While we love getting in the festive spirit and enjoying the Christmas celebrations this time of year, the dark evenings and chilly winter weather has made us start thinking wistfully of grabbing our sun hats and holiday essentials and making for warmer climes abroad.

Caught yourself dreaming of escaping the cold this season and seeking out some winter sun? If you feel like swapping your eggnog by the fire for cocktails on the beach, why not make the dream a reality and check out our Camille’s guide to 5 perfect winter holiday destinations.

 

The Canary Islands

 

With the sun-soaked islands of Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote to choose from, the Canary Islands easily make our list of top winter holiday destinations. Situated on the Northwest coast of Africa and close to sunny Spain, with average temperatures of 20°C, the Canaries are the perfect getaway for chasing some much-needed winter sun. There’s tons to do on these volcanic archipelagos, so you can find fun for the whole family, with stunning national parks and historical sites to explore and watersports and endless sun-kissed beaches to enjoy. Bonus: you can get there in less than 4.5 hours from the UK. Be right back, just booking our tickets…

Holiday Essentials: Sun cream, swimwear, sunhat, snorkel and a good book for the beach!

 

Morocco

 

If you’re more about city breaks than basking on the beach, Morocco is a great choice of winter holiday destination for soaking up some culture as well as winter sun. Located on the edge of the Sahara Desert, Morocco’s stunning landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for some sightseeing. From exploring its famous architecture and colourful streets to camel rides in the desert and enjoying the delicious cuisine, there’s plenty to take in on a sunny winter break in Morocco. With a flight time of under 4 hours from the UK and an average temperature of 21°C in the winter months, whether you take a wander through the souks of Marrakech or seek out Agadir’s golden beaches, Morocco is a beautiful place to seek out some winter sun.  

Holiday Essentials: Guide book, long skirts, sun cream and a camera for all those stunning sights.

 

Cape Verde

 

Situated slightly further down the Northwest coast of Africa than the Canary Islands, Cape Verde is another idyllic beach location to soak up some winter sun. With a slightly longer 6-hour average flight time from the UK, the extra bit of distance does makes all the difference to the sunny climate. If you’re looking to catch some serious winter sun, Cape Verde is an ideal winter holiday destination this time of year with average winter temperatures of 25°C. Known for its stunning selection of beaches, you can top up your tan basking the day away, take a dip in its clear blue waters or take a hike on one of its mountains, taking in all its beautiful landscapes as you go.

Holiday Essentials: Sun cream, sun hat, swimsuit, parasol and walking shoes for seeking out those scenic views.

 

Malta

 

As one of the Mediterranean’s sunniest spots year-round, Malta had to make our list of top winter holiday destinations. It’s capital city Valletta gets more sunshine than any other in Europe, so it couldn’t be more perfect for seeking some winter sun! Averaging around 17°C in winter, Malta’s climate is like a warm spring day for us; ideal for catching some rays while staying comfortable enough to stroll round taking in all it has to offer. With labyrinthine streets to explore, a stunning harbour, beautiful architecture and historical sites as well as gorgeous Mediterranean beaches to spend the day relaxing on, Malta has it all.

Holiday Essentials: Chic sunglasses, sun cream, small backpack, light layers and light nightwear for cooler evenings.

 

Antigua

 

Fancying flying further afield for some winter sun? The stunning Caribbean island of Antigua is one of our ultimate winter holiday destinations at Camille. With its idyllic white sands, sparkling sea and tropical temperatures, the frosty weather back home will feel like a million miles away. In fact, while you may assume this island paradise comes with a long-haul flight, Antigua is under 9 hours away from the UK. And the best part? While temperatures are hitting the negatives in England, you can enjoy average temperatures of 28°C in winter in Antigua! From lazing on the sands and exploring its charming bays to taking in the stunning scenery, this dreamy destination is the perfect setting for seeking some winter sun.

Holiday Essentials: Swimwear, sun cream, snorkel, sunglasses and a parasol for some much-needed shade!

Ready to swap the winter blues for blue skies yet? From sun-kissed sandy beaches to culture-soaked city breaks, whichever winter holiday destination you choose on our list, you’ll be catching some winter sun in no time. You can find your absolute holiday essentials at Camille too, with chic women’s swimwear and women’s nightwear to pack in your suitcase.