Sun drenched island where beers cost £2 tops new ‘Winter Sun Index’

White sandy beaches and turquoise seas are a £93.49 flight away

Sal, Cape Verde’s most tourist-ready island, boasts perpetual sun and reliable hot temperatures all year round, averaging 24-25C in the winter months of January to March in contrast tothe UK’s meagre highs of 6-8C.  

After topping up on sun for the total 10 hours on offer every day, travellers can soak up the sounds of local Creole beats whilst experiencing the dancing flavours of a cuisine weaved by Portuguese, African and Brazilian influences, where a meal for two totals around £30.  

Reachable via easyJet routes in just six hours, Sal doubles up as an ideal WFH (Work From Holiday) destination with the UK logging on just one hour ahead.  

A close runner up, known for its Red Sea coastline adorned with crystal-clear waters was Hurghada. Located on the east coast of Egypt, this resort destination has earned a well-deserved second place spot on the index thanks to its wall-to-wall sunshine, vibrant coral reefs and Saharan landscapes primed for quad biking or Jeep safari.  

With typical winter temperatures that range between 21 and 25C and pints putting you just £2 out of pocket, this gilded retreat offers up everything that can be expected when desert meets sea. A necessary respite from the humble grey tones of the UK at this time of year.  

1. Sal – Cape Verde
2. Hurghada – Egypt
3. Gran Canaria – Canary Islands, Spain
4. Lanzarote – Canary Islands, Spain
5. Agadir – Morocco
6. Fuerteventura – Canary Islands, Spain
7. Tenerife South – Canary Islands, Spain
8. Djerba – Tunisia
9. Seville – Spain
10. Paphos – Cyprus 

The Canary Islands remain steadfast in their commitment to delivering winter warmth, picking up third and fourth place for Gran Canaria and Lanzarote. Both spots offer volcanic vistas and lively resort activity – the former replete with golden beaches, the latter etched with unique black sands.  

Djerba, which sits just off Tunisia’s southern coast, also ranks well in the index thanks to its white sandy beaches and towering palm trees. The island blends Mediterranean coastline and Saharan influences, rich cultural heritage and a maze of artisanal market stalls. With winter highs of 16-18C, this island is perfect for those looking for culture as well as warm climes.  

For those seeking more city and less sea, Seville – the warmest city in continental Europe all year round – also scores highly. Renowned for its elegant Moorish architecture, this charming southern Spanish city will bowl you over with its regal quarters and flamenco recitals. With generous temperatures of 22C, being followed around the plazas by the sun’sgolden glow is practically guaranteed, inviting you to eventually settle with a pint for just £2.20.  

Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK country manager, said: “As temperatures at home begin to drop and the days get darker, now is the perfect time to book an escape to warmer climes. easyJet’s unrivalled network and package holidays, offer a broad range of winter sun destinations across Europe and beyond, from Sub-Saharan islands to Spanish peninsula cities that are all easily accessible and affordable, for those looking to chase the sun on a budget this winter.”