Find your golden getaway with these must-visit winter-sun destinations.
When winter settles in with grey skies and frosty mornings, the promise of sunshine becomes more tempting than ever. Thankfully, there are destinations that stay warm, bright and blissful throughout the season and are easily reachable with direct flights, making it easy to escape to somewhere golden. Here’s your guide to planning the perfect winter sun getaway, from tropical islands to Mediterranean classics!
Maldives
Few places capture the idea of a winter escape quite like the Maldives. Here, warm turquoise waters, overwater villas and endless horizons set the tone for slow, sun-drenched days. A standout experience is snorkelling at Banana Reef, one of the country’s oldest and most vibrant coral sites, famed for its manta rays, steep cliffs and swirling shoals of colourful fish. Winter brings calm seas and bright, clear skies — perfect for unwinding barefoot on island time.
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Canary Islands, Spain
A timeless winter-sun favourite, the Canary Islands offer warm days, volcanic landscapes and beaches wrapped in golden light. Each island feels distinct, from Tenerife’s dramatic peaks to Fuerteventura’s soft, windswept dunes. One striking highlight is Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote, where you can witness geothermal forces at work as geysers erupt from just beneath the earth’s surface — a surreal, otherworldly winter sight.
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Marrakech and Agadir, Morocco
Morocco brings an inspiring mix of warmth, culture and atmosphere to winter travel. Marrakech hums with rooftop cafés, spice-filled souks and sunset hues, while Agadir offers a calmer coastal rhythm. A memorable detail is the Jardin Majorelle, the cobalt-blue garden estate once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, where exotic plants and quiet pathways create a colourful escape among the winter sun.
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Malta
Malta’s honey-coloured stone, historic harbours and serene coastlines make it an inviting winter retreat. The island balances charm, culture and sea views with ease. A lovely winter detail is the sunset from Upper Barrakka Gardens, where the Grand Harbour lights up in golden tones that spill over the limestone facades — a moment that feels both cinematic and peaceful.
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Mauritius
Mauritius offers tropical warmth, palm-fringed beaches and lush interiors that stay vibrant throughout winter. The island moves at an easy, refreshing pace, whether you are relaxing on powdery sands or exploring inland valleys. A unique highlight is the Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths, a natural wonder where the sand forms undulating waves in striking shades of red, violet, blue and yellow. It’s a beautiful contrast to the island’s turquoise lagoons.
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Why These Destinations Make Winter Travel Effortless
Each destination combines warm weather, varied landscapes and the kind of slow, sunny days that feel worlds away from winter. These sun-blessed escapes offer a seamless way to step into light, warmth and rest, exactly when you need it most!
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