Up to six hours:
Egypt, Cyprus, Israel, Jordan, Gambia and Cape Verde
Except for Cyprus, you are pretty well guaranteed sunbathing weather in these destinations. Egypt and the Cape Verde Islands have made big gains over the past few years. Temperatures of about 23C can be expected in the Egyptian Red Sea resorts of Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada, Taba Heights and Makadi Bay.
Longwood features Aqaba in Jordan and Eilat in Israel, and has added Makadi Bay for this winter. It will not be running regular flights to Eilat this winter except for one Christmas departure. The operator serves Eilat via Tel Aviv, Israel’s Mediterranean city resort where temperatures are a little lower at about 20C.
Marketing manager Tara Bradberry says: “The Red Sea enjoys pleasant temperatures in winter, which is great for exploring the historical sites. Winter is also a good season for golf and diving.” Egypt’s Red Sea resorts are popular for Tui. The group is continuing its charter programme to the resort of Marsa Matruh on the Mediterranean coast, which it introduced in March. Thomson is the top operator to the Cape Verde Islands, while Serenity Holidays operates the Cape Verde Experience and Gambia Experience brands. The flight time to both is six hours – Gambia is in west Africa and Cape Verde about 300 miles offshore.
“Cape Verde is an ideal winter-sun destination and a place of great contrasts, as each of the 10 islands offers a slightly different experience,” says Serenity. “It reflects an exotic blend of African, Brazilian and Portuguese cultures, and the beaches are among the best in the world.” Temperatures reach about 27C on the islands and 31C in Gambia, where Serenity is enjoying more demand for luxury holidays. This winter, it is offering two-centre options using its own charters.
Cyprus might seem tame by comparison at about 18C, but the island appeals to people seeking a more familiar destination. Photis Lambrianides, commercial director of Olympic Holidays, says: “It generally has about six hours of sunshine a day. Rain is infrequent and it’s certainly warm enough to eat outside.”
Up to four hours:
Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Madeira, Malta, Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey
We’re now getting more into the sunbathing comfort zone for December. The Canary Islands have traditionally dominated the market with temperatures of about 20C but often windy conditions. It is a similar story in Madeira. Malta is in the 12-15C range with less wind but more rain, whereas Morocco and Tunisia are more reliable at about 19C. Jody Clapham, Cosmos product manager for the Canaries, says: “The Canaries can’t help but come top of everyone’s list for winter sun because of the wide range of flying.” Thomas Cook now operates year-round to Antalya in Turkey. The operator expects Dalaman and Bodrum to be popular new resorts this winter. Temperatures average about 15C.
You don’t necessarily need a beach for winter sun, and Prestige Holidays marketing manager Nicky Shafe recommends Marrakech in Morocco (19C). “Marrakech is so exciting, so different from Europe and little more than three hours away,” she says. “It’s a perfect short-break destination to explore the souks, indulge in some wonderful spa treatments and enjoy the beautiful warm weather, As it’s a non-euro destination, it’s good value.” Vanda Bauer, head of marketing at Classic Collection, recommends Morocco’s coastal resorts, where temperatures are similar. “Our most popular hotel is the five-star Sofitel Essaouira Medina & Spa just outside the old city walls, perfect for discovering Morocco’s most charismatic coastal town,” she says.
Up to three hours:
Costa Del Sol, Costa Blanca, Majorca and the Algarve
The Costa del Sol is your best bet if you want it warm enough for sunbathing. Temperatures reach 18C, although 15C is more likely and it could be windy. Similar conditions can be expected on the Algarve. The Costa Blanca is more sheltered and Benidorm averages 16C with little wind. Majorca should be a comfortable 12-15C, but can be wet. You can’t guarantee winter sun in any of these destinations. Think warm weather rather than hot, which is ideal for sightseeing. The bigger resorts have more going on, with Benidorm having strong appeal to the over-60s. Cosmos is planning a winter programme to Majorca with three flights a week on Monarch from Gatwick and Manchester. But details have yet to be finalised. The operator will use hotels in Palma and nearby resorts that stay open in winter.
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