You dream of warm temperatures whilst winter rages outside? Of endless beaches instead of grey skies? Then a long-stay holiday is exactly what you need! More and more people are discovering the benefits of extended stays in the sunshine – and for good reason.
A long-stay holiday starts from around four to five weeks and gives you the chance to properly unwind, experience new cultures and often even save money too. Instead of high heating bills back home, you’ll be enjoying warm temperatures on the beach – sounds tempting, doesn’t it?
Whether you’re retired, a digital nomad, or on parental leave, these destinations have everything you need for a sunny break. Discover in this article all about the pros and cons, accommodation options, and tips for preparing your long-stay holiday.
Table of contents
The perfect destinations for your long-stay holiday
Gran Canaria – Your miniature continent in the Atlantic
Gran Canaria is a true paradise for long-stay travellers. With an average of 24°C year-round, you’ll find perfect conditions here for a relaxing winter getaway. The island offers you everything: from golden dunes in Maspalomas to lush mountains in the island’s interior.
Why Gran Canaria is perfect for longer stays:
- English-speaking infrastructure and medical care
- Diverse landscapes for variety
- Short flight time from UK and Ireland
- Affordable living costs
Our hotel tip: The TUI BLUE Playa Feliz in Bahía Feliz is perfectly suited for long-stay travellers. The modern apartments with fully equipped kitchens give you the flexibility to cook for yourself or be pampered. Particularly ideal for families seeking a break, such as during parental leave, who value childcare services and children’s pools. With direct sea access and the luxurious Orchidea Club Spa, your stay becomes pure indulgence. On the same grounds you’ll also find the TUI BLUE Orquidea and TUI BLUE Las Pitas and TUI BLUE Tres Vidas.
Turkish Riviera – Where history meets relaxation
The Turkish Riviera around Antalya and Side enchants with its unique blend of ancient history and modern comfort. Here you can wander through Roman ruins in the morning and relax by the turquoise sea in the afternoon.
What makes the Turkish Riviera special:
- Mild winter temperatures around 20°C
- Rich culture and history
- Excellent cuisine
- Warm hospitality and hamam culture
- Stay in Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days
Our hotel tip: The TUI BLUE Side is a real gem for adults aged 16 and over. With its over 2000 m² spa area including hammam, sauna and steam bath, relaxation is taken seriously here. The eight different bars and three restaurants provide culinary variety – perfect for longer stays. I’ve been there and here you can read about what it’s like at the hotel and in winter on the Turkish Riviera.
Tunisia – Experience authentic North Africa
Tunisia has become the new star in the travel firmament due to rising prices in Turkey. With its authentic atmosphere and stunning beaches along the Mediterranean coast, combined with the mild climate, it’s a real insider tip for long-stay winter holidays. In Hammamet, Djerba and Sousse you’ll find the perfect balance between oriental flair and relaxed beach life.
Tunisia as a long-stay destination:
- Excellent value for money
- Warm winter temperatures between 18-22°C
- Rich culture and tradition
- Short journey from Europe
- Up to 4 months stay possible without a visa
Our hotel tip: The TUI BLUE Scheherazade in Sousse is an adults-only paradise with oriental charm, right on the kilometre-long sandy beach and just a short journey from Sousse’s old town. The 2000 m² wellness area with complimentary hammam and four restaurants make your long-stay holiday an unforgettable experience. Particularly lovely: The gluten-free and vegan options in all restaurants. I’ve visited the hotel and here you can read about my impressions. Top tip: In Djerba it can be a touch warmer in winter. The adults-only hotel TUI BLUE Palm Beach Palace on Djerba pampers you with wellness.
Egypt and the Red Sea – an underwater paradise for divers
The Red Sea around Hurghada and Marsa Alam is an eldorado for watersports enthusiasts. Even in winter, the sun shines here almost constantly with temperatures above 20 degrees. Perfect for overwintering and plenty of opportunity to discover the spectacular underwater world during your long-stay holiday.
Why the Red Sea inspires:
- Warm temperatures all year round even in winter
- World-class diving areas on the doorstep
- Direct flights from UK
- Many excursion destinations and low prices
Our hotel tip: The TUI BLUE Samaya in Marsa Alam is located directly on Coraya Bay with its famous coral reefs. The BLUEf!t® fitness programme in the open air and the aquapark provide variety. Comprehensive all-inclusive offering and spa. Perfect for families and all those who love watersports. Prefer Hurghada? Then check out the TUI BLUE Crystal Bay.
Zanzibar – Exotic island paradise
Zanzibar is the dream destination for those seeking something special. The spice island off the coast of Tanzania enchants with powdery white beaches, turquoise waters and a fascinating cultural melting pot.
Zanzibar as a long-stay destination:
- Tropical climate all year round
- Unique culture and history
- Dreamlike beaches
- Perfect for digital nomads as there is hardly any time difference to Europe
Our hotel tip: The TUI BLUE Bahari Zanzibar in Arabian palace style is a true gem. With five restaurants, the oriental Dream Spa and the local BLUE® Guides you’ll experience Zanzibar both authentically and luxuriously. My colleague Kristin holidayed there and is absolutely enchanted by both the hotel and the island.
Sal Island, Cape Verde – Windsurfing Mecca in the Atlantic
Cape Verde is still a real insider tip for long-stay travellers. Sal delights with 350 days of sunshine per year, consistent trade winds and a relaxed Creole atmosphere. Here you’ll discover more about the island that, just 6 hours’ flight away, promises swimming temperatures even in winter.
Sal as the perfect long-stay destination:
- Constant temperatures around 26°C
- No visa required for up to 30 days
- Ideal conditions for water sports
- Authentic culture
- Hardly any time difference to Europe
Our hotel tip: The TUI BLUE Cabo Verde is an adults-only resort directly on the beautiful Algodoeiro Beach. With all-inclusive dining at four restaurants, the YHI Spa and even swim-up rooms, your stay becomes pure luxury. The room preference option lets you choose your perfect room yourself. I’ve checked out the hotel whilst on holiday in Sal.
Which destination for a long-stay holiday suits me?
For culture lovers
The Turkish Riviera, Tunisia and Zanzibar offer you rich history, authentic culture and unforgettable experiences away from the beach.
For water sports fans
Egypt, Sal and Gran Canaria are your paradises with first-class diving, surfing and watersports opportunities.
For wellness seekers
Tunisia and the Turkish Riviera pamper you with luxurious spa areas and wellness programmes.
For adventurers
Zanzibar, Tunisia and Sal offer you authentic experiences and the chance to discover new cultures.
What you should look out for in your accommodation
Self-catering or all-inclusive?
This question determines your entire stay
- All-inclusive means total relaxation and cost control
- Self-catering on the other hand gives you maximum flexibility
- Make sure there are other dining options at the hotel or in the surrounding area if you fancy a change
Exotic distance or short flight time?
Short flight times have a decisive advantage: if you need to get home quickly – whether due to family, work or other commitments – you can be there in just a few hours. You can reach the Canary Islands, Tunisia or the Turkish Riviera in 3.5-5 hours. Even to Cape Verde, you only fly a little longer than to the Canary Islands.
Exotic long-haul destinations like Zanzibar, the Caribbean or Thailand offer a completely different experience in return. Here you’ll immerse yourself in foreign cultures and experience real adventure. The downside: the journey takes longer and is often more expensive.
Remote work on long-term holiday: what you really need
If you work remote, the hotel equipment is crucial to your success
Question the hotel specifically:
- WiFi speed: At least 25 Mbit/s for video conferencing
- Workplace: Desk and ergonomic chair in the room
- Quiet areas: Co-working spaces or business centres
- Time zone: Think about how the time difference will affect your meetings
- Backup Internet: Does the hotel have alternative Internet connections?
Many TUI BLUE Hotels now offer special business services and co-working areas. The TUI BLUE Cabo Verde, for example, has quiet areas that are perfect for focused work.
Other important considerations
Medical care: How far is the nearest hospital? Are there English-speaking doctors? Gran Canaria particularly excels here with excellent English-speaking infrastructure.
Climate and health: Can you cope with tropical heat? Or would you prefer mild 24°C in Gran Canaria to 30°C and humidity during the rainy season in Zanzibar?
Activities on location: Do you mainly want to relax or do you need variety? Watersports, cultural programmes or wellness – each destination has its strengths.
Are there enough English-speakers or do you speak the local language?
Practical tips for your long-term holiday
Choose the right time to travel
November to March is the perfect time for your long-stay holiday. Whilst winter reigns in Britain, you’ll be enjoying warm temperatures and sunshine.
Visa and entry
- Gran Canaria: EU citizens only need an identity card
- Turkish Riviera: Visa-free entry for 90 days for all Europeans (also non-EU)
- Tunisia: Visa-free entry for 4 months for most nationalities
- Egypt: Visa on arrival or online in advance, 30 days for 25 US dollars
- Zanzibar: Visa required and can be applied for online, 50 US dollars + 44 US dollars for mandatory travel insurance
- Cape Verde: Visa-free entry for 30 days
Health and insurance
For longer stays you should adjust your travel insurance accordingly. In most destinations a travel medical kit with standard medications is recommended.
Packing tips for long-term travellers
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm temperatures. You can wash at the hotel
- Don’t forget sun protection – the sun is more intense than at home and sun cream is usually more expensive
- Comfortable shoes for exploring
- Adapter for electronic devices
Your long-stay holiday awaits you
Whether you’re a retiree wanting to escape the winter chill, feeling cabin fever whilst working from home, or hoping to experience shared parental leave abroad – a long-stay holiday is a luxury you should treat yourself to at least once in your lifetime. Nothing beats waking up to sunshine and sea air!
Ready for your next adventure?
Here are the best hotels for your long-term holiday