Copyright dailyrecord
If you're lucky enough to be planning a winter holiday in the sunshine, you might be looking at the Caribbean, Asia or even South America to guarantee the sunshine at this time of year. One place you might not think of heading to is a summer holiday hotspot. Spain , favoured by Brits in the spring and summer months, actually has some pleasant temperatures and hours of sunshine in from December until February. You just need to head to the right part. As you would imagine, heading further south in the country means you could be enjoying temperatures around 20C while at home you're shivering and cranking up the central heating. Indeed, places like Seville have a high number of sunshine hours from December through until March, reports the Independent. While it may not be sunbathing on a lounger weather, it is certainly warmer and sunnier than the UK. Other areas, such as Valencia on the east coast are also good options for both sunshine and warmer weather. And, of course, the Canary Islands will regularly give temperatures in the mid-20s. There's the added bonus that they are less crowded at this time of year. The Independent has suggested six of the Spain's warmest destinations for your winter break this year. Starting off with one many will be aware of, Tenerife is the most popular island in the Canaries year round. In summer the weather is scorching, but come the winter, it's a solid choice banking around six hours of sunshine daily between December and February. The average temperature here is around 18C with highs of 22C which is hot enough for some to indulge in some serious sun worshipping at the beach or round the pool. Locals still frequent the beaches here in the winter, so you can too with temperatures at around 17C on average which is pleasant enough to spend plenty of time outside. While it might not be warm enough to swim for some there are other activities to take part in which are better in the winter and more of a struggle in searing summer weather. You can try cycling, walking and exploring, there's plenty to see and eating outside is definitely an option too. The capital of Andalusia basks in temperatures of between 16C and 18C in the winter which perhaps makes it a move favourable time to visit for many put off by the summer mercury reading of around 36C. With culture, history and trips along the city's Guadalquivir River on offer as well as the delights of the Old Town and cathedral in walking distance from La Giralda Tower and Casa de Pilatos, an impressive Andalusian palace, the temperatures are perfect for making the most of the sights comfortably. Temperatures here can reach up to 20C in the day time, perfect for exploring the town. Nerja is a smaller alternative to nearby Malaga and is situated on cliffs above the Alboran Sea. You'll find narrow, cobbled streets and lots of shops to browse at your leisure. At night the temperature can dip, so bring layers and a jacket and you can still enjoy the evenings outdoors. Another Canary Island where temperatures can climb to 21C in December and 20C even in the coldest months of January and February making it an attractive place to escape the UK to. The island has natural sites in abundance, such as the Timanfaya National Park and its red rock and volcanic soil which gives extra terrestrial vibes and the main city if Arrecife has nearby beaches, night life and architecture. With average highs of 18C, the main seaside destination in Andalusia will deliver a dose of winter sunshine and much more. A visit to the Alcazaba, the city's answer to Granada’s Alhambra, is an architectural must-see. The city beach, which includes Malagueta and Caleta are perfect for walks and cycles or just as a place to watch the world go by. You can easily spend an afternoon in Malaga's centre enjoying the alleyways and the excellent food on offer - including the churros.
