We’re looking down the barrel of another long stretch of winter weather. This is exactly when a well-timed break can help give momentum to the season. It offers us something to look forward to in darker days, and afterwards, the blast of vitamin D keeps us going until the sunnier days return.
It needn’t cost the earth. If you don’t mind a holiday in the mid-teens, Europe off season can be a bargain, with flights as low as €47 return. Tempted? Here’s our choice of destinations for winter sun.
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Stellenbosch, an hour east of Cape Town, is South Africa’s booming wine-producing region. November, December and January here delivers sweeping blue skies and much-needed warmth, and it’s also the time when the winemakers release their new wines for the year. That gives an extra pizazz to vineyard wine tastings, as if the magnificent mountainous views weren’t special enough.
Head to Alto – South Africa’s first red-wine-only winemaker – for a tasting of four wines paired with four types of biltong. Or for a family-friendly experience, Skilpadvlei offers kids’ plates to complement wine tastings, with paired cheesecakes as optional.
Once here, travellers on a budget will delight in its affordability. For example, a guided day trip to the wineries including tastings costs €90, and car hire costs about €20 a day.
Get there Multiple airlines fly indirectly from Dublin, Shannon and Cork from €517.
Malta
The history-laden country of Malta is one of the sunniest places in Europe, being blasted with three times as much sun as Dublin in December. Temperatures are pleasant at 17-20 degrees, so it’s one of the Continent’s safer bets when it comes to getting a vitamin D fix. If conditions allow, it might even merit a swim at The Blue Grotto, a network of craggy caves surrounded by sparkling azure waters.
With fewer crowds, the off-season is a prime chance to experience attractions such as the always-gorgeous Upper Barrakka Gardens and St John’s Co-cathedral, where you’ll find Caravaggio’s masterpiece The Beheading of St John The Baptist. It’s also a chance to be privy to a real slice of Maltese life – expect to find the buzzy St George’s Square peppered with residents reclaiming it as a space for chance and planned meets, and a bit of people-watching as time now allows.
As it’s off-season, prices for accommodation, flights and even public transport are notably reduced.
Get there Ryanair flies from Dublin to Valletta from €50 return.
Phuket, Thailand
There’s a reason that Phuket remains a key destination for any intrepid traveller. The bustling province has everything going for it. Looking for cheap eats? Few places are more appealing to the senses than Phuket. There to have fun? Expect Full Moon festivals on Paradise Beach on November 15th, December 15th, January 14th January and February 12th, 2025. Want to dig deep into the culture? If visiting the Big Buddha – a towering statue in the south of the province – only whets the appetite, spend time in the serene Wat Chalong temple for a glimpse into its spiritual centre.
With a range of accommodation and itineraries suitable for gap to golden years, it’s a prime choice for a far-flung getaway, made more appealing by its prime weather between now and March.
Get there Turkish Airlines and Qatar fly indirect from Dublin from €957.
Paphos, Cyprus
With fabulously sunny days and temperatures around 18 degrees even in the depths of winter, Cyprus is a go-to winter sun destination. For strenuous outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, it’s arguably the preferred season: who would want to spend their summer days sweating in 33 degrees’ heat? Over winter, it’s much more comfortable to climb the majestic Trodos Mountains, or cycle Limassol’s coastal route. Alternatively, grab a cardigan and stay in Paphos to explore its extensive history (the entire town is a Unesco World Heritage Site), or traverse farther inland to the lush vineyards. As a small island, they may not produce the quantities needed to become a big exporter, but a tasting of their Xynisteri wine or Commandaria (a sweet dessert wine) will prove why Cypriots are proud of their viticulture.
Get there Ryanair flies direct to Paphos from €70 return.
St Lucia
Like the rest of the Caribbean, the island of St Lucia comes into its own in our wintertime. It’s when the frizz-inducing humidity of spring and summer reside, and more pleasant conditions return. The driest weather is in January and February, so consider St Lucia then to maximise time on this fun-packed island.
As if there weren’t enough natural draws – think the mud baths of the bubbling Soufriere Volcano, the hiking haven of the emblematic Piton mountains, or the snorkelling and diving opportunities – it’s also a place of rich cultural value. From the history of the French-influenced town of Soufriere to the street party “jump-ups”, it offers much more than pristine beaches and bathwater blue seas.
Note that our winter is its peak season, so book early for better prices and choices.
Get there British Airways fly indirect from Dublin to Castries from €793 return.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Let’s face it: the human rights record on this emirate is dubious and it might not be the most authentic destination around, but Dubai remains a popular destination for families looking for an easy winter sun destination. Direct flights are tempting, accommodation options are plentiful, the service is excellent, and it’s guaranteed gorgeous weather. Expect gloriously sunny days when you can feel the heat of the rays on your skin, and when the pristine beaches become even more appealing.
Get there Emirates fly direct from Dublin from €653.
Tenerife
The Canary Island of Tenerife might only average a temperature of 22 degrees in winter, but that doesn’t stop it being a low-hassle winter escape. Even in winter, direct flights run from all big airports, multiple times a day. And once there, most restaurants, bars and hotels are open for the season.
It’s warmer in the south, so make sure to pitch up there, and bask in a fly-and-flop holiday or get active on Teide Mountain. Or make it a foodie holiday: this abundant season is when lip-smacking ingredients such as oranges, lemons, limes, avocados and bananas are harvested, bringing in fresh menus across its cafes and high-end restaurants (the island has nine Michelin stars to its name).
Winter is also the best time to go whale watching – you’re likely to see dolphins and pilot whales, but keep an eye out for sperm whales, false killer whales and sei whales. The latter grow to almost 20m in length, so you’ll certainly know one when you see one.
Get there Ryanair, TUI or Aer Lingus fly direct from Dublin, Shannon, Cork and Knock from €47.
Miami, Florida
If ever there was a city made for partying in the winter sun, it’s Miami. In the day, settle down on South Beach as the blazing Floridian sun climbs in the sky, then head for lunch and a Cuba Libre at the original beach club of Nikki Beach. The afternoon is a chance to enjoy the air conditioning of its many art galleries, or if you can handle the heat, head to the Wynwood district for one of the world’s largest street art collections. When night-time hits, get ready to party in style. Miami is synonymous with EDM so there’s always something big on, whether that’s in the see-and-be-seen club of LIV in Fontainebleau Hotel, or in underground spots such as Electric Pickle.
Get there Aer Lingus flies direct from Dublin to Miami from €469 return.
