Winter holidays: where should you travel?

Winter is the perfect time to take a break and escape the daily routine. While some people make the most of the season to enjoy winter sports and soak up the atmosphere of mountain resorts, others prefer to flee the cold and grey skies in search of sunshine and a taste of the summer to come.

Whichever side you’re on, this article presents four destination ideas for an unforgettable winter holiday. Follow the guide!

 

Key takeaways:

• Gran Canaria and Tenerife offer mild, sunny winters in Europe, with temperatures around 20–25°C, diverse volcanic landscapes and ideal conditions for hiking.
• These islands are an excellent alternative to skiing, allowing you to enjoy sunshine, nature and a real change of scenery without travelling far.
• Switzerland stands out as a major winter destination thanks to its iconic resorts, wide range of snow sports and high-end infrastructure.
• With charming alpine villages, thermal baths, spas and comforting cuisine, Switzerland appeals as much to those seeking relaxation as to sports enthusiasts.
• The French Alps and Hurghada offer two very different visions of winter: snow-covered mountains and varied activities on one side, beaches, snorkelling and a summer-like climate on the other.

 

Both located in the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria and Tenerife are two islands well worth exploring for a sunny winter holiday. With pleasant temperatures, breathtaking scenery and excellent accessibility, your stay is sure to win you over.

Gran Canaria and Tenerife are ideal destinations for escaping winter. Thanks to their mild, sunny climate all year round, temperatures often range between 20 and 25°C, even in January or February. Rainfall is limited, allowing you to fully enjoy the islands’ fascinating landscapes.

Gran Canaria is often described as a concentration of landscapes on a single island. In the south, you’ll find arid, almost desert-like scenery, including the famous Maspalomas dunes. The centre of the island is more mountainous, with numerous ravines and the iconic volcanic monolith Roque Nublo. In the north, the landscape becomes greener, with rolling hills and lush vegetation.

Tenerife, meanwhile, is dominated by Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak at 3,715 metres. Teide National Park is therefore a must-see during your stay. Surrounding the volcano are vast pine forests, while the north of the island is cooler and more humid. The coastline is mostly rocky, with a few black sand beaches reflecting the island’s volcanic origins.

Winter is the best season to appreciate the landscapes of both islands, with more comfortable hiking conditions and without the intense summer heat. Volcanic and mountainous areas are easier to access, and the vegetation in the north is often greener after autumn rainfall.

Far removed from traditional winter sports, travelling to the Canary Islands during winter offers a complete change of scenery, while avoiding the cold and constraints of ski resorts. These destinations are ideal if you’re looking for sunshine and nature without travelling to the other side of the world.

The Canary Islands are very easy to reach, with regular direct flights from many European cities. From Paris or London, flight time is around 4 to 5 hours, often at very affordable prices.

Before travelling to the Canary islands, get your euros at the best price by reserving them directly online! We offer our best exchange rates with 0% commission. Don’t wait any longer – maximise your travel budget in just a few clicks!

A destination of choice for winter sports lovers, Switzerland is a must-see thanks to its snow-covered alpine landscapes and world-famous resorts. You’ll also discover charming villages and a way of life that attracts millions of travellers every winter.

Switzerland is home to several legendary resorts such as Zermatt, Verbier, St Moritz, Davos and Crans-Montana. You’ll find a wide range of slopes suitable for all levels, set in a stunning and immaculately maintained environment.

Whether you enjoy skiing, snowboarding or cross-country skiing, Switzerland is undoubtedly an ideal destination. Snowshoe walks, toboggan runs and winter hikes are also very popular and easy to organise.
Travelling with friends, as a couple or with family, you can be confident that everyone’s expectations will be met if winter sports are the focus of your trip.

For a relaxing break, Switzerland is also an excellent choice. The country boasts numerous alpine thermal baths and spas, such as those in Leukerbad or Vals, where you can enjoy outdoor hot baths with views over the mountains.

High-end accommodation is also widely available, particularly around ski resorts and in cities. Comfortable rooms with mountain views are common, and many establishments have their own spa facilities.

Several charming villages are well worth a visit, especially in winter.

Zermatt, for example, is a small car-free village dominated by the Matterhorn, with wooden chalets and lively streets offering a spectacular winter setting, even if you don’t ski.

Wengen is another must-see: entirely pedestrian and perched above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, it features traditional chalets and breathtaking views of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau.

Finally, Saas-Fee is also not to be missed. Nicknamed “the Pearl of the Alps”, this car-free village surrounded by glaciers offers an authentic, family-friendly atmosphere that is quieter than Zermatt.

Winter is the perfect time to enjoy hearty local specialities, ideal for cold weather and days spent outdoors. The idea is simple: share a warm meal at a relaxed pace.

Cheese takes centre stage, with fondue and raclette among the must-try dishes, often enjoyed in cosy restaurants, sometimes by an open fire.

Other popular dishes include cheese-topped toast, rösti (crispy grated potato cakes), and Älplermagronen — a comforting mix of pasta, potatoes, cream and cheese, sometimes served with apple compote.

Please note: remember to reserve your Swiss francs before departure to benefit from the best exchange rates and 0% commission. 

A flagship winter destination in Europe, the French Alps offer the perfect balance between snow sports, breathtaking scenery and picturesque villages. Whether you’re a ski enthusiast or looking to unwind, the French Alps have something for everyone.

You’ll find a wide range of resorts catering to all abilities. Chamonix, Les Trois Vallées (Courchevel, Méribel and Val Thorens) and La Plagne all offer varied slopes, from gentle green runs for beginners to challenging black runs for experts. Ideal for groups with mixed skill levels.

Snowboarders are also well catered for, with several snowparks across different resorts, including Tignes, Val d’Isère, Serre Chevalier and Les Deux Alpes.

Cross-country skiing is also popular, often in quieter areas such as Les Saisies — one of the largest Nordic ski areas in France with 120 km of marked trails — or La Clusaz, offering stunning views over the Aravis range.

The French Alps are famous for their jaw-dropping panoramas. Snowy peaks, fir forests and frozen lakes create unforgettable views throughout your stay. Whether you’re seeking peace and quiet or love photography, the mountains are an ideal playground.

The French Alps offer much more than skiing, with plenty of activities to try:

• Ice skating
• Sledging
• Thermal spa experiences, particularly in Saint-Gervais-les-Bains or Évian-les-Bains
• Snowshoe hikes
• Sleigh rides

Whatever your travel style — solo, as a couple, with friends or family — there’s something for everyone.

Located on the Red Sea coast, Hurghada is a perfect destination if you want to escape the winter cold and enjoy some sunshine. With its mild winter climate, you can fully enjoy the beach, water sports and outdoor activities without the intense heat of the Egyptian summer.

In winter, Hurghada enjoys sunny days with temperatures ranging from 20 to 25°C. Rainfall is almost non-existent, making it an ideal time to visit.

While days are warm and sunny, evenings can be cooler, so bringing a light jacket is recommended.

The city boasts kilometres of fine sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Swimming is perfectly possible in winter, and snorkelling and diving enthusiasts will be delighted — the region’s coral reefs are among the most beautiful in the world.

Popular spots include Giftun Island, where you can spot clownfish and colourful corals, and Mahmya Beach, known for its calm, crystal-clear waters and family-friendly atmosphere.

For diving, head to Abu Ramada to see manta rays and moray eels. More experienced divers can explore Elphinstone Reef, famous for its hammerhead sharks and abundant marine life.

If you simply want to relax on the beach close to the city, Hurghada Marina offers an easily accessible public beach. El Gouna, located 20–30 minutes by car, is another great option.

Although Hurghada is mainly known for beach tourism, you can still immerse yourself in Egyptian culture by visiting local markets or joining excursions to historical sites.

The Old Souk El Dahar is a great place to experience local life and buy authentic souvenirs, with lively alleyways, artisan shops and local cafés.

El Mina Masjid Mosque is also a must-see, with its modern Islamic architecture. Take time to stroll around the harbour as well, where tradition meets modernity, and enjoy beautiful sunsets over the Red Sea.

Good to know: Reserving your Egyptian pounds before departure is the most economical way to exchange currency. You’ll benefit from exclusive exchange rates and 0% commission, giving you more EGP for your trip.

For your winter holiday, we hope these destination ideas help you plan the trip that best suits your expectations. If you want to escape the cold and soak up the sun, choose the Canary Islands or Hurghada for beach activities and a complete change of scenery. For winter sports enthusiasts, Switzerland and the French Alps remain top destinations, combining adrenaline, breathtaking landscapes, outdoor activities and charming villages.