23 tips on where to go for winter sun – top destinations to fly to for warmth

The closest winter beach destinations to the Czech Republic

If you want winter sun without a long flight, there are several destinations with pleasant weather fairly close to the Czech Republic. Flights there usually take four to five hours, so an extended weekend is enough and you don't need to take a whole week off. Tips on where to find cheap flights come in handy before you start comparing options.

• The Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria) have temperatures between 20 and 24°C all year round, making them an ideal choice for a winter escape without a long flight. The volcanic landscape also offers hiking trails beyond the beach, and on Tenerife you can climb Teide, Spain's highest mountain.
• Cyprus attracts visitors with Larnaca's pleasant weather during the day and a shorter flight than to more distant destinations. The island appeals to history lovers thanks to ancient sites and a relaxed pace outside the main season.
• Malta has mild winters and historic sights you can enjoy without the tourist crowds at this time of year. The capital Valletta can be walked in a single afternoon, and the nearby islands of Gozo and Comino are worth a boat trip.
• Madeira is a green island with pleasant temperatures even in winter months and abundant nature for walks along levadas—traditional irrigation channels. The coast is mostly cliffs rather than beaches, so swimming is typically done at natural pools.
• Fuerteventura offers long sandy beaches and a stable climate, making it popular with water sports enthusiasts and windsurfers. The wind blows virtually year-round, so the island is also sought out by experienced kitesurfers.

So even close to the Czech Republic, the choice ranges from peaceful islands to historic cities, and the whole trip fits into a single week of holiday.

The most popular winter sun destinations by the sea

When the question is where to go for guaranteed winter warmth, these destinations come up most often. They offer reliably warm weather beyond Europe, which is why people fly there all winter long, not just at Christmas and during spring break.

• Egypt has air temperatures between 22 and 28°C and sea temperatures around 22 to 23°C, and you can get a week all-inclusive under 10,000 CZK. Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are among the most visited resorts and offer trips to coral reefs in the Red Sea or the pyramids in Cairo.
• The United Arab Emirates offers 24 to 28°C during the day in Dubai, though a light sweater comes in handy for the evenings. Besides beaches, you'll find modern architecture, shopping centers, and desert just outside the city for a day trip.
• The Maldives have temperatures of 30 to 32°C, making swimming possible virtually year-round. Island resorts also offer privacy right over the water and snorkeling straight from the beach without needing to head out by boat.
• Zanzibar combines tropical warmth with white beaches surrounded by coral reefs suitable for snorkeling, plus the aroma of spices from local plantations and the relaxed pace of the Tanzanian coast.
• Thailand combines beaches, culture, and budget dining in one destination, so it appeals to families with children and travelers who want to mix sea time with inland trips to temples and nature.

These destinations are among the most booked precisely because they offer the certainty of warmth and established tourist infrastructure.

Where to go for a winter beach holiday on a budget

Where can you go for winter sun on a tighter budget? Even with less money, you'll still find a decent selection of warm destinations—you just need to choose wisely and not be afraid of lesser-known resorts. You can significantly reduce airfare and accommodation costs just by choosing a time outside school holidays.

• Egypt outside the main resorts like Hurghada and Marsa Alam offers a similar climate to the better-known resorts, but at lower prices because these spots attract fewer tourists. You'll still find quality diving centers and long beaches here.
• Turkey has a beautiful southern coast where a stay outside the main season is considerably cheaper than in summer, while temperatures remain pleasant for walks by the sea and trips inland to ancient monuments.
• Cape Verde promises year-round warmth at a reasonable price and fewer tourists than the Canary Islands, even though it's just a bit further away, with a pleasant ocean breeze.
• Spain offers mild winters in Málaga and Alicante on the mainland and easy accessibility by plane or car, making it possible to visit for a short stay without taking a full week off.

Savings don't have to mean compromising on quality—it's more about choosing a less crowded resort or traveling outside the peak season.

Exotic winter destinations worth the longer flight

If a long flight doesn't put you off and you're after real exotic scenery, these destinations are definitely worth it. The reward for the longer journey is often a different climate zone, a different culture, and experiences you simply won't find in Europe.

• The Caribbean attracts with white beaches and turquoise sea, and the long flight over the ocean is worth it for the nearly guaranteed sunshine throughout your stay.
• Florida combines beaches and amusement parks, so it appeals to both families and couples without children, and also offers trips to the nearby Everglades to see alligators and birdlife.
• Hawaii is farther away, but it's an exceptional choice for lovers of nature, volcanoes, and surfing on the world-famous waves off the coast of Oahu.
• Bora Bora offers luxury island relaxation with bungalows built right over the water and views of a turquoise lagoon surrounded by coral reef.
• Cancún and Yucatán combine Caribbean beaches with trips to Mayan monuments in one package, including the famous Chichén Itzá pyramid and underground cenote caves.

A longer flight here usually means a longer holiday, so these destinations work better for two weeks than for a short stay.

Lesser-known tips for winter warmth by the sea

Where can you find peace and fewer tourists by the sea in winter? Try one of the less-discovered destinations that aren't crowded yet and offer a more authentic experience than resort comfort.

• Cape Town offers warmth and unique nature in southern Africa, ideal for combining beach time with safaris in nearby reserves, plus views of Table Mountain.
• Madagascar has wild nature with unique animals like lemurs and peaceful beaches without tourist crowds. Basically ideal for travelers who want to experience something different.
• Israel has the Red Sea at Eilat with warmth even in winter months and rich underwater life suitable for diving among coral reefs.
• The Philippines offers thousands of islands and warm seas for diving enthusiasts and relaxed holidays off the beaten track, with the chance to experience local culture.

These destinations work better for travelers who prefer discovery over resort comfort and don't mind a bit more trip preparation.

What not to forget before your winter flight to the sea

Before flying off for winter sun, it pays to go through a few practical points so nothing surprises you at the airport and check-in runs smoothly.

• Check your visas and passport validity for non-European destinations, as rules differ from destination to destination and some require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return. Also verify whether the country requires an online form or a visa on arrival at the airport.
• Pack appropriate clothes for the plane plus a warmer layer for travel and chilly winter evenings at home, so you don't find yourself cold in Prague on the way back from the warmth.
• Don't forget a power bank for the plane to keep your phone charged throughout the journey and at the airport, where you often take photos and handle online check-in.
• If you have health restrictions, verify in advance who should not fly by plane and consult your doctor before booking your tickets.
• Plan your trip to the airport in advance and arrange free parking at Prague Airport, or use a promo code for Prague Airport parking for a lower price if available.
• You'll find a clear overview of the benefits of airport parking and answers to frequently asked questions about airport parking on our portal.

Preparing for your winter flight to the sea takes just a moment, but it's worth doing well in advance and not leaving everything for the day before you travel.

Final tips before flying off for winter sun

Whether you choose the nearby Canary Islands or distant Bora Bora, the best beach holiday in winter is always the one you prepare for well. Choose your destination based on flight time, budget, and whether you want peace or a lively resort full of tourists.

A short flight works well if you just want an extended weekend in the sun, while a longer flight makes up for it with more exotic surroundings and a different climate zone. With families with children, it matters how well kids handle flights and time zone shifts, while for couples without children it's more about whether you want peace or lively nightlife and more restaurant options.

Before you go, book both your flights and airport parking well in advance. You'll save time and worry right at the start of your journey, and your car will be waiting for you at home exactly where you left it.