Skip the January Blues this winter and head for some much-deserved sunshine. Winter is fast approaching and as the days grow shorter and the nights grow colder, it’s the perfect time to start planning your next sunny escape. Whether you’re in for a sun-soaked city break or an island paradise of sand and sea, here are some of the hottest destinations to enjoy lots of sunshine in January:
Cape Town
Explore Cape Town’s vibrant streets by taking a gourmet walking tour of tasty and traditional dishes. With so many incredible restaurants and eateries across the city, foodies are spoilt for choice. Wine lovers can try the best of South African produce by enjoying a winery tour in the nearby Stellenbosch region. sunshine in January
Hike to the top of Table Mountain or go by cable car, and marvel at the incredible ocean views. Don’t forget to look out for the ‘tablecloth’ cloud that sometimes sits over the top of the mountain!
For breezy beach days, Cape Town has some incredible spots. The Clifton Beaches are Cape Town’s trendiest, made up of four gorgeous white-sand bays perfect for whiling away the days. These beaches also boast the stunning backdrop of smooth granite boulders known as the Twelve Apostles. sunshine in January
If you’re a lover of penguins, head to Boulder’s Beach where a large colony of endangered African penguins struts their stuff on the sand. This is also a great stop on the way to visit the Cape Point Nature Reserve.
Lanzarote
Lanzarote is mild in January at an average temp of 21 degrees, with warm days and refreshingly cool evenings.
Visit Timanfaya National Park to see the incredible effect of multiple volcanic eruptions that have shaped this Mars-like landscape that covers a quarter of the island.
Known as the “land of the volcanoes”, Lanzarote boasts an epic volcanic landscape alongside daring cliffs and soft sand beaches.
Soak up the sun on the soft, white sand of Papagayo Beach where crystal clear waters offer an inviting opportunity to cool off. Take a snorkel and enjoy the beauty of the underwater world as well or enjoy the peace of this wind-protected cove and its beautiful surroundings.
Hikers can enjoy plenty of trails across the island to make the most of exploring the incredible and diverse scenery. Or go underground at Cueva de Los Verdes, a series of volcanic tunnels that were used in the 17th century to hide from pirate attacks.
If you want to go even more off the beaten track, head to nearby La Gomera or La Palma. These smaller Canary Islands are less busy, but still, boast the same striking beauty as Lanzarote.
Mauritius
With dramatic mountain ranges, colourful coral reefs and brilliant white sand bays, Mauritius is a nature lover’s heaven.
Hire a car to explore the plethora of beaches and hunt for your own private cove. Dive in the pristine lagoon on the West Coast of the island to see the incredible phenomenon of the underwater cliffs where the lagoon meets the ocean. sunshine in January
Hike through the forested interior of Mauritius in Black River Gorges National Park, home to many native species of flora and fauna, crashing waterfalls, and colourful tropical birds. Go on an unsuspecting culinary tour of the fine dining eateries in the mountains of Chamarel or explore the wilderness on Île aux Aigrettes.
Mauritius is also known for its impressive resorts, so if an all-inclusive, kick-your-feet-up holiday is what you’re after, this is the perfect place.
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Thai Islands
The main island is known as a bit of a party town, but if you hike up to Phi Phi Viewpoint 2, you will see the island in all its glory. From the main island, guests can enjoy boat tours to Maya Beach, made famous by the cult movie, “The Beach”.
Koh Samui has some of Thailand’s most luxurious resorts whilst, Koh Lanta and Koh Lipe offer laid-back beach bum vibes. From Phuket take a boat ride to the Koh Yao islands for a more off-the-beaten-track adventure. Earn your PADI in Koh Tao, famously one of the cheapest places in the world for scuba diving.
Buy a ferry pass for easy island-hopping access and spend a few days on each paradise island.
Oman
Experience some of the best diving in the Middle East in the Musandam Peninsula. Sea turtles, whale sharks, birds and bright coral reefs all thrive across the nine uninhabited islands of Daymaniyat, making this a haven for divers.
Head to the bustling capital of Muscat where visitors will feel as though they have stepped back in time. This whitewashed city is framed by magnificently built mosques and the Hajar Mountains in the background.
Visit the sparkling turquoise pools of Wadi Bani Khalid or float in the serene water of Oman’s most unusual swimming spot, the Bimmah sinkhole. Relax on the soft sand of one of Oman’s many pristine beaches, or go hiking in Wadi Ghul, often referred to as Oman’s Grand Canyon.
The only blues in your January should be the deep blue of the ocean or the bright colour of a sunny sky. Treat yourself to some warmth this winter in any one of these fabulous destinations.