A new “hidden gem” island has emerged as the perfect place to go for a winter getaway in the sun while also avoiding hoards of tourists.

Searches for “winter sun holiday deals” have surged by 180% in recent months, overshadowing summer vacations as the holiday of choice. A staggering 33% of people now prefer a sun-drenched winter break compared to 31% opting for summer holidays.

With a whopping three-quarters of Brits eager to bask in warmer climes from November to February, Discount Cruises‘ travel experts dived into Instagram hashtags to curate a list of the dreamiest islands for this winter.

They also pinpointed some less-trodden “hidden gems” for sun-seekers wanting to escape the crowds.

La Gomera, a tranquil Canary Island lesser-known to many, shines in the top 15 destinations for wintertime warmth, situated merely a six-hour journey away from the UK.

For travellers looking for a hassle-free getaway, La Gomera is a prize pick from the treasure trove of “hidden gem” islands.

With over 608,200 hashtags on Instagram, this under-the-radar delight is celebrated for its serene volcanic scenery, verdant woodlands and temperate weather year-round, promising a secluded haven far from the hustle and bustle.

The stunning island is also still 17C in December, much warmer than the UK average of 6C.

The gorgeous natural landscape of the island makes it the perfect destination for lovers of walking and hiking. There are trails in El Cedro and you can hike through the misty rainforest in Garajonay National Park.

For those who prefer more relaxing holidays, La Gomera also boasts 56 miles of coastline waiting to be admired, including secluded beaches and bays.

In the evenings, head to the capital San Sebastian to explore a variety of bars, restaurants, shops, and picturesque squares.

One person wrote on Tripadvisor: “The views were amazing. You can see Teide while sailing and from the Gomera island.

“We had a nice lunch where we had a demonstration of the local whistling language. We stoped at the Aloe farm and at the Garajonay natural park (amazing forest) plus other observation points.”

Another added: “A place for those who value peace without the crowds of tourists. A perfect starting point for hiking on mountain trails. Near the bus station to be able to explore other parts of the island, lots of places where you can rent a car.

“Delicious little restaurants with local food. I recommend a trip to the La Gomera Garajonay national park, similar to the original forest in Madeira but worth seeing the amazing views.”

A third chimed in: “One of my favourite Canary Islands! Amazing scenery, roads are really well looked after (no pot holes in sight!) & very friendly locals.”