Best Islands to Visit This Christmas

Are you dreaming of an island escape this Christmas? Whether you’re looking to bronze on the golden beaches of Tenerife, planning a magical hideaway on the Isle of Skye, or searching for a special destination to celebrate the festive season, we’ve rounded up the best islands to visit at Christmas. These destinations provide relaxation and adventure in abundance. Better yet, traveling during the off-season means fewer crowds and often cheaper holiday prices too.

The Canary Islands

Where better to start than one of the most popular and reliable choices for a Christmas island holiday: the Canary Islands. While most of Europe stay indoors to keep warm, the Canaries offer a completely different festive experience. With winter temperatures averaging between 20–22°C, the Canary Islands are perfect for anyone who’s missing the sunshine.

Just imagine enjoying a Christmas dinner outdoors, sipping cocktails by the pool, or celebrating the festive season on the beach. That’s exactly what awaits you when you spend Christmas in the Canary Islands.

Why the Canary Islands Are Perfect for a Christmas Getaway

Aside from the incredible weather, the Canary Islands offer a wide range of things to do during the Christmas holidays to keep you entertained. The most popular islands like Tenerife and Gran Canaria are packed with family-friendly resorts that feature:

• Multiple swimming pools
• Water slides
• Kids' and teens' clubs
• Festive events and themed entertainment
• Live shows and Christmas celebrations

These resorts make the Canary Islands one of the best destinations for family Christmas holidays.

Best things to do in Canary Islands

The fun doesn’t have to stop at the hotel. There are many ways to spend your Christmas in the Canary Islands. If you’re the adventurous type, you should take the opportunity to explore the volcanic landscapes or hike through the beautiful national parks. The animal lovers among you will love the whale and dolphin watching tours. While families can enjoy miles of sandy beaches or visit world-renowned attractions like Siam Park and Loro Parque.

Island Hopping in the Canaries

If you wish to experience more than one island during your trip, the Canary Islands are very well connected by ferry. You can explore:

• Tenerife
• Gran Canaria
• Lanzarote
• Fuerteventura
• La Palma
• La Gomera

The Scottish Islands

If you don’t mind braving the cold this Christmas, the Scottish Islands offer a truly enchanting alternative. Imagine yourself wrapped up warm by a cozy log fire as snowflakes drift past your window, with snow-capped mountains rising out of frosty valleys in the distance, and welcoming pubs serving hearty Scottish dishes and steaming mugs of mulled wine.

The Scottish Islands are perfect for anyone looking for a last-minute Christmas holiday, giving you the chance to unwind far from the noise of city life. With landscapes made up of towering peaks, glittering lochs, cascading waterfalls and rugged coastlines, these islands are a dream destination for winter walks and outdoor adventure. Add in the legendary warmth of Scottish hospitality, and you’ll feel at home from the moment you arrive.

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye is one of the most spectacular places to spend Christmas in Scotland. As the largest island in the Inner Hebrides, Skye has plenty of winter activities. Here are a few of them:

• Whale and wildlife watching
• Whisky distillery tours
• Stargazing under some of the clearest skies in Europe
• Bird watching along dramatic sea cliffs
• Christmas events

Skye is the ideal destination for anyone searching for a magical and memorable Christmas getaway in Scotland.

Orkney

Don’t let its remoteness fool you. Orkney is the perfect island for a cheap Christmas vacation. Beyond festive celebrations, Orkney offers the rare opportunity to explore world-renowned archaeological sites like Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and ancient tombs scattered across the landscape. Combining culture, winter wildlife and captivating Norse heritage, Orkney promises a truly unique festive escape for people of all ages.

Shetland

For something completely different this Christmas, head further north to the Shetland Islands. While you’re there, don’t miss the incredible hiking routes along the coast, passing through charming local villages with cozy pubs. On a clear night, you may even witness the Northern Lights, a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle that makes a Shetland Christmas truly unforgettable.

Greek Islands

Contrary to popular belief, the islands of Greece are a perfect destination throughout the entire year. If you’re unsure where to go on your Christmas getaway this year, the Greek Islands are an incredible choice for a festive island escape. Visiting Greece in the off-season means quieter streets, fewer tourists, and the chance to experience island life exactly as the locals do.

Crete

As the largest of the Greek Islands, Crete is a great destination if you want guaranteed sunshine and a lively festive atmosphere. The cities of Heraklion and Chania do not lose their glamour in the winter. If anything, they are even more vibrant, making them ideal for travelers who enjoy culture, nightlife and seasonal events. During Christmas, the streets come alive with sparkling decorations, Christmas trees, artisan markets and festive performances.

Rhodes

Another top pick for a winter vacation is Rhodes, known for being one of the most historic and atmospheric of the Greek Islands. If you thought the UNESCO-listed Medieval Old Town looked magical in the summer, nothing can prepare you for how magical it looks during the Christmas season, with glowing lights draped over ancient stone buildings and festive music drifting through the streets.

Syros

Although it’s often overlooked, Syros is an outstanding choice for a year-round Greek island experience. As the administrative capital of the Cyclades, Syros stays active well beyond the summer season. Its elegant neoclassical capital, Ermoupoli, remains lively during Christmas with open shops, cafés, bars and traditional bakeries welcoming visitors. You can even watch a festive concert inside the historic Apollon Theatre.

Madeira Islands

The Madeira Islands in Portugal provide one of the most unique festive experiences in Europe. Madeira has everything you would want from a winter vacation: a lively atmosphere, mild climate and stunning landscapes. With December temperatures reaching up to 22°C, it’s an ideal destination for travelers seeking winter sun at Christmas without missing out on the festive magic.

Funchal

Madeira’s capital, Funchal, is typically where most of the Christmas magic takes place. The city bursts to life throughout December with dazzling lights, festive decorations and a busy program of seasonal events. Celebrations begin early in the month and continue right through to January, offering more than a month of:

• Live music performances
• Traditional Christmas markets
• Cultural parades
• Light displays
• Food stalls and artisan crafts
• Outdoor nativity scenes

But the fun doesn’t stop there. When it comes to New Year’s Eve, Madeira hosts one of the best firework displays in the world. The entire bay lights up with thousands of fireworks reflecting off the water, creating a spectacle like no other. One of the most magical ways to see it is from a boat cruise, where you can watch the night sky explode into color from the Atlantic.

Porto Santo

If you prefer a quieter and more relaxed Christmas holiday, Porto Santo is the ideal alternative. This smaller island in the Madeira archipelago is known for its serene golden beaches, peaceful atmosphere and stunning natural landscapes. While the Christmas celebrations here are more relaxed, you’ll still be greeted by a warm festive charm that makes the island feel cozy and inviting.

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Book Your Canary Island Ferry Tickets

Whether you fancy spending Christmas exploring the snowy landscapes of Scotland or soaking up the festive magic in Madeira, book your ferry today and get ready for the island adventure of a lifetime.