Top Experiences on our Winter Sun Breaks
30 May 2024
By Beth Merron.
Just imagine swapping the expensive, grey winter for warmer, sunnier shores and jetting off somewhere new! Our fantastic range of Winter Sun breaks offers quality accommodation with many included extras, whether your interest lies in relaxing by the beach or venturing out to see the local sights. While there is so much to look forward to on these holidays, we’ve rounded up some of the top experiences to be had in sunny Cyprus, Spain, Portugal, Malta and Sri Lanka – read on for some inspiration!
Step back in time to the ancient city of Kourion in Cyprus
Kourion, Cyprus
Nestled atop a high promontory on the southwestern coast of Cyprus lies Kourion, once an ancient Greek city and one of the island’s most significant spots many centuries ago. Thanks to its strategic position, it overlooked and regulated the river Kouris and the surrounding fertile lands, and was home to Greek settlers from the 12th century BC onwards. It continued to flourish but sadly, the mythical city-kingdom was destroyed by an earthquake in 365AD, leaving behind an extensive acropolis and a fascinating window into another time. You can expect crumbling pillars, still-intact archways and the remains of a mighty Greco-Roman theatre, built in the 2nd century BC and set against the stunning backdrop of sparkling blue waters. As you wander over the incredibly well-preserved colourful mosaic floors (one of which depicts Achilles meeting with Odysseus) in the villas of Eustolios, Achilles and the Gladiators, just imagine how many people have tread this path before you! There are even the remains of a bathing complex here, as well as an early Christian basilica and a small temple, dedicated to water nymphs – be sure to see the model of the whole site in the little visitor’s centre. This symbol of Cypriot heritage really is a sight to behold and is a highlight on any trip to this lovely island.
Enjoy Spain’s national dish, paella, in its birthplace of Valencia
Valencia, Spain
You can’t go to Spain without sampling its national staple, paella! And where better to enjoy this delicious rice dish than its birthplace; the stunning city of Valencia, with its tree-lined promenades, scenic gardens and striking cathedral? Local farmworkers are believed to have invented the emblematic dish, combining whatever ingredients were on hand and cooking it in a large pan in the middle of the field! Paella, a Valencian word for frying pan, gets its lovely golden colour from fragrant saffron and is traditionally packed with a particular variety of short-grain rice, green beans, rabbit and chicken, which is replaced with seafood and topped with lemon wedges in other areas of the country, especially on the Mediterranean coast. The residents of Valencia are very proud of the dish’s origins though, so you’re not likely to find ingredients such as chorizo in a Valencian paella (they would call this arroz con cosas – rice with things)! The picturesque city is home to a charming Old Town with a labyrinth of cobbled streets, lined with colourful historic buildings, intricate towers and tempting eateries such as La Riua, where queues are regularly out the door for their paella! Or if you fancied a paella served up by the sea, try La Pepica, the oldest beachside restaurant in the city.
Go for a paddle on one of Portugal’s best beaches
Algarve, Portugal
A European holiday isn’t complete without dipping your toes in the sea! Portugal is home to some of the Continent’s most beautiful beaches, meaning we’re spoilt for choice for paddle locations on this Winter Sun holiday. Just a few highlights along the Algarve are Burgau, a charming fishing village with a sheltered beach, and Praia da Luz, popular for its wide stretch of soft sands with gently lapping waves. Or how about one of Portugal’s best-kept secrets, the East Algarve, where the quieter miles-long beaches have a tranquil feel to them. As well as taking in these lovely landscapes during our excursions, our hotel, the Auramar Beach Resort, is steps away from Albufeira’s peaceful Praia dos Aveiros. This small Blue Flag beach is framed by ochre-hued cliffs and unique rock formations, so is best visited at low tide. Enclosed in a little cove, the pristine golden sands and clear waters are perfect for a paddle, or even a snorkel, and is often much less crowded than its neighbouring beaches. For even more swimming options, our hotel also offers an indoor and an outdoor pool, or for those who like to stay dry, the terrace is a wonderful place to enjoy a drink and soak up the sea views!
Look out for flora and fauna on a Sri Lankan river safari
Madu River, Sri Lanka
A boat trip is one of the best ways to discover the landscapes of spectacular Sri Lanka. During our unforgettable holiday to this gem of an island, we include a safari on the Madu River, which flows through the Madu Ganga Lagoon to the Indian Ocean. Just imagine winding your way through the emerald-green mangrove forests and the wetland ecosystem, looking out for exotic plants, birds and animals, such as monkeys along the riverbanks and witnessing local trades, from prawn farms to stilt shops. One magical highlight of this enchanting river is Cinnamon Island, which feels like a world away with its carefree locals and calming surroundings, where the sun filters through the cinnamon plantations and lush greenery. We also meander past the Buddhist Kothduwa Temple, nestled on a tiny islet on the river, where the terracotta-coloured roof is framed by swaying palm trees and the tranquil waters of the Madhu Ganga. Visitors also have the chance to take part in meditation sessions while soaking up the serene ambience of this centuries-old temple – plenty of unique experiences to remember await in Sri Lanka!
Browse the best souvenirs at Malta’s Marsaxlokk Market
Marsaxlokk Market, Malta
When visiting the stunning island of Malta, a trip to the harbourside Marsaxlokk Market is a must. Set against the backdrop of historic buildings with brightly painted doors and Moorish architecture, browsing the stalls here and picking up a unique souvenir is the perfect way to remind you of your Maltese adventure! Once a place to buy seafood immediately after it was caught, it has now expanded to include delicious locally produced honey, fresh jams, wine and sweet treats, as well as a range of clothes, accessories, gifts and trinkets, such as little handmade, colourful boats. The village itself is a charming place to while away the hours; along the harbour, there’s a choice of restaurants and cafés where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere, watching the locals go about their business. The calming bay is filled with traditional fishing boats called luzzu, which date back to Phoenician times (look out for the eyes painted onto boats that resemble the Eye of Horus, a symbol of protection). From here, you can even take a boat to the Blue Grotto, a complex of striking sea caves that are surrounded by wonderfully turquoise waters.
Browse our full range of fantastic Winter Sun destinations.