December often brings miserable weather, from rainy overcast days to frosty mornings and even the odd sprinkling of snow.
Though for many the end of the year brings the excitement of the festive period, a jam-packed social calendar and time spent with family and friends, for others the combination of cold snaps, dark evenings and the intensity of the holidays makes the final month of the year a bit of a slog.
Those hoping to duck out of drawn-in nights and shiveringly chilly mornings could consider swapping sleet and snow for sun and sand on a trip to Europe. Destinations such as Crete and Malta usually bask in warmer temperatures of up to 20C, meaning you can breakfast al fresco by by the pool while your neighbours are defrosting their cars.
Though the period directly either side of Christmas can be expensive, earlier dates in the month are more affordable times to travel, well outside of peak season and school holidays. To help you plan your pre-Christmas European getaway, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to catch the sun at the end of the year.
Tenerife, Spain
Tenerife’s weather allows for days spent on the beach, even in December
(Getty Images)
- Average temperature in December: 18C
- Average sunshine hours: 6
The largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, Tenerife has long been a popular holiday spot for Brits, catering to everyone from young families to party-going groups of friends. The Canaries’ location off the west coast of Morocco provides ideal year-round weather for many visitors, with average highs of around 21C even in December.
There are several towns and cities on the island, the largest of which is Santa Cruz (the capital, found near the northeastern tip of the island). A city of over 200,000 people, it is home to the island’s main tourist attractions and is centred around the magnificent Plaza de Espana (at the centre of which lies a large, man-made lake). Other options for a resort stay include Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas, both on the southwest coast of the island.
The island also has an abundance of natural wonders. The centre piece is the imposing Mount Teide – the highest peak in Spain at 3,715m – and the associated National Park, where visitors can explore volcanic landscapes and hike through hills and forest, with sensational views over the island. On the coast, you’ll find the…
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