We pit the winter-sun Spanish isle of La Palma against Sicily to find the ultimate beach trip
WINTER is the perfect time to find a relaxing spot and bathe in the sunshine.
But will Spain or Italy win your heart this year?
La Palma
The fifth largest of the Canary Islands, La Palma is all about volcanic terrain, isolated beaches and some of the world’s clearest skies.
With influences from North Africa, South America and the Caribbean, expect a laid-back feel and locals who really know how to have a good time.
The pad: Sat atop of the cliffs on the south-west coast, La Palma & Teneguía Princess offers spectacular sea views, a buffet breakfast with made-to-order Spanish omelettes, and bright, spacious bedrooms oozing tropical vibes.
Plus it has no fewer than 11 pools, including an adults-only one.
Explore: The rugged hiking trail in the Caldera de Taburiente National Park is Insta gold. Or pack a picnic and head north to the zen Los Tilos forest, home to a lush waterfall.
For evening, book a romantic stargazing experience in Fuencaliente with Cielos-LaPalma, from £19. It includes a mini astronomy lesson from an expert guide ().
The colourful town of Tazacorte is also worth a visit, with buzzing cafes and a sweeping beach, or head to Charco Verde, a striking black-sand cove on the west of the island.
It’s a hidden gem, so you might even have it all to yourself!
Refuel: Rustic Casa Goyo serves fresh seafood sharing plates in a small seaside town just five minutes’ drive from the airport, perfect if you land around lunchtime. Start with calamari, £2.40, and fish croquettes, 65p each, followed by the catch of the day, from £20.50 per kg.
In the island’s capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma, head to Casa Tey for a cheeky Barraquito
– coffee with Spanish orange liqueur, condensed milk and cinnamon – or to Kiosko de la Alameda, a cute outdoor bar in the middle of a courtyard, for a mojito made with local rum and sugar cane, £3.50.
For dinner, El Duende del Fuego in Los Llanos de Aridane serves mainly vegan and gluten-free dishes. The six-course tasting menu, which includes cacti-fruit risotto, is a bargain from £13 ().
Don’t miss: Los Llanos de Argual’s Sunday market boasts an array of antiques and hand-crafted goodies.
While there, strut your stuff to Cuban music or pop in to art studio Arte Fuego to watch glass-blowers in action.
Book it: Doubles at La Palma & Teneguía Princess cost from £80 B&B ().
Flights from the UK to La Palma cost from £110 return (). Plan your trip at .
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Sicily
Perched on the toe of Italy’s boot, the largest island in the Med is home to quaint towns of cobbled streets and tea-stained buildings, sandy coves and rolling vineyards.
Plus, it boasts the longest warm-weather season in the country.
The pad: Hidden deep in the countryside, in the south-east of the island, Torre Don Virgilio is the perfect romantic retreat.
This 16th-century converted stone farmhouse has only 16 rooms, adorned with rustic furnishings.
Breakfast is pastries galore, plus tasty meats and cheeses, freshly squeezed juice and Italian coffee.
Need a little R&R later? Sip an ice-cold rosé and catch some rays on a cabana-style poolside bed.
Explore: Grab your sunnies and head 35km east to San Lorenzo beach.
It’s a beaut stretch of golden sand 30 minutes’ drive from the pretty, baroque city of Noto, which
is full of cute shops crammed with artisan crafts.
If you’re feeling adventurous, book an off-road Jeep tour of Mount Etna, £52, to explore Europe’s highest active volcano. You’ll stop at five different points up the mountain to take mini hikes and wander through underground lava caves ().
For something more chill, visit vineyard Planeta Buonivini on the sunny southern-most tip of the island. Expect an informative tour followed by a tasting with an impressive spread of antipasto, £30 ().
Refuel: For lunch alfresco, hit the terrace of Café Amarcord, slap bang in the centre of Noto. Tuck into crispy arancini balls, £2.60, and deep-fried mozzarella, £3.50, with the cafe’s speciality bruschetta, £5, washed down with a refreshing Aperol spritz, £5.50 ().
At sleek, modern MAD Magazzini Donnafugata in the hilltop city of Ragusa – a must-see with its winding lanes and breathtaking views – feast on frittura mista pesce (mixed fried fish), £12 ().
In the nearby city of Modica, find traditional eateries such as La Contea Pizzeria, which serves wood-fired pizzas from just £3.50 (), or get your pasta fix at Vico Dei Santi, with authentic home-cooked cavati al ragout Bolognese in generous portions, from £6 ().
Then make like the locals and head to Caffè dell’Arte for a post-dinner prosecco and gelato – try the basil or ricotta ().
Don’t miss: Calamosche beach in the Vendicari Nature Reserve, parking £2.50, is well worth the 1.2km hike to get there.
This secluded, unspoilt little cove, with its rocky coastline and crystal-clear water, is a snorkeller’s paradise.
Book it: A three-night break in Torre Don Virgilio costs from £569 per person with Prestige Holidays, including breakfast, return flights from London Gatwick to Catania and car hire ().