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- Written by: Sophie Nicholson
If you’ve read our Best Places to Travel in August and Best Places to Travel in Autumn guides, you’ll know we’re big fans of chasing the right adventure at the right time of year. This one’s for when winter bites and you’re craving some proper daylight - after all, there comes a point when the novelty of frosty morning runs and muddy kit finally wears off. When even the dog gives you a look that says, “Really? Not Again?”
That’s the moment when you need to stop pretending drizzle builds character and book a flight to somewhere the sun still remembers how to shine!
For active travellers, winter doesn’t have to mean slowing down - it's simply about shifting latitude. Across the Mediterranean, Atlantic and beyond, there are pockets of reliable warmth where you can keep your legs turning, lungs burning, and vitamin D levels topped up. The trick is finding destinations that stay alive in the off-season, with open trails, regular flights from the UK and plenty of adventure still on tap.
"For active travellers, winter doesn’t have to mean slowing down - it's simply about shifting latitude"
From the volcanic ridgelines of the Canaries to the desert wadis of Oman, these are the best winter-sun destinations for people who’d rather lace up than light the fire. Think trail running through laurel forests, dawn rides above the clouds, post-hike swims in turquoise seas - and maybe even learning something new, whether that’s kitesurfing, canyoning or paragliding.
So pack the lightweight hiking boots, dust off your summer legs and get ready to trade drizzle for daylight.
Here’s where to go when winter feels a bit too… ehm.... British.
Madeira, Portugal
Temperature: Avg 19°C (Dec–Feb)
Flight time: 4 hrs from London to Funchal (BA, easyJet)
Time difference: Same as UK
Why now: Madeira is an all-season playground. Its subtropical microclimate and network of levadas (irrigation paths turned hiking routes) make it ideal for off-season trekking, trail running and canyoning. The mountains can even get a dusting of snow while the coast stays warm enough for post-run dips.
Active highlight: The PR1 trail from Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo - a rollercoaster ridge run at sunrise with the clouds far below. Check out our in-depth Madeira Adventure Guide for more inspiration on where to go, when, and what to do when you're there.
Where to stay: Funchal for easy access, or base in Santana for wild ridgelines right outside your door.
Cape Verde (Sal or Boa Vista)
Temperature: 26–27°C highs; sea around 25°C
Flight time: 6 hrs from London
Time difference: –1 hr
Why now: A wind-blown archipelago halfway to the Caribbean, Cape Verde is tailor-made for sun-seekers who can’t sit still. It’s one of the best places on Earth to learn kitesurfing, and between sessions you can trail run across volcanic ridges or paddleboard through clear shallows.
Active highlight: Morning kitesurf lesson on Santa Maria beach, dune trail run before sunset. New to kitesurfing? Check out our Beginner's Guide to Kitesurfing Equipment to learn about the kit.
Where to stay: Guesthouses on Sal’s quieter north shore - laid-back, local and perfectly placed for both wind and warmth.
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Temperature: Avg 22°C
Flight time: 4½ hrs from UK
Time difference: Same as UK
Why now: Tenerife is where pro cyclists migrate when Europe freezes. Perfectly engineered roads climb from sea level to the 2,350 m rim of Mount Teide - all under winter sunshine. Add volcanic hiking trails and surf beaches, and you’ve got the full-body adventure fix - aka the perfect place for multi-activity holiday that includes hiking, cycling and kitesurfing.
Active highlight: Ride or run up Teide’s lunar slopes (our guide to Climbing Mount Teide is full of useful info), then refuel with fresh fish by the coast. Looking for more ideas? Check out our Top 10 Adventures in Tenerife for all things multi-activity or our Top 10 Best Tenerife Cycle Routes for road and MTB missions.
Where to stay: The south coast for guaranteed sun, or La Orotava for authentic mountain-town vibes.
Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
Temperature: 21–24°C
Flight time: 4½ hrs from UK
Time difference: Same as the UK (GMT in winter)
Why now: Gran Canaria packs an entire continent’s worth of terrain into one island - pine-forested mountains, desert dunes, and coastal trails that glow in the evening light. It’s a winter training haven for cyclists, runners and hikers alike. You'll find a ton of information in our Gran Canaria activity hub, including hiking itineraries, family adventure inspiration, MTB and road cycling routes and an in-depth watersports guide to the best spots for surfing, diving, kayaking, SUP, windsurfing, and more....
Active highlight: Trail run from Tejeda to Roque Nublo for 360° volcanic views.
Where to stay: Tejeda for mountain access or Maspalomas for the dunes and sea breeze.
The Azores, Portugal
Temperature: 17°C avg
Flight time: 4½ hrs (direct winter flights from London)
Time difference: –1 hour (one hour behind mainland Portugal and the UK)
Why now: A remote Atlantic archipelago that feels like a cross between Iceland and Hawaii - only warmer. The Azores offer cloud forests, crater lakes and endless green trails for hikers, runners and kayakers. Find more inspiration in our Azores travel hub where we explore the best trails and wild adventures across the islands.
Active highlight: Hike the rim trail around Sete Cidades caldera on São Miguel, followed by a swim in the thermal pools of Furnas. It's easily one of the best hiking routes in the Azores.
Where to stay: Ponta Delgada for access to the whole island, or a rural eco-lodge in the hills for peace and quiet.
Turkey (The Turquoise Coast & Lycian Way)
Temperature: 15–18 °C on the coast; cooler in the hills
Flight time: Around 4½ hrs from London to Antalya or Dalaman
Time difference: +2 hrs
Why now: Winter brings clear skies, quiet trails and warm days along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast — perfect for exploring without the summer crowds. The Lycian Way, recently named one of the world’s most beautiful hikes, threads through pine forests, cliffside paths and ancient ruins. It’s ideal for long-distance walkers and trail runners who don’t mind a bit of variety underfoot - and if you’d like to know how it all began, read our interview with Kate Clow, founder of Turkey’s long-distance walking trails.
Active highlight: Hike or run coastal sections of the Lycian Way between Fethiye and Kabak - hiking is excellent year-round, but be aware that rural dogs can be protective near villages - trekking poles and a confident stride go a long way.
Alternatively, head inland to Geyikbayırı, one of Europe’s best winter climbing destinations, where the limestone crags stay dry and sunny.
Where to stay: Kaş or Olympos for coast-meets-adventure vibes, or Antalya for easy access to both trails and the climbing scene.
Morocco (Atlas Foothills & Taghazout)
Temperature: 20°C+ on the coast, cooler in mountains
Flight time: 3½ hrs from London
Time difference: –1 hr
Why now: Where else can you hike beneath snow-dusted peaks in the morning and surf in the sun by afternoon? The Atlas Mountains are cooler but perfect for hiking or biking; Taghazout’s surf camps are buzzing all winter.
Active highlight: Summit Toubkal (4,167 m) with a local guide - refuges reopen in late winter - or learn to surf in 22°C water.
Where to stay: Split your week between an Imlil guesthouse and a Taghazout surf lodge for the best of both worlds.
Crete, Greece
Temperature: 17–20°C
Flight time: 4 hrs
Time difference: +2 hrs
Why now: The Samaria Gorge may close for winter, but Crete’s coastal and inland trails remain wonderfully empty. Crisp mornings and quiet tavernas make it a great base for runners, cyclists and off-season explorers. Fun fact - when conditions are good, Crete is also a fantastic place to come ski touring and splitboarding!
For more inspiration, check out our guides to the best active things to do in Crete and the top family adventures on the island.
Active highlight: Hike or ski tour in the White Mountains, ending with a swim in the Libyan Sea.
Where to stay: Chania for access to both sea and hills; Rethymno for a relaxed off-season town vibe.
Jordan
Temperature: 15–22°C
Flight time: 5 hrs (direct to Amman)
Time difference: +2 hrs
Why now: Jordan shines in winter - warm days, cool nights and far fewer crowds. Explore Petra’s red-rock trails, trek in Wadi Rum or dive the coral reefs of Aqaba in the Red Sea - our guide to 8 Amazing Outdoor Adventures in Jordan has heaps of good ideas to get you started.
Active highlight: Trail run through the canyons around Petra at sunrise, or join a guided trek in Wadi Rum.
Where to stay: Bedouin camps in Wadi Rum for stargazing and desert silence; Petra guesthouses for easy trail access.
Oman
Temperature: 25–28°C
Flight time: 7 hrs (direct to Muscat)
Time difference: +4 hrs
Why now: Oman’s mix of desert, mountain and sea offers a near-perfect winter climate for multi-sport adventures. Kayak the fjords of Musandam, hike the wadis near Jebel Akhdar, or camp under a billion stars.
Active highlight: Two-day hike through the Al Hajar Mountains, then sea-kayak with dolphins off the Musandam coast.
Where to stay: Muscat for culture and coastline; eco-lodges around Jebel Akhdar for crisp mountain air.
Andalucía, Spain
Temperature: 16–20°C
Flight time: 2½ hrs (to Málaga, Granada, Almería)
Time difference: +1 hr
Why now: Southern Spain stays bright and dry while the rest of Europe hibernates. Base yourself in the Alpujarras or Sierra Nevada foothills for long sunny days of hiking, cycling or trail running - with tapas as your recovery meal.
Active highlight: Morning ride into the Sierras; afternoon jog along the Mediterranean; sunset wine because you’ve earned it.
Where to stay: Mountain villages like Lanjarón or Órgiva for the full “affordable mountain town” experience.
Costa Rica
Temperature: 26–30 °C (Pacific coast)
Flight time: 11 hrs (direct from London to San José)
Time difference: –6 hrs
Why now: It’s hard to beat Costa Rica for pure adventure-to-sunshine ratio. Between December and April, the Pacific coast is dry and dazzling, the rainforest trails are open, and surf schools buzz with learners. Go inland for white-water rafting, canopy zip lines and wildlife-rich jungle hikes.
Active highlight: Morning surf at Tamarindo, zip-line through Monteverde’s cloud forest by lunch, then trail run past lava fields in Arenal before sunset.
Where to stay: Nosara for yoga-meets-surf vibes, or La Fortuna for rainforest access and volcano views.
Sardinia, Italy
Temperature: 15–18 °C on the coast; colder inland (especially above 800 m)
Flight time: Around 2½ hrs from London (direct winter flights to Cagliari; limited options to Alghero and Olbia)
Time difference: +1 hr
Why now: Sardinia isn’t classic winter sun - it’s more Mediterranean clear-sky adventure with a fleece required. While the island can feel brisk in the hills (there’s even a small ski area at Bruncu Spina), the coast stays pleasantly mild and often sunny. Winter brings quiet trails, empty beaches and a slower pace that suits off-season exploration beautifully.
Active highlight: Stick to the coast for warmer air and calm days - hike the limestone cliffs and coves of the Golfo di Orosei, run the coastal path near Chia, go cragging in Cala Gonone, cycle the quiet roads between Villasimius and Costa Rei, or learn to dive or sea-kayak along the sheltered southern coastline, where water temps hover around 17 °C and the beaches are blissfully empty. Expect cool mornings, crisp light and the odd blustery day in the hills.
Where to stay: Villasimius or Pula on the south coast for reliable sunshine and easy access to coastal trails.
