Best Winter Sun Destinations from Europe: Warm, Affordable and Short-Haul

When the days get short and grey, a week of sunshine can feel like a lifesaver. The good news: you don't need to fly long-haul or spend a fortune to find warmth. These are the best value winter sun destinations from Europe, compared by temperature, flight time and cost.

The best winter sun destinations

1. Egypt's Red Sea – best value

With daytime temperatures of around 22–25°C from December to February, sunshine almost every day and coral reefs right off the beach, Egypt's Red Sea is hard to beat for value. All-inclusive packages, excursions and food are cheaper than in most of Europe.

• Hurghada: lively, with lots of hotels, island trips and desert safaris.
• El Gouna: stylish lagoon town with great restaurants.
• Makadi Bay and Sahl Hasheesh: calm resort bays ideal for families.
• Marsa Alam: quieter, with turtles, dugongs and world-class reefs.

Compare them in our guide to Hurghada, Marsa Alam or Sharm el-Sheikh, and plan your arrival with a private airport transfer from Hurghada. Winter is also the best season to visit Luxor and the pyramids – see our Luxor day trip guide.

2. The Canary Islands – closest to home

Spain's Atlantic islands offer around 20–23°C in winter, a four-hour flight and no time difference for most of Europe. Gran Canaria and Tenerife are warmest in the south; Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are drier and windier. See Gran Canaria in winter and our Tenerife guide.

3. Southern Morocco – Agadir and Marrakech

Agadir has a long sandy beach and around 21°C in January; Marrakech is sunny but cooler, with cold nights. Combine city, mountains and coast – see Morocco beyond Marrakech.

4. Cape Verde

These Atlantic islands off West Africa offer around 25°C and steady breezes in winter, with a six-hour flight from most of Europe. Sal and Boa Vista have long sandy beaches and all-inclusive resorts.

5. Dubai

Around 24–26°C and endless sunshine, but a longer, more expensive trip. Read our Dubai travel guide.

6. Madeira

Subtropical gardens, levada walks and around 19–20°C – ideal for active travellers rather than sunbathers.

7. Cyprus

Mild rather than hot (around 17–19°C), but sunny and great for walking, history and good food.

Winter sun compared

Destination	Typical January daytime high	Flight from Central Europe	Best for
Red Sea, Egypt	22–24°C	4.5–5 hours	Value, snorkelling, culture
Canary Islands	20–22°C	4–4.5 hours	Short flight, walking
Agadir, Morocco	20–21°C	4 hours	Beach and culture
Cape Verde	24–25°C	6 hours	Warmest beaches
Dubai	23–24°C	6–7 hours	City and luxury

Tips for finding a winter sun deal

• Avoid school holidays and the Christmas–New Year peak.
• Book early for February half-term.
• Compare all-inclusive in Egypt and the Canaries.
• Pack a light jacket: evenings can be cool everywhere.