Winter can be a hard time of year time of year, as the days get colder and the nights draw near, so what better way to beat those winter blues than to jet off someplace sunny? Read on for our best winter sun destinations.

1. Lanzarote, Canary Islands

Blessed with guaranteed winter sunshine and gorgeous beaches, Lanzarote is a no-brainer when it comes to choosing your winter sun holiday. The modern resort of Puerto del Carmen has everything you need for a relaxing and totally stress-free stay, it is a great place to sit back in your sun lounger and spend quality time with your fellow single travellers. When you’re not soaking up the sun’s rays by the swimming pool, sipping cocktails from the pool bar, take a stroll along the resort’s palm-fringed promenade and sample the bars, restaurants and enticing shops that await you there. Or venture further afield and take in this volcanic island by visiting the Timanfaya National Park where the luna landscape is in stark contrast to the blue of the sky and ocean! You can also visit the lively market where you will find an array of souvenirs to buy. Find out more

2. Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

Sharm El Sheikh or Sharm as it is known locally, boasts 35 kilometres of coastline, where yellow sand slowly sinks into the warm waters of the Red Sea. Sharm’s balmy winter temperatures attract many tourists looking for a sun, sea and sand holiday during the winter months outside of Europe. For those of you who enjoy the hustle and bustle of a lively resort you will find shopping is the name of the day! The lively centre of Sharm offers well-known brand boutiques as well as bustling bazaars. However, the main attraction in this part of Egypt has got to be the scuba diving. Protected from the ocean currents, the water here is famous for a flourishing civilisation of colourful coral, fish, rays and even turtles! Or if adventure by land is more your idea of fun then you can always plan a desert jeep safari or visit to a tribal Bedouin camp.  Find out more

3. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands

Gran Canaria is one of Spain’s Canary Islands which lie off the coast of northwest Africa. The island is made up of black lava rock with sandy beaches and a lush green mountainous interior. The modern resort of Playa del Ingles in the south of the island offers everything you would expect from a wide sandy beach to shops, bars and restaurants. However further afield there is much more to discover if you fancy a day or two away from relaxing by the pool or beach. You could visit the Canary Museum in the capital Las Palmas where you can learn more about Christopher Columbus’s journey through the city on his way to America. The cities cathedral is also worth a visit so you can see the splendour of the gothic interior. There are also the sand dunes at Maspalomas where there is 400 hectares of sand which has blown over from the Sahara Desert. Find out more

4. Sliema, Malta

Escape the winter blues and head to Sliema, Malta on a winter Sun holiday – a Mediterranean escape full of fun and cultural distractions.  The climate here is mild during the winter and the average hours of sunshine is five to six per day. This gives you the opportunity to have a well earned break in some warmer, brighter weather or to take advantage of some of the sites the island has to offer. The lovely resort of Sliema on Malta’s north eastern coast is a fascinating melting pot of contrasts, this classic winter sun destination is the perfect place to kick back and relax. Sliema has long been a favourite with tourists looking for a combination of sun, sea and shopping, with sophisticated bars, designer shops and beaches close by. With great public transport links, you can visit Valletta, the islands capital with its museums, grand palaces linked to the Knights of St John and the many shops selling local produce and souvenirs along the cobbled streets. Find out more  

5. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands

At a staggering 20 million years old, Fuerteventura is the oldest of the Canary Islands and is also home to some of the archipelago’s finest stretches of sand. Like the other eight Canaries, the climate here is similar to that of Florida and Mexico, which are on the same latitude, making the island a great choice for a singles holiday with guaranteed winter sunshine. The modern resort of Costa Caleta is one of the most popular on the island, comprised of low-rise accommodation and laid-back restaurants, cafes and bars that fringe the sheltered bay of sweeping golden sands. If you would like to see more of this diverse island, then you could visit the island’s capital of Puerto del Rosario which is easily walkable with a range of sculptures scattered around by local and international artists. There is also an opportunity to visit neighbouring Lanzarote for a day trip by boat. Find out more