Winter could be the perfect time for you to head overseas for a walking or cycling holiday. Check out our recommendations. Perhaps you fancy escaping the weather where you live for a little winter warmth and sunshine. Maybe you yearn for a bit of adventure during the more traditional low season – and also fancy taking advantage of cheaper deals. Then again, it might be that your dream trip is in a location where the best conditions are during our winter months. Take a look at some of our suggestions for great walking and cycling holidays – and book now!

Go now for great winter breaks

[caption id="attachment_21637" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Winter sun in Portugal.[/caption]

1 Portugal

Even in December and January the weather can be mild in Portugal, especially in the southern Algarve region. In fact, if you prefer your cycling away from the high heat and sunshine of the summer months – and the busiest tourist times for Portugal – the winter season is the time to go. In January, there is around an average of five hours of sunshine per day, maximum temperatures of up to 15C and a lovely 10 hours of daylight, according to the useful website Weather2Travel. In February, the average temperature rises 1C and you can expect another hour of daylight. It can be be rainy on occasion but you often get lucky. Macs Adventure offers a number of cycling holidays in the Algarve and also an Algarve short break [caption id="attachment_21631" align="aligncenter" width="650"] The Flower Island.[/caption]

2 Madeira

Also part of Portugal, the island of Madeira, also known as The Flower Island, is popular among walkers all year round. However, those in the know book for the winter season when temperatures are still up to 20C and not as high as in the summer so the island is ideal for hiking in the hills. Also see Madeira: Walk of the Week. [caption id="attachment_21635" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Magical Morocco.[/caption]

3 Morocco

From the bustle and vibrancy of Marrakech to the stunning mountains of the High Atlas, Morocco will enchant, beguile and give you a lifetime of amazing memories. For the next three months, the temperatures are very favourable, especially if you are currently amidst a freeze. Maximum temperatures rise to around 20C with seven hours of sunshine and only around six days in the month when it rains. See Morocco for a choice of walking holidays. [caption id="attachment_21632" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Coastal wonders.[/caption]

4 The Canaries

The Canary Islands are popular year-round and renowned for milder weather and sunshine even in the winter months. Winter could be your perfect time for a walking holiday if you prefer to avoid the sweltering summer months. In particular, there’s El Hierro which is famed as being the westernmost outpost in the Atlantic although much less of a touristy island than its Tenerife and Gran Canaria. The smallest of the Canary Islands boast daily average of 22C in December so winter is a great time to visit. Explore some of the best walking trails at the edge of Europe on the Macs Adventure El Hierro Tour. [caption id="attachment_21638" align="aligncenter" width="650"] City highlights.[/caption]

5 Spanish mainland

The weather in southern Spain, such as Seville & The Sierra de Aracena, can also be favourable during the winter. A relaxing walking tour in the Sierra National Park, combined with a city break in Seville, could be exactly what you need after a busy festive period. [caption id="attachment_21630" align="aligncenter" width="650"] The Best of Northern India.[/caption]

6 Northern India

December and January are great for a trip to India because they come after the rainy monsoon season. Temperatures will be around 20C to 30C and if you want a chance to spot tigers you are more likely to see them at this time of the year. Northern India has so much to see, including Taj Mahal and Jaipur, the pink city. It's fantastic place to hike in stunning hills and mountains, too. See Best of Northern India and Taj, Temples and Tigers. [caption id="attachment_21629" align="aligncenter" width="650"] Breath-taking scenery.[/caption]

7 Everest base camp

The season for visiting Everest Base Camp is September to May. Why not take a winter break to enjoy an amazing walking trek to the iconic Nepalese destination in the Himalayas? This is the stuff of superb memories and the perfect antidote to dull weather back home. Macs Adventure offer a range of different Everest trips to the see the world’s highest peak.

---

Browse the range of trips we offer in the Africa, Europe and Asia or if you would like to speak to a member of our team send an email with your enquiry to info@macsadventure.com.