Three Fabulous Winter Holidays to Book Now

Fuerteventura

Often referred to as the Wild Canary, Fuerteventura is known for its wide desert-like sandy beaches and often blustery conditions which make it a popular surfing and kite surfing destination. Just four hours by air from the North East it’s a great option for an easy-to-reach, mid-winter break with a blast of sunshine.

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The original Canary Island with a history dating back over 20 million years, Fuerteventura remains the least developed of all the popular islands. Dry and sandy, the weather stays reliably warm over our winter months but be careful where you choose to stay as some parts are more exposed and noticeably windier than others. The driest, sunniest part is to the south at Morro del Jable, which can be two or three degrees warmer than resorts to the north of the island.

The beaches are what everyone comes here for. Unlike the more volcanic Lanzarote, Fuerteventura’s beaches are wide, sandy and white in the north, darker (almost black) in the south. But head here when it’s cooler and there are plenty of opportunities for activities such as hiking through the rugged island interior, reminiscent of the Wild West with its volcanic ranges rising sharply from dusty trails. Cycling tours are also becoming more popular. Mountain biking excursions will see you working hard up steep hillsides, past mountain goats and through tiny, white-washed villages, all the while being carefully watched by the huge birds of prey soaring on thermals overhead. Surfers should head to the Island’s north coast where the Atlantic swell makes for some great and sometimes testing conditions.

Families will love the sheltered lagoons of El Cotillo on the western side, whilst on the north-eastern tip, Flag Beach is famous for its wind-whipped stretches. One of the island’s best beaches is Playa Bajo Negro where the Corralejo National Park, a coastal zone with two distinct parts, meets the sea. The resort area of Corralejo is home to the biggest area of dunes in the whole of the Canary Islands and is the island’s main tourist destination. White sandy beaches here stretch as far as the eye can see – until you get further south where you’ll find the rugged, red and ochre volcanic landscape prevails. Climb the Montana Roja (Red Mountain) volcano for views of neighbouring Lanzarote across the water.

Madeira

With its temperate climate, the sub-tropical gem of Madeira is a great year-round holiday spot. Rapidly shaking off its reputation as a destination for retirees, this Portuguese outpost is becoming increasing popular with a younger crowd, with daytime temperatures which rarely drop below 20C and a whole host of hip new hotels and bars opening.

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It may still be popular with the glam gran brigade who enjoy the genteel pace of life, the verdant greenery and the fortified wine the island is so well known for, but you are now more likely to come across chic continentals challenging themselves as they climb the island’s many mountainous peaks covered in tropical forests (banana trees grow in very single available space here), or hiking the levada, the small irrigation channels that were built to carry water from the north to the drier south of the island, than too many sedentary septuagenarians soaking up the sun or sipping on poncho, the island’s local (alcoholic) drink which is a mixture of sugar cane and honey which the locals seem to consume at any time of day.

Madeira is still a popular stop-off for cruise ships but tourism here has changed significantly as it has suddenly become a popular alternative to destinations such as Italy, France and mainland Portugal. The islanders are a relaxed, cheery lot, always happy to help, and the prices are certainly more reasonable here than in many of Europe’s more sought-after destinations. And with delicious food and local wine from the vineyards in the north of the island and a history dating back to the 15th century, what’s not to love?

The buzzy capital Funchal sits in a natural amphitheatre centred around the waterfront. Easy to explore on foot, there are three distinct areas to the city. The historic centre ncludes the Mercado dos Lavradores with its exotic produce, Tiago Fort, the Se Cathedral and the cobbled streets of Zona Velha. Take the cable car from here up to the verdant mountaintop at Monte where you’ll find stunning tropical gardens with more than 2,500 different plants and trees, all well worth exploring, before taking a hair-raising wicker sledge ride back down the mountain (the fainthearted can take the cable car). Sheltered from the strong easterly winds Funchal also tends to have the best weather on the island and is a great base from which to explore most of Madeira. The resort area of Sao Martinho to the west of Funchal, centered around the pebbly Paria Formosa, is where you’ll find the larger hotels, including the iconic Reid’s Palace.

The island’s largely unspoilt, rugged coastline is a huge draw, but be warned, this is not a place where you’ll find lots of sandy beaches. Sexial is one, its black sand framed by mountains and jagged cliffs. Surfers love Jardim do Mar and families will want to head to the rock pools of Porto Moniz. Take a trip inland, (taxis are relatively cheap here) to see the Valley of the Nuns, so called as in 1566 nuns from the convent in Funchal took refuge from pirates in this stunningly remote spot. Once you see the landscape you’ll wonder how on earth they made the trip. The sunrise is a must-see from Pico do Ruivo, and the triangular thatched colourful houses of Santana on the north coast are also worth seeking out. For those who love the sea, there are plenty of opportunities for whale watching off Madeira’s coast.

Cancun

The heart of the Mexican Caribbean, with average daily temperatures hitting 28C in January and February, it may be further to travel but for gorgeous beaches, crystal-clear seas and guaranteed sunshine it’s worth the extra air miles if it’s fun in the sun you are seeking.

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It’s not just about tacos and tequila here, Cancun’s history is dominated by centuries of culture and from the Mayan temples, museums and galleries to the colonial towns full of historic mansions, there’s plenty to explore away from the sandy beaches.

The Mayans built many amazing and complex stone cities and huge pyramids in the heart of the jungle here, long before the Europeans arrived. They are also known for their art, architecture and sophisticated communications and had a flourishing trade with many parts of Central American. Known for their love of astrology, their revered priests interpreted signs which they said could help them predict famines, eclipses and other natural phenomenon. Must-see Mayan sites include Chichen Itza and the ruins of more than 47 tombs and buildings at El Rey Maya.

For those who just want to be on the water, there are plenty of opportunities for deep sea fishing (there are more than 500 types of fish found here), snorkelling and swimming with sea turtles, as well as speedboat jungle tours through the lagoon where you can check out Punta Nizac, part of the second largest coral reef in the world. The shallow waters in the resorts are ideal for paddle boarding novices, whilst Cancun’s unique Underwater Museum features art installed on the sea bed. There are 470 sculptures, all visible from a glass bottomed boat.

Cancun boasts some of Mexico’s best beaches with powdery white sand and crystal clear water, and there are plenty of places to choose from. Akmul is a small town between Tulum and Playa del Carmen and its beaches are home to sea turtles. Isla Mujeres is a quieter (and cheaper) destination, a top diving spot, and there are still plenty of opportunities to swim with turtles and reef sharks. Tulum tends to be busier. Here the sea is calmer, and the nearby Mayan ruins make this a popular destination.