Our best winter sun vacation destinations
Winter can be a tough time of year as temperatures drop and the days get shorter. So what better way to beat the winter blues than to escape to somewhere warm and sunny? Below, you’ll find our top winter sun vacation destinations, perfect for solo travelers looking for relaxation, adventure, and guaranteed sunshine.
1. Lanzarote, Canary Islands
With reliable winter sunshine and beautiful beaches, Lanzarote is an easy choice for a warm-weather getaway. The modern resort of Puerto del Carmen has everything you need for a relaxing, stress-free stay—perfect for lounging by the pool, sipping cocktails at the bar, and spending quality time with fellow single travelers. When you’re not soaking up the sun, stroll along the palm-lined promenade filled with bars, restaurants, and boutique shops. Want to explore more of this volcanic island? Head to Timanfaya National Park, where the dramatic lunar landscape contrasts beautifully against the blue sky and ocean. You can even browse local markets for unique souvenirs.
2. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Sharm El Sheikh boasts 35 miles of coastline where golden sand meets the warm waters of the Red Sea. With mild winter temperatures, it’s a top pick for Americans looking for sun, sea, and sand outside of Europe’s cooler months. The bustling center offers everything from well-known international brands to colorful bazaars perfect for souvenir shopping. But the real highlight here is scuba diving: the protected waters are home to thriving coral reefs, tropical fish, rays, and even sea turtles. Prefer staying on land? Try a desert jeep safari, or spend an evening at a traditional Bedouin camp.
3. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
Gran Canaria, located off the northwest coast of Africa, is famous for its mix of black volcanic rock, golden beaches, and lush green mountains. The popular southern resort of Playa del Inglés offers wide sandy beaches, plenty of bars, shops, and restaurants—everything you’d want from a winter sun vacation. If you’re in the mood to explore further, visit the Canary Museum in Las Palmas to learn about Christopher Columbus’s journey through the island. The city’s impressive Gothic cathedral is also worth a visit. Don’t miss the Maspalomas sand dunes—400 hectares of Sahara-like desert landscape right by the sea.
4. Qawra, Malta
At nearly 20 million years old, Fuerteventura is the oldest of the Canary Islands and home to some of the archipelago’s most stunning beaches. With a climate similar to Florida and Mexico it’s a fantastic choice for guaranteed winter sunshine. Costa Caleta, one of the island’s most popular resorts, features low-rise accommodations, laid-back cafés, and relaxed restaurants surrounding a sheltered bay of golden sand. Want to explore further? Visit the island’s capital, Puerto del Rosario, known for its open-air sculptures by local and international artists. You can even take a day trip by boat to neighboring Lanzarote.
















