7 winter sun escapes to help brighten up the colder months

We’ve handpicked the best winter breaks for getting some much-needed sunshine while saving money with your Boundless membership.

If the shorter days and colder nights are getting you down, a little winter sunshine can be the perfect way to boost your mood. And the good news is that you don’t necessarily have to fly halfway around the world to find it. From the coast of southern Spain to Portugal’s Algarve region, there are plenty of places where winter equates to blue skies, al fresco dining and long walks beside the sea.

Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best options for getting a much-needed dose of Vitamin D when the chilly weather hits back home. Not only are they wonderful destinations, but you can also get money off each break using your Boundless membership. So, pack your suncream and your shades and head this way…

1. Slow down on Spain’s Costa de la Luz

Getty ImagesIf Spain makes you think of busy resorts and packed beaches, then the Costa de la Luz might come as a pleasant surprise. Stretching along Andalucia’s Atlantic coast towards the Portuguese border, it offers a laid-back alternative to some of the country’s better-known destinations, giving you a flavour of authentic Spanish life.

Base yourself in El Puerto de Santa Maria and you can spend your days wandering among white-washed houses, eating seafood beside the water or exploring the nearby cities of Cádiz and Jerez. Brittany Ferries’ winter sun holidays include packages at Las Suites de Puerto Sherry, overlooking the marina, with ferry travel included. Seeing as you can bring your car, why not stay a little longer and settle into the local rhythm rather than racing around ticking off sights.

Boundless offer: With Brittany Ferries offering crossings to Spain, as well as France and Guernsey, Boundless members can make the most of 5% off crossings, or 5% off holidays, with Brittany Ferries.

2. Take a winter road trip through Spain

Getty Images Who says a winter holiday has to involve staying in one place? Taking your car aboard a ferry gives you the chance to embark on a road trip. Sail with Brittany Ferries to northern Spain, then drive south, breaking up the journey with stops in Madrid, Extremadura or Andalucia. The latter enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine a year, while its mix of historic cities, picturesque villages, mountains and coastline gives you plenty of reasons to leave the sun lounger behind.

Boundless offer: As mentioned, members can get 5% off crossings to France, Spain and Guernsey, or 5% off holidays, with Brittany Ferries. And your Boundless membership can also help you save on booking car hire with up to 10% off Holiday Autos, allowing you to compare prices from 1,700+ supplies across 50,000 locations.

3. Go off-grid in the Algarve

Getty ImagesWinter is a lovely time to discover a quieter side of Portugal’s popular Algarve region. Leave the big resorts behind and head west towards Sagres, where dramatic cliffs, wild beaches and nature trails will all be waiting for you.

Brittany Ferries’ winter sun holidays include stays at Sagres Time Apartamentos, which is ideally located for walking, cycling and birdwatching. It’s the sort of place where you can turn off your phone, pull on your hiking boots and disappear along the coast for a few hours.

You can sail to northern Spain before driving south into Portugal, turning the journey into part of your holiday. And seeing as you’ll have your own car, you’ll be free to seek out quieter beaches, fishing villages and local restaurants along the way.

Boundless offer: Why not save 5% off crossings to Spain with Brittany Ferries, and then book your car hire through Holiday Autos, with members saving 10% on bookings.

4. Top up your tan on Tenerife

Getty ImagesWith temperatures in the early 20s, Tenerife is warm enough in winter to make eating outside and lounging by the pool a realistic prospect, but not too hot to stop you exploring the island’s many spectacular sights.

And seeing as Tenerife is less than 60 miles across, you’re never far away from them. From Teide National Park with its breathtaking volcanic landscapes, to the remote village of Masca, perched high in the Teno Mountains; La Orotava, famed for its colourful colonial architecture, to Garachico, a maze of quaint cobbled streets and intimate cafés, there’s so much here to see and do.

Boundless offer:Barrhead Travel offers a wide range of holidays in Tenerife and the other Canary Islands, so why not book your winter break today. Especially as members can save up to 10% on tailor-made holidays, or 5% on ABTA tour-operator holidays and selected cruises.

5. Discover a quieter side to Malta

Getty ImagesLike most of the choices on this page, Malta might not offer the scorching temperatures of a long-haul winter break, but swap Britain for this Mediterranean island and there’s a good chance your days will feel considerably brighter.

Lose yourself among Valletta’s honey-coloured streets, wander the ancient walled city of Mdina, or follow a stretch of rugged coastline. You could even take the ferry across to neighbouring Gozo for a slower pace of life. With Barrhead Travel offering holidays across Malta, this sun-soaked destination really is your oyster.

Boundless offer: Once again, you can book a trip to Malta through Barrhead Travel, through which members can save up to 10% on tailor-made holidays, or 5% on ABTA tour-operator holidays and selected cruises.

6. Dose up on sights and sunshine in Morocco

Getty ImagesWant some proper winter warmth without having to fly halfway around the world? Morocco could be just the ticket. Marrakech is around a four-hour flight from the UK, but its maze of souks, courtyards and bustling squares will make you feel like you’re much further away.

Wander through the vibrant, 12th-century old town known as the Medina, then stop for mint tea on a rooftop terrace, where you can sit back and watch the world go by. And if you have time, venture beyond the city – the Atlas Mountains are within easy reach, while Morocco’s Atlantic coast offers another change of pace.

Boundless offer: With Barrhead Travel offering a range of holidays in Morocco, allow this north African gem to warm up your winter, and save up to 10% on tailor-made holidays, or 5% on ABTA tour-operator holidays and selected cruises.

7. Enjoy a different kind of winter escape in Amsterdam

Getty ImagesOK, a winter trip to Amsterdam isn’t going to guarantee you good weather. In fact, you might want to pack a warm coat and an umbrella. But this colourful city will brighten up the darker months in its own unique way.

Sail overnight from Newcastle upon Tyne and you’ll wake up ready to explore a city that’s tailor-made for winter wandering. Browse The 9 Little Streets with its independent shops, admire some masterpieces at the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, and stroll alongside the famous canals. Afterwards, warm yourself up with a flavoursome coffee in one of the city’s brown cafés – so named because of their cosy, dark-wood interiors.

Boundless offer: Members can get up to 20% off DFDS ferry crossings, and deals on mini cruises, on the route from Newcastle upon Tyne to Amsterdam. Discounts are also available on other crossings.

Looking ahead to winter 2027/28

While you’re in the holiday mood, why not start thinking about next year’s winter break? Booking ahead will give you more time to decide exactly what you want from your trip – particularly if you’re considering something a little more bespoke.

Barrhead Travel can put together personalised holidays ranging from relaxing escapes to touring adventures, with Boundless members able to save up to 10% on qualifying tailor-made holidays, or 5% on ABTA tour-operator holidays and selected cruises.

Elsewhere, Travelsphere curates a whole range of bucket list trips, covering destinations including South Africa, New Zealand, South America, and the USA. Best of all, Boundless members can save up to £100 per person.

^{This article was accurate at the time of publication. Please note information and offers shown may change over time.}