As the darker nights draw in and the mercury begins to drop, the most affordable destinations for Northern Ireland travellers to escape the cold and soak up some winter sun have been revealed.
A new survey by travel insurance experts at CompareNI.com found that almost a third (30%) of people here are planning a winter sun getaway in 2025/26. The poll, which gathered feedback from 700 NI holidaymakers, also found that 50% of respondents believe value for money is the most important factor when choosing a destination.
From the lush Portuguese island of Madeira and the vibrant Spanish city of Seville to the rugged beauty of Cyprus and the stunning white sandy beaches of Sicily, there is no shortage of short-haul options for those seeking a healthy dose of Vitamin D.
Online searches for ‘where can you go on holiday in December’ have doubled compared to last year as demand for winter sun breaks surge, with bookings for Tenerife up 767%.*
A sun-drenched winter holiday can not only provide a much-needed break from Northern Ireland’s gloomy weather and a welcome mental health boost, but it also means better deals for those on a budget – with flights and accommodation starting at £575 for a one-week getaway.
CompareNI took a look at the handiest destinations people from Northern Ireland can fly to in Europe, based on several key factors such as hotel costs, the price of a meal for two, average temperature, daily sunshine hours, flight prices and flight duration.
Emerging as the number one destination overall was Madeira, which boasted both the cheapest flights (£31) and the lowest meal prices at just £35 for two people. With average temperatures for December hovering around 20 degrees and five hours of sunshine each day, it is little wonder this Portuguese hotspot is a top pick for UK tourists.
Taking the runner up spot was another Portuguese location, the stunning region of the Algarve with its dramatic coastline, iconic sandy beaches and charming capital city, Faro. At just 2hr 50mins, the Algarve has the shortest direct flight time, making it a convenient choice for a quick getaway.
In third place was Tenerife, undoubtedly the most popular destination when it comes to sheer visitor numbers. It is easy to see why the island remains a go-to for UK holidaymakers, enjoying some of the warmest winter temperatures in Europe at 22.2 degrees. One potential downside is that – unlike many other European destinations – winter is still considered high season here, meaning accommodation prices tend to be higher, with an average hotel for a week in December setting travellers back £952.
Next up was Seville, the capital of the Spanish region of Andalusia. With flights coming in at as little as £52 and a meal for two priced at just £37, Seville is a great choice for budget-conscious travellers looking to enjoy a winter break without breaking the bank.
Cyprus, famed for its sun-drenched beaches, charming old towns and archaeological wonders, took fifth place. With pleasant temperatures of 18.7 degrees, six hours of daily sunshine and relatively affordable accommodation prices at £563 on average, this eastern Mediterranean paradise ticks plenty of boxes for an ideal winter getaway, whether it be relaxing by the sea or exploring the island’s many ancient historical sites. However, it also has the longest direct flight time on the list at five hours.
Another Mediterranean gem boasting a rich history, stunning architecture and fabulous beaches is Malta. This breathtaking island had the cheapest accommodation costs overall at £494 for a week but also has the most expensive meal prices at £70 for two people.
Making up the last four destinations are Crete, Sicily, the Turkish Riviera and Majorca. These have the lowest number of daily sunshine hours (four) and the lowest temperatures (between 16-17 degrees), and there are no direct flights from Belfast or Dublin in the winter months, meaning higher flight prices starting at £125.
Ian Wilson, travel insurance expert and Managing Director at CompareNI.com said: “As the weather in Northern Ireland becomes chillier, wetter and windier, many of us will be dreaming of an escape to warmer climes. The popularity of winter sun holidays is on the rise, with fewer crowds, more pleasant temperatures and cheaper prices making this a popular time of year to travel.
“Our research is designed to help narrow down the choices, showing you the most affordable destinations as well as those blessed with the warmest and sunniest winter weather.
“If you do decide to book a winter getaway, remember not to overlook travel insurance, even if it’s just for a mini break. Flight delays, disruptions and cancellations are increasingly regular, and pickpocketing is a common concern. Having the right cover in place will give you peace of mind that you are financially protected if your trip doesn’t go as planned.”
| Rank | Destination | Average hotel cost (one week) | Meal for two (mid-range restaurant) | Average max temperature | Daily sunshine hours | Flight time | Flights price | Total Points |
| 1 | Madeira | £756 | £35 | 20 | 5 | 3hr 45 | £31 | 48 |
| 2 | Algarve | £518 | £44 | 16.9 | 5 | 2hr 50 | £57 | 42 |
| 3 | Tenerife | £952 | £44 | 22.2 | 6 | 4hr 25 | £36 | 40 |
| 4 | Seville | £811 | £37 | 16.8 | 6 | 2hr 55 | £52 | 40 |
| 5 | Cyprus | £563 | £53 | 18.7 | 6 | 5hr | £66 | 39 |
| 6 | Malta | £494 | £70 | 17.2 | 5 | 3hr 45 | £99 | 38 |
| 7 | Crete | £556 | £42 | 17 | 4 | 5hr 5* | £131 | 31 |
| 8 | Sicily | £625 | £42 | 17.1 | 4 | 4hr 20 * | £133 | 29 |
| 9 | Turkish Riviera | £743 | £36 | 16.5 | 4 | 5hr 45* | £125 | 28 |
| 10 | Majorca | £848 | £53 | 16.2 | 4 | 4hr 10* | £135 | 15 |
