Welcome back to The Boarding Pass Travel Blog, your ticket to holidays, culture and hacks.
Let’s face it, by mid-winter, most of us are done with drizzle, short days and the Great British grey. The novelty of woolly hats fades fast, and suddenly your weather app feels like a taunt. Somewhere between your second cup of tea and scrolling flight prices, the thought hits you, "I need some sun".
Buckle up because we’ve searched high and low (mostly sunny and sandy) to find the best winter-sun holidays for 2026. Whether you’re after long-haul luxury or short-haul simplicity, there’s something here for every mood and budget. So fasten your seatbelt, pull down the window blind, and get ready to dream of blue skies, golden beaches and poolside laughter.
Escaping the UK Winter Blues
There’s something almost medicinal about escaping the British winter. That first blast of warm air when you step off the plane, sunglasses on, coat off, spirits lifted. It’s not just about topping up your tan; it’s about topping up your joy.
Searches for “winter sun holidays” rise sharply every year between November and February. It’s when people crave light, colour and the easy pleasure of walking barefoot again. Whether it’s sipping sangria in Spain or swimming in turquoise water, the idea is simple: trade grey for gold.
The good news? You don’t have to go far. From the Canaries to the Caribbean, these destinations promise all the warmth and fun you’ve been dreaming of.
Top Destinations for Guaranteed Winter Sun
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Just four and a half hours from London, Tenerife is a classic that never disappoints. The island’s volcanic landscapes and near-perfect weather (averaging 22°C in winter) make it one of Europe’s most reliable sunspots.
Head south to Costa Adeje for family-friendly resorts, or explore the north for a more local vibe. Hike Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, or wander through La Orotava’s cobbled streets. The best bit? You can swap your umbrella for a cocktail within a day.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote’s lunar landscapes are hypnotic. Think black-sand beaches, stylish white villas, and waves that glisten like liquid glass. The island blends relaxation with adventure, making it perfect for hiking, surfing, or sampling Canarian wine in one of the local bodegas.
For a unique stay, head to Playa Blanca or the artistic village of Haria. You’ll find peace, sunshine and probably a new screensaver shot before lunch.
Egypt: Sharm El-Sheikh or Hurghada
If you fancy a splash of adventure with your sunshine, Egypt delivers. Sharm El-Sheikh offers diving in the Red Sea’s coral reefs, desert safaris, and evening strolls through buzzing bazaars.
Winter temps hover around 25°C — ideal for exploring without melting. Hurghada is another gem, slightly quieter but equally sun-drenched. And yes, that turquoise water is exactly as dreamy as it looks on Instagram.
Fancy a bit of scuba diving? Make sure you've got the right livel of insurance. Read our post here on all you need to know, with some crazy stats about travellers, who well, just ain't covered.
Cape Verde
How about a holiday destination, six hours from the UK and set off the coast of West Africa? Cape Verde is where Africa meets the Atlantic. Endless beaches, chilled island life and live Creole music make it feel far more exotic than its flight time suggests.
Sal and Boa Vista are the main islands for travellers. Think lazy afternoons in beach bars, windsurfing, and sunsets that linger forever.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi
For those who love their winter sun with a touch of glamour, the UAE is unbeatable. Dubai’s rooftop pools, desert adventures and infinity views are pure indulgence. Abu Dhabi, meanwhile, offers a quieter sophistication, with its Louvre museum, Corniche beach and golden mosque domes glistening under perfect blue skies.
Yes, it’s flashy, but it’s also fun. And let’s be honest, sipping mocktails in a rooftop infinity pool in January beats scraping frost off your car at home.
Florida and the Caribbean
If you’re ready for the long-haul dream, this is it. Florida’s theme parks, Keys, and golden beaches are classic crowd-pleasers. Meanwhile, the Caribbean, stretching from Barbados to St Lucia offers warmth, rhythm and the kind of easy happiness only island life delivers.
Flights might take longer, but so does the smile once you arrive.
Hidden Gems for Sunshine Seekers
Madeira, Portugal
Often overlooked, Madeira is Europe’s eternal-spring island. With its dramatic cliffs, mountain trails and sea-view cafés, it’s perfect for travellers who like their sunshine with scenery. The capital, Funchal, is packed with charm, cobblestones, flower markets, and that famously steep cable car ride.
Mild, green and gloriously peaceful, it’s a grown-up’s version of paradise.
Valencia, Spain
While the British flock to Barcelona, Valencia quietly shines all winter long. With its palm-lined promenades, futuristic architecture and heavenly paella, it’s Spain’s best-kept secret for a sunny escape.
Temperatures stay around 18°C, which means lunch outdoors and evening strolls by the marina. The city’s bike paths make exploring effortless, and its artistic vibe will win you over within hours. We love Valencia, and this city gets our vote of approval.
Agadir, Morocco
Agadir combines affordability with authenticity. You’ll find broad beaches, warm hospitality and plenty of sun between November and March. Wander through souks, try Moroccan tagine with sea views, or simply relax by the ocean.
For those craving a balance between exotic and accessible, Agadir hits the sweet spot.
When to Go and What to Pack
Timing depends on your mood. For guaranteed heat, aim for January through March. The Canaries and Egypt are best bets for short-haul warmth, while the Caribbean shines brightest in February.
As for packing, travel light but smart. Think linen shirts, swimwear, sandals and one outfit that makes you feel fabulous for that sunset dinner. Don’t forget your charger, a good book, and your sense of adventure.
Pro tip: always pack one jumper. Airports and planes have their own microclimates.
Let the Winter Sunshine In
There’s something about winter-sun travel that feels like a little act of rebellion. While others scrape windscreens and grumble about the heating bill, you’re boarding a plane to somewhere bright and blissful. That’s the spirit we love at The Boarding Pass, turning moments into memories, even if just for a long weekend.
So whether it’s Tenerife’s volcanic charm, Dubai’s dazzle, or Valencia’s understated magic, this winter is yours to rewrite. Escape the grey, soak up the sun, and remember: happiness often begins with a boarding pass.
Don’t wait for the sunshine to find you, start planning your next adventure at The Boarding Pass.
Where’s your dream destination for a winter escape? Tell us where you’d fly off to right now!