(EMAILWIRE.COM, February 17, 2012 ) Maryport, UK -- Finding the perfect winter sun breaks in Europe will involve a bit more than simply hopping across the Channel. Although nowhere in Europe will be particularly hot at this time of year, places can still be found which offer plenty of hours of sunshine even throughout the winter season. Here are a few of the best places where the sun is still shining and good hotel deals are not hard to find.
1. Cyprus
A suntan may be hard to achieve during the winter in Cyprus, but with the average maximum temperature hovering around 18C and seven hours of sunshine a day this is a great place for winter sunshine getaways.
The capital Paphos is lively throughout the year, and with rain a rarity even in the winter, this is one of the top destinations for December through to February.
2. Lanzarote
For pleasant daytime temperatures in the low 20s, Lanzarote is another great place to find winter sunshine in Europe. Showers are possible anywhere on the island, but itÂ’s hard to complain when six hours of sunshine a day is normal.
Playa Blanca in the south of the island is the warmest place and the most likely to stay dry. Here some great beaches can also be found, although it may be just a touch on the cold side to go for a dip.
3. Malta
Malta is another destination where seven hours of sunshine a day can be expected during the winter months. It is also even closer than the two above destinations, with flights from the UK lasting just three hours.
Anyone heading to Malta in November may even be able to enjoy the beaches, but it might be just a bit too cold during January and February.
Valletta is the capital of Malta where there are lots of historical Roman sites to explore, so this is a good place to be on the itinerary. The nearby island of Gozo with its secluded beaches is also one of the highlights.
4. Tenerife
This is the second destination in the Canary Islands on this list for winter sun hotel breaks, and much the same as Lanzarote can be expected. The winter average here hovers around the 15C mark, but there is lots of sunshine coupled with the fact that the island is well set up to offer cheap flights and accommodation.
The south and west coasts are the best areas to stay because they are milder, and although it might rain at any time, it is still a great place for a winter escape, with November and December being the best times to visit.
5. Madeira
Madeira is an excellent holiday destination throughout the year. Temperatures of around 18C during the coldest winter months are common, and six hours of sunshine a day is the norm.
If there is one winter month when a trip should be planned it is February, because it is during this month that the island celebrates the Mardi Gras festival. The capital, Funchal, is one of the places to go for the best celebrations.
Other Options
There are lots of other options for escaping to find some winter sun. The Algarve in Portugal or the Costa del Sol in Spain are both good possibilities, but Tunisia and Morocco could also be ideal for anyone who wants to head a bit further afield. However, the above five are good places to begin to plan a winter escape.
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Cheap Hotel Chains price compare all the latest hotel deals across the world, ensuring that anyone looking for the very best deal for their chosen hotel and destination can find it. Whether looking for luxury locations or plain, simple, cost-effective rooms, anyone can find the best deal online for their trip right here. It also provides advice on seasonal trips and the best places to go, including tips on finding the best winter sun breaks.
