Best winter sun destinations in 2021

If you don’t want to spend too much time travelling, there are some great winter sun destinations only a couple of hours from Dublin that you are sure to love. By travelling in winter, you usually avoid the intense heat and crowds.

 

Fly from Dublin to Faro, Portugal

Surrounded by mountains, the city of Malaga is shielded from the cooler winter temperatures of the rest of Spain making it a wonderful destination for some sun. If you are seeking a holiday that is a mix of sea and culture, Malaga is the city for you. Birthplace of Pablo Picasso there is a must-see museum dedicated to the prolific modern artist and inventor of cubismDelve into Malagas fascinating past with a visit to La Alcazaba built after the Moorish conquest in the first century. This fortress is not the only remnant from this period of the city’s history.

Step back to this time by visiting one of the Arab baths in the area. The most famous is the Hammam Al Andalus. Cold, warm and hot water thermal baths form part of a purification ritual. A visit here is a real wintertime treat.

Average winter daytime temperature in Malaga: 15 degrees Celsius

Winter sun five hours from Ireland

If you are ready to travel a little further you can look forward to even warmer winter temperatures on the canary islands. Located off the coast of Africa, this group of subtropical islands is a wonderful place to catch some winter warmth.

Fly from Dublin to Lanzarote

It is estimated that about 200,000 Irish people visit Lanzarote each year, making it a firm favourite. The best thing about a winter holiday in Lanzarote is most tourist attractions remain open.

You can also look forward to unspoilt views on Lanzarote as high-rise developments are banned and billboard advertising forbidden. The winter months are the perfect time to explore this beautiful island on foot or by bike as cooler temperatures are much more conducive to an active holiday. The volcanic island is famous for its lunar landscapes, unique architecture, and unspoilt beaches with turquoise waters.

If you want to discover more about Lanzarote’s volcanic beginnings a visit to Timanfaya national park is a must where visitors can immerse themselves in all things volcanic from guided walks through the lunar like landscape to a camel ride to soak up the desert like views.

If gastronomy is more your thing don’t miss out on a tour of a volcanic vineyard where you can taste wines grown in the black earth or dinner at El Diablo where your food is barbecued using the heat from the Isolate de Hilario volcano.

Average winter day time temperature in Lanzarote is 20 degrees celsius

Flights from Dublin to Tenerife

The island of Tenerife is home to Spain’s highest mountain, Mount Teide. It is an island that offers much more than meets the eye. Almost half is nature reserve, with many species of flora and birds unique to the island. Cooler winter temperatures make it a wonderful time to explore.

An unmissable attraction on a winter sun holiday is the village of Masca. Hidden away in the mountains on the north west of the island, you will need nerves of steel as you meander along the mountainous switchback roads leading to the village. But the stunning views will make it well worth it.

If you love water sports Tenerife is the place to shelter from the worst of an Irish winter. There are numerous locations to try everything from jet skiing to paragliding and everything in between. If getting into the water doesn’t appeal, spend a day on the water. The winter months are the best time to spot migratory whales in the waters around Tenerife.

Average winter day time temperature in Tenerife is 20 degrees celsius

Long haul winter sun from Ireland

If you are planning a longer winter holiday, there’s no reason not to consider travelling further for the holiday of a lifetime.

Flights from Dublin to Orlando

You will never forget a holiday in Florida. There truly is so much to see and do, it’s a place you will want to return to again and again. Orlando is famous amongst Irish thrill seekers as home to some of the world’s best theme parks. From family favourite Disney World Resort to the magic of the movies at Universal Orlando Resort there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Away from the theme parks Orlando offers a wealth of things to see and do. Ever wonder how NASA got man to the moon? Or experience what training is required to become an astronaut? A visit to the Kennedy Space Centre is a must.

After all the man-made entertainment, get in touch with nature on the Florida Everglades. This tropical wetland is famous as the home of the American crocodile, but it is full of plants and animals not found anywhere else in the world. There are lots of ways to tour the expansive nature reserve, but we think a trip on an iconic Florida airboat is a must.

Average winter day time temperature in Orlando 22 degrees Celsius

 

With so many options for summer sun from Ireland, the biggest challenge is likely to be choosing where to go. No matter where you choose, book great value, flexible flights with Aer Lingus today.

You can change any flight  for free until 31 December 2021. This applies to any flight you’ve already booked for any date in 2021, as well as any new flight you book for 2021.

What’s more, you can change your flight as often as you need to and up to two hours before you fly – for free. And with our guaranteed voucher options and refund fares, it’s easy to give your bookings even more wiggle room.

Book your flights for your winter sun getaway today.