The 5 best winter sunshine holidays. - MissLJBeauty

The 5 best winter sunshine holidays.

Well, The first snow has hit the ground in the Highlands that makes it officially winter to me. I actually always have a holiday in November. This is in part due to my husbands work. I actually love getting some time away at this time of year. There is nothing better than getting some sun.  Today I thought I would tell you my top short-haul winter sun destinations. 

I am always on the lookout for cheap travel deals for this time of year and I spend a lot of time on Voyage Privé last-minute section of their website. Very rarely will I get round to booking a holiday in advance? This again is down to my husband's job. So let me share the best places to get some sun this time of year without spending hours on a flight. 


The canary islands 

This will be no shock but one of the best places to head to is the canary islands. The canaries are made up of seven islands Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro. Now I know each of these islands are special in their own way. But what they do share is temperatures in the mid-'20s at this time of year. Making them one of the best options if you are looking for a quick flight to the sun. 

You are not only able to bask in the sun and swim in the endless blue seas off these fantastic places. There are endless things to see and do. From trips up Teide volcano in Tenerife to visiting Cocodrilo Park Gran Canaria the only animal rescue centre in the canaries. 

There are endless options for the more active traveller too. The canary is where all the tour de France athletes head to for winter training camps. So why not hire a bike and see what you can do on some of the hill climbs?

Crete

The biggest of the Greek islands. With temperatures in the late teens the to early twenties. You won't be disappointed with the weather. Crete has everything you could want in a beach holiday and more. It has a huge range of resorts with crystal blue water and white sandy beaches. it's a beach lovers paradise.  Not only that but a huge range of restaurants for every taste bud. You will be more than covered with a trip to Crete. 
If like me you are a bit of a history geek, there is no better place than Greece to go for a spot of culture. Knossos on Crete is the oldest city in Europe. Check out the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion you will not be disappointed. Crete has an endless array of historical buildings to go and visit from the castle to the villages you will never get bored of just exploring this island. Not into history, it is hard to not be impressed with Crete's landscape and beauty.

One of the best ways to see all of Crete is to hire a car and give yourself the freedom to travel around the whole island. You can totally immerse yourself in the island and discover the lesser-known parts of Crete. Hiring a car in Crete is so easy and well worth the money for the chance to discover the island in more depth. Crete has so much to offer and if you are only going to do it once there is nothing better than a road trip around the island. 


Egypt 
I love Egypt with temperatures in the 30s at this time of year, you can not beat the weather. I have traveled to a couple resorts in Egypt. My favourite being Hurghada. This is the perfect beach holiday. If you are looking to relax and unwind. I tend to pick my hotel in Hurghada with the best snorkelling in mind. I can not swim. So I do my research to where has the best place for me. I love to snorkel I have done since my first trip abroad as a child. There is no better place than Egypt to do this. The water is warm the beaches are endless and the fish are everywhere. My heaven. 

There are of course a lot of trips you can do when you are in Egypt. From the stunning pyramid in Cairo to camel riding in the desert. One of the most memorable trips. I have taken when staying in Hurghada was to visit a Bedouin Village. This was a huge eye-opener for me. To see how the Bedouin people live in the mountains. I could write a whole post on this alone.

Did I mention the food? I love the range of foods that Egypt has to offer. 
Turkey
This will be no shock to my regular reader. I have travelled to Turkey about seven times. This was one of my first ever holidays when I was eight. Believe it or not, this was on one of the first package holidays to turkey. There were only two hotels in Marmaris at the time. 

With the temperature in the high teens, you will still get your winter sun at this time of year. With numerous options of beach resorts. Turkey has always been a popular winter sun destination. It also tends to be a cheaper option than other winter sun destinations. 

Not only that but you have so many options of things to do. From local bazaars where bartering for a bargain can see you save a fortune to relaxing in a traditional Turkish spa. I also have to mention the food I love Turkish Meze and the bread are out of this world. Typing this is making me want to book another trip just for the food. 
Cyprus
With temperatures in the mid-'20s, Cyprus will not disappoint the sun seeker. With some of the most photographed beaches in Europe, you will have your choice of beach resorts to choose from. You have endless water sports and boat trips From fishing to party boats you are covered. If you like to hit the water. 

Cyprus has a unique heritage steeped in both Greek and Turkish culture. For the history buff, there is lots to see and do here. Check out the Cyprus Museum in the capital, Nicosia. This will satisfy even the most discerning history geek like me. Did you know that Cyprus has been named one of the safest countries in Europe? Another good reason to choose Cyprus

The food in Cyprus as taken influence from both Greek and Turkish traditions and created their own distinctive flair.  The food alone is a reason to make a trip to Cyprus. 

I hope this post has helped you to choose the right short-haul winter sun trip. If you enjoy travel blogs check out the lovely Fiona's blog from fiona You will not be disappointed.