Winter Warmth: African and European Island Escape
Winter Escape: Top Places For Holiday Heat
November 8, 2016
Winter Holiday Hotspots: Asia and Oceania
November 22, 2016
Africa and Europe are up next in our winter warmth series. So right now, I’m picturing a little British kid, tugging his mother’s shirt, saying:
“Mum, it’s monkeys outside! How about a wee little holiday somewhere warm?”
Understandably, a winter holiday trip to the Americas may not be feasible for everyone. For those located regionally; however, your winter warm-derland is just an Island hop away.
Winter Warmth in Europe: The Azores
I’ll admit, my original choice for a winter warmth holiday destination in Europe was NOT the Azores. In fact, merely labeling the Azores warm during the winter is somewhat of a stretch. Though the winter season welcomes a moderately temperate climate, it is not out of the ordinary to experience rain, wind, clouds, or sunshine—sometimes all coming on the same day!
One of the many Fajãs of the Azores
Why The Azores?
“Just think of the Azores like this. One day, someone grabbed Iceland, moved it south – no ice anymore, just greenery – smashed it into nine pieces, and placed it in the middle of the Atlantic. –Bruno, The Geeky Explorer (a native of the Azores).
Sure, the weather may be a bit unpredictable during the Azorian winter (not quite sure if Azorian is even a word). But it won’t be flat out COLD. In fact, from a financial standpoint, winter is the best time to go because tourism is low. Finance, on the contrary, should not be the main motivation for a winter trip to the Azores. Not only are the Azores once again on the 2016 list as one of the top 100 Sustainable Destinations, a visit to these isles will award you with a lush holiday filled with outdoor activities galore—windsurfing, hiking, whale-watching and more.
Winter Warmth in Africa: Seychelles
Public Service Announcement—many countries in Africa already experience warm weather during the holidays. With that said, I’ll quote the famous party song:
“Ain’t no holiday like a winter island holiday in Seychelles, ‘cause a winter island holiday in Seychelles don’t stop!”
Ummm
….
You got me.
Those aren’t song lyrics.
I completely made that up.
But…even though those song lyrics aren’t real, you can bet that having an incredible time during a winter holiday to Seychelles is 100% real.
No snow here…just white sand beaches and turquoise waters
Why Seychelles?
With an average annual temperature 26°C (80°F), there is NEVER a bad time to visit one of the 115 islands off the coast of East Africa that make up the Seychelles. Head there to enjoy winter warmth in a paradise where the white snow of Christmas is replaced by the white sands of its beaches.
25 Comments
I sometimes forget about geography! Haha! Seychelles and Azores have that lovely tropical Christmas vibe! Great picks and great pictures!
Clear water and blue skies – just a good enough reason to get to Seychelles. Not this year though but soon. Loved the pics.
Experiencing the lights and vibrancy of winter Christmas are our favorite, that said, Azore does sound like an amazing destination with a plenitude of outdoor and hiking activities.
Sounds like a magical place! Your pictures reminds me of Big Sur in California. Shame I live so far away from Seychelles, hope to visit it someday.
love the way you tell about this place. It’s amazing information the places with brief info. I’ve never gone there before. Seychelles is my favorite.
Seychelles will be good for sure…
A warm Christmas will be a great experience.
Hahaha, I chuckled at picturing the little British kid and again at your Seychelles riff. Personally, I’d pick Seychelles! I’m in Australia so fortunately we have a *very* warm “winter” as it’s summer for us here 😀
Great post. Seychelles looks like beautiful place to relax. Never heard much about it. Thanks for mentioning it.
Just got back from sunny Brazil. I need to book something soon before I freeze to death here in Northern Europe! Nice ideas!
Been wanting to go to the Seychelles for ages, such a shame it’s not the most affordable destination. 😀
I love that description of the Azores! If it’s like Iceland but warm then it must be a wonderful place. The Seychelles has always been on my wish-list too.
I’m a person who loves to see White Christmas but I stay in Florida where we have the sunshine throughout the year! Though Seychelles is on my bucket list!
You had me at the warm temperatures year round! Sounds like the ultimate escape to paradise any time of the year.
I just had a illusionary vacation! Lovely pics and must say, your quote was really splendid! Great work with the words!
I am one of those people who search for winter warmth. Uk is a nice place to live but in winter it rains way too much and I prefer to take a break at some point searching for some winter sun. I have never been to the Azores, I shall put it on my destination list. I can recommend Malta as another great place for some sun in winter. 🙂
Though I’m sure to myself if I would survive the winter, still I want to experience white Christmas anywhere possible. ? My bucket list!
I would love to go to the Seychelles! And the fact that you say there is no bad time to go, makes it more appealing! I could seriously use a 26 degree climate! It was icy today!
Great choices for a winter getaway. I haven’t been to any of them yet, but hopefully one day! I’ve always heard great things about the Azores, apparently the scenery is just stunning, and your photos definitely prove it!
I know that in the middle of winter, in some places, travel agents report that people march in and declare, “Get me out of here. Anywhere warm.” That’s why this post is a good idea.
I have never seen White Christmas. Would love to see it one day. However, I am sure warm Christmas would always be may people’s desire and this destination totally fits the bill. 🙂
For me, I really want to see a white Christmas because I have always experiences the colourful warm tropical ones! But glad to know Europe does have choices for warm Christmas 🙂
The destination looks just awesome even if I’m definitely a person who like cold winter, it’s interesting to know this place though 😉
Awesome destinations! I just took a mental vacation while looking at these pictures!
Your post reminded me that Seychelles isn’t on my list yet! Thanks.
Personally,I love this post a lot! Some people are dreaming of a White Christmas in winter but not me. 🙂