Don’t be fooled into thinking you have to travel to the other side of the world for a little winter sun! With spectacular holiday locations in Sicily, Malta, Morocco and Madeira, here are six of our top winter sun spa destinations in Europe…

Cyprus

On the West and Southwest coast of Cyprus, Paphos and Limassol are beautiful destinations to visit outside the standard holiday season. The city of Paphos has a rich history that dates back to the Neolithic period and Old Paphos is known as the mythical birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite. Limassol on the seafront is particularly known for its ancient castle and its spectacular sculpture park, while the area’s hotels offer romance, watersports, luxurious surroundings and an abundance of facilities surrounded by beautiful coastal scenery.

VISIT CYPRUS

Canary Islands

The famous Spanish archipelago is known for its black sand beaches and its rugged volcanic landscapes. Tenerife is the largest island, while Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and Las Palmas are also popular destinations. What is supremely popular in the school holidays can prove to be an oasis of calm and balmy weather in the late summer and early spring. With a gentler heat than during the peak seasons, the cooler months are an ideal time to explore the culture and abundant nature of these often underestimated islands.

VISIT CANARY ISLANDS

Malta

An archipelago in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast, Malta is known for its history as well as sun, sea and sand. Monuments dedicated to 7000 years of time gone by and honey coloured stone buildings set against a backdrop of Mediterranean blues. The Maltese Islands have been described as one big open-air museum and the lifestyle is very much about outdoor living. Malta is an elegant part of the world that’s perfect for a romantic weekend away, particularly if you choose to stay at the Corinthia Palace Hotel and Spa, The Palace Malta, or The Victoria Hotel Malta.

VISIT MALTA

Sicily

The largest of the Mediterranean islands, just off the ‘toe’ of Italy’s ‘boot’, it’s beautifully peppered with historic architecture, Byzantine mosaics and sits on the edge of Mount Etna. Its diversity and natural beauty attracts visitors time and again with the ever-present scent of lemon trees, the colourful markets, and the spectacular food, not to mention the hospitality at hotels including Diamond Hotels & Resorts Naxos-Taormina.

VISIT SICILY

Madeira

An autonomous region of Portugal, Madeira is an archipelago comprising four islands off the northwest coast of Africa. The main island of Madeira is volcanic, green and rugged with pebble beaches in a subtropical climate. The culture is as vibrant as this happy island would suggest with colour and music playing a big part. Hotels include The Cliff Bay which takes advantage of the location surrounded by gardens and palm trees.

VISIT MADEIRA

Morocco

When looking for winter sun, Morocco is a popular destination with Marrakesh, Fes and Casablanca featuring amongst the favourite destinations. Movie perfect, utterly romantic and a feast for the senses throughout, Morocco has everything for a romantic holiday, those going on a big adventure in the desert or a cultural jaunt exploring a rich and vibrant culture.

VISIT MOROCCO