It can be a challenge to find a sunny place to escape the gloomy weather, and harder still to find a destination with both winter sun and great places of interest. If you’re looking to see interesting historic sites as well as the swimming pool and sun lounger then our guide to historic hotspots in the winter sun is for you. We look at some of the world’s winter sun spots which also boast an array of fantastic historic attractions.
Cancun, Mexico
Stunning beaches, breathtaking scenery and incredible historic sites make Cancun one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world.
In particular, visitors flock to see the area’s Maya ruins, such as the UNESCO World Heritage site of Chichen Itza. The ideal time to visit this winter haven is around February.
Photo: Chichen Itza by Celso F (cc)
Tunisia
From the history buff to the sun worshiper, Tunisia has something for everyone.
Whether it’s the beautifully preserved Roman sites such as El Jem Amphitheatre, the remains of the once powerful city of Carthage or the medieval wonders of the Medina of Tunis, Tunisia has plenty to offer and much of it within reach of popular resorts such as Port El Kantaoui in Sousse and cities such as Tunis.
Photo: El Jem Amphitheatre by Tab59 (cc)
Hawaii
With its golden shores, palm trees and friendly people, Hawaii is the quintessential location for a beach holiday, yet this cluster of islands has so much more to offer.
As the site for one of the most famous attacks in history – the Japanese assault on Pearl Harbour – Hawaii is home to several World War II land – and sea - sites, especially battleships such as the USS Missouri.
Photo: The USS Mussouri
Egypt
The focal point of one of the most famous ancient cultures in the world, Egypt offers an intoxicating mix of luxury resorts and fascinating historic sites.
You could spend a few days seeing the great Luxor Temple and the pyramids of Cairo then travel to Sharm El Sheikh to soak up the sun in style. The latter half of January is usually the best time to visit.
Photo: Pyramids at Giza by Bruno G (cc)
Israel
Whether you spend your time in the buzzing metropolis of Tel-Aviv or in one of Eilat’s beachside hotels, you’re never far from an historic site when you’re in Israel. Stay in Tel-Aviv to see sites such as the impressive remains of the Crusader castle of Arsuf and the Roman settlement of Caesarea, go to Jerusalem to explore the Old City with its dramatic ruins and then hop a short flight to sunny Eilat – a popular place from which to travel to the UNESCO-listed ancient site of Petra in Jordan.
Photo: Caesarea by isawnyu (cc)
Bangkok, Thailand
With average temperatures never dipping below 20⁰C between November and February and usually only one wet day per month during this period, Bangkok in Thailand is an ideal winter sun spot.
Once there, you can see a range of sites including the eighteenth century wonders of the Grand Palace and the famous fourteenth century statue in the Temple of the Reclining Bhudda.
Photo: Grand Palace by René E (cc)
South Africa
Natural wonders, world-class scenery and historic sites, South Africa has it all. What’s more, with its sizzling sun and no more than three wet days per month between November and March, this is an ideal place to enjoy historic sites in the winter sun.
Robben Island, The Castle of Good Hope and the District Six Museum are must-see sites in Cape Town, while further north you can follow the battlefield routes of the Boer and Anglo Zulu Wars.
Photo: Robben Island by *christopher* (cc)
Cyprus
Brighten up your November with a visit to the island of Cyprus. Not only do its average temperatures rise to the mid-20s, it is also absolutely brimming with historic hotspots.
One of the most popular resorts is Paphos, which has everything from the ancient Tombs of the Kings and Roman ruins of Nea Paphos to the to the medieval fortifications of Paphos Castle – plenty to do and see.
Photo: Paphos Castle by Son of Groucho (cc)
These are just some of the fantastic options for historic hotspots in the Winter Sun. For more great historic sites around the world as well as further details about these sites, visit our explore page.
