WINTER WARMERS

Beat the January blues with EMILY WRIGHT'S guide to the balmy destinations to visit in Europe, the Middle East and Africa right now

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YEARNING for some sun to beat the post-Christmas blues? You're not alone. January is typically the busiest month for travel bookings as people dream of azure seas and white sand beaches to escape the cold and rain outside.

And while much of the Northern Hemisphere remains dank and dark, you don’t need to necessarily book a trip to Australia or the Caribbean for some winter sun — there are many destinations worth checking out on the Continent or just beyond.

Laura Carden-Lovell, travel expert and head of operations at holiday specialists Transfer Travel, shares her ideal hotspots for warmer climes in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

LA PALMA, CANARY ISLANDS, EUROPE Average highs in January of 21/22C

The Canary Islands often top the list for Britons seeking a warm winter escape, but the majority usually flock to one of three islands -Tenerife, Lanzarote and Gran Canaria.

In reality, the choice is much broader as the Spanish archipelago is actually made up of eight islands, all of which offer something different and are just as pretty.

In fact, La Palma is often referred to as "La Isla Bonita" (The Beautiful Island) due to its jaw-dropping scenery.

"It's known for being the greenest of the Canary Islands," says Laura. "It's got forest, volcanoes and hikes through volcanic landscapes with black sandy beaches. Then you've got the walk through the Unesco Biosphere Reserve of Los Tilos that's home to the laurel forest and waterfalls." There's also much to enjoy for holidaymakers who like history and culture. The island's capital, Santa Cruz de la Palma, is known for its archaeological sites such as Parque Arqueológico de Belmaco and churches including the breathtaking Iglesia Matriz de El Salvador.

Laura also recommends stargazing at the beach as a must-do activity.