Page 2 | Winter sun

HauntedBungalow · Yesterday 17:56

Plenty of bars and restaurants in the coastal resorts, yes and in some of the interior towns eg Haria. It is geared around tourism. But really outside of Puerto del Carmen and to a certain extent Costa teguise it's not Brits abroad type stuff and even in those places you can find some really charming places to eat and drink. Eg one of my favourite holiday memories was our last night of a cheap stay in Costa teguise where we ate the most incredible fresh seafood listening to the Atlantic lapping against the shoreline while the owner played his guitar and chatted to all the guests as the sun went down.

Also very few mosquitoes! (It's a bit windy.)

HauntedBungalow · Yesterday 18:12

Just to say, I liked Madeira a lot but I felt kind of uncomfortable with the element of relative poverty there. It's fabulous for walking/trekking and there are definitely some great restaurants in Funchal but it's administratively out on a limb from Portugal and it shows. Just feels a touch overlooked/exploitative. There's a noticeable amount of unalleviated vagrancy. People who live there can't afford to stay in Funchal even though they're providing tourist services there, and they travel in on frankly poor roads to do so. There's also just outside of Funchal a whole swathe of huge massive and intensely commercial hotels that don't really seem to be integrated with the capital itself and they don't seem to benefit the born islanders that much. I got the feeling that people need to do a fair bit of grifting to have a nice life.

Original poster

Beachlover1993 · Yesterday 19:08

HauntedBungalow · Yesterday 18:12

Just to say, I liked Madeira a lot but I felt kind of uncomfortable with the element of relative poverty there. It's fabulous for walking/trekking and there are definitely some great restaurants in Funchal but it's administratively out on a limb from Portugal and it shows. Just feels a touch overlooked/exploitative. There's a noticeable amount of unalleviated vagrancy. People who live there can't afford to stay in Funchal even though they're providing tourist services there, and they travel in on frankly poor roads to do so. There's also just outside of Funchal a whole swathe of huge massive and intensely commercial hotels that don't really seem to be integrated with the capital itself and they don't seem to benefit the born islanders that much. I got the feeling that people need to do a fair bit of grifting to have a nice life.

Thanks for the honest post makes me think maybe not the best for solo travdl maybe more suited to couples

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HauntedBungalow · Yesterday 20:49

Yes, I'd agree with that. Eg I twisted my ankle on a day out (not on a hike - I'd have been wearing boots if I was hiking - it was just a poorly maintained road) and the day trip provider arranged for me to get back to our hotel then the taxi driver demanded an additional €100 and threatened me with all sorts - I had two kids with me. The hotel sorted it out but it was pretty uncomfortable and I'm fairly sure it wouldn't have happened to a guy. But, if people don't have much money and they think you have money ... It's the only time anything like that has happened to me in Western Europe.

Ezzee · Yesterday 21:22

For the last 15 ish years we have done Thailand or Mexico ( Pacific, but can't go any more as can't fly direct from UK) every December, Thailand is fabulous.
This year because we don't have as much time we are going to Gambia to beach and chill, weather is 30ish.

Historyinme · Yesterday 21:40

We have been looking recently, thinking about where to go for the winter sun, but not so far away from UK, so we booked a week in Agadir at the start of December. The temperature is mid-20s °C. Never been, so I have no clue what to expect but looking forward to it.

Original poster

Beachlover1993 · Today 09:34

Ezzee · Yesterday 21:22

For the last 15 ish years we have done Thailand or Mexico ( Pacific, but can't go any more as can't fly direct from UK) every December, Thailand is fabulous.
This year because we don't have as much time we are going to Gambia to beach and chill, weather is 30ish.

Just looking at Gambia it says its an islamic country and you should cover up when going out. It also said that bikinis are strictly for poolside and topless bathibg is frowned upon. So may not be as friendly as csnarkies which still appears a good place for winter sun snd also a relatively short flight

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Original poster

Beachlover1993 · Today 09:35

Historyinme · Yesterday 21:40

We have been looking recently, thinking about where to go for the winter sun, but not so far away from UK, so we booked a week in Agadir at the start of December. The temperature is mid-20s °C. Never been, so I have no clue what to expect but looking forward to it.

A friend of mine mentioned Tunisia but this looked as if it wete cooler in the wintrr months

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SaraHoliday · Today 10:11

Beachlover1993 · 20/08/2026 13:50

What a cheap winter break for winter sun, dont like Egypt as feels quite restrictive. Tenerife Maspolomas is good but been there few times now, need to relax with DP on a beach to top up the tan

I think there's a resort that suits everyone in Fuerteventura so that is always my 'winter sun' pick.

You can find somewhere that's touristy to serene at Fuerteventura; or a good mix!

I haven't read all of the replies on here, but I would avoid 'Cape Verde' personally, due to all of the health issues that occur there. I suggest you Google that!