Help- sun needed between Christmas and New Year!

[redfacebigdisgrace]

Any ideas? From 26-31st December. Need to fly from Scotland or Newcastle.

Where is likely to be warm? Would like a bit of character, nice town to walk into etc…

Was thinking Canaries for warmth but they all look so built up… it will be adults plus older teens.

Thanks!

Marrakesh!

My favourite resort in the Canaries is Puerto de Mogan on Gran Canaria and it’s not too built up I don’t think.

It was 24/25 when we were there in December

Funchal, Madeira.

Malaga is really nice, the old town is lovely at Christmas. Lots to do in the area, museums, the castles, lively atmosphere at night. Sun us out, but it's not beach weather if that's what you are looking for.
Marrakesh is also great, but make sure if you stay in a traditional riad (as opposed to a new build riad style) that it has central heating, as it will be colder inside than out.

Thanks everyone! I think Marrakesh is out as the dates don’t work flight wise from Scotland. I will look into Madeira and Gran Canaria. I was also wondering about Tenerife? Any nice bits not built up? I have been to Malaga and agree it’s lovely. I fancied Nerja. I also saw that further up towards Murcia seems warmer in the winter.

We went to Cape Verde last November, weather is fairly consistent all year round from what I can remember and I know there are definitely airports up north that fly there and not many in the south of England.
Was a 6 hour flight from Gatwick but I think the weather further north is a little unpredictable.

Lanzarote is not built up at all.
It's against the law. The artist Ceaser Manriques put a load of money into the island and made a deal with the Mayor that no high rise to be built ( there is only one in the capital). All the houses are painted white.. Go to Playa Blanca ( definitely not Peurto del carmen) Playa Blanca had loads of different areas.. 3 fabulous beaches .. quaint and up market and everything is still open.
You won't be disappointed.

Please read this about Lanzarote.
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.eurocheapo.com/blog/lanzarote-a-surprisingly-unspoiled-canary-island.html/amp

P.S Nerja isn't all that.. the tourist bit near the balcon is OK.. other than that it's like going back to the 1970s

Lanzarote would be my pick. As Jeffrey says if you pick well you won't be disappointed. Playa Blanca, Puerto Callero or Famara if you're a surfer. Been dozens of times at every time of year and rarely been a washout weather-wise. We've been in Dec and April recently and had excellent weather. Hoping for more of the same this Dec.
I wouldn't go to Murcia area for a holiday but that's me. The weather is usually at its worst in Jan/Feb as opposed to Nov/Dec.

Canaries is your best bet for warmth and flights from Scotland/Newcastle. Most longer haul seem to be Gatwick only though you could get lucky with TUI as they have their own planes.

There are less built up areas, but I do recommend fuerterentura for older teens - magic life (TUI) had lots of sports and suitable evening entertainment when we went (3 separate options some nights) ai so hassle free but bus stops outside or car hire desk in hotel if you want to venture out. Good landscaping and beach adjoining down steps

I wouldn't stay more than a week but for winter sun it's ideal

Another vote for Lanzarote. The Cesar Manrique architecture is brilliant. Try Puerto Calero for a quieter area to stay.

Thanks all. That’s really helpful! I will look at that Fuerteventura place @gotomomo

We actually went to Lanzarote when the kids were little, around 15 years ago. Stayed in Playa Blanca and got broken into (twice!) we ended up having to sleep with a chair wedged under the door of the apartment.. Quite scary. So I’m not sure about revisiting that! Maybe a different resort. We also found it so bleak. But maybe some cool cacti etc.. and it was maybe because I hadn’t expected it. I do love a tree!

It's a working Spanish town. What do you mean by 'it's not all that'? Not Benidorm?

Have you considered Luxor? The weather is usually lovely at that time of year. Excellent hotels, great food, and some of the best sightseeing anywhere in the world.

Nerja is a lovely town - I’m not sure how warm it would be in December would be my only concern if you want warmth.

Tenerife for less built up I think the north coast is much nicer - but it is usually a good bit cooler / rainier than the south, especially in the winter.

Puerto de la Cruz is a much older resort town with an actual old town.

This is a pretty good write up of different resorts in Tenerife North: https://therealtenerife.com/posts/choosing-the-right-resort-or-town-on-the-north-coast-of-tenerife/

But, I think Tenerife North probably does see a bit more seasonality than Tenerife South. And I would think about the wearher.

Cape Verde would be my pick, and Tui are starting direct flights from Newcastle in November so should be some options!

Puerto de Mogan southern Gran Canaria. It has a micro climate, is very pretty with beach, marina and fishing harbour. Cosmopolitan with many restaurants.

Ferry goes up the coast to other resorts. It’s low key and relaxing.

I’d go to Egypt too

God no. Shithole.

What @SleeplessinSeattle69 the whole of Egypt?! That’s a bit rude.

Egypt is tempting. I have travelled there before and loved it. Unfortunately there’s no direct flights from Scotland and it’s not worth it for 5 nights. I did think Sinai but I don’t think the dates work out.

Will take a look at the Tenerife, Gran Canaria suggestions, thanks. I think Cap Verde is a big far, time wise .

I was going to suggest the same resort ! Radisson Blu is lovely.

Well perhaps it is for those without any world view or concept of ‘travel’ as opposed to ‘holibobs’ 😂

Flights are such a pain OP. Jordan was equally amazing, but not sure it’s quite as hot at the canaries at that time, again no idea of flight patterns. The Gambia and Senegal used to be good at that time of year, but not looked for years (no doubt the latter is still a proper shit hole, but I loved it)