Best Places to Travel in Winter 2026–2027 | 10 Top Escapes

Updated for winter 2026–2027

Winter does not have to mean three months indoors waiting for the sun to come back.

December, January and February can actually be some of the best months of the year to travel. You can surf Atlantic swell in Morocco, escape to the Canary Islands, join a yoga retreat in Sri Lanka, hike volcanic landscapes in Madeira or trade European winter for tropical beaches in Thailand.

The difficult part is choosing where to go.

For this guide, I focused on destinations that make sense for winter 2026–2027, especially if you want sunshine, surfing, adventure, wellness or simply somewhere warmer than northern Europe.

Find Your Perfect Winter Escape

Who This Winter Travel Guide Is For

This guide is designed for travellers looking for surfing, yoga, wellness, solo travel, couples' escapes, winter sunshine, adventure, beaches and longer travel experiences.

Instead of judging destinations only by temperature, I looked at what you can actually do once you arrive.

Quick Winter Destination Comparison

1. Taghazout, Morocco

Best Overall Winter Surf Escape

There is a reason Morocco keeps appearing whenever surfers search for the best winter surf destinations.

Taghazout sits just north of Agadir and combines surf culture, Atlantic swell, relatively affordable travel, cafés, yoga and easy access from Europe.

Experienced surfers come for famous point breaks, while beginners can learn on easier beaches selected according to the day's conditions.

Why Go?

Many surf camps make travelling simple by combining accommodation, lessons, boards, wetsuits, breakfast and transport to surf spots into one package.

Outside the water you can visit Paradise Valley, explore Agadir, try sandboarding or spend the evening watching the sunset from Taghazout.

Check Price & Availability in Taghazout

2. Canary Islands, Spain

Best European Winter Surf Destination

The Canary Islands are one of the easiest ways to escape European winter without taking a long-haul flight.

Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are particularly attractive to surfers, while Tenerife and Gran Canaria offer a wider mix of activities, restaurants and nightlife.

Explore Canary Islands Surf Camps

3. Sri Lanka

Best Winter Surf & Yoga Trip

Sri Lanka is a strong choice if you want your European winter trip to feel like a completely different world.

The south coast gives you tropical beaches, surf schools, cafés, yoga studios and plenty of retreat-style accommodation.

View Sri Lanka Surf Camps

4. Costa Rica

Best Winter Adventure Escape

Costa Rica combines waves with jungle, waterfalls, wildlife and some of the most popular adventure activities in Central America.

You can surf one morning and spend the next day exploring rainforest, waterfalls or volcanoes.

Explore Costa Rica Experiences

5. Cape Verde

Best Underrated Winter Island Escape

Cape Verde works particularly well for travellers looking for winter sunshine, beaches, surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Sal and Boa Vista are among the easiest islands for a resort-style winter escape.

Explore Cape Verde Activities

6. Madeira, Portugal

Best Winter Destination for Nature

Madeira is not about tropical beach weather. Its biggest attractions are hiking, mountains, cliffs, viewpoints, waterfalls and the relaxed atmosphere around Funchal.

It is particularly good for couples or travellers looking for an active winter break.

Explore Madeira Tours

7. Thailand

Best Winter Escape for Beaches & Food

Thailand remains a classic winter escape because one trip can combine beaches, islands, food, nightlife, culture and affordable local travel.

It also works particularly well when you have two or three weeks available rather than only a long weekend.

Explore Thailand Activities

8. Bali, Indonesia

Best Winter Wellness Escape

Bali is a natural choice for travellers interested in yoga, wellness, retreats, cafés and longer stays.

Remember that December through February overlaps with Bali's wetter period, so choose it for the full lifestyle rather than expecting perfect beach weather every day.

Explore Bali Yoga Retreats

9. Mexico

Best Winter Escape for Surf & Culture

Mexico gives you several completely different winter trips depending on where you go.

You can choose Caribbean beaches and excursions or head towards Mexico's Pacific coast for surf towns, local food and a completely different atmosphere.

Explore Mexico Tours

10. Algarve, Portugal

Best Short Winter Surf Escape

The Algarve is useful when you want a short winter trip rather than flying halfway around the world.

Sagres is especially interesting for surfers because its position gives surf schools access to different coastlines depending on swell and wind.

Check Portugal Surf Camps

Which Winter Destination Should You Choose?

Choose Morocco if...

You want affordable surfing, surf camps, sunshine and relatively easy access from Europe.

Choose the Canary Islands if...

You want winter sunshine without leaving Europe.

Choose Sri Lanka if...

You want tropical surfing, yoga and a longer adventure.

Choose Costa Rica if...

You want surfing mixed with jungle, wildlife and adventure.

Choose Madeira if...

You want mountains, hiking and spectacular natural scenery.

How Much Does a Winter Trip Cost?

Your main expenses will normally be flights and accommodation, but remember to include airport transfers, baggage, food, local transport, surf lessons, board rental, tours and travel insurance.

Christmas and New Year can increase prices considerably. If you have flexible dates, later January and February can sometimes offer better value.

How To Choose the Right Surf Camp

Choose the Right Surf Level

Make sure the camp actually caters to your experience level.

Check What's Included

Compare lessons, accommodation, surfboards, wetsuits, meals, transfers and yoga rather than comparing only the headline price.

Read Recent Reviews

Look carefully at feedback about instructors, cleanliness, group sizes, food and atmosphere.

Think About the Social Vibe

Solo travellers may prefer shared surf houses and group dinners, while couples may prefer private rooms and quieter accommodation.

Compare Surf Camps

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is warm in Europe during winter?

The Canary Islands are one of the most attractive options for winter sunshine, while Madeira offers milder temperatures and excellent hiking.

Where is best for surfing in December?

Morocco, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde and Sri Lanka are all destinations worth researching for a December surf trip.

Is Taghazout worth visiting in winter?

Yes. Winter is one of the most important periods for surf on Morocco's Atlantic coast, particularly for experienced surfers chasing Atlantic swell.

What is a good beginner winter surf destination?

Taghazout and Tamraght, Weligama in Sri Lanka and selected Canary Island surf camps can all work well for beginners when conditions and coaching are suitable.

Where should I travel in January 2027?

Consider Morocco, Sri Lanka, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde or Costa Rica for warm-weather travel. Madeira is a strong option for hiking and nature.

When should I book a winter holiday?

Christmas and New Year trips should normally be planned earlier. Popular surf camps and retreats can also have limited availability during peak travel periods.

More From Surf Trip Escape

Best Surf Camps in Taghazout

Best Morocco Surf Camps for Beginners

Best Canary Islands Surf & Yoga Retreats

Best Surf Camps in Portugal

Best Beginner Surf Camps in Sri Lanka