A perfect January break for Brits could be any one of five European islands, each of them with plenty of tourist draws and great places for sipping cocktails in warm sunshine
Brits looking to escape from chilly winter temperatures need seek no further that some toasty warm European islands just four hours away.
The Spanish Canary Islands will see temperatures of around 20C this January, far hotter than the gloomy winter weather experienced back in Blighty. Many Brits will be aware of – and have visited – the islands which include Tenerife, but may never haver considered going in January before.
Typically, the first month of the year is the time to tighten belts and regret the amount eaten over the holidays thanks to Christmas feasts and Boxing Day booze, but some short, cheap flights could be enough to tempt many Brits away.
Tenerife
Tenerife is hugely popular with Brits, with over 2.2 million visiting in 2022 alone according to data from Statista. The island has anything from beautiful nature in its Teide national park also home to a rugged volcano, to party towns like Playa de las Américas.
Families with children can also escape to the Siam Park, considered one of the best water parks in the world and the Loro Parque zoo. There is plenty to do on the island.
According to the travel comparison website Skyscanner, return flights to Tenerife from London on January 7 to January 10 will set you back just £30.
Tourism company TUI lists all inclusive holidays for a family of four for five nights – flights included – at around £400 and above.
Lanzarote
Hello Canary Islands said Lanzarote is “synonymous with volcanoes, lava fields, rocks in impossible shapes, black and red earth that contrasts with the typical whitewashed houses, the deep blue sea and the light blue sky”.
There is plenty to do on the island, where clubs and cocktail bars can be found in Puerto del Carmen on the south coast, as well as sunset cruises spotting dolphins. Families can also enjoy buggy tours, jet skiing and a water park.
You can snag an all inclusive holiday for a family of four – flights included – in January from around £400 to £600.
Gran Canaria
On Gran Canaria’s official tourism website, the island is a “tiny Eden in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean that wins over anyone who sets foot there”.
The island is like any other in the Canary Islands in that it has beautiful nature but bustling towns. Gran Canaria is also home to Las Palmas, a city of over 350,000. Temperatures in January have been recorded as high as 29C, but the daily average is around 18C.
Three are plenty of deals to be found for families visiting Gran Canaria. Love Holidays lists stays for four people for four nights with flights from around £450.
Fuerteventura
The self-styled ‘beach of the Canaries’ will be the perfect getaway for Brits who want some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Windsurfing, diving and walking trails are all on Fuerteventura, with plenty of museums for visiting tourists to attend. Visit Fuerteventura said: “A paradise with over 150 km of beaches of white sand and turquoise waters, where you can discover vast natural landscapes and experience the open character of the local people. An island where you can practice a host of activities in optimal conditions.”
There are a number of all inclusive options for families, while Jet2 Holidays lists a couples holiday for five nights from £442. A bed and breakfast is available from £370 and half board from £411.
El Hierro
Of the major Canary Islands, El Hierro is the smallest with an area around the same size as Birmingham. This island, with natural pools and a year-round spring climate, will provide a different experience.
Hello Canary Islands said: “The gastronomy on this island declared a biosphere reserve also plays a part in making our stay unforgettable, with fresh products from the land and sea of extraordinary quality, without forgetting its wines with their designation of origin and original cakes for treating our taste buds. Yes, an island can have a soul. And El Hierro does.”
Getting there is a bit more tricky, with the only ferry route there from Los Cristianos in Tenerife. There are flights from Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
El Hierro may be one island more suited for couples and a hotel for four nights from January will generally cost upwards of £250, according to Booking.com. There are some cheaper options.