5 Short-Haul Destinations For Winter Sun
UNSPLASH/COSMIN SERBAN
MALTA
Flight Time From London: 3 Hours 15 Minutes
The Lowdown: Winter temperatures remain in the teens on this small Mediterranean island and, due to its position close to Africa, the sea tends to be fairly warm too. But there is so much more to Malta than sunshine. Over the centuries, it has been ruled by the Romans, Moors, French and British which has resulted in numerous historic sites and a wealth of influences. Here, you won’t be short of churches, museums and ancient ruins to visit, as well as stunning scenery and great food.
What To Do: Valetta, Malta’s capital and Europe’s smallest, is steeped in history. Built by the Knights of St John, the city is a Unesco heritage site described as 'one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world'. Be sure to spend a few days exploring the narrow streets and visiting the museums and galleries. Must-sees include St John’s Co-Cathedral with its ornate marble floors, Baroque frescoes and two Caravaggio paintings, the National Museum of Archaeology, the Parliament Building, Renzo Piano’s striking City Gate and the beautiful opera house. Foodies should make a beeline for the Victorian market on Merchant Street which has a food hall serving traditional Maltese cuisine, as well as a butcher, fishmonger, delicatessen counter and bakery. For fine dining, book a table at Michelin-starred Noni which serves modern Maltese and Mediterranean cuisine alongside an excellent wine list. There are plenty of contemporary restaurants and cool bars in the city, including Legligin, a cellar bar which serves local wine and tapas, and Tal-Kaptan along Valletta’s Baroque wharf.
Away from the capital, two other places to visit are the former capital, Mdina, and the island of Gozo. Mdina is a beautiful ancient walled city in the north of the island. Its history traces back more than 4,000 years and you’ll see a mix of Norman and Baroque architecture here. A lovely afternoon can be spent visiting the Natural History Museum, St Paul’s Cathedral and the beautiful, honey-coloured churches. Malta is made up of three islands (Malta being the largest and Comino the smallest). The second largest, Gozo, is lined with beautiful beaches, rugged landscape and lush greenery. Quieter and more rural than the main island, you can venture here on a day trip via boat to explore the waters and the two temples of Ggantija, notable for their gigantic Bronze Age structures. Also, plan a visit to the famous Azure Window, a huge natural arch along the coastline for one of the best viewpoints on the island.
Where To Stay: The grand art-deco Phoenicia Hotel is just outside Valetta’s city gates and a ten-minute walk from most of the sites but feels tucked away and secluded. Ask for a room with a balcony to enjoy city views or one of the suites which have generous living areas. There’s an excellent spa with an indoor pool, salt room, sauna, steam room and fitness suite. Iniala is one of the most stylish hotels in the city, located on the historic St Barbara Bastion, the city’s most coveted street for its unobstructed Grand Harbour views. The 23 rooms are spread across four renovated townhouses that date back to the 17th century. The restaurant has two Michelin stars and is overseen by British chef Simon Rogan who champions the abundant local produce. For a more affordable stay, 115 The Strand Hotel & Suites is a hidden gem located a short taxi ride from the city centre on the Sliema waterfront. The hotel is comprised of self-catering apartments and hotel rooms, and the lovely rooftop terrace has a pool and panoramic city views.
In Mdina, the Relais & Châteaux Xara Palace is easily one of the most beautiful hotels in Malta. This 17th-century palazzo is inextricably linked to the medieval city, its walls forming part of the bastion walls that surround the city. All rooms have been individually designed with original paintings, antique tapestries and furnishings, reminiscent of the noble origins of the palazzo and boast spectacular views of the island. Dine at the Michelin-starred De Mondion restaurant which serves elegant French, Mediterranean and Maltese cuisine or, for something more casual, head to Trattoria A.D. 1530, located on the hotel’s gorgeous piazza.
UNSPLASH/Mukuko Studio
MADEIRA
Flight Time From London: 3 Hours 55 Minutes
The Lowdown: Madeira, an autonomous region of Portugal, is an archipelago comprising four islands off the northwest coast of Africa, north of the Canaries. The main island, called Madeira and often referred to as the ‘pearl of the Atlantic’, is a relatively small island but full of character and charm. The landscape is exotic and dramatic, with lush botanical gardens, vast rugged mountain ranges, high cliffs and a balmy climate that brings mild, sunny winters with temperatures in the high teens.
What To Do: The capital, Funchal, is where you’ll find plenty of stylish hotels as well as an interesting culinary scene where you can enjoy everything from traditional Portuguese dishes to fusion European cuisine. Steeped in history, it is a quaint, cobbled city full of atmosphere. To get your bearings, we recommend a guided walking tour, but if you want to go it alone, must-sees include the botanical gardens; the Mercado dos Lavradores, an award-winning farmers’ market that sells delicious local produce grown in the island’s fertile soil; the 15th-century Cathedral, which mixes Gothic and Romanesque styles and has an incredible carved wooden ceiling; and the São Tiago Fortress opposite the harbour which was built in the 1600s and now houses the Contemporary Art Museum. For unparalleled views of the city, the Funchal cable car that connects downtown Funchal to the parish of Monte is a must-do (book tickets here). Once in Monte, explore the tropical gardens and visit the Church of Our Lady of Monte which was built in the 18th century and is notable for its façade adorned with stone carvings and its towering bell tower.
If you want to avoid the city and take in beautiful rural scenery, head to the west of the island, such as the picturesque fishing town of Câmara de Lobos, which benefits from a slightly warmer climate or Santana, one of the most beautiful villages to the north. If you’re in need of something active, one of the best ways to experience the incredible scenery is to hike the 11km Vereda do Fanal trail that takes you across the Unesco-listed Laurissilva Forest and ends at a volcanic crater in the Madeira Natural Park. Or, for equally stunning views but less physically demanding, the northern tip of the island is the ideal place to enjoy a sunset swim in the natural lava pools of Porto Moniz. From here you can also get a boat out to spot dolphins and whales that pass by the coast in the winter months. Equally relaxing is a day trip by boat from Funchal to the nearby island of Porto Santo which boasts a lovely 8km golden sandy beach. We also recommend booking a vineyard tour to discover the region’s excellent wine – Discovering Madeira run day trips to a number of vineyards and wineries.
Where To Stay: For a luxe haven, the most famous, grande dame hotel on Madeira is the stylish Reid’s Palace (a Belmond hotel). It has been welcoming guests since 1891, including the likes of George Bernard Shaw who learnt to tango here and Winston Churchill who came to write his memoirs and to paint. Perched on a clifftop in Funchal and overlooking the Atlantic, the interiors celebrate the hotel’s British heritage, and the elegant rooms vary in size due to the architecture of the building – be sure to get a room with sea views and a balcony. Afternoon tea on the black-and-white checked terrace is must – expect a very English affair with scones and clotted cream and finger sandwiches – and be sure to book a table at the Michelin-starred William Restaurant. In the heart of Funchal, Barceló Funchal Oldtown is made up of a cluster of 17th-century buildings that have been refurbed into a lovely five-star hotel with 111 rooms. Each building has its own story, one being the former family abode of the Blandys, founders of the Madeiran wine trade, and another an embroidery factory that supplied the nearby shops. The rooftop boasts panoramic sea views over the marina and is the perfect spot for a sundowner; and wine lovers can sample a range of the best Madeira wines at Blandy’s just down the road.
Madeira is a golfers’ paradise and, if this appeals, we suggest you book into the four-star PortoBay Serra Golf hotel which has direct access to the best course on the island, the 27-hole Santo da Serra course that stretches across a 700m-high plateau. The friendly hotel is extremely good value and is housed in a whimsical art nouveau building dating back to the 1920s. We like the two rooms and suite in the main house which are done up with oak furniture, gorgeous fabrics and chandeliers, and have direct access to the garden; the 18 rooms in the annexe are more modern. If you want to eat in, the Avó Micas restaurant serves traditional Madeiran dishes.
THE ALGARVE
Flight Time From London: 2 Hours 55 Minutes
The Lowdown: With more than 300 days of sun per year and average daily temperatures of 16°C in January and February, Portugal’s 100-mile southern-facing coast ticks all the boxes for a dose of winter sun. The Algarve beaches, with their golden sands, are stunning and the area is also a dream destination if you like sport and want to be active – you can walk for miles along the beaches, hike the trails on the lower slopes of the Serra de Monchique range, and play golf (there are over 30 world-class courses), tennis and padel.
What To Do: Most visitors head west from Faro airport to popular resorts like Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago. However, if you head east towards Spain, there are quieter, unspoilt towns and villages to explore. Our favourites include Tavira, one of the prettiest in the Algarve with a charming old town, where you’ll discover Baroque churches, lovely whitewashed homes, cobblestone streets and shady squares; Olhão, once a quiet fishing village that dates back to the 17th century but is now a vibrant town with a Moroccan vibe – stroll down the winding streets towards the waterfront where you’ll find restaurants that serve the freshest seafood; and Cacela Velha, one of Algarve's tiniest and best-preserved villages with only a dozen houses, an 18th-century fort and a small church that dates from 1583 – from its hilltop position, it overlooks a fabulous beach, Praia da Fábrica (the name derives from a brick factory that existed to the west of the village in the 19th century).
Where To Stay: Off the beaten track halfway between Tavira and Cala Velha, Hospedaria is a luxe five-bedroom boutique hotel. Once a dilapidated roadside shop and tavern where locals came to dance, the owners, who also run the nearby hotel Pensão Agrícola (closed in the winter months), have created a chic, minimalist bolthole with white-washed walls, reed-lined ceilings and spacious rooms, each with its own outdoor area. Casa Céu, in Olhão, is a charming and comfortable guest house with just four chic bedrooms. Named after trees, they are done up in neutral shades with tiled floors and original artworks – our favourite is ‘Laranjeiras’ (orange trees) which boasts a private balcony. In the Tavira’s old town, near the Roman bridge, Colégio Charm House (closed between 7th and 23rd January) is housed in what was once an 18th-century palace and then a Catholic boys’ school. The 19 rooms and suites are individually decorated with antiques and personal touches, while the communal areas are decked out with artworks and unusual pieces collected by the owners on their travels.
West of Faro, there is no shortage of luxe hotels that are more likely to stay open year-round. Three of our favourites include: Vila Vita Parc which is built cliff-top in traditional Portuguese style and set around lakes and fountains in lush gardens – there are several good restaurants, including the two-Michelin-starred Ocean, and an outstanding Sisley spa; Anantara Vilamoura sits amongst orange trees and undulating wetlands on the edge of one of the best golf courses in the Algarve, the Dom Pedro Victoria (currently undergoing renovation and due to re-open in the spring) and a few minutes from Vilamoura Marina; and Conrad Algarve, situated at the heart of Quinta do Lago between the Ria Formosa Nature Park and the Atlantic coastline and the perfect destination for foodies who can enjoy excellent food by Heinz Beck at the Michelin-starred Gusto restaurant.
TENERIFE
Flight Time From London: 4 Hours 30 Minutes
The Lowdown: Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands which are located in the Atlantic off the coast of West Africa. It is one of the hottest destinations in Europe in the winter months, with temperatures often exceeding 20°C, but the north and south sides of the island can differ enormously – the north gets more rain, whereas the sun shines in the south almost every day. In the centre, the summit of Mount Teide (the third largest volcano in the world) is the highest point in Spain and is snow covered in the winter months – quite an unusual sight as you lie soaking up the sun on one of the island’s many lovely beaches. In recent years, Tenerife has shed its image as the destination for cheap package deals, clubbing and partying. While these elements remain in parts, away from the party venues, you’ll find chic beach clubs, restaurants and bars, as well as a raft of stylish boutique boltholes and luxe hotels.
What To Do: Although the beaches, warm waters and sunshine are Tenerife’s main appeal, it has many other attractions like botanical gardens, art galleries, museums, peaceful villages to explore and lots of great restaurants serving local dishes and wines. Some of our favourite beaches include Playa de las Teresitas, Playa del Duque and Playa Jardín. Keen hikers should not miss the Mount Teide National Park (a Unesco World Heritage site – with the volcano at its heart, there are over 40 well sign-posted routes that vary in difficulty. Getting to the top of Mount Teide is only for the very experienced and we prefer to opt for the cable car – but routes like the 5km La Fortaleza is rated low difficulty and ideal for seeing the local flora and fauna and the fascinating geological formations created by years of volcanic eruptions. Mount Teide is also a top spot for stargazing, and January and February have some of the clearest skies. Wrap up warm and take a guided trip that will take you in the cable car to the summit to enjoy the sun setting over Pico Veijo and the islands of La Gomera, El Hierro and La Palma on the horizon, after which long-range telescopes will help you see stars, constellations and planets like never before.
A second Unesco World Heritage site is the ancient university city of San Cristóbal De La Laguna – located in the north of the island, its colonial architecture and layout of the streets date from the 15th century, and there are large number of churches and other historic religious buildings to visit. These include the neoclassical cathedral, La Iglesia del Cristo, the palaces of Nava and Salazar and the convents of Santa Catalina and of Santa Clara. Visiting a winery is also a must – long before Tenerife became a tourist spot, it has been producing quality wines using a range of grapes. Most of the wineries (some centuries-old) are in the north near the area known as Tacoronte – we recommend Bodegas Monje and Bodega El Lomo. Right next to Tenerife is the island of La Gomera, one of the greenest of the Canary Islands – it’s a good place to visit on a day trip by ferry.
Where To Stay: Located on the southern picturesque coast between the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Tivoli La Caleta Tenerife Resort opened earlier this year following a major refurb. It comprises 284 elegant rooms and suites, decorated with wood and natural fibres, a beach club, a Japanese restaurant and a world-class Anantara spa with ten treatment rooms, a vitality indoor pool, sauna, steam bath and an ice igloo. Also on the southern coast, Royal Hideaway Corales Beach is a sophisticated five-star hotel, complete with a spa, several pools, a rooftop cocktail bar and Michelin-star dining. Rooms are spacious, each with unspoiled ocean views and large balconies. Wellness treatments include Ayurvedic massages, personalised facials and a hydrotherapy circuit. For an active break, classes include yoga, Pilates and circuit training.
If you prefer a small, more laid back and budget friendly place to stay, Hotel Boutique San Diego sits on a peaceful tree-lined residential avenue in north-east Tenerife, ten minutes’ stroll from San Cristóbal De La Laguna’s old town. The five-bedroom bolthole, with its terracotta-tiled roof and green shutters, is colonial in style but is actually a renovation of a 1980s family home. There’s a lovely garden with palm trees where you can enjoy a drink from the honesty bar; there is no on-site restaurant, but the friendly staff can recommend and book some of the best places to eat. In the north, we also like self-catering Jardin de la Paz which consists of 12 apartments and villas set in lush gardens with two heated pools. Activities such as trekking, horse-riding, tennis and golf can be arranged, but if you want to do very little, you can spend your days lazing on loungers soaking up the staggering panoramic views.
ANTALYA, TURKEY
Flight Time From London: 4 Hours 15 Minutes
The Lowdown: Summer visitors may be surprised to hear that Antalya, on Turkey’s stunning Turquoise Coast, is just as compelling in the winter months when a gentler pace of life returns. Day-time temperatures hover around 16°C in January, although early mornings and evenings can get very chilly. The city is situated on a hill overlooking the Med and, in addition to stunning sandy beaches, has several historical sites and ancient ruins which are much more pleasant to visit off season. There are also plenty of great restaurants and bars that remain open throughout the year.
What To Do: The old town, known as Kaleici, is situated within the city walls – Hadrian’s Gate, erected in AD130 to commemorate the Roman emperor’s visit to Antalya, is the main entrance into the labyrinth of narrow streets and traditional Ottoman houses. You could easily spend half a day wandering this charming area which is full of atmosphere. Don’t miss the excellent Antalya Museum on the western outskirts of the city – it houses over 5,000 artefacts and works of arts, from prehistoric to Ottoman, and is one of Turkey’s largest museums. Within easy reach of Antalya, two other archaeological sites worth visiting are the ancient city of Perge, which contains some of the most beautiful Hellenistic and Roman ruins in Turkey, and the Aspendos Theatre, one of the most well-preserved ancient theatres in the world, which was built in the 2nd century AD. Other top tourist attraction include the Duden Waterfalls and the Mount Tahtali cable car which will take you up to a viewing platform from where you get amazing views of the Taurus mountain range and the Mediterranean coast.
Where To Stay: Within the city walls, family-run Tuvana Hotel consists of old Ottoman houses that have been beautifully converted into an elegant bolthole with 46 rooms. The onsite restaurant is excellent and popular with locals too. About half an hour from the city going east, the 24 ultra-luxe Bayou Villas are available with one, two, three and four bedrooms, each with a fully equipped kitchen, private garden, pool and some with their own gym, spa, Turkish bath, piano and massage room. As part of the Lara Barut Collection hotel, guests staying in one of these villas can experience the hotel’s all-inclusive experience and enjoy eating in one of the nine à la carte restaurants and stylish bars. Further along the coast near Side, BIJAL opened its doors earlier this year. Surrounded by blossoming gardens and dense pine forests, this oasis of tranquillity is right by the sea and consists of 19 elegant villas of different sizes that sleep from two to eight, each with its own private pool and walled garden. If you can tear yourself away from your stylish accommodation, there is a large lake-style pool, or you can head down the path lined with olive trees to the beach. Inside the Club House is a spa with three treatment rooms, Turkish baths, a sauna and hammam, as well as an impressively equipped fitness studio. The menu includes Thai and shiatsu massages, and all treatments can be booked in the privacy of your villa. Personal trainers and yoga instructors are also available. In-villa dining can be arranged or head to the Club House for Italian fine dining or the Beach House which serves the freshest seafood and local dishes.
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