10 Best Destinations for Winter Sun in Europe
With the days getting shorter and the nights cooler, there’s no doubt that summer has come to a close. Memories of carefree days at the beach linger in our minds as we contemplate the increasingly cold months ahead.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll already be dreaming up where to find sunnier shores this winter! When I lived in New Zealand, our (affordable) options for a warm winter break were limited to South Pacific destinations such as Fiji or the Cook Islands.
But now we’re living in France, it’s much easier to swap snow-capped mountains for sun umbrellas with the multitude sunny destinations only a short plane ride away. Below I’ve rounded up the best destinations to find winter sun in Europe!
Where to Find Winter Sun in Europe
SICILY, ITALY
The charming island of Sicily is a tourist magnet during the summer months. But come winter, the days are accompanied by the gentle hum of fishing boats leaving the port and the scent of lemons hanging heavy on the trees.
Temperatures in Sicily are mild in winter, making it the perfect weather to enjoy unobstructed views of the ancient Greek theatre of Taormina or to take a hands-on cooking class. If the days do get cooler, you can warm up by taking a dip in the natural hot springs of Segesta.
Best Hotels in Sicily
Top pick for families: Vendura Resort
Top pick for value: Hotel Nizza
Top pick for luxury: Hotel Villa Belvedere
Best Things to do in Sicily
From Catania: Full-Day Mount Etna and Taormina Tour
Palermo 3-Hour Street Food and History Walking Tour
Sicily: Palermo Sailing Adventure
Read More: Best Things to do in Sicily
GRAN CANARIA, SPAIN
The Spanish island of Gran Canaria hangs off the coast of Northwestern Africa. With temperatures reaching up to 24°C in the winter months, Gran Canaria delivers buckets of winter sun!
Enjoy a second summer while exploring the National Parks, dolphin watching off the coast or even taking a submarine tour of the underwater world!
Those wanting to take it easy can visit one of the island’s vineyards or relax on the island’s black lava and white sand beaches. The southern end of the island has some of the most spectacular beaches and there are loads of things to do in Maspalomas when you get tired of surfing the dunes!
And as one of the more affordable islands on the list, Gran Canaria is perfect for budget travellers too.
Best Hotels in Gran Canaria
Top pick for families: Gloria Palace Royal Hotel & Spa
Top pick for value: Hotel Riosol
Top pick for luxury: Lopesan Baobab Resort
Best Things to do in Gran Canaria
2.5-Hour Dolphin Watching Boat Tour
Mogán: 40-Minute Submarine Tour
Full-Day Gran Canaria by Vespa GPS Guided Tour
SARDINIA, ITALY
While the Mediterranean Sea may only be swimmable by the bravest of souls, that’s no reason to skip the seductive island of Sardinia in winter. The coastline still dazzles with incredible beaches, and you’ll be alone to enjoy them.
Take the opportunity to get acquainted with the island’s grottos, uncover hidden treasures in the hills, sample the unique flavours of Sardinian cuisine, and visit the villages clutching the edge of towering limestone cliffs.
The winter months see temps in the teens, and it’s the best time to get involved in the island’s festivities.
Best Hotels in Sardinia
Top pick for families: Chia Laguna – Hotel Village
Top pick for luxury: Forte Village Resort
Top pick for value: Albergo Diffuso Mannois
Best Things to do in Sardinia
Alghero: Sardinian Home Cooking Class and Lunch
7-Hour La Maddalena Archipelago Boat Tour
Cagliari: Food and Wine Tour to the Island Wineries
CRETE, GREECE
I love visiting Greece in winter. So it’s no surprise that my favourite Greek island made this list! Though the temperatures can fluctuate from the low teens to the early twenties, it’s a fabulous time to enjoy the warmth of the local hospitality.
Devour the locally made delicacies, happy in the knowledge that what’s being served up “off-season” is what the locals like to eat. Make the most of the quiet to stroll the empty alleyways, and take in uninterrupted views as you walk the island’s many trails.
Best Hotels in Crete
Top pick for families: Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection
Top pick for luxury: Cape Sounio, Grecotel Exclusive Resort
Top pick for value: Lato Boutique Hotel
Best Things to do in Crete
Crete: Hiking Tour in Samaria Gorge
Day Tour of Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda & Plaka
The Miracle of Wine and Olive Oil: Day Tour from Chania
TENERIFE, SPAIN
The largest of the Canaries is home to the 3rd highest volcano in the world, the highest peak in Spain, and Europe’s largest water park. There’s no doubt the island of Tenerife is a winter destination on a grand scale.
With temps nudging 20°C in January – Tenerife doesn’t really do winter. So it’s a safe bet for some off-season sun. And if you needed one more reason to visit Tenerife in winter, the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (the worlds most renowned carnival outside of Rio) is it!
Best Hotels in Tenerife
Top pick for families: Iberostar Hotel Anthelia
Top pick for luxury: Las Terrazas de Abama
Top pick for value: Ona el Marqués
Best Things to do in Tenerife
Luxury Yacht Cruise with Whale and Dolphin Watching
Tenerife: Masca Gorge 1-Day Hiking Tour with Picnic
Teide Night Experience with Dinner and Stargazing
MALTA
In just a few short hours you could be whisked away from dodging puddles on a cold grey day, to a land that tops the charts for winter sunshine hours in Europe. Malta enjoys an average of seven sunshine hours each day during January, making it an excellent choice for a winter holiday in Europe.
Unlike some popular tourist destinations, life continues as normal in Malta during the winter months, meaning there’s always plenty to see & do at any time of the year!
Best Hotels in Malta
Top pick for families: The Westin Dragonara Resort
Top pick for luxury: The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux
Top pick for value: Sunseeker Holiday Complex
Best Things to do in Malta
Full-Day Gozo Island Excursion from Malta
Valletta: Medieval Walking Tour & The Malta Experience
Visit the Playmobil FunPark & Tour the Factory
MALLORCA, SPAIN
Sunny days and crisp nights are the recipe for a winter holiday in Mallorca. The cooler months are the ideal time to visit the island’s capital, Palma, where you can browse the museums, visit the mystical Arab baths, and dine on Michelin-starred cuisine.
Traverse the countryside in vintage style on the old Soller train, delight in tasting some of the island’s 300 locally grown wines, or hike into the Serra de Tramuntana – a UNESCO World Heritage site that is brimming with almond blossom from late January.
Best Hotels in Mallorca
Top pick for families: Zafiro Palace Alcudia
Top pick for value: Aparthotel Ona Cala Pi Club
Top pick for luxury: Castell Son Claret
Read More: Best Places to Stay in Mallorca, Spain
Best Things to do in Mallorca
Discover Mallorca: panoramic tour from coast to coast
Hot Air Balloon Flight over Mallorca
Visit the Caves of Drach on a tour from the South
Read More: Best Things to do in Mallorca, Spain
CYPRUS
With winter temps hovering around 23°C you’d be hard-pressed to find a reason not to visit Cyprus in the winter months. If you feel like skipping the white Christmas this year, why not hit up the Xmas markets in Nicosia. At the month-long “Christmas Avenue” you’ll find all of your festive favourites – minus jack frost.
Winter is the perfect time to learn about lost civilisations at the Tombs of the Kings. And if the warm weather gets too much, you can always retreat to the Troodos Mountains for a spot of skiing!
Best Hotels in Cyprus
Top pick for families: Amathus Beach Hotel Limassol
Top pick for value: Hotel Opera
Top pick for luxury: Londa Hotel
Best Things to do in Cyprus
East Coast National Park: Half-Day Cave Dwellers Tour
From Nicosia: Famagusta and Ghost Town Tour
Off-Road Excursion From Ayia Napa to an Enchanted Lagoon
LANZAROTE, SPAIN
In case you hadn’t guessed already, the Canaries are a winner when it comes to finding sun in the winter months. And Lanzarote is no exception.
This volcanic wonderland has a unique landscape recognised by its UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. And it has only been enhanced by creations from local artist César Manrique. Step away from the beach resorts to experience the best of what the island has to offer, from exploring lava caves to visiting Europe’s first underwater museum!
Best Hotels in Lanzarote
Top pick for families: Gloria Izaro Club Hotel
Top pick for value: Plaza Azul
Top pick for luxury: Lani’s Suites de Luxe
Read More: Best Places to Stay in Lanzarote, Spain
Best Things to do in Lanzarote
Volcanoes and Caves: Full-Day Tour of Lanzarote
Lanzarote: 6-Hour Sailing Trip to La Graciosa
Lanzarote: 30-Minute Underwater Sea Walk
Read More: Best Things to do in Lanzarote
MADEIRA, PORTUGAL
Every New Years Eve, Funchal, Madeira’s capital city, put on a fireworks display that has won recognition worldwide. It even won a Guinness World Record for the largest fireworks display! But if fireworks aren’t your thing – there’s still plenty of things to do in Madeira in winter.
Take the cable car up to Monte Palace and visit the tropical gardens. Sample the local poison, a delicious concoction made from sugar cane, lemon, honey and fruit juice. Or simply enjoy the mild temperatures while dipping your feet in the natural salt water pools at Porto Moniz.
Best Hotels in Madeira
Top pick for families: Suite Hotel Eden Mar
Top pick for value: Hotel do Carmo
Top pick for luxury: Belmond Reid’s Palace
Best Things to do in Madeira
Madeira: Best of the West Tour from Funchal
Madeira: Dolphin and Whale Watching Tour from Funchal
Half-Day São Vicente Caves and Volcano Center Tour
In Europe, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to finding sunshine in the winter months. With so many fantastic destinations just waiting to be explored, which will you choose for your warm winter holiday?
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I’m really tempted by a little getaway to Cyprus in the new year. 23 degrees, yes please!
It sounds like bliss right about now doesn’t it!
What a list! Sicily is still at the top of my list for places to photograph in Europe…I’ll just have to come and visit 🙂
You must! I’d love to see your photos from Sicily 🙂
Thanks for your interesting list! Do you have any suggestions about anywhere on the costa blanca in winter for months long stay? How are your suggested locations for months long stay and exploration for seniors?
Cheers
Hi Femi! Thanks so much for your comment and apologies for the delayed response. I’m not overly familiar with the Costa Blanca. But I’ve spent a lot of time further north around the Costa Brava and it’s lovely in winter! I think you could stay there for a month and be happy exploring the surroundings, including the towns and villages inland. Otherwise, Crete is amazing in winter (stay away from the resort areas), and we’ve just come back from Mallorca which was lovely and quiet at the beginning of May. The island is easy to get around, and I think it’d be very interesting to stay in for a month. We stayed at a lively Airbnb in Maria de la Salut – a rural village in the centre of Mallorca. Hope this helps!