Feeling chilly? These winter warmers await just a few hours away

Flight time: 3h 40m

We love Morocco in the winter. The searing summer heat has gone, leaving balmy sunny days in the 20s. This makes exploring Marrakech’s bustling spice-scented souks so much more enjoyable, before finding a shady corner to sip a cooling mint tea in the courtyard of a palatial riad. 

Be sure to spend time in Jemaa el-Fnaa, Marrakech’s main square and the most important part of the medina. Soak up the atmosphere, grab a bite and watch the entertainers - including snake charmers and monkey trainers. 

If you long to lounge on a beach, head to the coastal towns of Essaouria or Agadir where miles of palm-fringed sands await. 

And if you fancy hiking in the Atlas Mountains – which is amazing at this time of year – then we suggest you pack clothes for the cooler evenings as it can get chilly up there. 

Flight time: 4h 30m

This beloved Canary island is often on the list of summer sun spots, but in our opinion, this island is best explored in the winter. 

With winter temperatures being more comfortable than in the summer (in the low 20s as opposed to the 30s), you’ll be able to drag yourself away from the pools and beaches without melting.

Taking centre stage on the island is Spain’s tallest mountain, Mt Teide. Conditions are just perfect for hiking in the Teide National Park with spectacular views the reward.

It’s also worth visiting some of Tenerife’s historic towns, not least the Unesco World Heritage City of San Cristóbal de La Laguna with its historical mansions in pastel colours with stone porticoes and interior courtyards. Stroll through the pedestrianised shopping streets and savour the laid-back Spanish life.

To cool off families can make a splash in the waterparks of Siam Park, Aqualand and Loro Parque – in the winter the queues are not quite so bad as they are in the peak summer months. 

Flight time: 5h 30m

Dive into the warm waters of Egypt’s Red Sea and discover a whole new world that lies beneath the surface. The resorts of Hurghada and Sharm el Sheikh make perfect winter getaways, with temperatures in the mid 20s. 

All manner of water sports are on tap, but diving and snorkelling allow you an insight into the beautiful sea life and coral reefs that lie not too far from the shore. 

But don’t forget to venture in land too where the desert await. Thrill seekers can ride the waves of dunes on quad bikes or amble across the golden terrain on the humped back of a camel. 

Hotels are aplenty in both these resorts from family-friendly resorts to luxury retreats ideal for couples wanting a luxury escape. The resort of El Gouna, 13 miles north of Hurghada, is among Egypt’s most luxurious purpose-built holiday village.

Flight time: 5h 15m

As you step off the plane in Dakar, the winter warm temperatures in the high 20s will envelop you. 

Thanks to the introduction of additional direct flights from the UK, more of us are joining the largely French tourists in this west African nation. 

Just a 40-minute transfer will see you basking on the beaches of Saly along the Petite Côte, a long section of the country’s coastline. Here you’ll find a host of all-inclusive hotels. A little north, Lagune de La Somone is a laid-back resort with its palm-fringed beaches dotted with beach shacks in which to while away the hours. 

But while pristine beaches and water sports are the initial draw, there is so much more to Senegal.

In the mangroves of La Somone’s delta, Senegal’s 694 species of birds reside, while at nearby Bandia Reserve a slew of bigger animals to spot include giraffes, monkeys and giant tortoises.

World Heritage Sites include the former capital of Saint Louis. This charming old city retains much of its impressive architecture from centuries of Portuguese, French and English colonialism. Plus, be sure to visit the car-free island of Gorée. This tiny, sleepy place was once the centre of a 400-year-long slave trade and a visit to its museum is compelling and unforgettable. 

Another big draw is the people themselves - the hospitality from the Senegalese people is as warm as the temperatures. Oh, and the fact that Senegal has no time difference with the UK is an added bonus.

Flight time: 5h 50m 

The 10 islands that make up the Cape Verde archipelago lay about 800 miles off the coast of west Africa and have yet to really make it onto the radar for mainstream tourism. With winter temperatures in the mid 20s you’re certain to top up your tan here. 

The main island is Sal, where the long golden beaches beckon. Come the evening be sure to stroll through the main town of Santa Maria, known for its pastel-coloured buildings, surf shacks, markets and local restaurants. As you savour the food, listen to the music and chat to the locals,  you’ll be absorbing a glorious mix of African, Brazilian and Portuguese cultures.

Flight time: 3h 50m

A visit to the Portuguese ‘Pearl of the Atlantic’ is particularly precious in the winter. Its sub-tropical climate makes it ideal t-shirt and short weather. 

Cast away in the North Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is carpeted in rainforests and glorious botanical gardens – no wonder its second nickname is the ‘Floating Garden’. 

Admittedly this island was once deemed to be the reserve of the ‘elderly’ but the opening of swanky boutique hotels and restaurants has seen it shrug off its once staid, middle-aged image. 

It’s particularly loved by hikers who come to scale its volcanic peaks and ravines. The island is famous for its unique system of narrow canals called levadas that run through the island for 1,242 miles, creating glorious walking trails. 

The capital, Funchal, is a joy to explore. Wander through the old town, admiring colourful colonial buildings, stopping off in a traditional taverna and strolling beside the bustling marina. A fun and traditional way to experience Funchal is to board a wicker toboggan and whizz down the steep hills – sightseeing on speed! 

And when it’s time to relax, soak up the rays on the island’s black-sand beaches.  

Flight time: 4h 35m

The heat in Cyprus during the summer months can be unbearable, but in winter temperatures almost never fall beneath 17 degrees allowing you to bask in the sun but also explore the plethora of historical and cultural attractions on the island. 

While renowned for its palm-fringed Blue Flag beaches, the old town of Paphos is home to ancient tombs, temples and forts. Be sure to visit its archaeological park and the Tomb of the Kings.

Inland, charming, sleepy villages lie within the pine-covered hills and olive groves of the Troodos Mountains. And don’t miss the city of Nicosia. As well as being a delightful place to wander through its winding streets flanked with shops and cafes, the island’s capital is historically significant too. It’s the last divided capital city in the world. Today you can see the “Green Line” separating the northern Turkish and the southern Greek sides of the island.

And to cool off, the coast calls. Cypriot shores are peppered with delightful coves and bays, all waiting to be explored. 

Flight time: 3h 15m

Comfortably warm, temperatures on the island of Malta sit around 17 to 20 degrees in winter. And at little more than three hours away, Malta is an easy and convenient getaway from the wet and cold UK weather. 

As one of Europe’s smallest capitals, Valletta is perfect for exploring on foot. Capture on camera its beautiful Baroque architecture, 17th-century fortifications and Grand Harbour.

And take a slow stroll down Republic Street, stopping off to taste the island’s national dish of stuffat tal-fenek (rabbit stew)). 

Malta’s smaller sister islands of Gozo and Comino are a short boat ride away and should definitely be explored for their glorious coves and historic towns. 

Flight time: 4h 28m

OK, now I know we’ve already covered a Canary Island, but we can’t ignore this island of sweeping beaches, dramatic cliffs, deserts, rugged gorges and lush forests. 

Winter is a great time to visit this gem. Not only is it toasty warm (the thermostat rarely drops below 20), it’s less crowded than in the heaving summer months.

The south of the island is where most sun-seekers go. The soft sands of Playa de Puerto Rico are a family favourite, as is Playa del Inglés, which spans for more than two miles and is a haven for watersports. 

But what makes this latter beach so infamous is that it blends into the sprawling Maspalomas Natural Dune Reserve. This vast ocean of rolling sand dunes is one of the island’s top natural attractions ideal for desert safaris, camel rides and sunset dinners. 

In complete contrast is the evergreen valley of Barranco de Guayadeque with its myriad of natural wonders. Look carefully at the cliffs and you’ll see mysterious doors in the rock face leading to a  labyrinth of caves, once used as pre-historic burial sites. Many of the caverns are still lived in and some made into tavernas. 

In the centre of the island is the charming colonial-style town of Teror, the religious capital of Gran Canaria. Visit on a Sunday morning to check out the bustling market and pick up local specialities like chorizo and herbs. 

Flight time: 4h 15m

OK, so this is one for March onwards if you’re looking for temperatures in the high teens and beyond. According to Tui, the average daily maximum in Antalya in March is 19 degrees with a 64% chance of a perfect sunny day – we’ll take that thank you very much.  

Located on Turkey’s southwestern Mediterranean coast, Antalya is renowned for its beautiful beaches, historical sites and the Taurus Mountains that rise just inland. 

The city is part of the Turkish Riviera. It’s Old Town (Kaleiçi) lies within the city walls and is a labyrinth of narrow streets and traditional Turkish houses. 

Be prepare – your sightseeing list will be a long one: the cascading Duden Waterfalls; Aspendos with its 30,000-seater gladiator-style amphitheatre; Saklikent Gorge, one of the largest canyons in Europe; and the family favourite Land of Legends Theme Park. 

And when it’s time to chill, hit the Turkish baths and let the heat of the hammam soak into your body. Antalya is home to many note-worthy traditional spas.

And if you’re a golfer, then tee off on a choice of nearly 20 golf courses in the area.

Ready to escape the chill? With Not Just Travel’s “little black book” of insider contacts, I’ll ensure you get access to the best offers and hidden gems that most people never see. 

From exclusive options to those last-minute deals that are here one moment and gone the next, I’ll secure a winter sun break that goes beyond the ordinary. 

And because I handle every detail, from finding the perfect spot to coordinating all the logistics, all you need to do is pack your bags. 

Plus, my service comes at no extra cost to you—just peace of mind and a holiday tailored just for you. 

Drop me a line, and let’s make this winter one to remember!