Phu Quoc. Photo by Vivu Vietnam on Unsplash.
If you’re experiencing the January Blues and are dreaming of sunshine and coconuts, look no further. These are the 10 most beautiful and underrated destinations for winter sun that you’ve probably never heard of.
Cyprus
While most of Europe is cold in the winter, this small island nation located in the east Mediterranean between Greece and Turkiye is warm year-round, and offers some of the best beaches in the continent, along with delicious ethnic food.
Cyprus is a destination for every pocket. From budget friendly hostels to luxury beachfront resorts everyone can enjoy the welcoming nature of this little slice of paradise. And for animal lovers, this is the ultimate country to befriend street cats.
In this island, the population of cats is bigger than that of humans, and millions of them roam the streets undisturbed. Local shelters often offer the opportunity to adopt cats too!
Hainan
This lesser known tropical paradise is China’s southernmost island province on the South China Sea, located between Hong Kong and northern Vietnam. With its white sandy beaches, lush rainforests and choices of luxury resorts, this place never disappoints.
Not only does this island offer warmth and sunshine year round, it’s also a great place for surfing and adventures of all sorts. It´s also a great place to go shopping and enjoy a bustling nightlife.
If you travel for culture, Hainan offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the timeless charm of ancient Chinese culture, with countless temples, including the famous Nanshan Temple in Sanya, a massive 108-meter-tall Guanyin of the South Sea statue, symbolizing compassion and blessing.
And if you’re a seafood lover, you’re in the right place! Hainan seafood is known for its freshness, and simple yet rich flavors, with signature dishes like the Hele Crab, and abundant grilled prawns, scallops, and octopus.
Andaman and Nicobar
If you’re looking for a wilder, cheaper version of the Maldives, look no further than Andaman and Nicobar. This beautiful archipelago of islands belonging to India, are located in the Bay of Bengal, halfway between India and Thailand, and perfectly combine the beauty of these two countries in a unique blend of charm and splendor.
These islands are known for their impressive white beaches, turquoise waters, dense rainforests, and rich biodiversity, home to unique wildlife and indigenous tribes. From jungle tours to coral dives this place is perfect for those seeking a quiet, relaxing ocean escape.
Here you can explore pristine beaches such as Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island, widely regarded as one of Asia’s finest, or enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving in the clear waters surrounding Neil Island and North Bay, which are rich in coral reefs and marine life.
And if you’re a history enthusiast, you can visit the Cellular Jail in Port Blair to learn more about the islands’ past. Nature lovers can enjoy island hopping trips or book boat rides through the mangrove creeks, trek in tropical forests, or observe unique flora and fauna in protected reserves.
Canary Islands
Not far from Europe are the Canary Islands, a group of eight main inhabited islands sitting near the coast of Morocco and belonging to Spain that offer warm, sunny weather all year round. With temperatures usually above 20 C, winter is one of the best times of the year to enjoy these islands at your own pace and avoid summer crowds.
Also known as the Hawaii of Europe, these islands offer clear blue waters that are perfect for surfers, especially around Lanzarote and Gran Canaria. And if you are a sea life lover, you can find a myriad of wildlife spotting and reef snorkelling tours.
For those ready for an adventure, the Canary islands’ desert offers multiple options from nighttime camping and stargazing, to quad quests in the sand dunes and monkey spotting at the Monkey Park in Tenerife.
Western Australia
Everyone visits Sydney, Cairns and Withsundays, but have you ever heard of Western Australia? This region, located by the Indian Ocean offers some of the best coral reefs and natural landscapes in the entire country.
Located approximately 1,200 kilometres (750 miles) north of Perth is the Ningaloo Reef, Australia’s largest fringing coral reef, stretching over 260 kilometres (160 miles), which is also part of the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Coast. The reef is renowned for its accessibility, with snorkelling and diving opportunities available directly from the beach, particularly in areas like Coral Bay and Exmouth.
No trip to Australia is complete without a stop in Lucky Bay near Esperance, which has been named the ‘World’s Best Beach’ by ‘The World’s 50 Best Beaches’ list. Its white sandy beaches, and turquoise waters offer the most striking contrast with the surrounding natural landscape.
Animal lovers rejoice! It is very common to encounter friendly kangaroos sunbathing along the shore at Lucky Bay.
Gulf Coast
When you think of tropical holidays within the United States, you probably picture Hawaii or Florida. But did you know that the Gulf Coast offers beaches and coastal towns that are just as stunning?
The Gulf Coast of America offers tropical vibes with white sands and clear waters, featuring towns like Destin & 30A, in Florida, famous for its powdery sand, emerald waters, and activities like boating to the party spot Crab Island.
Down the coast of Texas, South Padre Island is famous for being a lively spot for beaches, water activities, and a vibrant party scene. Galveston Island offers historic charm, stunning beaches, and unique attractions like the Strand District.
Langkawi
Located in the Andaman Sea, this Malaysian archipelago is defined by lush rainforests, white sandy beaches, and dramatic limestone cliffs that feel both timeless and untouched.
Beyond its marvellous scenery, Langkawi offers a mix of natural attractions, cultural sites and curated experiences that appeal to all kinds of travellers. Beaches such as Pantai Cenang and Tanjung Rhu are ideal for swimming, sailing and romantic sunset dining, while the surrounding waters are best for island-hopping tours and snorkelling.
Inland you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park,a UNESCO-recognized landscape, from the Langkawi Sky Cab and Sky Bridge.
São Tomé and Príncipe
Still fairly untouched by mass tourism is São Tomé and Príncipe a small, equatorial island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off West Africa, known for its volcanic scenery, rainforests, beaches, and rich biodiversity;
This tiny island, which is also the second smallest country in Africa, offers a mix of volcanic landscapes, dense rainforests and secluded beaches framed by dramatic rock formations. This slice of paradise is famous for its cocoa history and unique culture, blending Portuguese heritage with African culture.
If you love hiking, this is the perfect place for you. Here you can enjoy spectacular views of the island hiking through Ôbo National Park, the island´s most striking landmark.
Along the coast, remote beaches such as Praia Jale and Praia Banana are known for their raw beauty, and when in season, turtle nesting.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is known for its stunning deserts and canyons covered in orange sand, but did you know that this country also has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world?
Its western coastline is located right by the Red Sea, known for its crystal clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, which just happen to be the most colorful and lively in the marine world.
This side of the country offers a range of experiences from the relaxed beach town of Umluj and Yanbu – which beaches are often compared to those of the Maldives – to the Frasan Island, a protected archipelago known for its pristine reefs and diverse marine life.
New large-scale developments such as the Red Sea Project and NEOM are introducing luxury resorts and ecotourism to the area, while still emphasizing conservation of the region’s largely untouched ecosystem.
Phu Quoc
If you’re looking for a place that offers a relaxing tropical experience and a vibrant nightlife, then your January destination is probably Phu Quoc.
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, this island is home to some beautiful sandy beaches such as Long Beach and Sao Beach, which are ideal for swimming and unwinding. Much of this island is protected as a national park, offering stunning hiking trails through rainforests, viewpoints and waterfalls during the wet season.
Phu Quoc is the perfect place for snorkelling, island hopping, but also for enjoying nightlife, at the bustling local markets like Dinh Cau Night Market, where you can try the wonders of Vietnamese cuisine.
About The Author
