Prices on flights and package deals tend to rise as Christmas and February half term approach, so booking now generally means better prices and more choice – worth bearing in mind whatever your travel plans are.
Which Destinations Stay Warmest Through Winter?
The Canary Islands are definitely one of our top picks for winter sun. They sit off North Africa rather than mainland Europe; Tenerife and Gran Canaria typically hold 20–22°C right through January – a reliable choice if guaranteed warmth matters most.
What about Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura?
Each Canary Island has its own character. Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the easiest all-rounders, with well-established resorts and plenty of English spoken. Lanzarote offers dramatic volcanic scenery and a gentler pace, while Fuerteventura has some of the quietest, longest beaches in the group – ideal if you’d rather have space than crowds.
Is Madeira Worth Considering for Winter Sun?
It’s one of Europe’s better-kept secrets. A little cooler than the Canaries at 17–19°C, Madeira makes up for it with beautiful scenery, gentle coastal walks and botanical gardens. Funchal itself is compact and easy to get around, which suits anyone who’d rather not do much rushing about.
How Warm Does It Get in Cyprus and Malta?
Both stay pleasant rather than scorching. Cyprus sits around 16–18°C, with Paphos and Limassol comfortable enough for a coastal stroll or lunch outdoors. Malta runs a bit cooler at 15–17°C, but its smaller island size makes it easy to see Valletta’s old town, Mdina, and take the short ferry to Gozo without much walking between stops.
What About Turkey and Egypt?
If you’d rather not leave the weather to chance, Turkey’s southern coast and Egypt’s Red Sea resorts stay reliably warm, often 17–22°C, and tend to be better value for an all-inclusive stay. The flight is longer, and healthcare access outside the main resorts is less consistent than in Europe – worth factoring in if you’re managing a medical condition.
Is There a Quicker Option Closer to Home?
Yes – the Algarve and Costa del Sol are just under three hours away. The weather’s more changeable, generally mid-teens rather than guaranteed sunshine, but flights and hotels are usually cheaper, especially outside of the school holidays.
What Should I Check Before Booking If I Have a Medical Condition?
A large number of OK To Travel customers are travelling later in life, often with a health condition to consider, so it’s worth a few extra checks before you commit:
- Pack enough medication for the whole trip plus a few spare days, in its original packaging with your prescription details.
- Check your GHIC is valid. It can help with reduced-cost state healthcare in the EU, but it won’t cover repatriation home – that’s what travel insurance is for.
- Declare your conditions accurately when you obtain a quote, so you’re covered from the outset rather than risking a claim being questioned later.
- Think about how close you’d be to a hospital, particularly on smaller islands, if you need regular monitoring.
We insure travellers with pre-existing conditions and no upper age limit, because a health condition or a milestone birthday shouldn’t be what stands between you and a holiday.
A Few Quick Questions, Answered
Where’s the warmest place in Europe this winter? The Canary Islands – Tenerife and Gran Canaria regularly reach 20–22°C, even in January.
Are winter sun holidays more affordable than travelling in summer? Generally, yes, outside of Christmas, New Year and February half term.
Do I need travel insurance for a short trip within Europe? Yes. A GHIC doesn’t cover cancellations, lost luggage, or getting you home if you need medical treatment abroad.
Can I still get cover if I have a medical condition or I’m travelling later in life? Yes. Declare your conditions when you get a quote, and there’s no upper age limit to worry about.
Whether it’s the Canaries, a quiet walk in Madeira, or even a long weekend in Malta, winter sun is well within reach this year. Just make sure your cover reflects who you are and how you travel, so nothing catches you out once you’re there!
Thanks for reading,
Rosie at OK To Travel
