Beach & Christmas - enjoy Christmas holidays in the sun

While there are infinite places to travel for the typical sun, sea and sand holidays during the summer months, winter sun breaks shouldn’t be overlooked. Christmas winter sun holidays don’t have to be restricted to the far flung Caribbean islands, savvy travellers can tell you that there are plenty of winter sun destinations just a short flight away from the UK. There are also huge benefits to be reaped from travelling out of the summer season allowing you to experience a more local feel for a place without bumping shoulders with hoards of holidaymakers.

The Canary Islands are a group of seven Spanish volcanic islands located off the coast of Africa. Often hailed as the Hawaii of Europe, these islands offer an eternal springlike climate, vast stretches of black sand beaches as well as Spain’s highest peak, the Mount Teide volcano in Tenerife. Those searching for somewhere warm this Christmas can look no further than the luxurious spa hotels of South of Tenerife or the cosmopolitan charm of Gran Canaria. The Canary Islands make it easy to enjoy Christmas holidays in the sun regardless of if you are a solo traveller or a family with children - there are heaps of activities to suit all interests. From adrenaline rushing water sports, to cookery courses with local chefs you can be sure that your holiday will be filled with fond memories.

When visiting Tenerife be sure to head to the capital, Santa Cruz where you can enjoy a spot of Christmas shopping while you meander through the festively lit streets. And, to round up the day, catch the last few hours of sunshine at the Las Teresitas beach, a golden sand city beach with a buzzing social scene for locals thanks to the array of bars offering tropical cocktails and snacks from sunrise till sundown. It is considered by those in the know to be the best beach for Christmas on the island. Enjoy the slow pace of life of this Colonial Spanish city on your Christmas holidays in the sun.

There seems to be no end to the fun to be had on this Canarian island. Gran Canaria is considered by many to be the most cosmopolitan of the Canary Islands and it sure doesn’t disappoint with its grand collection of activities for Christmas holidays in the sun. Lose yourself in the sandy oasis of the Maspalomas dunes, an impressive natural desert in the south of the island. Or if you want to explore the natural beauty of the island on foot, the hiking trails of Los Tilos de Moya are highly recommended. It is also an island popular with golf lovers who come to test their hole in one skills at the Maspalomas Golf 18 hole golf course. But, what really earns Gran Canaria its spot on the list of hot Xmas destinations is the lively capital of Las Palmas which provides a modern city experience within a stone’s throw of Las Canteras beach, a top destination for snorkelling.

If searching for hedonistic warm Christmas holiday destinations full of excess and riches then Dubai is just the ticket! It is one of the fastest developing cities in the world with over 400 skyscrapers being built on this desert island in the last 30 years. It is no surprise that the city is famed for its shopping and world class spa hotels as locals and tourists search for a respite for the dry heat and tempestuous sandstorms. It is the ideal location for Christmas holidays in the sun thanks to its growing multicultural population and every shopping mall, hotel and restaurant will be decorated with tinsel and lights to get into the seasonal spirit. Top up your tan on the beach, catch up on last minute Christmas shopping and even enjoy the snow at Dubai’s ski centre. It is the ideal place to celebrate the holiday season with friends and family, the more the merrier.

You don’t have to visit an island to top up on Xmas sun, Barcelona is a favourite amongst Spaniards who search for a quick weekend escape to the beach. While it may not be hot enough to sunbathe it certainly remains a great destination for your Christmas holidays in the sun. Be sure to look up as you stroll through the city streets in order to appreciate the incredible artistic architecture of Gaudi. Whet your appetite for Catalan art further with a trip to the Picasso museum to discover the masterpieces left behind by the famous Barcelona resident. If hunger sets in, a trip to the Mercado de la Boqueria is a must. While being a feast for the eyes, it is full of moreish local produce to try. Of course the city is flooded with cute boutiques offering one-off treasures and as the sun sets on the Catalan capital, carry on the festive vibes with a visit to one of the city’s many nightclubs.

The Spanish capital, while not a beach destination, does offer an agreeable climate for a weekend escape for your Christmas holidays in the sun. Due to Madrid’s close proximity to other European cities, it is one of the best Christmas trips to do if you are short on time. Soak up the last rays of the year as you take a stroll through the Retiro Park and make sure to find a secluded spot to enjoy a picnic of Spanish tapas. If you want to get your bearings there is no better way to do so than with a trip on the Madrid cable car. Art lovers will rejoice at the city’s offering of galleries, providing an extensive choice of both classic and modern art options. Don’t forget to finish off your Christmas shopping on Gran Vía, the biggest shopping street in the city and then enjoy a relaxing sightseeing walk around the Egyptian Temple of Debod, just a short stroll from the Royal Palace of Madrid.

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