Curling up on the sofa with five fleeces around you doesn’t sound like anyone’s ideal Christmas. So why not head out of the dreary UK and visit one of Europe’s many countries that offer year-round sun in order to beat those winter blues.

The Canaries

The Canaries offer great bang for your buck, along with the fact that you’ll be travelling to one of the most diverse and versatile holiday destinations in Europe.

There are seven islands in total. Due to their location, the Canaries enjoy sunshine and warm conditions all year round. Each island has its own personality and culture. You’ll find many cheap holidays to Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote available at this time of year, many of which are all-inclusive to help you keep your budgets in order.

Cyprus

Overwhelmingly rich in local culture and history, Cyprus makes for a splendid Christmas getaway. There is just so much to see and do here that you may not even find one week enough!

Just the thought of the food offered in Cyprus is enough to tempt visitors here. The tantalising seafood will make you want to miss your flight back, or at least book tickets back for your next visit as soon as you land.

Madeira, Portugal

The Portuguese archipelago of Madeira is ideal if you’re thinking of seeking winter sun around February time. Forget beaches while you’re here; where you want to be is the Mardi Gras Carnival which pays homage to the one in Rio de Janeiro.

If partying non-stop isn’t particularly your thing, you could always opt for the quieter rural areas where you can bask in the sun without interruption.

Valletta, Malta

No European winter sun list would be complete without the inclusion of the dazzling city of Valletta, which has been selected as the European Capital of Culture for 2018. Unsurprisingly, it has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, owing to its 16th-century buildings and Baroque architecture.

Apart from visiting the palaces, theatres, gardens, museums and ports, you could travel to the historic Fort St. Angelo on a Maltese ‘daisa’, which is a type of fishing boat.

Marbella, Spain

Like Malta, Marbella is big on culture and history, so you can be sure there’s more than enough to do while you’re there.

There are vast amounts of museums, live music events, art fairs and festivals. The food is delicious, the weather warm and welcoming – what more can you ask for in a winter sun holiday destination?

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