Stay Warm This Winter At The Tropical Island Ranked Among The Hottest Winter Destinations

There's something about traveling to an island that makes it feel like a real holiday. As you head to a small piece of land situated in the middle of the ocean, truly escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life, when you only have views of the vast open water as you glance out the plane window, you can't help but think you're heading to a place not many have been to. The tropical island of Sal, Cabo Verde, currently ranked among the hottest winter destinations, is a tropical island travelers can visit to escape the chill.

When you think of island vacations, your mind may wander towards Santorini, Jamaica, Bali, or the ultra-chic Maldives. Although filled with luxurious five-star resorts offering all-inclusive beach vacations, Sal, Cabo Verde is definitely a hidden-gem island you should add to your bucket list. Located off the west coast of the African country Senegal, this off-the-radar archipelago island nation offers soft sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and reasonably priced flights, making it the perfect getaway to immerse yourself in African history while soaking up the sunshine.

Travelers looking for a warm winter escape in Europe may set their sights on the Canary Islands, the warmest place in Europe during those rainy and cold winter months. Well, move over Canaries, Cabo Verde has stolen the top spot. easyJet's Winter Sun Index named Sal the top place U.K. travelers are heading based on several factors, but rest assured, you don't need to live in Britain to plan a visit. Often referred to as "the new Caribbean," or the "African Caribbean," Sal is attracting sun-seekers more than ever. 

While there are numerous must-visit countries to add to your Africa bucket list, Sal came out on top due to its Caribbean-like atmospheric landscapes, and the attractive off-season temperature that hovers around 77°F (25°C). Affordable pricing and a balmy climate is putting Sal, Cabo Verde in the top spot for travelers looking to escape the winter chill.

Travelers can indulge in cuisine that's been influenced by African, Brazilian, and Portuguese cultures, with a meal for two costing around $40 and a pint of beer putting you back about $3. Portuguese is widely spoken, and a unique blend of Portuguese Creole called Crioulo can also be heard around the country, as well as traditional Creole music playing from speakers across the beaches. Sal's diverse tourist-friendly landscapes combine beach resort relaxation with water sports such as snorkeling, and thrill-seekers can even learn to kite surf at Mitu & Djo Kite Surf School. History buffs can enjoy taking a trip to the salt pans Salinas de Pedra de Lume before heading to Baía dos Tubarões (Shark Bay) to catch a glimpse of lemon sharks, as the area is popular for their breeding and feeding due to warm and shallow coastal waters.

The island of Sal has outranked a lot of other winter destinations, however there are plenty of other winter-worthy places to consider when cold weather rears its head. Hurghada, located on the east coast of Egypt, is known for its beautiful clear waters along the Red Sea, offering visitors days at sea as well as hopping on a quad bike, or joining a Jeep safari within the Saharan desert landscapes. With daily winter temperatures hovering between 69 – 77°F (21-25°C) and nine to 10 hours of sunlight per day, taking a trip to this Middle Eastern coastline for unforgettable water adventures is a must.