Don’t shelve those short-sleeved t-shirts just yet, because there are plenty of to-die-for destinations offering up a good supply of sunshine this winter. With most being just a four-and-a-half-hour flight away, you’ll be sunning yourself on the shoreline in no time. Without further ado, here are our favourites...

Benidorm

Average temperatures

November - 15°C

December - 13°C

January - 12°C

February - 12°C

The bright lights of Benidorm are still very much shining throughout the winter months. Nestled along the Costa Blanca, you can expect balmy days on the beach and that classic seaside fun. Where else can you go from lazy beach days to big nights out on the Strip? Benidorm is the perfect destination for a sunny winter getaway.

Tenerife

Average temperatures

November – 19°C

December – 16°C

January – 15°C

February – 16°C

Tenerife has long welcomed sun-seekers all year round and it’s not hard to see why. With blissful temperatures in the high teens, this reliable favourite is all geared up for a winter escape.

Split between sunbathing and surfing, El Medano beach is ideal if you want to chill or experience a little bit of thrill this winter. Fancy a bite to eat? The beachfront bars have a distinctly bohemian vibe, and the tucked-away tapas spots are quintessentially Canarian.

While back home wallows in dreary drizzle and post-Christmas blues, Tenerife embraces fun, fiestas and feasting! Every year in February, the Santa Cruz Carnival takes over the streets bringing rhythm, flamboyance and music, culminating in a colourful spectacle. Prepare well in advance, Tenerife’s year-round sun already makes this time of year a big hit, and this festival of fun means it’s in even greater demand.

Gran Canaria

Average temperatures

Nov – 21°C

Dec - 19°C

Jan - 18°C

Feb – 18°C

In Gran Canaria, there are warm days aplenty over the winter, making it super easy to enjoy everything the island has to offer. Laze the days away at the pool, lounge on the beach or embark on an adventure, it’s your choice!

Sink your toes into the golden grains on the sand dunes in Maspalomas or go all Saharan and opt for a camel trip. Puerto Rico Beach takes the title for the hottest spot in Gran Can, making it a mecca for sun-worshippers who want to top up their winter tan.

Mild temperatures mean more opportunity to dine al fresco. In upmarket Meloneras, seafront restaurants are white tablecloth affairs serving up fresh fish and elegant wines. After your hearty meal, you might be offered a small tipple of honey rum. This Canarian delicacy is distilled right here on the island and is best supped on the rocks.

Fuerteventura

Average temperatures

Nov - 21°C

Dec - 18°C

Jan - 18°C

Feb – 18°C

Get your dose of vitamin D this winter in Fuerteventura and combat those winter blues. The island is an all-rounder that thrives in those teen temperatures.

Like Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura has its own set of sweeping sand dunes. This small-scale Sahara blends seamlessly into the beaches of Grandes Playas de Corralejo. With pinch-yourself-views and turquoise waters, it’s a prime spot to pop down your towel and embrace the island’s wintery warmth.

Year-round warmth equals an around-the-clock-buzz in Fuerteventura’s resorts. Say “sí” to active days down in Caleta de Fuste! Tee off at one of the much-loved golf courses, before enjoying a post-putt pint. Find your sea legs on a catamaran cruise – you can spot all sorts of majestic marine life, from flying fish to pods of playful dolphins.

Madeira

Average temperatures

Nov - 21°C

Dec - 20°C

Jan - 18°C

Feb - 18°C

Make oh-so-majestic Madeira your choice for that little slice of winter warmth. Aptly nicknamed, ‘the island of eternal spring’ because of its subtropical climate, you can enjoy sun and sea breeze all year round.

The landscapes of Madeira remain lush throughout winter, meaning it’s more than equipped for happy hikers who want to enjoy the island’s natural beauty without the summer crowds. Leave those woolly warmers at home! Swap frosty pavements for warm winter walks in Madeira by hiking along the iconic levadas.

If you’re thinking of ditching that chilly Blighty breeze over the festive season, then Funchal will welcome you with open arms. The whole town is dressed to impress in its Christmas best. Expect award-winning Christmas lights as well as fireworks that paint a perfect picture above Funchal’s skyline.

Antalya

Average temperatures

November – 20°C

December – 16°C

January – 15°C

February – 15°C

Antalya’s another ideal spot for escaping the English drizzle as temperatures sit in the mid to high teens all winter long. Away from the sizzling summers, resorts are much quieter, meaning you’re more likely to have blissful beaches and cultural hotspots all to yourself! Travelling with the whole tribe? Family-friendly attractions like the Land of Legends Theme Park are open year-round, so you can enjoy all the thrills with none of the chills!

Fancy a sporty stay? Antalya’s cooler months and pristine greens are a match made in golfing heaven. There are nearly 20 courses to hop between, with many boasting stunning sea views. Grab your clubs and get chipping!

If you’re looking to swap up your festive break, Antalya’s got heaps to offer. Have a cracking Christmas on sun-soaked shores or ring in the New Year with live music, street dancers and dazzling firework displays.

Costa del Sol

Average temperatures

November – 15°C

December – 13°C

January – 12°C

February – 13°C

The Costa del Sol’s tailor-made for winter-sun getaways, thanks to its golden beaches, buzzing resorts and an average of 320 days of sunshine a year. For nightlife, Torremolinos and Fuengirola are your best bet, while Marbella adds the glitz and glamour. Are you more of a culture-vulture? Head to white-washed Nerja, where you can uncover tucked-away tapas bars, local boutiques and of course, the iconic Balcon de Europa.

If you like to keep your downtime active, this crowd-pleasing costa’s got a jam-packed menu of sports to tempt you. With more than 50 courses, it’s easy to see how this region got its ‘Costa del Golf’ nickname, and the mild winter temperatures mean you’ll be able to practice your putt without breaking a sweat! There’s plenty for cyclists and hikers too. Spend your days whizzing along view-laden trails or roaming wildlife wonderlands.