They come because its a natural nirvana, rich in wildlife, full of rugged, dramatic craters and caverns, hot springs and lush forests. Spain is known for its nightlife, and little old Valencia is not an exception. The sun doesn't rise for several weeks in December and January but that darkness makes it one of the world's best places to view the majestic aurora borealis (Northern Lights). Marrakech, Morocco. Indonesia - average temperature 27C. If you can, time your visit for Kotor's Winter Carnival, a massive celebration that runs for two weeks in the lead-up to Lent (typically starting in late January or early February). mainland by the lagoons and waterways of Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, and it is really an incredible sight. Theres even skiing in Corsica for the adventurous! Written by Elisa from Travel France Bucket List. have emerged from the ocean. You wont be going sea swimming, but its good enough weather to enjoy the beautiful beaches and archaeological sites. Submitted by Lara from Both Feet On The Road. Take a short ferry ride to the beaches on the Ilha de Tavira, where the Praia de Tavira, Praia da Terra Estreita and Praia do Barril can be found. The Algarve is an incredible destination that offers sublime hotels at very attractive prices in winter such as the Pine Cliffs Hotellocated in Albufeira, the EPIC SANA Algarve Hotelor for small budgets who want to enjoy sea If a slower pace is more your style, head over to Soller via the Soller train to enjoy a seaside walk in the colourful town. Terms of Service apply. The latter is the most colourful, but Castello offers the highest concentration of places to visit including the Museum of Archeology where you can admire the Giants of Monte Prama, the Cathedral and the two watchtowers. If you consider Cyprus island part of Europe, the southernmost European point in the Mediterranean Sea is in Cyprus. Madeira is lush, green and fringed with giant cliffs which rival any found in the northern reaches of the Faroe Islands, meaning that it is a pleasure to visit no matter the weather. Its home to Portugals highest mountain and beautiful crater lakes, as well as gorgeous towns and villages. The truth is, it gets too hot in the summer months, but on the other hand, it is a perfect escape for the winter months. Pinterest. There are also lots of fantastic all-inclusive hotels in Turkey, which are very affordable and have indoor and outdoor pools and Turkish hammams. Any of these places/countries should be on your list of best winter sun places in December. In the winter, the weather is slightly cooler, which makes it perfect for action-packed activities! Average temperature in January: 16C/ 61F high to 8C/ 46F low. of Spainandexceptional small cities like Ronda and its famous bridge ranked among the most beautiful bridges of Europe. When it comes to accommodation, there are plenty of options. If you are a party person, head over to the old town for all-night parties. I often find myself dreaming about travelling to warmer (or at least sunnier) destinations in Europe as the rain and dark clouds start rolling into London (where I currently reside) in winter. It's also not 'too far' from Paris, that is if you don't mind hopping on a train for 8-9 hours to reach here. However, opening times can vary at this time of year, so it's worth checking their hours in advance. Tenerife such as Whales and Dolphins tours. We think that the 20 degrees (68 F) in November-December-January will be sufficient to allow you to recharge your batteries, go to the beach and get a tan in the middle of winter while your Budapest. Aside from providing the much-needed sun and warmth, Lisbon's winter temperature is the best temperature for exploring its many hills. If it's more than that, the restaurant you are looking at is a tourist trap! The port city of Mlaga on southern Spain's Costa Del Sol is an ideal destination for winter sun-seekers in Europe. Since leaving Vancouver, Canada in January 2015, I have visited almost 45 countries. Expect similar temperatures to Marbella throughout the winter. You will also have some attractive accommodation options to choose from at a lower price during this period (yay!). . I hope these best winter sun Europe destinations have inspired you to enjoy a sunny getaway in December, January or February, and give you the Vitamin D fix that youre looking for. From beautiful latticework doors with Moorish-influenced door knockers in the shape of hands to colourful azulejo tiling on whitewash buildings, there is a lot to see and explore here! Average temperature in January: 12C/ 54F high to -1C/ 30F low. With a distinct food culture, Sicily has gastronomic delights beyond summers glut of glorious fruit and veg visit in February to experience the sea urchin season in full swing. You can also opt for a day trip from Naples to Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, Capri Island or the Amalfi Coast. The best way to explore the Algarve is by renting a car in Lisbon and driving south, stopping at different towns and villages along the way. Best for: design buffs and hotel obsessivesDecember temperature range: 1117C. In the North, you can also go caving in Cueva del Viento. Rolling hills with vineyards growing up the steep slopes, a winding river flowing through the middle and some of the oldest wineries in the entire world - the Douro Valley is truly a special place. Abisko in Lapland is for lovers of serious winter. Plus, this city has big problems with over-tourism in the summer months and if you visit in the winter, youll enjoy fewer crowds and a much more relaxed trip! Batumi, Georgia is a wonderful place to visit all year long, but the best time to visit it is in the colder months. Algarve is the perfect winter-sun destination for several reasons. Malta is a popular summer destination, but if you want to experience the islands beautiful old cities and stunning beaches without the crowds, visit the island in winter. Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands and can be found just off of West Africa. Cadiz, a town small enough to explore on foot over a weekend, is a place you should check out when you are planning to visit Spain. Another great activity that you shouldn't miss out on is taking a river cruise along the Douro River. The island experiences sunshine year round, including December to February, with stable temperatures made for being outdoors and an average temperature of around 14C. Come trekking, watch the dolphins or rest on the beaches of Porto Santo. Madeira, Portugal. Cabo de So Vicente, Ponta da Piedade, Carvalho Beach, and the Benagil Caves are not to miss when here. Seville is a popular city nestled in inland Andalucia. Where is the Warmest Place in Europe in Winter? Ibiza in winter?! Temperatures around the coast usually hover around 12-13 degrees in the cooler months, Average temperature in January: 12C/ 54F high to 2C/ 36F low. So if you're looking for a little warmth, Athens is the perfect winter sun destination!" Our teams have travelled all over Europe, from North to South, West to East but we have yet to see any place more beautiful than Madeira. You can be assured that when visiting the islands in the winter months the temperature can hit highs of 23 degrees celsius, so you can spend your days on the beach enjoying the warmth of the winter sun that the Canary Islands guarantee. Along with Kotor and the bigger cities of Budva and Tivat, take the time to discover some of the smaller towns along the bay, including Risan, Sveti Stefan, and my personal favourite, Perast. While it's a fantastic place to visit at any time of the year, come winter, you'll be able to enjoy the pristine beaches, charming villages, and hiking trails in near-solitude. During the summer months, queues for the likes of the Galata Tower and Topkapi Palace can be humongous, and people can often be queueing for a couple of hours to get inside! See our pick of the best hotels in the Algarve for more options. While not scorching hot, in winter the Algarve is one of the warmest places in Europe. The green, rugged volcanic landscape of the main island is stunningly beautiful with its forests, towering cliffs, pebbled . After Carvoeiro, head to Lagos for a few days and stay at the Lagos Atlantic Hotel. You will notice that it features the colours of the Italian flag. On rainy days, you can explore the various attractions including the Museum of Archaeology and St. Johns Co-Cathedral, which houses a wealth of art objects, including paintings by Caravaggio. Escape the dark nights of the British winter with a trip to somewhere warm and sunny. A trip during winter to Crete can be a great opportunity to discover some unique Greek Christmas traditions. Other attractions include cross-country skiing along national . 10. The capital of Portugal, Lison is a year-round sunny destination. Visit to enjoy restaurants with al fresco seating and plenty of local shops. Further north, near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Herceg Novi is also worth a look in. From Menton's Lemon Festival, the Nice Carnival, and the Monte Carlo Rally to the Violet Festival of Tourrettes-sur-Loup, the Mimosa Festival in Mandelieu-La Napoule, and the International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo, there are some spectacular events to attend in this beautiful region in winter. as a private whale-watching tour. Expect pleasant weather with average air temperature of 20 C (68 F). Best of all, you can enjoy a sweet pairing of coffee and pastel de nata in peace (Portugal's famous custard pie). If you visit around Christmas time, you'll be able to see all the elaborate nativity scenes set up in shop windows and churches around the city. This helps towards the upkeep of this website for which I am grateful. The capital, Las Palmas, has a lively food scene and the landscape, particularly around village Artenara, is manna for hikers. But perhaps the best thing about visiting Athens in the winter months is that it still stays pleasantly warm. Take in the stunning landscape views as you float along the river on a relaxing boat cruise. Submitted by Helen from Helen on her Holidays. Why visit in January: Seville is the capital of Andalusia and one of the sunniest places in Europe. Again, the Spanish capital can be chilly in winter it can even snow here but it typically warms up quickly, and is usually quite a bit warmer than places further north! Puglia is great for a family holiday in Italy as there are some gorgeous places to stay, including masserias, which are converted olive mills that are packed full of character. This is such a useful list because we usually have our big holidays during Dec Feb time in Australia So so so helpful, the hardest part is choosing which location to visit because they all look incredible. This is due to its year round warm and pleasant climate, that makes the island great for sun seekers. Florida is the best place for winter sun in the US! Or, if you dont mind slightly cooler weather (not warm enough for sunbathing, but definitely warm enough for sunny walks! Not to mention, Ibiza is also known as 'the white island'. So while you'll want a jacket, and you certainly won't be spending time in the water, you can still enjoy everything that lovely little Chania has to offer. The Vasilicos (closed October 16 to May 28) is one of the few hotels in Santorini that doesn't have an adults-only policy, making it a great option for families. The most popular destinations include Lanzarote, La Palma, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. Cadiz is one of the liveliest cities in the South of Spain. Eat paella by the sea. Also, because of the central location of Menton, you can make several day trips from the town. The city lies in Southern Poland and has an impressive medieval core and Jewish quarter. There are also lots of gorgeous hotels, some all-inclusive, that operate throughout the winter months! Many people say Ibiza parties in the summer and rests in the winter and theres something quite magical about witnessing Ibiza during its time of rest. In fact, its one of the warmest winter city breaks in Europe! Spend your days getting acquainted with the local life in Palma, the island's capital. Average temperature in January: 12C/ 54F high to 3C/ 37F low. To get to Cyprus, you will probably land at the airport in Larnaca. After visiting the castle, you can continue walking towards the Venetian Harbour of Rethymno to eat at one of the waterfront restaurants and watch the sunset. There are also public buses that connect the various regions with Lisbon. and taking away the worries of the day. Puglia is often about slow travel and enjoying this more rustic area of Italy, and this is never more true than visiting out of season. You can also take part in a cooking class or visit the hot springs near Segesta to warm you up. vintage bus ride or a private tour with a local operator. And if you're planning your trip for January and think you'll miss all the Christmas festivities, think again! Aside from providing the much-needed sun and warmth, Lisbon's winter temperature is the best temperature for exploring its many hills. I always assumed Europe was freezing cold in winter, but I guess thats not entirely true! It is very rare to see snow in Mijas in winter, in fact it happens every ten years and the last time was in 2012. The nightlife on the island of Ibiza in the winter is as bubbly as it is in the summer, though some clubs are closed. Rome only just made it onto this winter sun destinations list, as it can be quite chilly in winter (sometimes it can even snow!). One of the warmest places in Europe in winter, Malta still has highs of 16/17C or early 60s Fahrenheit in even in the colder months. Apart from the Palace, don't miss the famous medieval bridge (le Pont d'Avignon), built to cross the Rhne River to access the Mediterranean Sea from Lyon. The days are getting shorter, you feel the lack of natural For history buffs, a visit to the ruins of the theatre of Termessos is a must. 1. The Canary Islands are located in the Atlantic Ocean, near the northern coast of Africa. For some great articles about destinations, check out: loredanaelena Warmer and sunnier than most European countries during this time of year, Lisbon's welcoming clear blue skies, bright sunshine, and 16C temperature make it an attractive winter destination in Europe. It was both a Greek and Roman colony, which means that there is a lot to see and learn! Located 300 miles off the coast of Africa, the small Portuguese island of Madeira, is commonly known as the island of eternal spring. Theyre certainly chillier in the winter, but warmer than places further north, and they have gorgeous beaches and landscapes. The great thing about hiking in the Algarve in winter is the weather; it's warm and sunny most of the days, but not too hot like it gets in the summer. Home to two excellent golf courses it's a great destination for winter sun golf breaks. In winter, the number of visitors declines, and the lucky winter visitors can enjoy a quiet walk and get photos without tourist crowds in the background. ), Wonderful Places to Visit in Portugal in Winter (plus tips), Epic Things to do in Dubrovnik in Winter (Plus Day Trips! For those who shy away from cold weather, the Greek island of Crete is one of the warmest European places to visit in winter. While France has some excellent skiing destinations, it is also a great place to head to for some winter sun. Submitted by Claudia Tavani from Strictly Sardinia. Plus, these are sun destinations Andalucia, the southernmost province in Spain, is typically very dry and sunny! If you do visit make sure to stop at Caff Libarium for a sunset drink and the best views in town. Dubai is filled with plenty of brilliant things to see and do, including the Burj Khalifa and IMG Worlds of Adventure - and it's easy to spend hours in its shopping malls. Related articles. Faro is the largest city on the Algarve, a region that's known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and laid-back lifestyle. When the days are shorter, the sky is grey and you need a thick winter coat to go outside, you may find yourself dreaming of sunny destinations in winter. The weather is generally mild and sunny throughout winter, although there can be some cooler weather too. 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