During the chilly winter months, there’s nothing like getting away on vacation to somewhere where the sun is shining and temperatures are moderate. The southern part of Europe offers a range of destinations for winter fun in the sun, where not only is the weather mostly great, but all the attractions are less crowded and there’s plenty of free space on the beach. You’ll find it easy to get a table in that quaint taverna or restaurant and will find fewer queues in the shops, museums, and art galleries.
Take a tour of some of the best winter sun destinations in Europe below.
1. Madeira, Portugal
The four Madeira Islands of Portugal nestle off the coast of Africa and offer a temperate subtropical climate all year around. The green, rugged volcanic landscape of the main island is stunningly beautiful with its forests, towering cliffs, pebbled beaches, and coves. The towns – including the capital Funchal – feature the striking, traditional architecture of Madeira, with cobbled streets and squares and historic buildings. The islands are also rightfully famous for the delicious Madeira wine, which can be enjoyed in the restaurants and bars while sampling the local cuisine, made of fresh and tasty local ingredients.
Madeira, Portugal
Website: Madeira Official Tourism Website
2. Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Lanzarote is one of Spain’s Canary Islands, located off the coast of Africa and famous for warm weather all year around. The island is also well known for its fascinating volcanic landscape and excellent beaches. Puerto del Carmen is a popular resort for enjoying the winter sun, while staying in whitewashed hotels or villas and enjoying the beach and popular water sports. A hiking or camel ride adventure can be enjoyed in the Timanfaya National Park, a rocky and stark landscape, created in the 1730s by volcanic eruptions on the island. Those same eruptions created the Cueva de los Verdes – amazing caverns to be explored that were created by an underground river of boiling lava.
Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Website: Lanzarote Official Tourism Website
3. Malta
The islands of Malta almost resemble an open-air museum, and a fascinating one at that. The unique architecture of honey-colored stone stands out over the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea, with a history dating back to St. Paul and the Knights of St. John. However, mixed in with these historic buildings of the past, the culture revolves around the islands’ delicious cuisine and a wellness and spa experience. Meanwhile the scenery calls for hiking and rock-climbing adventures, always with magnificent views. Spend time on Malta itself, or take a cruise to the sister islands of Comino and Gozo. Relax in the enviably warm sun on the beach, or try scuba diving to visit the many wrecks, reefs, and caves below the crystal clear water.
Malta
Website: Malta Official Tourism Website
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4. Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Tenerife is rightfully known as the “Island of Eternal Spring,” due to its warm and pleasant temperatures all year around. The largest of the Canary Islands of Spain, Tenerife nestles off the coast of West Africa and is crowned by Spain’s tallest peak – the dormant volcano named Mt. Teide. Mt. Teide National Park lends itself to hiking and exploring, with the peak often tipped by snow, but worry not, weather at sea level is perfectly comfortable! For sun and varicolored sand, head to the golden or black beaches of the popular resort areas of the island, including Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos. Alternatively, have fun at Siam Park, an adventurous, Thai-theme water park with fun slides and swimming pools for the whole family.
Tenerife, Canary Islands
Website: Official Tourism Website
Portugal Tour Guide
Ana Cristina Paiva
I am an australian-born Portuguese living in Lisbon since I was 8 years old. I studied Tourism and became a Licensed Guide and I absolutely love my job! The Portuguese landscape, history, food, traditions have won me over and I hope to share all this with you! I live in an historical neighborhood and believe that the best way to get to know a city is by walking. During the tours I hope to answer your questions and curiosities, proving a memorable and fun learing experience.
Tours by Ana-cristina
5. Cyprus
Cyprus is a delightful mix, split between two different cultures – one part of the island belongs to the Greek Cypriots, while the other remains with the Turkish Cypriot community. This makes for a fascinating mixture, with varying cuisine, but similar folk customs, linked to the island’s rich history. The Mediterranean beaches are spectacular – some crowded with tourists, while others are wild and remote. Any imaginable water sport can be enjoyed here, including scuba diving, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. Meanwhile, the interior landscape is dotted with beautiful wildflowers or dense vineyards, making a beautiful area to hike and bike. History buffs will enjoy the many ancient ruins from the Neolithic and Bronze Age, along with fascinating Phoenician tombs and Roman mosaics. Visit stark Byzantine churches and castles along the coastline, and architecture from the Venetian and Ottoman periods in the cities.
Cyprus
Website: Official Tourism Website
6. Ibiza, Spain
One of the Spanish Balearic Islands, Ibiza is located in the Mediterranean Sea. While the island is most famous as being the ultimate party destination, it also has many other charms. Ibiza Town and Sant Antoni buzz with lively nightlife during the summer months, with people flocking to the many nightclubs, but winter sees a more peaceful island. There’s still plenty to do in the larger towns, with excellent restaurants and bars to enjoy. However, the quieter villages are the place to be during winter, exploring the quaint, narrow winding streets, enjoying the excellent beaches, quiet coves, and restful yoga retreats.
Ibiza, Balearic Islands, Spain
Website: Ibiza Official Tourism Website
7. Sicily, Italy
The largest of the islands of Italy, Sicily is located off the southern tip of the country, across the Strait of Messina. The island is surrounded by beautiful beaches, lapped by the Mediterranean, Ionian, and Tyrrhenian Seas. This beautiful, green island offers remarkable hilly scenery, crowned by Mt. Etna, the largest active European volcano, on its eastern coast. There’s plenty of history to see here, including the Valley of the Temples, formerly a Hellenic city, with its Doric temples, still virtually intact. The area is surrounded by citrus orchards, olive groves, and almond trees – a truly beautiful place to explore.
Sicily, Italy
Website: Sicily Official Tourism Website
8. Malaga, Costa del Sol, Spain
The city of Malaga is a major port city on the Costa del Sol in southern Spain. The “Coast of the Sun” is an apt name, and while there might be the odd rainy day, the sun shines on even during the winter months. Winter is the perfect time to explore the city’s historic quarter, with its castle, impressive cathedral, the Picasso Museum, and the house of the famous Spanish painter. However, shopaholics will enjoy Calle Marques de Larios, a pedestrian shopping street with all the major clothing boutiques and jewellery shops, along with cafes, tapas bars, and restaurants. You might ever spot the odd street mime or performer along the way. The impressive sandy beaches are also worth a mention, which are much quieter out of season. The only thing missing is the famous beach chiringuitos (restaurants), which are closed during the winter months, but heading to the city in late November and December gives the opportunity to see the incredible Christmas lights.
Malaga, Spain
Website: Malaga Official Tourism Website
9. Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia is an island off the coast of Italy, set out in the Mediterranean Sea. The island’s beautiful white sand beaches are set off by the blue of the ocean, leading to quaint bays and coves. There’s more to do than just lie on the beach, however, as hiking into the interior of the island is a fascinating adventure. The famous Bronze Age nuragic ruins of Tiscali are well worth the visit. The mysterious structures are shaped like beehives, with the oldest and largest of its kind dating back to the year 1500 B.C. Scuba diving off the coast of Cagliari reveals shipwrecks, while elsewhere submerged Roman ruins can be seen.
Sardinia, Italy
Website: Sardinia Official Tourism Website
10. Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca is the most beautiful of the Spanish Balearic Islands, set in the Mediterranean Sea. While the island’s capital is renowned for its nightlife and buzz, winter is the time to explore the sheltered coves, gorgeous beaches, and mountainous scenery of the island. Visit the quaint villages, with their stone-built houses, surrounded by pretty flowers. Head to Fornalutx, up on the hillside among citrus plantations, or lovely Pollença, a cultural town with art galleries and winding streets to explore. Meanwhile, dotted around the island many Moorish and Roman ruins give hints of the island’s past.
Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
Website: Mallorca Official Tourism Website
11. Crete, Greece
Crete is the largest of the Greek Islands and is synonymous with quaint white buildings with blue painted doors, gorgeous beaches, and pretty villages, full of the unique tradition of the island. Enjoy the beaches in the north of the island, or gaze at the rugged cliffs and canyons in the south. Take a hike in the wilderness to visit the cave where Zeus was reportedly born on the Lasithi Plateau, or go kayaking and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters surrounding the island. Visit the beautiful Byzantine chapels and churches, dotted all over the island.
Crete, Greece
Website: Crete Official Tourism Website
12. Gran Canaria, Spain
The third largest island in Spain’s Canary Islands off the coast of Africa, Gran Canaria offers a stunning range of terrain, including the lush green north of the island, the desert of the south, and stunning beaches all around the coastline. The interior of the island is mountainous with dramatic scenery and winding passes. The modern resorts on the coastline offer many amenities, while the capital, Las Palmas, is a shopper’s delight, with duty-free goods available and plenty of restaurants and bars. Maspalomas in the south has endless desert dunes, leading to a white sand beach, perfect for strolling on the sand or relaxing in the winter sun. The island also offers an impressive range of all the popular water sports and other adventure activities, including cycling and hiking.
Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
Enjoy your warm and sunny winter
Take time off to appreciate the warm sunny weather and wonderful attractions of these European destinations this winter.
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