Tenerife

The Canaries are probably the closest place to find winter sun, and Tenerife is tantalisingly temperate. With an average high around 20 degrees, you’ll only need to pack a light jumper to wrap round your shoulders for dining on the terrace of an evening – beats a parka in the snow. Findcheap flights to Tenerife – from £44

Cape Verde

Only a six-hour flight from the UK, Cape Verde is a stunning collection of islands off the coast of Senegal in west Africa. Pristine sandy beaches are perfect for tanning, but if want to do a more than sun-worshipping, go scuba diving, deep sea fishing or windsurfing. Find cheap flights to Cape Verde – from £163

Morocco

On the edge of the Sahara desert, Marakkech and Agadir remain warm throughout the winter. Chill on the beach with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, or if that’s not relaxing enough, really treat yourself with a visit to a steamy spa-like Hammam for a blissful pamper. Find cheap flights to Morocco – from £45

Dubai

Year-round sunshine is no mirage in Dubai. If you can tear yourself away from the largest shopping malls in the world, take an excursion into the desert by jeep and camel or simply soak up the sun and atmosphere in the more traditional Heritage Village. Find cheap flights to Dubai – from £268

Gran Canaria

Lying less than 100 miles off the coast of north-west Africa, it’s probably no surprise that winter on Gran Canaria is a most pleasant affair. The sub-tropical south of the island boasts extensive white beaches that are particularly inviting for sunning yourself and forgetting the rain back home. Find cheap flights to Gran Canaria – from £43

The Gambia

A world away from Europe but only a six-hour flight from the UK, The Gambia offers an exotic yet accessible winter getaway. Get an intoxicating introduction to West Africa with a visit to the capital Banjul, or simply soak up the rays on a palm-fringed golden sandy beach. Sounds good, doesn’t it? Find cheap flights to The Gambia – from £208

Madeira

With its pleasant winter climate, sea-and-mountain scenery and the old colonial charm of its capital Funchal, Madeira is made for a low-key relaxing winter holiday. For those wanting a little more action, the island also offers water sports including windsurfing and sailing. Find cheap flights to Madeira – from £60

Egypt

While Egypt has more than its fair share of sights, if you’d rather be sunned than stunned, head to the country’s Red Sea resorts. Sharm-el-Sheik is an immensely popular year-round destination offering superb scuba diving as well as limitless opportunities for getting a tan. Findcheap flights to Egypt – from £131

Doha

It could be ‘the new Dubai’ so impress your friends with more than just your winter tan by visiting Doha, capital of Qatar – one of the most up and coming cities in the Gulf. Stroll along the Corniche, a long seaside promenade that curves around Doha bay with places to eat and beautiful views. Find cheap flights to Doha – from £348

Oman

Perhaps not an obvious destination, but this Middle Eastern blend of desert, coastal landscape, Portuguese colonial influence, rugged mountains and other natural wonders make Oman a great choice for the more adventurous winter sun seeker, especially with average temperatures comfortably in the 20s. Find cheap flights to Oman – from £264