We know it's only September, but popular places tend to fill very early for Christmas - plus, if you leave it until the last minute, you're likely to be stung for higher-priced air fares and unpopular routes!

So, in order to help secure the best holidays at the most attractive prices, we've put together our top choices for people looking for sunshine this Christmas.

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Secrets of Andalucia

Surrounded by almonds, olives and orange groves, the wonderfully restored 12-room Finca El Cerillo promises a very personal and special Christmas experience. Festivities will include a traditional Spanish dinner on Christmas Eve, then a Christmas morning treasure hunt in the white village of Canillas de Albaida followed by a full Christmas lunch on Christmas Day.

Departing 19 December 2010, this holiday costs £1,253 per person (including return BA flights from Heathrow) or £1,059 if you prefer to make your own travel arrangements.

Vista of Valencia

The area just south of Valencia, in our view, offers some of the finest walking in Spain. During the week, you'll follow ancient Arabic mule tracks that lace traditional white villages, through lush citrus valleys, past tumbling waterfalls and on to stunning turquoise bays - often warm enough to swim in even in mid-winter! Your hosts, Sue & David Eaton, work tirelessly to ensure guests have a Christmas to remember at their 6-room Casa Carrascal, with roaring log fires, candle-lit lounge and well-stocked honesty bar. On Christmas Day, you'll be offered a 10-course Banquet (at no extra cost) with house wines included throughout. Choices range from traditional turkey with all the trimmings, to lighter, innovative dishes.

Departing 21 December 2010, this holiday costs £1,249 per person (including return Thomson Airways flights from Gatwick) or £987 if you prefer to make your own travel arrangements.

Walking on La Gomera

Your base for this guided walking holiday is the **** Parador overlooking the colourful harbour of San Sebastian. Built in traditional Canary style, it's an elegant blend of "cosy/chic" and is especially atmospheric when decorated for Christmas. Christmas celebrations kick off with a gala dinner at the hotel on Christmas Eve, with festivities continuing throughout Christmas Day.

Departing 21 December 2010, this holiday costs £1,798 per person (including return Thomson Airways flights from Gatwick) or £1,479 if you prefer to make your own travel arrangements.

Highlights of Tenerife

If you prefer an independent self-guided holiday, then this varied, twin centre walking holiday is the perfect antidote to Christmas in the UK. For the first part of your holiday, you'll be staying in a traditional Spanish finca set amongst avocado and citrus groves. You'll then move on to a beautiful converted mansion in the coastal fishing village of Garachico. A complimentary hire car is included for the duration of your time with us. Guests will be staying at the Finca Salamanca over the Christmas period. There will be a special gala dinner on when you arrive on Christmas Eve.

Departing 24 December 2010, this holiday costs from £1,299 per person (including return Thomson Airways flights from Gatwick) or £987 if you prefer to make your own travel arrangements.

Islands of Bermuda

The pink-sand island of Bermuda is a treasure trove of natural beauty and historic interest, and is perfect for a winter break. Its fabulous year-round climate makes it a favourite beach destination for the cognoscenti, however venture just back from the postcard-pretty bays and you'll find a lush interior alive with hundreds of birds, flowers and gentle walking trails. Christmas here kicks off on the 24th with a beach party on Elbow Beach (festive cocktails and canapés at La Vista Bar), then a full traditional Christmas dinner (turkey and all the trimmings!) served throughout the day in Café Coco.

Departing 19 December 2010, this holiday costs from £2,287 per person (including return BA flights from Gatwick) or £1,519 if you prefer to make your own travel arrangements.

Morocco's Imperial Cities

Morocco is a country of extraordinary variety and beauty: grand palaces, hidden mountain kasbahs, traditional Berber villages, mediaeval medinas and surprisingly green rolling valleys. Highlights of this tour include colourful Fes, Roman Volubilis and the Imperial cities of Casablanca and Rabat where you'll visit some of the finest Arab monuments in the Muslim world. For 2010, Headwater guests will be taken to the Palais Medina in Fez on Christmas Eve where there will be a full Hafla (folklore show) and traditional Moroccan dinner.

Departing 19 December 2010, this holiday costs from £1,559 per person (including return Royal Air Maroc flights from Heathrow) or £1,279 if you prefer to make your own travel arrangements.

Highlights of Gozo Cycling

For guests preferring to explore by bike, we'd particularly recommend Gozo for a gentle winter cycling break. The 2010 schedule means that you will be staying at the luxury ***** Kempinski Hotel in San Lawrenz over Christmas. Take a festive dip in one of the many pools (indoor and out!), or treat yourself to a spa - this hotel is known as one of the best spas in Europe so you'll be in good hands! Festivities start on Christmas Eve with a gala dinner.

Departing 20 December 2010, this holiday costs from £1,304 per person (including return Air Malta flights from Heathrow) or £989 if you prefer to make your own travel arrangements.