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Top Five: Destinations for a Christmas Getaway

Top Five Destinations for a Christmas Getaway by Panoramic Villas

Thinking of jetting off for Christmas this year? Here are our top 5 places to spend Christmas 2013.

5. Orlando, Florida

Christmas at Disneyworld in Orlando is pretty spectacular whatever age you are. From the 8 November to 20 December Christmas themed parades, fireworks and celebrations take place in the Disney parks. The Americans really know how to put on a show and all kids (or big kids) will be thoroughly entertained.

The spectacular Disneyworld Christmas light parade with fireworks and celebrations
The spectacular Disneyworld Christmas light parade with fireworks and celebrations

It’s not just Disneyworld that makes Florida a great destination for Christmas holidays though. The ‘Sunshine State’ enjoys fantastic weather all year round with temperatures averaging at about 62 degrees Fahrenheit in December. December is also one of the driest months of the year so it is a great time to go and enjoy the great outdoors. Why not take a trip to the beautiful Gulf Coast, just 90 minutes’ drive from Orlando? You can also be guaranteed a massive Christmas dinner; small portions are unheard of in Florida! Check out our holiday rentals in Orlando here.

4. Playa Blanca, Lanzarote

Playa Blanca in Lanzarote with its warm temperatures makes a fantastic Christmas destination
Playa Blanca in Lanzarote with its warm temperatures makes a fantastic Christmas destination

The Canary Islands are always a popular Christmas destination as they are only a hop, skip and jump from the UK and they enjoy temperatures in the low 20s throughout December. Playa Blanca in Lanzarote is one of the most upmarket resorts in all of the Canary Islands. With a fantastic marina; beautiful beaches and world class restaurants, so you are bound to find somewhere to enjoy a great Christmas dinner. There is also a great choice of private villas in Playa Blanca so you can relax in your own home and watch Christmas TV or play Scrabble (why break with tradition!)

3. Agadir, Morocco

For an alternative Christmas try a camel trek into the Sahara
For an alternative Christmas try a camel trek into the Sahara

If you want a Christmas with a difference head over to Agadir in Morocco. As you would expect the Moroccans don’t really celebrate Christmas in the traditional sense so this is perhaps a good choice if you want to avoid people dressed as Santa, Christmas trees and mince pies. Agadir has a fantastic beach, a modern marina and the weather here is still warm enough in December to sunbathe on Christmas Day. Why not do something really out of the ordinary and take a camel trek into the Sahara over Christmas or New Year?

2. Sal, Cape Verde

Enjoy a relaxing break near Sal Beach in Cape Verde with its beautiful white sand and clear turquoise sea
Enjoy a relaxing break near Sal Beach in Cape Verde with its beautiful white sand and clear turquoise sea

Cape Verde has become one of the top destinations for winter sun. The main reason people have started to flock here is the beaches. It was once the case that you had to fly over to the Caribbean to get white sandy beaches and glorious sunshine on Christmas Day, but Cape Verde has made these things accessible in just over 4 hours from the UK. If you want total peace and relaxation and an opportunity to unwind and get away from all the hustle and bustle of being at home then this is the place for you.

1. Costa del Sol, Spain

Sierra de Mijas Mountains on the Costa del Sol boasts stunning panoramic views
Sierra de Mijas Mountains on the Costa del Sol boasts stunning panoramic views

The Costa del Sol may not be absolutely scorching over the Christmas period but it is often bright and crisp like the best winter mornings in the UK. It’s a great time to get out and visit those parts of the Costa del Sol that may get overlooked when you visit in summer as people tend to want to hit the beach or laze by the pool. Walking in in the Sierra de Mijas Mountains in winter is spectacular.  The religious celebrations over Christmas are also worth watching if you get the chance. ‘Kings Day’ on 6 January is the big day for the Spanish, presents are exchanged on this day and lots of celebrating goes on. So why not visit for New Year and then hang around for Kings Day and get yourself a load more presents to open! The Christmas lights in Malaga are also really impressive so take a trip into the city for a spot of Christmas shopping, some tapas and take in the sights.

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