The islands of the Caribbean have long been a staple getaway for winter sun seekers, but tragically, several of them were severely damaged by hurricanes this fall. Popular islands like St. Thomas, St. John, Tortola, St. Maarten, and tiny Barbuda were decimated and may not be ready for tourists for some time. If those places were on your travel agenda this winter or if you’re simply looking for a novel alternative to the Caribbean we’ve got three surprising winter sun vacations that are perfect for the adventurous traveler.

The Canary Islands are ideal for winter sun vacations.

Spain’s Canary Islands’ perfect year-round, sub-tropical climate, along with soft sand beaches of white, gold, and black sand make them a major tourist attraction. The archipelago made up of seven main islands and a number of islets lies just 62 miles west of Morocco and draws nearly 12 million visitors a year. The most popular island is Gran Canaria which offers golfing, yachting, a wide variety of shopping, casinos and great beaches. The largest city, Las Palmas, is clean and floral. While modern on the outskirts, the charming old quarter is very historic. The main tourist areas are the resort of Playa del Ingles and the impressive sand dunes of Maspalomas in the south.

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands. Many visitors visit for hiking in the green and rugged Anaga Mountains of the north, as well as diving, whale watching and surfing off the beaches in the south. The beach towns along the southern coast offer plenty of full-service resorts and apartments. Santa Cruz, the largest city on Tenerife is somewhat less touristy than the beach towns; it has an elegant charm with flower-filled parks, intimate plazas and old colonial architecture. It also hosts a Carnival celebration that is second only to the one in Rio de Janeiro.

La Gomera is the second smallest of the islands and you can only reach it by ferry from Tenerife. It’s known for the unspoiled natural beauty of Garajonay National Park, A UNESCO World Heritage site; black sand volcanic beaches, and diving, fishing, and sailing.

Cape Verde is for adventurous winter sun vacations.

For winter sun in a place you’ve probably never considered, Cape Verde is an excellent choice for experienced travelers with a sense of adventure who want to explore, get away from it all, and enjoy water-related activities in unusual settings. The 10-island archipelago lies about 400 miles west of Senegal, with a year-round temperature in the high 20s C (upper 70s to low 80s F). The islands’ chief attractions include black- and white-sand beaches, excellent big game fishing, volcanoes, hiking, island-hopping, culture and relaxation. Scuba divers will enjoy the volcanic underwater caves and easy access to shipwrecks. Surfers and windsurfers rave about the wind and the waves around the island of Sal. World speed records have been set in windsurfing on Sao Vicente.

Although the windswept islands of Cape Verde generally lack lush foliage, they are surprisingly attractive. The beaches are beautiful, the people are friendly and the culture is an intriguing mix of African, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian that is reminiscent of Brazil. Likewise, Morna, the local style of music blends African, Latin, and European strains for a unique sound that permeates the islands’ air.

Galapagos Islands make one of the most unusual winter sun vacations.

For a winter sun vacation like no other, look to the Galapagos Islands straddling the equator 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. There you can swim with sea lions in the largest marine reserve in the Western Hemisphere, walk among 150-year-old giant tortoises, and see the world’s only seagoing iguanas that resemble small dragons.

Most people visit the protected islands of the archipelago as part of a cruise tour. Small boats drop you off on land where knowledgeable naturalists teach about the many native species. Strict rules imposed by the Galapagos National Park require that licensed guides accompany all visitors; you are not allowed to wander on your own on uninhabited islands, but swimming and snorkeling are possible at most places.

The Galapagos Islands are designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and this protected, yet fragile ecosystem is absolutely a unique winter sun vacation. Cruise tours last from a couple days to two weeks or more (plus a day each way to fly from the continent), but we recommend at least seven days to have time to appreciate the unique geology and wildlife of several islands.

If you’re looking for a winter sun vacation that’s a little different than what you’ve done in the past, these three archipelagos offer an ideal year-round climate, great beaches, and distinctive characteristics that will make lasting memories. Contact the vacation experts at Covington to make it happen.