12 dreamy winter sun destinations away from the crowds

Most of us in the Northern Hemisphere are well accustomed to daydreaming of a ‘winter sun getaway’ when the colder months draw in; escaping the short days, the rain and low-hovering clouds, to find warmer climes just a plane ride away.

The problem is, while terrific, this is an ever-popular idea—and the best-known winter sun getaways tend to be busy. That’s why we’ve compiled 12 off-the-beaten-track winter sun destinations, so you can relax in t-shirt weather this winter… without the tourist crowds at your heels.

The best winter sun escapes in Europe, off the beaten track

Sunny skies abound in Europe‘s lesser-known gems, as these beautiful escapes prove…

Swooping rock formations in Milos, Greece

Milos is a unique island in the famous Greek archipelago, mostly known for its sublime rock formations. Though it doesn’t see the tourist levels of Santorini or Crete come the summer, it still has its fanfare of devoted travelers, who perch on the swooping, moon-like rocks at Sarakiniko to sun themselves, intermittently diving into the clear pools beneath. In the winter months there are far fewer visitors, and the otherworldly geology of Milos is easier to absorb as a stunning natural wonder. It’s a wonderful addition to any Greece or Greek islands itinerary.

Spacious Alentejo beaches in Comporta, Portugal

There’s a languid tone to the off-season in Comporta, a stunning village on the south-west coast of Portugal that sits between the Atlantic and the Sado Estuary. As the tourists retreat when summer is over, you’re left with miles of glorious space on the white-sand beaches, to wander in gentle temperatures and try the fresh-this-morning seafood. As a protected area in Portugal for its biodiversity, you’ll also be treated to sights of flamingos, dolphins, and storks. It’s a welcome glimpse of how Comporta was before its popularity, and why locals appreciate it so much.

The golden light of Lecce, Italy

In Puglia, the ‘boot’ of Italy, sits the historic city of Lecce. Crowds rightfully flock here in the summer, drawn to its glittering coastline, homegrown produce and pristine Baroque architecture. By winter the hubbub has relatively thinned out, but the attractions and locals remain—with comfortably warm days and golden evening sunlight that reflects off the sand-colored ‘Lecce stone’ facades. Lecce is also a foodie hotspot, with divine olive oil and wine grown extremely locally, so dinners are, of course, delectable.

The Italian mood of Menton, France

So close to the Italian border, it’s no surprise this French Riviera town seems like a little slice of Italy (in fact, it was Italian until 1860). Menton is on the Côte d’Azur, but the terracotta and yellow facades of its Ligurian-style Old Town; its locals that linger in doorways and smoke with their neighbors; and its balminess that lasts long into January, are all Italian in soul. What’s more, its lemons are considered some of the best not just in France, but in the world. Don’t miss the Fête du Citron in February that celebrates the lemon harvest.

The artistic streak in Valldemossa, Mallorca, Spain

Nothing says romance like spending a winter in the same island village as a famed artistic couple. Composer Frédéric Chopin and writer George Sand (who wrote A Winter in Mallorca about the experience) stayed here in Spain‘s Valldemossa in 1838-39. It’s easy to fall into this fresh and relaxed, Mediterranean version of winter. The honey-toned stone houses with painted shutters and cobbled alleyways have a misty mood between November and February, while dusty pink almond blossoms erupt at the turn of the new year.

Winter sun destinations in Asia offering peace and quiet

Wintertime in the Western world usually aligns with the dry season in Asia, when the monsoons cease and heavenly skies warm the tropical shores. What better excuse to chase the sun there?

Karst landscapes in Ninh Binh, Vietnam

Vietnam is famed for its karst, limestone formations that erupt from emerald waters (Ha Long Bay being the most celebrated marvel). Ninh Binh occupies that same space, with stunning limestone caves and soaring cliffs that forge winding paths of waterways. The area attracts tourists, but at a much quieter pace than Ha Long Bay; ideal for cycling the surrounding rice paddies, or taking a sampan boat through the grottoes of Trang An—which your local rower powers with their feet.

Spacious shores in the Con Dao Islands, Vietnam

For a guaranteed dose of sun, sand and sea, the Con Dao Islands are generally overlooked by the bulk of Vietnam’s visitors. Reachable by short flight from Ho Chi Minh City, it’s an archipelago of 16 islands, with the main island Con Son acting as your hub for amenities. As well as a fascinating colonial-era prison complex, ‘The Tiger Cages’, there are beautiful, jungle-backed beaches here like Dat Doc or Lo Voi. The months of November and December offer space to really stretch your legs, and your beach towel; or you could hop on a boat for wondrous snorkeling among hidden coves.

The Group of Monuments in Hampi, India

India cools to more comfortable temperatures in November through February, making it a good time for places that would otherwise scorch! Best suited to India itineraries that include Bangalore or Goa (which are an overnight train ride away), Hampi is a town in Karnataka, known for its ancient, UNESCO-protected spiritual monuments, and its riverside location. The summer heat can hinder the experience of absorbing the extraordinary, boulder-strewn ruins of this former Hindu empire, dating back to the 14th to 16th centuries. In winter months, it’s hot, but manageable—around 77-83 degrees Fahrenheit (25-28 degrees Celsius).

Cambodia’s tropical islands, Koh Rong and beyond

Often overshadowed by Thailand’s islands, Cambodia has its own tropical gems to hop between. Koh Rong is the hub, with oceans of glowing, bioluminescent plankton and a stripped-back vibe to accompany its palm-fringed bars and restaurants. Quieter and even more idyllic is Koh Rong Sanloem, where the white sands of Saracen Bay are particularly stunning, or Koh Thmei for off-grid birdwatching. These islands see a fair few young travelers on the ‘Banana Pancake Trail’, but there’s plenty of space to find your own slice of peace and quiet.

City life and orangutans in Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

Sarawak is the place to be for high chances of seeing orangutans in Malaysian Borneo, and the drier conditions between November and February make jungle treks accessible and rewarding. With the (pleasantly kitsch) riverside city of Kuching as your base, you can head out to Semenggoh Nature Reserve or Bako National Park for a chance of spotting fuzzy-haired, wild orangutans in the trees. These primates are so beloved in Borneo and around the world, yet so threatened due to forest destruction; it really is a moving experience when you catch a glimpse of orange through the jungle canopy.

Winter sun escapes in North Africa and the Middle East

North Africa and the Middle East are a breath of fresh air in Europe’s winter months, perfect for a culture-packed getaway.

Kitesurfing in the Western Sahara in Dakhla, Morocco

Many international travelers head to Morocco for some winter sun, usually to warm themselves in the riads of Marrakech. For those seeking something a little more active, the city of Dakhla sits on a narrow lagoon peninsula in the Western Sahara, with the ideal winter wind conditions for kitesurfing. Though it’s one of the best kitesurfing destinations in the world, even those who prefer to stay on dry land will fall in love with the landscape; the vast desert dunes brush with the sparkling lagoon, as Dakhla the town sits alongside.

Oman’s Musandam Peninsula

The Musandam Peninsula is one of the Middle East’s most spectacular destinations, but almost completely untouched by international visitors, who tend to flock Oman‘s capital Muscat and Wahiba Sands. October through March brings comfortable temperatures to meander the dramatic, fjord-like inlets, known as khors, by traditional dhow boat. The water is clear and warm, dolphins are a near-constant presence, and you might pass tiny Telegraph Island, where the British ran a telegraph relay station in the 19th century.

Make it happen

If you’re ready to book in your next winter sun escape, get in touch with our local travel experts by clicking the destination links above. Our partners are based on the ground, within the destinations, and are equipped with all the local knowledge to build a bespoke itinerary full of off-the-beaten-track experiences.