The Best Winter Getaways

Whether you're searching for sun, hitting the slopes or up for an adventure - these winter getaways are a great excuse to get out of the UK without travelling to the other side of the world!  

Craving the warmth of the sun on your skin, the feel of sand between your toes and the relaxing sound of waves crashing on the shore? Then take a trip to the Canary Islands, where temperatures are known to hit up to 28 degrees throughout the winter months. Known for its white sandy beaches and volcanic landscapes, the Canary Islands offer both a relaxing and active holiday, with the opportunity to hike and explore. Though maybe less well-known, three small islands within the Canaries; La Palma, El Hierro and La Gomera, are unspoilt by bustling tourists and boast some of Spain’s most sensational landscapes. A regular ferry service also operates between the Islands, so you could even do a little ‘island hopping’ too.

Bologna has had several nicknames, La Dotta (the learned), La Rossa (the red, for its left-wing politics), but perhaps the most fitting is ‘La Grassa,’ Italian for ‘The Fat One.’ Named after its rich food legacy, numerous specialties have originated from the country, including Bolognese Sauce, Mortadella and Baloney (Bologna) Sausage. In fact, throughout the Emilia-Romagna region, famous Grana Padano, Parma Ham, aged cheeses and truffles can be enjoyed. A food lover’s haven, many descend on this northern pocket of Italy in search of its local delights. If you feel the need to walk off some of your indulgences, there are also some beautiful museums and medieval buildings to see too.

From the airport to the slopes in just one hour, Chamonix, France is a popular choice for a winter ski break. Set beneath the cliffs and tumbling glaciers of the Mont Blanc are Chamonix’s four ski areas and quaint but bustling Victorian town. Famous for runs such as the 17km, 2000m descent down the iconic off-piste Vallee Blanche, giving spectacular views of the Mont Blanc range, and the Les Grands Montets run, which will lead you through the mountains and into the village of Argentiere – if these aren’t on your bucket list, they should be. However, one of the most inviting things about this huge resort are the snow-covered mountains and fresh powder that falls throughout the season, not to mention the Après.

Considered one of the best places to spend Christmas, Prague is a magical city, boasting historic streets, Baroque, Gothic architecture, looming cathedrals and festive markets. If you’re a lover of culture, markets and mulled wine (costing the equivalent of roughly £1), then little beats visiting this festive city during Christmas, especially when it’s just a short plane ride away. There’s plenty to do to keep warm; from taking a stroll over the famous Charles Bridge to visiting Prague castle – or even take a boat ride down the river Vltava and then warm up in one of Prague’s traditional cafes, with a freshly made Trdelník – a warm sweet pastry. A hidden gem in this spectacular city is a small pancake house (Den Noc) – the queue leading into the street is well worth it for the fluffy pancake stacks, paired with sweet and savoury toppings.

If you’re looking for dramatic landscapes and breath-taking scenery, Iceland has it all - and let’s not forget the opportunity to see the mesmerising Northern Lights. This stunning volcanic island is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering the chance to scale mountains, hike volcanoes, climb glaciers, and to top it off, relax in the Blue Lagoon. The best time to see the Northern Lights is between October and March, when the sky is dark and aurora activity is high, making this a great winter destination. We also personally recommend the Glass Igloos for a romantic stay in Finland with Kakslauttanen!

The best time to go surfing in Morocco is during the winter months, usually from October to March. The swell from the north Atlantic hits the long Moroccan coast and creates some of the biggest waves. The water is mild and barely dips below 18 degrees Celsius, a little warmer than what we’re used to down on the Jurassic Coast. From beginners to pros, the terracotta beaches are filled with enthusiasts in search of the best waves and point breaks. And if you fancy a day with your feet firmly back on the ground, Morocco’s Atlast Mountains offer a variety of hiking experiences – then fuel back up by feasting on a traditional Moroccan tagine.

So there you have it, there are no excuses for winter blues!