There’s a particular kind of cold that settles into your bones when you live in Yorkshire in winter. The sort that laughs in the face of scarves, sneaks past your gloves and makes even a quick nip to the shops feel like an Arctic expedition. I love home, the moors, the cosy pubs, the proper cups of tea, but by January, when the sky’s been permanently grey for weeks and it’s dark before you’ve even thought about tea, I start dreaming of sunshine.
That’s when the winter sun itch kicks in. You know the one: imagining warmth on your face, swapping boots for sandals, and remembering what colour the sky is when it isn’t slate grey. So, if you’re anything like me and fancy escaping the Yorkshire chill for a bit, here are some of my favourite winter sun destinations, tried, tested, and firmly approved by a cold northerner.
Tenerife, Canary Islands: Reliable Sunshine and Easy Living
Let’s start with a classic, because there’s a reason Tenerife is so popular, especially when you’re flying from the UK in winter. While we’re scraping ice off car windscreens, Tenerife is basking in temperatures around the low 20s, which feels downright tropical after a Yorkshire December.
What I love about Tenerife is how easy it is. The flights are frequent, the transfer times are short, and you can tailor the trip to suit your mood. Costa Adeje is brilliant if you want laid-back beach days and good food, while Puerto de la Cruz feels more traditional and gives you a proper taste of Canarian life.
And then there’s Mount Teide. One minute you’re sunbathing, the next you’re standing above the clouds, wrapped in a jumper, marvelling at volcanic landscapes that look like another planet. It’s that mix of relaxation and adventure that makes Tenerife such a cracking winter escape.
Lanzarote: Calm, Cool and a Bit Different
If Tenerife is your lively, dependable friend, Lanzarote is its quieter, arty sibling. It’s another Canary Island, so the weather’s just as reliable, but the vibe is more chilled and understated.
The volcanic scenery is unlike anywhere else I’ve been, all black rock, rugged coastlines and dramatic views. César Manrique’s influence is everywhere, keeping buildings low and white so nothing spoils the landscape. It feels thoughtful, calm, and perfect if you want to properly switch off.
I spent mornings walking along the promenade with a coffee in hand, afternoons reading by the pool, and evenings eating fresh fish as the sun went down. For a Yorkshire lass used to bracing winds, sitting outside in January without shivering feels like a small miracle.
Madeira: Green, Glorious and Great for Walkers
Madeira doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but it’s a gem, especially if you like your winter sun with a bit of greenery. Known as the “Island of Eternal Spring”, it’s warm without being stifling, and lush in a way that feels very different to the Canaries.
It’s a dream for walking, with levada trails winding through forests, mountains and coastal paths. One day you’re strolling through Funchal’s colourful streets, the next you’re gazing out over the Atlantic from a cliffside viewpoint.
I’ll admit, it’s not a place for wild nights out, but if your idea of a perfect evening involves good food, local wine and an early night after a day outdoors, Madeira hits the spot.
Morocco: Winter Warmth with a Cultural Kick
For something a bit further afield, Morocco offers proper warmth and a complete change of pace. Marrakesh in winter is ideal, warm days, cooler evenings, and none of the unbearable heat you get in summer.
The colours, the smells, the sounds, it’s a sensory overload in the best way. One minute you’re haggling in the souks, the next you’re sipping mint tea on a rooftop, watching the sun set over the medina.
It’s not the same kind of “easy” holiday as the Canaries, but if you fancy something more adventurous and memorable, Morocco delivers. And trust me, coming back to Yorkshire after a week of sunshine and spices makes the cold much more bearable.
Cyprus: Quiet Beaches and Gentle Winter Sun
Cyprus is another solid option for winter sun seekers who don’t want extreme heat. The weather’s mild, the skies are blue, and the island feels peaceful in the off-season.
Paphos is lovely for history lovers, with ancient ruins dotted along the coast, while Limassol has a bit more buzz. Evenings are cool enough for a light jacket, but daytime is perfect for walking, sightseeing and long lunches outside, something I never take for granted after a Yorkshire winter.
Final Thoughts from a Sun Starved Northerner
I’ll always love Yorkshire, the landscapes, the people, and the fact that nowhere does comfort quite like home. But there’s no denying that a bit of winter sun does wonders for the soul. Whether it’s the dependable warmth of Tenerife, the calm beauty of Lanzarote, or something a bit more adventurous, escaping the cold can make all the difference.
Leave a Reply