Brits, tired of 3° rain? Europe’s no.1 winter sun isles named: with 18–22°C, 8 options, suits you?

Yet a short hop from the UK, light and warmth wait.

Time Out’s latest ranking points to a reliable bolt‑hole for winter blues. The pick brings soft heat, easy flights and real choice.

Canary Islands take the crown

Time Out has named the Canary Islands as Europe’s best destination for guaranteed winter sun. The Spanish archipelago sits off the northwest coast of Africa, which explains the gentle temperatures even in January. Expect highs around 18–20°C, low rainfall, and long daylight hours compared with northern Europe. Beaches stay busy at lunch. Terraces fill without heat lamps. Jackets often stay in the suitcase.

The Canaries deliver 18–20°C through winter, with eight islands offering distinct vibes, landscapes and budgets.

Tenerife leads for range. Resorts line the south-west, while Teide National Park brings lunar scenery and star‑filled skies. Lanzarote suits travellers who want design, lava fields and stark beauty. Fuerteventura draws surfers and kites on trade winds. La Palma is slow, green and quiet. Gran Canaria offers a bit of everything, from dunes at Maspalomas to cool nights in the hills. La Gomera, El Hierro and La Graciosa complete the set for those who value space and calm.

How to choose your island

Match your break to the microclimate and mood. Wind exposure, altitude and coast orientation can change your day. South and southwest coasts tend to feel warmer and calmer. North coasts bring drama, spray and richer greens. Here is a quick comparison to steer you:

What winter looks like on the ground

Days start bright. Mornings feel spring‑like. Mid‑afternoon often reaches T‑shirt weather in the sun. Evenings drop to 14–16°C near the coast, so a light layer helps. Sea temperatures hover around 19–20°C, which suits quick swims and longer dips for hardy types. Atlantic swells create rolling surf on open shores. Lifeguard flags change often, so plan swims on leeward beaches if you want calmer water.

From London, direct flights run year‑round and take about 4 to 4½ hours; fares can be modest outside school breaks.

Prices vary by island and week. Christmas, New Year and February half‑term bring demand and higher rates. Early December and late January often bring value. Self‑catering remains common across the islands, with supermarkets well stocked for simple meals on a terrace. Buses connect resorts and towns. Car hire opens the interior, which holds deep ravines, calderas and high roads with huge views.

Time Out’s runners‑up in Europe

The Albanian Riviera takes second place in the list. Shores between Vlorë and Sarandë glow turquoise even in December. Towns empty of summer crowds, and prices fall. Expect 12–16°C by day and cooler evenings. Many seasonal hotels shut, yet a core of guesthouses and cafés stay open in larger towns. Hikers gain quiet trails and crisp air over the Llogara Pass. Ferries to Corfu add options for twin‑centre trips.

Madeira claims third. The “island of eternal spring” lives up to its nickname with 18–20°C days, lush slopes and dramatic levadas. Rain showers feed the greenery, then sun breaks through. Funchal’s waterfront stays lively, and New Year fireworks often draw visitors from across Europe. The island’s microclimates mean a warm bay and a misty ridge can sit half an hour apart. Pack layers and good soles for steps and cobbles.

Quick picks by traveller type

• Beach‑and‑book week: south Tenerife or southern Gran Canaria for steady sun and easy promenades.
• Nature and quiet: Lanzarote’s north or La Palma’s west for stark views and starry nights.
• Watersports: Fuerteventura’s Corralejo or Sotavento for wind, waves and long sands.
• Culture and gardens: Madeira’s Funchal for markets, cable cars and subtropical blooms.
• Budget and scenery: Albanian Riviera in early winter for clear seas and low prices.

Practical notes for a smooth trip

Book flights early if you want festive dates. Choose seats on the left for sunset approaches into Tenerife South. Check for “calima” events, when Saharan dust brings haze and warmer air; visibility can drop and allergy sufferers may feel it. Trade winds cool coasts, so windbreaks help on breezy beaches. Mountain roads can close after heavy rain or rare snow, so watch island traffic alerts before driving high routes.

Bring layers, reef‑safe sunscreen, and water shoes for rocky coves or black‑sand shelves.

Travel insurance should note watersports if you plan to surf or kite. Hikers should carry plenty of water; winter sun still dehydrates. Respect local paths across lava and pine forest, as soils erode fast. In small towns, lunch service runs early afternoon, with dinner from 7.30pm. Card payments work widely, yet small cafés may prefer cash in rural spots.

Why the Canaries beat the rest this season

The pick hinges on predictability. The archipelago sits in a sweet climatic zone, where ocean currents and latitude steady temperatures when northern Europe shivers. Eight islands give genuine choice, from big‑resort ease to tiny‑isle calm. Infrastructure supports year‑round travel, so you get frequent flights, open hotels and staffed attractions in January. That combination makes the winter gamble feel close to a sure thing.

If you plan further afield

Time Out’s global winter‑sun list points to Egypt’s Sharm El Sheikh at the top, with desert warmth and Red Sea reefs. That shift brings stronger heat, longer flights and a different cost picture. For many readers, four hours to the Canaries delivers the right balance of distance, budget and guaranteed mild days.

Extra help before you book

Think about your priorities. If warmth beats all, aim for south‑facing coasts and pick accommodation away from wind corridors. If scenery matters more, trade one or two degrees for dramatic cliffs and trails. Solo travellers may prefer towns with a compact centre and busy promenades in the evening. Remote workers should check internet speeds; many apartments advertise fibre, yet mountain villages can lag.

Families can pace the day with a morning on the beach, a mid‑afternoon siesta, then an early dinner al fresco. Couples can plan a sunset drive to a mirador, then eat in a guachinche or tasca that serves local goat stews, wrinkled potatoes and mojo. Keen swimmers should look for natural ocean pools on calmer days. If you chase value, compare islands mid‑week and consider a split stay using inter‑island ferries.