Where's good to go for a bit of winter sun?

Question

I've booked a job lot of holiday over christmas and I've worked out that I can probably squeeze in a holiday for 5-7 days. I haven't yet decided if I want to stay abroad for New Year's Eve or come home for it.

I have Seasonal Affective Disorder, so I'm hoping a good dose of heat and sunshine will boost my mood.

Things to bear in mind:
I'm in London UK and want to go to somewhere within a 4-6 hour flight.
Preferably not stray too far out of GMT time zone - don't want to waste time getting over the jet lag!
Really, I just want to laze round a pool all day in the sun with a book, and maybe see a bit of culture on one or two days.
I'm more interested in going out for a few drinks than going out clubbing until the early hours.
I'm vegetarian - need a place where I'm not going to discover that there's nothing that doesn't have fish or meat in it.
Been to Gran Canaria (but happy to try a different island in the Canaries)
I love Italy - been twice but told it's not that warm in the winter. Maybe Sicily?
My parents went to Marrakech in Morocco last year and they said it's probably not my thing.
Been to Turkey - not too fussed on going again.
My budget is about £400 max for hotel and flights.

Suggest away!

Additional Details

I'm really looking for somewhere that's around 20C in December - think it's going to be the canaries or north africa at this rate!

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

An advice: don't trust so much people who's been in Italy or anyway Southern Europe too many years ago; nothing wrong with them :), simply climate is changing and last January (f.i.) I saw in the news some people interview on a beach in Southern France, they confirmed even in 2007 was possible to swim there.
During the latest two year the same applied to Italy, and last December and January North was even a little warmer then South, and less raining. But overall was a sunny winter and during afternoon I often didn't even needed a coat (I live very northern, just before mountains).
Just now in Italy it's raining, but temperature are still above the average. Of course I can't guarantee good weather by the time of your holidays, but it's worth checking forecast for Italy when's time to take a decision.

Answer 2

Try Lanzarote. Lovely winter break

Answer 3

Cyprus, Tenerife.
Dubai is nice and warm

Answer 4

Try Cyprus

Answer 5

Me and my mum have the same problem about cold weather!! Which is why I'm off to St Lucia! lol lol
My idea for you is for a good destination which you could squeeze into your time frame and get an all inclusive for the price you've suggested you should head to EGYPT!!
It doesn't really matter where you go but as a general idea:
Sightseeing go to Cairo and Alexandria.
For clubbing and great nightlife go to Sharm el Sheihk!!

If not, try Tunisia!

Hope this helps

Answer 6

I think you should go to a lovely place in Greece called Lindos, on the Rhodes Island. I went there in May and it was really really hot.
There are beautiful beaches, beautiful views, it really is idyllic.
In the winter time temperatures are on average 17°C in December, and it is supposed to be one of the sunniest place in Europe.
Many bars, restaurants, hotels.

The South of Spain should also be quite hot, not great though if you want to see something different!