10 Warm Paradise Islands to Escape the Winter (and the Secret Alternative With No Crowds)

When the days turn cold and grey, every traveller starts dreaming of turquoise water, palm trees and temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius. Chasing winter sun has become one of the most sought-after escapes of the year.

There are legendary islands that stay warm all year round. Many of them, however, now suffer from overtourism and eye-watering prices.

If you want a real disconnect, here are the 10 most popular paradise islands to escape the cold — and, at the end, the secret alternative that remains unspoilt and free of crowds.

The top 10 classic warm islands

These are the options most travellers turn to for winter sun:

• 1. Maldives: the classic of atolls and overwater villas. Perfect for pure relaxation, though prices are steep.
• 2. Tenerife and Gran Canaria: the closest option without leaving Europe, with mild weather but busy beaches.
• 3. Zanzibar (Tanzania): a perfect blend of Swahili culture and clear Indian Ocean beaches. If you are considering it, see what a trip to Zanzibar really costs.
• 4. Koh Samui (Thailand): a tropical paradise with outstanding food, though very busy in high season.
• 5. Mauritius: a volcanic island famous for luxury resorts and a lush interior.
• 6. Punta Cana (Dominican Republic): the go-to destination for all-inclusive packages and large hotel complexes.
• 7. Bali (Indonesia): fascinating culture and green landscapes, but congested roads in the main areas.
• 8. Seychelles: exclusivity and the iconic granite boulders on the sand.
• 9. Barbados: the charm of the British Caribbean, with excellent temperatures year-round.
• 10. Cape Verde: Atlantic islands off the African coast with a unique musical and volcanic character — start with our complete guide to Sal Island.

The secret alternative with no crowds: Sao Tome and Principe

What if you are not after a crowded resort or sharing the beach with hundreds of people? The answer is not in the Caribbean or Southeast Asia, but in the Gulf of Guinea: Sao Tome and Principe.

Known as the "African Galapagos", this small island nation offers a rare combination of virgin rainforest, deserted beaches and an unhurried pace of life — leve-leve.

Why choose this hidden gem

• Wild, exclusive beaches: places such as Praia Banana, Praia Piscina and Ilheu das Rolas let you enjoy the Atlantic in complete solitude.
• Zero overtourism: it is one of the least visited countries on earth, which guarantees an authentic cultural and natural immersion. If that is your priority, see our exotic beach destinations without the crowds.
• Constant warmth: with an average annual temperature of 27 degrees Celsius, it is the perfect escape from the European winter. Check the best time to visit Sao Tome and Principe.
• Biosphere Reserve: Principe Island holds this UNESCO status for its remarkable conservation of native flora and fauna.

How to travel to Sao Tome and Principe without the hassle

Because this destination sits outside the usual commercial circuits, arranging transport, 4x4 routes and visits to the old cocoa plantations calls for professional support on the ground. Public transport is limited and the best beaches lie down roads that demand local knowledge.

That is why the smartest way to plan your holiday is with Jaca Voyage, our receptive operation in Sao Tome: our own local office with direct 24/7 assistance and native guides, a fleet of modern air-conditioned 4x4s built for the island, and tailor-made itineraries for couples, families and small groups. For the day-by-day route, read our guide to an organised trip to Sao Tome and Principe.

Frequently asked questions about escaping the winter

Which island is warmest in December and January?

Close to the equator the heat is constant: Sao Tome and Principe holds an average of 27 degrees Celsius all year and, between December and February, enjoys the gravanita, a short dry spell. The Maldives, Zanzibar and the Seychelles are equally warm in those months.

What is the cheapest alternative to the Caribbean?

Cape Verde and Sao Tome and Principe are the two Atlantic options closest to Europe. Cape Verde has more flights and hotels; Sao Tome makes up for it with undeveloped, uncrowded beaches.

Do you need a visa for Sao Tome and Principe?

European Union citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 15 days. Yellow fever vaccination is compulsory for travellers arriving from an endemic country.

How many days do you need?

Eight days are enough to see Sao Tome island properly. Adding Principe Island and Praia Banana takes the trip to 10 or 11 days.

Ready to discover the Atlantic's last unspoilt paradise?

Do not waste time trying to piece together a complex itinerary on your own. Contact the Jaca Voyage specialists today and request a tailor-made proposal, backed by experts on the ground from start to finish.