11 destinations for cheap winter sun holidays

1. Algarve

Average cost of a 7-night holiday: £413.71pp

Average high temperature: 19C

The Algarve’s low cost of living combined with a raft of keenly priced all-inclusive hotels and a mild climate that pleasantly hovers around the high teens in winter makes it a magnet for out-of-season sunseekers.

The popular resorts of Lagos and Albufeira come without the summer crowds, meaning you can enjoy a peaceful, romantic getaway and explore beaches and old town plazas at your leisure. The region's capital, Faro, is another great pick, where top sights include the Arco da Vila and the Municipal Museum.

While the sea may prove too chilly for swimming between December and March, winter is a fantastic time to enjoy an activity-based holiday in the Algarve. Tee up for a round of golf in Vilamoura, get your hike on along the walking trails of Rota Vicentina or spot migratory birds at Ria Formosa Natural Park.

It’s also one of the best seasons for surfing – the waves at Sagres are hard to beat.

Best budget tip: Imported wines and beers can be expensive so buy local brands such as Super Bock and Sagres.

2. Costa del Sol

Average cost of a 7-night holiday: £415.5pp

Average high temperature: 17C

Famed for its stunning sandy beaches and tasty tapas, Spain’s southern Costa del Sol region boasts an average 320 days of sunshine per year, so you’re practically guaranteed to enjoy balmy weather in winter.

Seaside Málaga, with its Picasso museums and beach shack chiringuitos serving great-value tapas snacks, is considered the gateway to the region. But with a huge range of budget-friendly hotels, it’s also a great pick for a fly-and-flop winter sun holiday for less.

Other Costa del Sol resorts such as Estepona and Nerja are a little more low-key, and lovely to explore without the summer crowds.

Back from the coast, in the wider Andalusia province, you’ll find even cheaper options and – although temperatures will be lower – you’ll still find orange trees blossoming and blissful blue skies in a string of sun-dazzled cities stretching from Seville to Granada.

Best budget tip: Look out for restaurants advertising a menu del dia, which generally includes a starter, main, small dessert and a drink, and can cost under £15.

3. Antalya

Average cost of a 7-night holiday: £501.08pp

Average high temperature: 15C

You can expect a spot of snow to cover Istanbul’s magical minarets and Pammukale’s postcard-pretty turquoise rock pools in the winter months, but if you head south to the Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, you’ll find bluer skies, warmer climes and a good range of well-priced accommodation.

Backed by pine-clad mountains and with an ever-growing collection of all-inclusive hotels, restaurants and shops spilling out towards the beachfront, Antalya is a fantastic base. You can tick off sightseeing and shopping in the historical old town, Kaleiçi, before unwinding in a traditional hammam spa.

If you’re looking for family fun, the Antalya Aquarium and Sandland are easy pleasers.

Best budget tip: Skip expensive restaurants and eat in lokantas, the neighbourhood bistros where they serve excellent homemade food for a fraction of the price.

4. Egypt

Average cost of a 7-night holiday: £552.54pp

Average high temperature: 22C

With a wealth of all-inclusive package deals and a desert climate that rarely drops below 20C even in January, Egypt has cheap winter sun holidays down to a tee.

Cairo’s pyramids and bustling bazaars are a major lure, but the streets of Egypt’s capital can get chilly during winter. Instead, head for the Sinai Peninsula. Renowned for its turquoise waters teeming with exotic marine life, it’s the best place to catch some of those golden rays.

Premier Red Sea resort Sharm el Sheikh is a popular option for party lovers with its bustling bazaars and lively nightlife, while those looking for pure relaxation will probably prefer the pristine waters and silk sand beaches of more tranquil resorts such as Hurghada and Dahab.

Best budget tip: Street food is a great way to fill up on a budget in Egypt. Look for staples such as falafel, hot flatbreads and shawarma sandwiches.

5. Marrakech

Average cost of a 7-night holiday: £565.61pp

Average high temperature: 20C

Winter is a great time to visit Marrakech. The chaotic souks and bazaars are noticeably quieter – a feat for this famously chaotic city – and the oppressive summer heat makes way for a pleasant cooler climate.

As well as hunting through the city’s iconic markets, you can take a trip to see the mighty Atlas Mountains, soak up the unique mixture of African and Arabian culture and explore the bustling old town, all without breaking the bank.

Feeling flush after saving on your main holiday costs? Visit a Moroccan hammam to have all your stresses scrubbed, soaked and massaged away.

Best budget tip: As many of the hotels charge above-average prices for meals, dining in local restaurants is a great way to save money.

6. Cyprus

Average cost of a 7-night holiday: £576.51pp

Average high temperature: 17C

Okay, 17C is hardly red hot, but with a combination of excellent beaches, sunny skies and stunning archaeological sites, Cyprus is still an excellent option for a cheap winter sun holiday.

Holidaymaker favourite Paphos is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, with the fascinating sites of Paphos Castle and the Tomb of the Kings located nearby. On top of the history, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to hop between during your trip.

For inland adventures, a hire car is the ticket to exploring the lush Troodos Mountains. Peppered with charming villages and scribbled with trails for all hiking abilities, winter is a wonderful time to discover it all without the stifling heat of summer.

Other off-the-beaten-track adventures in Cyprus include tasting wine in the Diarizos Valley and journeying through the Akamas Peninsula.

Best budget tip: With bustling markets selling fabulous fresh food, Cyprus is the perfect destination to book a self-catering apartment and save money by cooking at home.

7. Fuerteventura

Average cost of a 7-night holiday: £669.04pp

Average high temperature: 20C

Sunshine holidays are the Canary Islands’ bread and butter, and Fuerteventua ticks all the boxes for a winning winter sun escape – think great weather, good prices and plenty of sandy beaches.

There’s also a lively watersports scene on the island, thanks to the strong off-shore breeze. If you’re feeling adventurous, have a go at surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding and much more during your winter break.

As for the best places to stay in Fuerteventura, the larger resorts of Corralejo and Costa Caleta are the most popular, and if you can be flexible with travel dates, it’s possible to find some fantastic deals here during the winter months.

Best budget tip: With average temperatures around 20C, winter swimming is a joy – pack a picnic and head for beaches such as sand-swept Playa la Guirra or dune-studded Playa del Moro for a great-value day out.

8. Lanzarote

Average cost of a 7-night holiday: £699.25pp

Average high temperature: 19C

Lanzarote is starkly beautiful, instantly welcoming and blessed with an abundance of sunny winter days. That this stunning Canary Island is known for affordable holiday prices is almost just a bonus.

Holidaymakers love Lanzarote’s golden beaches even during the winter months – Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca are the stuff of beach holiday dreams and the wild waves of Playa de Famara make it perfect for watersports.

Of course, Lanzarote is more than just its beaches. This is an island unlike any other and an easy morning or afternoon trip to the Montañas del Fuego (Fire Mountains) of Timanfaya National Park will prove it. These incredible lunar-like landscapes – accessible by tour from Lanzarote’s best resorts – are the island’s postcard shot.

Best budget tip: Lanzarote has a good bus network, and you’ll get a 10% discount on fares if you buy a travel card.

9. Gran Canaria

Average cost of a 7-night holiday: £754.52pp

Average high temperature: 19C

Gran Canaria is a classic winter sun destination, with reliably sunny weather, lots going on (such as Carnival in February) and holiday prices to suit all budgets.

Winter is quieter and milder than any other season in Gran Canaria, though temperatures are tantalisingly warm compared to the UK – and they remain high enough to lay out on one of the island’s many beautiful beaches.

This is also a terrific time to explore the island’s capital city without the crowds. Las Palmas’s old town, Vegueta, is a charming mix of cobbled streets, historical architecture and palm-fringed plazas. Admire the twin towers of the cathedral and shop for souvenirs at the local markets.

Best budget tip: Look out for free or discounted entry to the island’s museums, typically on the first Sunday of the month.

10. Cape Verde

Average cost of a 7-night holiday: £1,188.47pp

Average high temperature: 25C

Known as the ‘African Caribbean’, the stunning Cape Verde islands come with everything you’d expect from a holiday to Barbados – at a fraction of the price.

Besides the obvious reasons to visit this delightful archipelago – stunning beaches and turquoise waters, in case you’re wondering – the islands’ cultural fusion of Portuguese, Brazilian and African influences makes Cape Verde a fascinating place to visit.

The main holiday islands of Boa Vista and Sal still maintain an air of ‘off the beaten track’ about them, especially with British holidaymakers, but there’s plenty of activities to get stuck into, such as surfing, ocean fishing and kitesurfing.

Best budget tip: This music-loving nation seems to have a fiesta for every occasion and most of them are free. You can find some of the best ones here.

11. Goa

Average cost of a 7-night holiday: £1,241.29pp

Average high temperature: 32C

A trip to India might seem a bit extravagant, but if you’re after a long-haul adventure without the price tag, Goa is a wonderful pick thanks to its laidback vibe, beautiful beaches and amazingly cheap seafood.

Once a hedonistic paradise for hippy ravers, Goa has since mellowed a little, although you will not be left wanting for a place to party if that’s what you’re after. Try Candolim and Anjuna for all-night beach parties.

Of course, the main draw is the guaranteed sun and hot weather that perfectly complements Goa’s many beaches. And less than £1 for a local beer? Go on then.

Best budget tip: India is generally very affordable, but car hire can be expensive – hire a bike or a scooter or use public transport instead.

Please note: All prices correct as of 22 November 2024. Research compared searches for 7-night holidays from 31 October - 21 November 2024 for departures between November 2024 and February 2025. The quoted prices are the median prices across the whole of that period and are indicative only. They do not necessarily reflect live deals on site.