January can be a challenging month to navigate, especially after the holiday season, with not much excitement until spring arrives. However, it presents a great opportunity for a getaway as it is often the most affordable time to travel to various European destinations, with fewer crowds to contend with.
For those looking for a closer escape without the need for long flights, there are holiday spots offering plenty of sunshine and warm weather. While not reaching the scorching temperatures of summer, these destinations provide a welcome break from the cold UK days, with flight times averaging around four hours.
Tenerife stands out as the warmest Canary Island in January, particularly in the sunny south. It has long been a popular choice for winter sun seekers, offering mild, sunny days occasionally interrupted by light rain showers. The island attracts visitors keen on hiking the green landscapes of Anaga Rural Park or exploring the desert-like Teide National Park, all while enjoying the mild weather. Alternatively, one can relax on the island’s sandy beaches with sea temperatures hovering around 20C.
Despite being peak season on Tenerife in January, with bustling resorts, those seeking a quieter retreat can consider a short ferry ride to nearby La Gomera, a less developed Canary Island with a fraction of the tourist influx compared to Tenerife.
Madeira, a Portuguese island just north of the Canary Islands, boasts a slightly cooler, wetter climate. Nevertheless, January typically brings warm days around 18-19C with brief rain spells. This time of year provides an ideal opportunity to explore the lush Madeira Botanical Garden or embark on a scenic hike up Pico do Arieiro for breathtaking views. For those interested in a swim, opting for a hotel with a heated outdoor pool is recommended due to sea temperatures around 18-19C.
Cyprus, although a bit farther with flight times under five hours, offers mild and warm weather in January, with approximately six hours of sunshine daily. Rainfall averages about seven days, usually in short bursts. The southern region of Limassol, known for its beautiful beaches like St. Raphael Beach, provides a great setting for sun-seekers.
Malta has been increasingly popular for winter sun getaways, with January being an excellent time to explore the charming streets of Valletta or Mdina without the usual crowds. Hikers can take on the Victoria Lines Trail, an eight-hour trek along a former defensive wall offering stunning views of Malta’s northern region.
The Algarve in Portugal, known for its sandy beaches, is worth a visit in January despite the sea being a bit chilly for swimming. Expect around five to six hours of sunshine daily with occasional rain showers. Activities like clifftop walks, dolphin-spotting boat trips, and wine tasting tours are great ways to enjoy the mild weather.
Malaga in southern Spain, with its short flight time, is an ideal destination for a weekend escape to beat the January blues. The city offers a mix of urban and beach experiences, from relaxing at La Malagueta beach on sunny days to exploring cultural attractions like the Picasso museum or traditional tapas bars on rainy days.