13 Winter Sun Destinations To Jet Off To Right Away, For Your Instagram's Sake

Europe might not be the immediate winter sun destination that comes to mind when booking your holidays, but did you know that Cyprus has the warmest winters in the Mediterranean, with average temperatures reaching around 23 C during the day?

Whether you’re into nature and wellness retreats or simply want to sit by the pool all day with a cocktail and platter of local, fresh fruit, there’s plenty on offer for travellers to the island. We suggest visiting the Tombs of the Kings or hiking along the Akamas Forest Nature trail during the morning and soaking up the sunshine on Nissi beach before tucking into endless fish dishes at Pyxida Fish Tavern in Nicosia.

Our top tip? To book a holiday in Cyprus, Amara is a must-stay located a 19-minute walk from the Amathus Ruins and a short drive to Castella Beach in Limssol.

Alternatively, we suggest winding down your days at the Four Season Hotel or Londa Hotel, both located in Limassol.

Find out more here and research flights here.

Start your 2020 right in the pine forest-covered Spanish Archipelago where cascading waterfalls and the flora and fauna of La Gomera’s Parque Nacional de Garajonay. With mild winters, particularly to the north of the region, the subtropical climate boasts temperatures that range 18 - 24C, with January being its coldest month.

Whether it’s Tenerife’s active volcano Mount Teide, El Hierro’s Ecomuseum of Guinea, La Palma’s world famous La Lonja restauarant (think mojo, suckling pig and platefuls of paella), or Fuerteventura Tindaya Mountain, there’s plenty to delight sun seekers and foodies alike.

Our top tip? We advise booking a couple of nights’ stay at the five-star Royal Hideaway Corales Suites in Tenerife or the Avanti Lifestyle Hotel in Fuerteventura for secluded relaxation, luxury and views over the crystal-blue sea.

Find out more here and research flights here.

For anyone who is looking out of the window at a grey skyline and dreaming of bathing in a pool, it’s time you get yourself on the next flight to Dubai.

Well versed travellers will be all too aware that the luxurious city in the United Arab Emirates is one of the most sought-after locations with it modern architecture, buzzing nightlife, all-you-can eat brunches, artificial islands and the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa.

Home to the Dubai Sevens rugby and located a hop, skip and a jump away from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in recent months, the city is the prime spot for those in search of sporting thrills, with the Dubai World Cup Carnival and the Polo Masters Cup coming up in January and February, respectively. But if sports isn't your thing, what could be better than spending your winter holiday chartering a yacht or embarking on a desert safari?

For those in search of heat, the temperatures average from 16C to 26C during the winter months, making it the perfect time.

Our top tip? You haven’t stayed in Dubai until you’ve had a night inside the five-star Renaissance Downtown Hotel, located overlooking the Dubai Creek, with restaurants including Morimoto Dubai, Bleu Blanc and BASTA!. With views overlooking the Dubai skyline, a rooftop with fire pits and the famous Six Senses Spa, you’ll find it hard to book a flight home.

Find out more here and research flights here.

If you're in need of tropical climates with warm weather all year-round, look no further than Mauritius for your next holiday destination.

The best time to visit the Indian Ocean island country is from May to December when the weather is cool, dry and sunny. Door-to-door travel time is approximately 12 hours, meaning you can be sat beach-side with a cocktail in hand and munching on a fruit platter during a visit to the national park on the very same day you leave the house.

Our top tip? Visit the country's LUX* Grand Gaube hotel which just reopened this year following a whopping £24million renovation.

With the brand new LUX* Me spa with a Wellness Concierge and meditation expert on hand, as well as a traditional Creole Smokehouse with Rum Treehouse, an open sushi kitchen, a Pisco bar, and a buzzy beach club, we must point out that you might not never want to leave.

Find out more here and research flights here.

You haven't experienced sunshine until you've basked in the rays of the Caribbean's soothing winter sun.

The area's wet season ends in October, meaning Cuba in November onwards is blessed with wonderful sunshine (and fewer tourists than later months).

With an average daytime temperature in November of 32C, Cuba has long been a winter sun desintation favourite, thanks to its idyllic beaches on the north cost, rich cultural offers of Havana, caves and waterfalls, and labrinth-like streets of Camagüey.

Our top tip? Book a few nights stay at the unbeatable Paradisus Rio de Oro Resort & Spa in Guardalavaca. Hidden away in Bahía de Naranjo Natural Park, the hotel invites guests to cool off in the spa’s own saltwater lagoon-style swimming pool before retiring to garden and sea view suites, with the opportunity to indulge on butler service and access to an exclusive beach bar on request.

We'll see you in the pool!

Find out more here and research flights here.

Contrary to public misconception, Mexico isn’t a sunny, hot location all-year round so it’s important to choose your spot wisely before booking your flights.

That’s why we suggesting hitting the Yucatan Peninsula which is warm throughout the year, with daytime temperatures hitting the 28-30C mark in some areas and sea temperatures hovering 25-27C from December to January.

Outdoorsy types will be thrilled with what’s on offer here, with the Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza, the Pink Lakes of Las Colorada, the whale sharks at Isla Holbox and Cenote Los Monos snorkel tours.

Our top tip? As for a place to stay, book at least a week at the NIZUC Resort & Spa inspired by modern Mayan Asian design on the beach, has private villas with private pools or plunge pools and a whopping six restaurants.

Find out more here and research flights here.

While it might be winter sun holiday destination favourite, it's worth noting that November specifically is the beginning of dry season in this gem of West Africa, with temperatures climbing to a whopping average of 32C.

In addition to it's six hours flight from major European destinations, The Republic of The Gambia (commonly referred to as the Smiling Coast of Africa) offers everything from river cruises and creek tours, to bush and beach safaris and rural excursions to Janjangbureh and Basse.

Our top tip? A visit to Gambia isn't worth it without a stay at boutique hotel Ngala Lodge in Bakau. The clifftop location above an Atlantic ocean cove boasts just 24 suites, tropical gardens, and an infinity pool.

Find out more here and research flights here.

For those of you partial to a bit of mild sunshine, rather than scorching temperatures, the moderate climates of Morocco in November might be more of your scene. With an average flight time of four hours from the UK and daytime temperatures bouncing around the 26C mark, Morocco is the prefect winter sun break.

Whether its the bustling souks, chilled-out riads and epic Islamic architecture of the country's capital or Morocco’s Atlantic coast, with its surf and yoga opportunities, the country will suit all types of traveller needs.

Our top tip? Marrakech's Kenzi Menara Palace prioritises relaxation, and is just a short drive away from the city centre. Surrounded by ancient walls, this oasis has citrus groves courtesy of Agdal Royal Gardens dotted with orange and lemon orchards, tiled mosaic pathways, and exquisite impressionist-style architecture.

Find out more here and research flights here.

With Argentina touted as one of the most interesting locations to visit in 2020 by Booking.com, we suggest booking your flights ASAP to Salta, which is located in the centre of the Argentine Andes and hits highs of 29C during the winter months.

Whether it’s the city’s rainbow-hued architecture, the 16th century San Francisco Church or the picture-perfect scenes of The Hill of Seven Colours and Salinas Grandes (aka the salt flats), you’ll find it hard to leave this Instagrammer haven.

Our top tip? If you’re needing somewhere to stay, rest assured Sociable Hostal Prisamata will cover all your traveling needs, offering communal spaces where you can mix with other hostel visitors and be situated in walking distance to the famous 9 de Julio Plaza and the Cathedral of Salta.

Find out more here and research flights here.

Hidden in the mid-Atlantic, Cape Verde is the world's best kept secret when it comes to volcanic archipelagos and winter sun spots.

With endless sunshine in November (the weather rarely budges from the upper 20C throughout the year) and just over a six-hour flight time from the UK, Cape Verde has a fascinating colonial heritage, with Portugal first making its roots there in 1462.

The island rises to the conical summit of Pico do Fogo mountain at an altitude of 9,281 feet, and invites travellers to visit the Chã das Caldeiras village, located inside the volcanoes crater. For those less inclined for a hike, Cape Verde offers several island-hopping opportunities visiting the likes of São Vicente, Santo Antão, Santiago, Fogo and Sal.

Our top tip? Hotel Riu Karamboa situated in volcanic areas of Boa Vista is a must-see. The hotel sits on an endless white sandy beach with views of crystal clear waters and a fresh water swimming pool.

The area is especially good for snorkelling and scuba diving to explore its rich coral communities, too, so you'll find it hard to bored.

Find out more here and research flights here.

With a tropical climate, visitors to Phuket are lucky insofar that it never really gets too cold.

The high tourist season is from November to February, when it's cool and dry, providing the perfect winter blues remedy for those in need of some sunshine.

Home to some of the world’s most beautiful white sands, palm trees and party towns, visitors should take a trip to the famous Phi Phi Islands and Phang Nga Bay. And let's not forget Danny Boyle's hit 2000 film, The Beach, starring Leonard DiCaprio was shot on a small cove on May Bay with several visits to Phuket Old Town.

Our top tip? Book a couple of nights stay at Kata Rocks - a five-star luxury resort consisting of villas boasting private infinity pools, ocean views, balconies, and living spaces.

Find out more here and research flights here.

With a mild winter climate, you can still reap the benefits of sunshine all year round in this tiny Portuguse island, even in November.

Better yet, with an average flight time of four hours from the UK and most tourists visiting in the busy summer months, you'll be able to soak up the stunning vistas of archipelago - with its mountain walks, scuba diving experiences, and paragliding opportunities - practically undisturbed.

A must during your time in Madeira is a pit-stop to its capital Funchal, as well as Machico's oldest church, 'Capela dos Milagres'.

Our top tip? Book your accommodation at Pestana Royal Premium Ocean and Spa Resort, with panoramic ocean views that overlook the city's largest beach, Formosa, as well as the Cabo Girão hillside.

Find out more here and research flights here.

Always wanted to visit the Mehrangarh Fort, Umaid Bhawan Palace and the Mandore Gardens? Now is your chance as Jodhpur is the perfect blend of culture, architecture and hot climes reaching the 29C mark in winter and 34-39C in March-April.

Sip Masala Chai (Spiced Tea) at locals’ favourite Bhati Tea Stall before walking among the Blue Houses and serpentine markets near the Clock Tower around the city and visiting The National Handloom Cooperation on Nai Sarak to buy shoes, pottery and spices.

Our top tip? For those wanting to save a bit more cash on their holidays, Booking.com suggests a couple of nights stay at Hostel Raahi. The hostel features a garden, bar, restaurant and shared lounge and kitchen as well as bike and car rental if you want to explore the city with slightly more speed.

Find out more here and research flights here.