you leave the hotel. You need malaria tablets and yellow fever has.

Doshwaster

The main problem with the Canaries over Christmas and New Year will be the cost as it is pretty much peak season there and full of sun-seeking north Europeans so it will depend on your budget.

Morocco should be cheaper and hasn't had any of the security troubles that that affected other north African countries. I've never been myself but have friends who go every year for a mid-winter break and love it.

Apart from your budget, it really depends on what you want to do - laying by the hotel pool all day or being out exploring.

Katiehound

You haven't mentioned the cost so perhaps the Caribbean? Except that would be 2 long haul flights.

Southern Africa (also long haul, even longer than above @ 12 hours) will be pleasantly warm - alto' it's their winter it's more like our summer weather. I seem to think that Cape Town won't be as warm as it's on the Atlantic coast.
You could have a safari in Botswana......

The Gambia was mentioned. Not sure what has happened with politics there- the president wouldn't step down as I recall but perhaps that situation is resolved.

Generally anywhere that is tropical is going to require anti-malaria tablets, jabs etc.

pattycake

We used to love doing Christmas in Hurghada, Egypt. Perfect weather although cool in the evenings. Off our agenda at the moment though due to current political circumstances. Still available though.......

Ballard

Katiehound wrote: »

Southern Africa (also long haul, even longer than above @ 12 hours) will be pleasantly warm - alto' it's their winter it's more like our summer weather. I seem to think that Cape Town won't be as warm as it's on the Atlantic coast.

December is summer in Southern Africa.

Blue264

Doshwaster wrote: »

Morocco should be cheaper and hasn't had any of the security troubles that that affected other north African countries. I've never been myself but have friends who go every year for a mid-winter break and love it.

Morocco has had issues quite recently, and the official risk is rated as high, which is the same as many European cities. However, I agree they have been less affected than other North African countries.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/terrorism

I'd definitely be looking at Lanzarote and Cape Verde.

Pennywise

If you want somewhere pleasantly warm rather than hot, you could look at Cyprus, which is probably the best of the "Med" countries for winter sun. Not as hot as the canaries and higher risk of rain, but still has a few hours of sun most days. Generally, it doesn't "close down" for winter like other med islands, but some things, like the water parks will be closed (as they are in the canaries too). Depends what you want to do when you're there. Would be pleasant enough for walking/cycling around, a trip up Troodos mountains (may be snow at that time of year), and visiting the ruins, mosaics, borders to view the Turkish occupied areas, the capital, Nicosia, ampitheatre, etc.