Christmas doesn’t have to mean cold. When spent in the UK, the festive period inevitably involved short days, long nights, last-minute panicked present purchasing and more likely drizzle than snow.
But, with a little research and a small dose of spontaneity, it could all be so different. Plenty of countries are basking in mild temperatures and winter sun come 25 December, with some of the planet’s perpetually warm countries offering a welcome break when the mercury hits close to zero at home.
Sticking to short haul, you can swap sleet for sun and sand in Tenerife in Spain’s Canary Islands, or take the plunge and spend your holidays swimming and diving in Barbados in the Caribbean.
Some of the world’s coolest cities bask in mid-20s temperatures in December too, with destinations like LA and Cape Town combining sparkling coast and buzzing cosmopolitan life. These places provide a Christmas that’s drastically different to one spent in the UK, with the added bonus of almost-guaranteed sun – read on to find a selection of the best.
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
The Canary Islands are Europe’s most reliable destination for winter sun
(Getty Images)
Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands, located just off the coast of western Africa. These islands are the warmest places in Europe come Christmas, with Tenerife welcoming temperatures in the early 20s in December, making it the closest place to home for a sun-drenched festive getaway. Santa Cruz is the island capital – complete with a lovely harbour, leafy parks and cobbled streets – and coastal resorts like Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas are popular for beach holidays.
Natural landmarks remain the real highlight on Tenerife, with the weather providing ideal temperatures to explore the island. Mount Teide, a still-active volcano and the highest peak in Spain, is the headline attraction, with a surrounding national park full of pine forests and red-rock desert. On the coast, beaches and rugged coastal features such as Las Teresitas and Los Gigantes attract visitors for relaxation, hiking and amazing views.
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Take the stress out of the usually frantic festive period with an all-inclusive stay courtesy of easyJet Holidays at the Bahia Principe Sunlight, located in Playa Paraiso on the south of the island. It’s perched on a cliff…
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