Winter sun compared: Canaries vs Cape Verde vs Red Sea for families in 2027

Past November, guaranteed sun comes down to three options for a European family: the Canaries, Cape Verde and the Red Sea. They do not offer the same heat, the same flight or the same budget.

The Canaries are the gateway: a four-hour flight, 21 to 22 degrees, family resorts to Spanish standards and no administrative faff. The simplest, especially with toddlers.

Cape Verde (the island of Sal) turns it up a notch, around 25 to 27 degrees, a six-hour flight, a quieter mood and plenty of all-inclusive. Watch the wind and the currents on some beaches.

The Red Sea (Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada) has the most dependable winter heat, 24 to 26 degrees, and above all spectacular coral in shallow water, a treat for children just starting out with a snorkel. A five-hour flight, and very competitive all-inclusive.

Our verdict: simplicity and toddlers, the Canaries; pure heat, the Red Sea; a quiet middle ground, Cape Verde. Eight scored resorts across the three, below.