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5 of the best off-season holiday destinations

Line up a holiday with fewer crowds and just as much sunshine.
Warm weather, sandy beaches and sun tans are all summer holiday staples, but there are plenty of places you can head to for some winter sun, too, including a whole host of on-the-doorstep destinations in Europe.

And with less crowds to contend with, comfortable but not stifling temperatures, and loads of winter holiday deals to choose from, escaping the UK for an extra dose of Vitamin D is a piece of cake.

So, if Arctic blasts, pitch black afternoons and wet weather aren’t your cup of tea, then an off-season holiday to sunnier climes could be just the ticket.

Here’s a handful of our favourites to help banish the winter blues…

ANTALYA

Nestled in Turkey’s south-west corner, this region’s dubbed the Turkish Riviera, for its equal mix of white-sand beaches, yacht-filled marinas and luxury hotels. The temperature usually hovers comfortably in the mid to high teens over the winter months, so it’s ideal for having a round of golf on one of Belek’s eight champion courses or taking a leisurely stroll through Side’s historical sights, like the Roman baths and the Temple of Apollo. And of course, if you prefer to just kick back at your hotel and take it easy, there are loads of luxury spots with swish spas to de-stress in.

Browse our holidays to Antalya

And if you fancy a round of golf while you’re there, you can pre-book your tee time with our trusted partner, Greenfee365.
Pretty harbour with boats in Antalya, Turkey

CANARY ISLANDS

With average temperatures sitting above 20°C year-round, the tried-and-trusted Canaries are set up for a spot of winter sun. Gran Canaria’s a popular spot for a quieter break, and the island’s villages are ripe for exploring, while Lanzarote and Tenerife have volcanic landscapes and national parks to discover. And with all three islands just a four-hour flight away, you’ll be unpacking the suitcases in no time.

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Mount Teide, Tenerife

COSTA BLANCA

The Costa Blanca’s been a firm favourite with Brits for decades, with well-known towns like Benidorm packed out with partygoers summer after summer. Come the wintertime though it’s a different story, and while it’s still got its lively side, the smaller crowds tend to be less raucous. Many of the hotels come with daily dancing programmes throughout the winter months, and the adults only Don Pancho even has its own ballroom. And with temperatures hovering in the high teens, you can still make the most of the area’s beaches.

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Benidorm, Costa Blanca

CYPRUS

Another spot for year-round sun, the mercury rarely drops below the high teens here. And while Cyprus has Blue Flag beaches and ancient sights all over the island, Paphos is perhaps the best winter warmer for catching some extra rays. It’s not just the extra sunshine that draws visitors here though – many of the area’s hotels offer up dance classes and bowling throughout the winter months, including the Athena Beach and Athena Royal Beach hotels, which have 18 outdoor bowls rinks between them.

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Pioneer Beach, Cyprus

MADEIRA

Madeira’s a real up-and-comer for some winter sun, and with good reason. The mercury rarely dips below the low 20s and the flight time from the UK’s around three hours, so you can set off after breakfast and be there in time for lunch. Holidays here tend to revolve around the island’s picturesque scenery – in fact, the island’s been nicknamed the Floating Garden for its flora-filled landscape, which makes an excellent backdrop for long walks around its hilly terrain.

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Botanical garden with view to the sea

Fancy booking your next off-season holiday?

Browse our winter holiday deals to find your next getaway. Or, check out our summer holiday deals and last-minute holidays.

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Author:  Darren Notley

Last updated: 19.12.2022

Holiday Type

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