Top winter sun destinations

With a wet, windy and grey British winter now settling in, it is more tempting than ever to take to the skies and head to a destination with a warm and sunny climate.

But where to go to beat the crowds? And which destinations offer the best weather? And what if you want to try something different?

Travelbite's guide to the top alternative winter sun destinations for 2007 has everything from holidays to suit those looking for big budget long-haul locations to closer warm and sunny destinations, from safaris and diving, to relaxing city breaks in emerging hotspots.

Cape Verde, off Africa's west coast

There has been a big buzz about holidaying in Cape Verde thanks to start of direct flights late last year. Set to be a top winter sun destination for the first time this year, relatively very few Brits have been there so far.

However, reports coming back from visitors have been extremely positive about the archipelago off the west coast of Africa.

The group of ten islands has an exciting fusion of African, Portuguese and Brazilian cultures and fantastic unspoilt beaches and countryside.

Holidaymakers can spend plenty of time relaxing on the beaches, discovering local foods and exploring villages. Active travellers wanting to work up more of a sweat can island hop and go trekking across the many rugged hills dotted across the islands.

Tour operators with breaks to Cape Verde include Thomson, Cape Verde Experience and Holiday Options.

Today's weather in Cape Verde is available at bbc.co.uk

Patagonia, Chile and Argentina

Patagonia has a lot to offer active holidaymakers looking for a winter break, with the Andes Mountain range offering hiking and climbing, and numerous other sports activities.

Incredible landscapes and stunning views are some of the top attractions in the region.

In the South American summertime holidaymakers benefit from mild and sunny weather in an area of the world that can get very cold as one of the gateways to Antarctica.

Tour operators with adventure holidays to Patagonia include Responsible Travel, Andean Trails and The Adventure Company.

A guide to weather in Patagonia is available at www.exchile.com

Dominica, Caribbean

Waterfalls, jungle, volcanoes, and plenty of diving opportunities make this Caribbean island a natural haven well worth visiting.

Considered an up and coming destination for 2007, the island is much less of a typical beach holiday destination, meaning holidaymakers can enjoy a tropical winter break without having to fight off the crowds.

Tour operators with diving breaks in Dominica include Dive Quest and Responsible Travel. Cheapflights.co.uk has return flights from £467 per person departing until May 24th 2007.

Today's weather in Dominica is available at www.weatheronline.co.uk

Darwin, northern Australia

Considered to be something of an unofficial capital of northern Australia, Darwin is one of the country's most culturally diverse cities, with 50 different ethnicities making it a vibrant and exciting city to visit and dine out in.

Located on the coast, Darwin has a large harbour twice the size of Sydney's as well as boasting 20 national parks within relatively easy reach of the city, including the well-known Kakadu National Park.

In Kakadu's 20,000 square km holidaymakers can see crocodiles and hundreds of bird varieties as well as 60 mammal species.

Located 250 km from Darwin, many tour operators offer trips to Kakadu including Austravel, Truly Australia and Intrepid Travel.

Today's weather in Darwin is available at www.weatheronline.co.uk

Doha, Qatar

Qatar is well-known for being one of the most developed and relaxed countries in the Middle East and its capital, Doha, is no exception. Relatively undiscovered by most holidaying Brits, the city is also a gateway to seeing camels in Al-Shahaniya desert, or the inland sea of Khor Al-Adaid.

Other sights and activities include trips to see rare species such as the Oryx (large antelope) in a special farm, museums dedicated to traditional handicraft and how the people of Qatar lived centuries ago and an Aladdin-themed park with rides for all the family.

Tour operators with packages to Doha include Iglu Tropical and Voyana.

Return flights are available until March 31st for £318 per person from Cheapflights.co.uk.

Today's weather in Qatar is available at www.weatheronline.co.uk

La Palma, Canary Islands

The most remote of the Canary Islands, La Palma, is also the least developed, but offers holidaymakers looking for something different plenty of winter sun as well as a chance to have a unique holiday experience.

There are no direct flights to the island, so getting there requires some patience, with flights from Madrid available with Iberia airways, or a two-and-a-half hour ferry ride from Tenerife. Visitors should also be prepared to try out their Spanish as they will encounter far less English speakers than the more developed tourist areas of Spain.

However, once there, holidaymakers get to experience some incredible natural surroundings and such as lush green mountains and forests, volcanoes, beaches with black sand and forests.

Tour operators with holidays to La Palma include Prestige Holidays, Cachet Travel and Iglu.

Today's weather in La Palma is available at www.weatheronline.co.uk