17 beautiful find the winter sun in Europe (2023)
Are you sick of the snow and the bone chilling cold of the European winter and find some winter sun in Europe? Head to the coast of Spain or the south of France and you will less crowds, cheaper prices and perfect sunny days.
Europe is home to some of the most beautiful cafes, old towns, gorgeous museums and stunning beaches there is plenty to keep you entertained and watch the winter fly by. Whether you are into strolling along the beach, taking food tours, enjoy the café culture or beautiful hiking trails we have complied a list of the best places to catch the winter sun in Europe to help you have the best winter break in Europe.
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Tenerife, Spain
Rachel, Mum With Wanderlust
Warm temperatures, great restaurants and plenty of activities makes Tenerife one of the best winter destinations in Europe. This Canary Island in Spain has highs of 20ºc, even in the coldest months of the year and rainfall for only 4 or 5 days.
You can be sure to catch a little winter European sun, especially towards the south of the island. Costa Adeje spans the southwestern coastline of Tenerife and is one of the most popular areas of the island to visit.
The beaches in Costa Adeje are uniquely covered in dark, almost black, volcanic sand. Playa Del Duque is the beach where you’ll find the higher end hotels and resorts with the Bahía Del Duque itself being the hotel to stay at if you have a big budget, it even has a helipad if you needed one.
For those on a more modest budget but still want a high quality, family-friendly hotel, the Gran Tacande from Dreamplace Hotels & Resorts is excellent. The nicest restaurants in Costa Adeje are situated around the Playa Del Duque as well. La Torre del Mirador serves delicious seafood, it’s very popular and will need booking in advance.
The Del Duque beach isn’t quite so black as the surrounding beaches as golden sand has been shipped in to lighten up the coastline. The sea can get a little rough here as the wind picks up some days. From Playa Del Duque you can walk along the well manicured seafront (watching the colour of the sands change) to La Caleta, a lovely, little fishing village with gorgeous seafood restaurants.
Costa Adeje has a fantastic 18 hole golf course, the Plaza del Duque offers a range of high end shopping and for the more adventurous there is the impressive volcano Mount Teide to climb!
Mount Teidi is the highest peak in Spain and can be hiked or explored by cable car. Expeditions are pre-bookable online. Note that the cable car isn’t suitable for under 5’s or for pregnant women.
Top tip – take plenty of layers and dress for all weathers as there might be snow at the summit!
Mount Teidi is located in Teide National Park in the centre of the island. The national park is fantastic to visit even if you’re not able to climb the volcano itself. You’ll get to explore the diverse landscape of volcanoes, craters and lava flows at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Almeria, Spain
Linn, Andalucia Hiking
Almeria is one of the lesser-visited yet incredibly wonderful places to visit during winter. There are a lot of things to do for the culture and history lovers but also for nature lovers.
Make sure you visit the impressive Alcazaba fortress that was built of three layers of houses and squares. Not far from it you find the astounding Castillo de San Cristobal, another hilltop fortress. Also Almeria Cathedral is a masterpiece not to miss.
Almeria also has some of the most beautiful beaches in southern Spain and on a hot day, you can easily spend the day on the beach eating ice cream. Especially Cabo de Gata Natural Park is jam-packed with astounding sand-blown beaches with mesmerizing cliffside walks connecting them. And these are only half an hour’s drive from the center of Almeria.
If you want even more spectacular views it is not far to get to some of the best hikes in Sierra Nevada National Park, like the highest mountain in Almeria, El Chullo. This is possible to walk in only a few hours even when there is snow.
Did you know Almeria has a cross-country skiing station at the foot of the peak? At Puerto de la Ragua ski resort you can rent cross country skis – How would you like to go swimming at the beach and skiing in the mountain on the same day?
Hotel Costasol is a great hotel to stay in walking distance from the marina, beaches, and other attractions.
Alicante, Spain
Nina, Nina Out and About
Every winter, travellers flock to Alicante, Spain to enjoy the warm weather and white sand beaches on their holidays. The area has become known as one of the best destinations for a warm winter weekend trip from the UK.
Winter temperatures average 14C, although the heat of the sun makes it feel much closer to 20C. You may need a light jacket for evenings or rainy days. Otherwise, pack your bathing suit and prepare to enjoy a summer-y winter!
This stunning town in the Alicante province of Spain is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea. Take advantage of the location by enjoying the fresh seafood and incredible tapas that you can find along the Explanada de Espana. Anything with fresh octopus is a must try!
The Old Town Quarter is the most unique area in Alicante. You’ll find medieval castles and cathedrals from the 15th century alongside red roofed villas. Be sure to watch the sunset from the highest point in the city at Castillo de Santa Barbara. Adventurous travellers will want to hike to the medieval structure. Others will prefer the elevator that takes you from Playa del Postiguet all the way up.
Warm up on a winter evening when the light breeze may remind you too much of the cold back home and head to the city’s many nightclubs. Spain is famous for their clubs and bars, where you can find people from around the world dancing to the techno music Spain favours. Find a great outfit for a night out at the city’s many shops that are open throughout the winter.
From Alicante you can easily take a day trip to Tabarca Island, Elche, or Benidorm. If you’re joining the snowbirds spending your full winter in Alicante, take a weekend trip to Morocco to find the best things to do in Marrakech for more warm winter travel.
Malaga, Spain
Paulina, Paulina on the road
Malaga, the capital city of Costa del Sol, is known as “the new Barcelona” because of its diverse culture. It is the most cosmopolitan city in Southern Spain. What makes it special is that the city has a strong historical significance that blends with its modern culture. Its charm makes the city worth visiting. The city welcomes a lot of tourists all year round as there are a lot of beaches, diverse museums, historical monuments and much more.
The climate of Malaga makes it a destination to visit all year round. It is one of the destinations in Spain that enjoys warm winters.
Malaga’s historical center is all pedestrianized and therefore, tourists can explore the city by walking. If they want, they can also rent a bike or a Segway. But the main sites are most visible if explored by walk. Plus, there are also mini restaurants where pedestrians can stop and enjoy regional food.
Malaga has the second largest airport in Spain. Therefore, visitors can get here by taking a flight to Malaga Airport. One of the nearest destinations is Granada. Tourists can take a flight from Granada that takes about two hours to reach Malaga.
There are some popular picturesque spots in Malaga like Gibralfaro Castle, La Malagueta Beach, Malaga Cathedral, and more. These spots are worth the visit and taking a photograph. Travelers can hire a personal photographer on their visit to these popular locations.
There are a lot of things to enjoy during the warm winter in Malaga. Travelers can start by exploring La Alcazaba, the fortress from the Arab period, and witness the Islamic construction. After that, they can explore other monuments and popular locations of the city. These include Gibralfaro Castle, Calle Larios street, Atarazanas Market, The Roman Theatre, La Almeda Park, and museums.
When wondering where to eat in Malaga, they can grab a bite or a wholesome meal at La Plaza Restaurant. Visitors should take more than one day to explore the city of Malaga. They can stay at one of the top hotels like Hotel Miramar. It is one of the top hotels with the best customer ratings.
Ibiza, Spain
Sylvie, Ibiza Spotlight
Ibiza is an absolute must-visit winter destination. The small island is located off the eastern coast of Spain in the Balearic Islands group along with Mallorca, Menorca, and Formentera.
Winter temperatures in Ibiza are relatively mild at 15-16 °C. One direct flight per week from London runs to Ibiza per week. From other European airports, the best way to reach the island is via Barcelona. Sometimes, ferries also run from mainland Spain to Ibiza and from the other Balearic Islands.
For the best photos, get up at the first light for the sunrise and other stunning scenery!
The best way to get around Ibiza during winter is by hire car. Hire car companies to operate in the main resorts as well as Ibiza Airport.
One of the best places to stay is Vistabella Boutique resort in San Antonio, where you can go for walks around the nearby coast to Cala Gracio and San Antonio Bay and travel to other destinations across the island.
Ibiza is an island full of surprises, and the best thing to do in winter is to walk along the secluded beaches and take in the tranquil atmosphere. Many hotels open during winter have indoor pools and spa services for ultimate relaxation.
Valencia, Spain
Martina & Jürgen, PlacesofJuma
One of the most recommended warm winter destinations in Europe is definitely Valencia in Spain. It is the 3rd largest city in the country and attracts countless tourists from all over the world every year.
A city trip in winter is especially lovely, because then Valencia is comparatively quiet and you can experience the city far away from the hustle and bustle. Fabulous are also the temperatures, so you rarely need a jacket during the day even in winter and enjoy sunny 15 – 20 degrees!
Thus, even in the cooler seasons, life here takes place outside, which gives this city an extra dose of flair. The beaches in Valencia are also wonderful and invite to sunbathe even in winter!
During a trip to Valencia in winter, you will not only enjoy the sun while walking, but also the many small squares and the narrow streets that crisscross the old town invite to linger.
During a city trip there are also many exciting things to see and to experience. You should definitely visit the futuristic City of Arts and Science, also known as Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències.
Amazing is the extraordinary scenery, you can visit interesting museums and, if the weather is good, even take a boat ride! But also the old town is worth seeing.
You should not miss the Plaza de la Virgen and also the cathedral is really worth seeing.
Gran Canaria, Spain
Christin, Christin has Fernweh
Gran Canaria is the third largest of the Canary Islands, an archipelago of islands off the West coast of Africa. Although part of Spain, they are geographically much closer to Morocco. Thanks to its proximity to the equator, even in the winter months (November to February) day temperatures reach 16 to 24 degrees Celsius, in the 70s Fahrenheit.
The crowds of the summer disappear, the weather remains pleasant and Gran Canaria still offers many things to do for any type of traveler. For a great instagram shot make sure to visit the San Juan neighborhood in Las Palmas. Colorful homes shine from the hills with their winding narrow roads.
Another great photo spot is the village of Tejeda, at 1050m elevation. From the lookout point you can see the mountain ranges of Gran Canaria and the island Tenerife across the sea. At 44km distance from Las Palmas it is best to rent a car to get up the mountain.
If you like a good party, stay at the Hotel Cristina on Calle Gomera 6 in Las Palmas. It is just a short walk from the beach and close to plenty of nightlife, even has its own club called Flamingo.
The island has been a popular tourist destination for many years and direct flights from several European airports have been established. You can also take ferries to and from the other Canary Islands.
Cadiz, Spain
Joanna, Andalucia in My Pocket
Cadiz is one of the sunniest places in Europe, with over 300 days of sunshine per year. This makes it a perfect warm winter destination, as the temperatures remain positive whilst most of Europe is shivering under snow.
Cadiz is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, making it around 3100 years old. It was founded by the Phoenicians and inhabited over the years by the Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, and Moors, before becoming part of Spain in the 15th century.
Even if Cadiz is such an old city, it has a young soul and it’s enough to walk on its streets to notice all the locals enjoying their time at tapas bars and restaurants. The fish market is one of the best places to get lost among the locals. Here, in the morning, you can buy the freshest fish, whilst in the afternoon you can eat it at one of the restaurants adjacent to the market.
Cadiz is also known for its beautiful cathedral. No trip to Cadiz would be complete without visiting the “Cathedral of the Americas”, which was built with money coming from the trade with the continent across the Atlantic. An interesting thing to know about the Cathedral of Cadiz is that its crypts are under the sea level.
There are plenty of hotels in Cadiz. As it’s not such a popular destination when compared with Granada or Sevilla, prices of hotels in Cadiz are much lower. A great place to stay with sea views is the Parador.
Albufeira, Portugal
Linn, Brainy Backpackers
Albufeira is the most popular and quaint town on the south coast of Portugal and is perfect to visit in winter when there are lesser tourists and still warm, nice temperatures that easily reach 20 degrees in the daytime.
There are a lot of things to do in Albufeira during the winter like getting lost in the cobblestoned streets between charming, whitewashed houses, venture to the viewpoints on top of the cliffs, eat ice cream, and soak in the winter sun at the beach.
Albufeira is also good for shopping and the shopping streets are dotted with restaurants and bars for whenever you need a break. Make sure you visit Igreja Matriz, one of the most beautiful neoclassical churches in the Algarve dating back to the late 18th century.
There are also a lot of water activities in Albufeira and even in winter, you can go surfing, which is one of the absolute best things to do in Algarve. It is also a must to take a bot trip to see the caves and hidden beaches along the rugged coastline. Especially Benagil Cave is a must-visit!
The beach lit up by light flowing through a large sinkhole in the cave ceiling will truly mesmerize you. If you are a lover of wildlife, you can also enjoy dolphin watching along the coast. But please stay clear of the Zoomarine, where they unfortunately still offer swimming with captive dolphins.
This is a highly unethical activity exploiting dolphins for people’s amusement. It is so much better to see them in the wild and respect the animals in their natural environment. Vila Algarvia Boutique & Suites is a great and central place to stay with beautiful views.
Lisbon, Portugal
Cecilie, Worldwide Walkers
Lisbon is an amazing winter destination in Europe for those longing for the winter sun in Europe. During winter, you’ll often have clear blue skies and you’re almost guaranteed sun, even if you’re only going for a short weekend trip to Lisbon. In fact, Lisbon is one of the sunniest cities in all of Europe!
There really is no need to pack a thick jacket for a winter trip to Lisbon because the temperature never reaches minus degrees.
Apart from being an amazing winter destination in Europe, Lisbon offers many interesting attractions, beautiful cityscapes, and delicious food and wine. The top things to do in Lisbon includes visiting the beautiful neighborhoods of Alfama, Chiado and Bairro Alto where you can also discover many beautiful viewpoints and interesting historical buildings.
Compared to many other capitals in Europe, Lisbon is great during winter because the weather still allows you to sit outside and have a bite and a drink. Some classic things you can try are the freshly grilled sardines, the popular bacalhau or the delicious pastry Pastéis de Nata.
Another great thing about visiting Lisbon during winter is that it’s in the off-peak season, which means smaller crowds in the city center, less waiting in line at the popular tourist attractions, and more restaurant options.
During your trip to Lisbon, you’ll want to stay in the city center. You can find many great hotels such as Solar do Castelo, which is a unique place to stay right next to the historic Lisbon castle.
It’s easy to get from Lisbon Airport to the city center. You can either take the metro, taxi, uber, or airport bus. The price ranges from €2-15 for a one-way trip to the city center depending on your form of transportation.
Malta
Kerry, Vegg Travel
Malta is an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea between Italy and Africa which has great transport links from the Malta International Airport.
With an average temperature of 17 degrees, even though it is technically off-season, many tourists still flock to Malta for the comfortably warm weather.
The most popular area in Malta is St Julian’s which is where you can find sophisticated harbour front restaurants, to the more lively bars and nightclubs that dominate Paceville.
There are many different hotel choices available from budget accommodation to 5 star resorts. However, if you would like to stay somewhere within close walking distance to Paceville, but not that close that it keeps you awake at night then stay close to Spinola Bay. Hotel Argento is a great mid-range hotel that has a roof top pool and a top-class breakfast.
This short Malta travel guide wouldn’t be complete without helping you discover some of the best beaches. The most unique stop off on your road trip is St Peter’s Pool in the South East of the Island. This ‘pool’ is a large bay etched into the rocks that you can jump into and swim out to sea.
The best thing about going there in winter is that it will be much less crowded. The North of Malta is home to some of the best sandy beaches; Mellieħa Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa and Golden Bay so on a lovely day, head there for some rays. If these beaches aren’t enough, you can also take a day trip to Gozo and Comino Islands and the infamous beautiful blue lagoon.
If culture, history, and architecture is more your style, then head to Valetta, the capital city of Malta. Here, you can learn all about the Maltese torrid history and find some breath-taking historical buildings.
See the sights of the Grand Masters Palace, the Auberge de Castille which is castle from the 1500s set atop a tall hill overlooking Malta and the old fortifications spread across the city.
Also check out the Mdina cathedral to the west for more stunning architecture, culture and history. The best thing is that these activities are not weather dependent so they make a great cloudy/rainy day activity.
Gozo, Malta
Suzanne Meandering Wild
Gozo is located just to the north of the main island of Malta and is perfect for a winter trip. It is a little quieter than other areas in Europe and has a much slower pace. It is just a short ferry crossing from Malta which does not need to be booked. You can take a car on the ferry or go as a foot passenger and pick up the bus or a taxi from the ferry terminal. While the island is small it is not possible to walk everywhere as the roads are steep and narrow.
Gozo is a small island and can be explored in a few days. It doesn’t have traditional sandy beaches. However, it does have secluded coves with rocky areas that lead down to the water where it is possible to swim and snorkel for much of the year. If you are interested in getting beneath the waves, then Gozo is a good place for year-round scuba diving. The winds can be a little temperamental, but it is possible to dive here for most of the year.
Gozo has a number of historical sites including the Ġgantija Temples which are UNESCO listed megaliths from around 3600 – 3200BC. In the centre of the island is the Citadel of Victoria which is a fortified building that dominates the surrounding landscape and has been on the site since Roman times if not longer.
Gozo is perfect for photography with stunning sunrises and sunsets. The ancient buildings help to tell the story of the island and are perfect for intimate landscapes. As with nearby Malta, Gozo has a mix of architectural styles and the doors and little streets are interesting and photogenic.
For a winter trip to Gozo, Marsalforn is a great base. The Hotel Calypso is located right on the harbour with views across the bay and from here it is possible to either drive or take the bus around the island.
Sicily, Italy
Caroline, Veggie Wayfarer
The Mediterranean island of Sicily boasts an incredible amount of sun, with average temperature of 20°C in winter time. It is the ideal spring getaway if you are looking to get away from the cold, to boost your vitamin D and to get a slice of La Dolce Vita in winter time.
One of the additional reasons you might want to pop over to Sicily is their incredible streetfood scene. Make sure to stock up on comfort foods such as pizza and pasta, but leave some room for specialities like Arancina (fried rice balls containing ragu or the vegetarian alternative a la norma).
Once you have filled your belly with streetfood make sure to visit the sites in Palermo: Norman Palace, Church of Gesu and the breath-taking Church of San Cataldo. Next make your way down to the fishing village of Cefalù to indulge in an aperitivo or two before digging into a delicious dish of fresh sea food!
If you have a little more time, you might consider renting a car and driving to the eastern part of the Island which is filled with the most opulent Baroque villages.
Treat yourself to an Almond gelato in Noto while wandering through town, catch the sunset in the Greek theatre of Sicily and go for dinner in quaint – yet ever buzzing – Ortigia.
The west coast of Sicily is home to pink salt flats (Trapani), a castle perched atop a hill (Erice) and the most beautiful beaches you will ever see this side of the world. The water tends to be freezing in the winter though, so best to come back for a dip during summertime.
If you are looking for a unique place to stay, why not try staying in the tonnara of Scopello. A 3 star hotel with a 10 star view!
Santorini, Greece
Ingrid, IngridZenMoments.com
Santorini is without a doubt one of the most charming Greek islands, and because of its location in the Cycladic Islands in the middle of the Aegean Sea, it has mild winters.
Planning a vacation in Santorini during winter might be even better than going in July or August, mainly because of the temperatures and because you will have places like Oia or Thira all to yourself.
Of course, the wind on the island might be stronger, but chances are you won’t have any problems with that.
The best part about traveling to Santorini during winter is that you will have access to some of the best hotels with caldera views at lower prices, hotels with heated swimming pools, or jacuzzi bathtubs offering an unforgettable natural show directly from your room or terrace.
You can tour the island on an ATV, take some stunning pictures on the streets of Oia, admire the famous sunset in the caldera without having to worry about the crowds, or simply sit back and sip some authentic Santo wine.
While there aren’t as many direct flights landing at the airport of Thira during winter, there are still some, and you can always choose to travel by boat from Athens.
Corfu, Greece
Dani, No Hurry To Get Home
Corfu is one of the best destinations in Europe to visit in winter, if what you’re after is a mix of stunning beaches and lush nature. Aside from being one of the best beach destinations on the continent, this gem of an island also boasts an endless array of mountains that are perfect for hiking.
While visiting, make sure you visit Porto Timoni, which is one of the bluest beaches on the entire island and offers amazing snorkeling opportunities. Other things to do include swimming at Canal D’Amour (Love Channel), as well as exploring the historical goodness that Corfu Town offers. If you’re up for hiking, make sure you check out the Lakones Path Trail, which takes you on a circuit near Paleokatrista (considered one of the most beautiful spots in Corfu). It’s a 4-hour, moderate hike that will have you walking past lush slopes of citrus orchards and olive groves.
Pro tip: For an amazing photo, head to Hotel Aegli, where you can get the best views of planes landing right above the ocean.
There are many great places to stay in Corfu. One of the best hotels is Porto Demo Boutique Hotel if you’re looking for a luxurious getaway. If you’re on a budget, San Georgio Hotel is another great option.
Marmaris, Turkey
Peta and Jonas, Exit45 Travels
Marmaris is a Mediterranean resort town along the Turkish Riviera, which is also referred to as the Turquoise Coast.
There are regular flights to Dalaman International Airport from most European countries, and the airport is roughly 100 kilometres to Marmaris city centre. From the airport, there are a number of transport options available to get you to Marmaris, however, the easiest is via an airport coach.
Marmaris is a very popular holiday destination due to the numerous things to see and do. You can choose to relax on one of the many beautiful white sand beaches along this 10 kilometre (6 mile) stretch of coastline. It is also a popular sailing and diving destination and has two large, and several smaller marinas.
If you are looking to do some bargain shopping, head to the Grand Bazaar where you can buy Turkish tea, Turkish lamps, kilim rugs, and spices, among many other things.
For those that love history, the city and regional areas have some magnificent relics and ruins. Take a visit to the ancient towns of Kavn and Amos, or visit the fascinating and well-preserved archaeological site of the Carian Rock Tombs.
Quality restaurants are everywhere, and you will find the biggest variety along the beachfront promenade, and in the marina and harbour area. If you are looking to have some fun at night, head to the amazing Bar Street where the party continues in the bars and clubs until the early hours of the morning.
Lively hotels to suit every budget can generally be found in the Marmaris City Centre and along the beach promenade. The Beachfront Hotel offers panoramic bay views from the balcony of all its rooms, and is an easy stroll to restaurants, boutique shops, and the marina.
Biarritz, France
Leyla, Off beat France
Biarritz, in southwestern France close to Spain, should be a major stop on your itinerary if you’re visiting France’s Basque country.
It is a small city stuffed with charm, much of which comes from the contrast between aristocratic ladies with their pearl necklaces and designer shops and the barefoot surfer dudes shunting their surfboards down the main street; this is, after all, one of the best places in Europe to practice their sport.
In winter, beach activities dwindle and only the most addicted surfers head for the waves. But those same beaches are ideal for strolling, and a promenade will take you from the lighthouse all the way around a promontory to the old port, a delightful walk filled with architectural beauty. Not only can you admire Empire architecture but you’ll be delighted with all the Art Nouveau and Art Deco that has been maintained.
Winter temperatures can reach 15℃ and while winter is a rainy season, there are many days of bright sunshine as well.
Biarritz was put on the map by Empress Eugénie, wife of Emperor Napoleon III. This was her favorite summering spot and of course, where the Empress went, society followed. This accounts for all the wonderful 19th century houses and palace hotels, many of which have been restored.
Since Biarritz is in the Basque country, it stands to reason that food is delicious. A mixture of French and Spanish, you’ll have ample choices with the sea on one side and pristine mountains with natural Basque products on the other. And remember, because Spain is a short drive away, you can gorge on the local version of tapas – the pintxo, which you’ll find in almost every bar.
Reaching Biarritz is simple. From Paris, there are plenty of flights and trains and you can fly directly from many European cities as well. Driving, of course, will allow you to wander around the beautiful coastline…
If you’re looking for some luxury try Hotel du Palais, newly renovated, super expensive, at the end of the beach or if you prefer a cheaper option Hotel Cosmopolitain, in the heart of town.
Where are you favourite destinations for the winter sun in Europe? Let me know in the comments below what I should be adding to the list.
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