The top spots for a winter sun holiday revealed

Simon Calder's Travel Week

Sunday, November 19, 2023 As sunset officially gets into 4pm territory and storms continue to batter the UK, the idea of escaping to warmer climes for a touch of winter sun gets ever more appealing. Don't fancy flying long-haul? Check out these winter sun destinations less than six hours away, including Tenerife It's not too late to jump ship and swap sleet for sunshine on a pre- or post-Christmas break. Get inspired for a last-minute getaway with this selection of destinations that are still hot in December, or take a look at these suggestions for winter sun a six hour-flight or less from the UK. Want to top up your tan without breaking the bank? Peruse this list of affordable locations where you can get a vitamin D fix for less this season. Barcelona's best The Catalan capital is at its best in winter, when the crowds have melted away – leaving the spectacular architecture and cuisine to enjoy in relative solitude. Easy access from the UK by air and rail BARCELONA CITY GUIDE Explore Paphos Cyprus has been a winter favourite for British travellers for decades, offering beaches and archeology – often adjacent. The western city of Paphos has many new accommodation openings in 2023. BEST CYPRUS HOTELS 2023  Save 30% or more on stays on Booking.com The sale includes savings on top winter destinations, such as Portugal, Turkey and Dubai Up to 20% off adventures with Intrepid The Cyber sale includes savings on over 800 trips, including Peru, Turkey, Morocco and South Africa   Save up to 50% on winter sun at Secret Escapes Deals include adults-only Lanzarote, Thailand island-hopping and luxury breaks in the Maldives  Holidays Winter cruising Set forth for winter sun, culture-packed city breaks and the Northern Lights on this pick of sailings. SEE OUR PICKS Feature Sri Lanka's comeback Why now's the time to return to the 'teardrop of India' for affordable adventures and endless sunshine. GET INSPIRED The opinion across the board is that Sri Lanka is now past the peak of its crisis – and it's time for tourists to return. Emma Cooke  Travel writer Hotels Gran Canaria stays The best places to bed down in style on this sun-drenched Canary Island, from design hotels to five-star resorts. BOOK NOW Food & drink Bali's ancient spirit Introducing arak, the Indonesian island's traditional liquor in the midst of a trendy transformation. READ MORE The best hotels in Tenerife: Where to stay for affordable luxury and style Cappadocia travel guide: What to do in Turkey's otherworldly region Why you should book a trip to Ningaloo, Australia's 'other reef' PICK OF THE WEEK: JET2HOLIDAYS Save £50 per person on all winter holidays with Jet2holidays Amazon's Black Friday sale has landed with more than 50 per cent off American Tourister suitcases – and this large case is a steal at under £100. Get it while stock lasts.  Heading to warmer climes? Make sure you've packed Jungle Formula's insect repellent spray in your bag to keep away mosquitoes, wasps and midges.  Black Friday is almost here. From deals on flights and hotels to package holidays and more, bookmark our guide for the sale.  READ NOW  If you're jetting off for some winter sun, make sure you're suitcase is packed with sunscreen. Our edit has options for every budget.  SHOP NOW The Independent proudly partners with Refuge and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 Join the conversation or follow us Download the free Independent app Please do not reply directly to this email   You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Travel newsletter   To unsubscribe from The Independent Travel newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345 Read our privacy notice and cookie policy