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Chasing The Sun – The Best Winter Sun Destinations In Europe

Looking to escape the cold in the winter months? With lower temperatures and shorter days, winter can feel like a long season to get through, so escaping to warmer climates can sometimes help recharge batteries and give you a much needed break.

Traditional city with honey coloured buildings by the sea, with small yachts in the harbour and mountains in the background

But you don’t have to go all the way to the Caribbean or the Yucatan in Mexico. Here’s some help finding the best winter sun destinations in Europe.

The Best Winter Sun Destinations in Europe

Algarve, Portugal

Golden sandy beach with a rocky shoreline and honey coloured sandstone cliffs and deep blue sea. The Algarve is one of the most popular winter sun destinations in Europe

When winter leaves you craving golden beaches and sunshine, the Portuguese Algarve makes for a wonderful escape.

With daytime temperatures ranging between 15°C and 18°C (59°F and 64°F), working on your tan might be a bit ambitious but the mild weather is perfect for a more active approach.

Winter is when rolling waves cast a spell on both inexperienced and seasoned surfers and when the local golf season peaks. The hiking trails that hug the spectacular Algarve coastline are uncrowded and the secluded beaches become the most romantic private picnic locations.

No matter where you stay in the Algarve – from lively Lagos to fabulous Faro – you’ll find history, culture and authenticity around every corner.

Visit the white-washed villages without the crowds and treat yourself to a heart-warming Portuguese meal in a local restaurant. When night falls, head to your luxurious retreat to indulge in a soothing spa treatment, a magnetic moment of bliss after a day of adventure.

Check other places to stay in Algarve here

By Sarah from CosmopoliClan

Antalya, Turkey

Pretty coastal town in a small natural harbour with small yachts in turquoise waters

Turkey is one of the places to catch some of the best winter sun in Europe, specifically the south of Turkey. With average temperatures around 16°C (60°F) during the day and 6°C (40°F) at night, Antalya is one of the warmest places in Europe during winter. 

Sure, it’s not beach weather, but it is the perfect temperature for some sightseeing of which there is plenty around Antalya. 

You can wander around the old town, the old harbor, or ancient ruins without the heat. Some of the most interesting roman sites include Hidirlik Kalesi, a fortress tower, the theater in Aspendos, Perge, and Phaselis.

If you do happen to find yourself in Antalya on a rainy day, you can check out the Antalya museum that covers Turkish history or the Karain Cave.

Once you have seen enough of Antalya during your stay, head out to Olympos or Çirali, two popular villages nearby. Or check out the beautiful natural parks in the area, such as Köprülü Canyon National Park or Karst Springs.

The good thing about visiting those places during the winter months is that you find beautiful green nature.

Check hotels in Antalaya here

By Lara from The Best Travel Gifts

Athens, Greece

Acropolis Greek Temple with columns and stones around it

Athens is a perfect place for winter sun in Europe. With cooler temperatures and plenty of sunshine, the city offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring

The good news is that you don’t have to elbow your way through the crowds of tourists. Most of the tourists come here from May through September which means that winter is a perfect time to explore the Greek capital.

While the weather in Athens is relatively warm throughout winter, it’s not uncommon to have rain. The temperature stays between 10°C and 15°C (50°F to 59°F) on the low side, and with plenty of sunshine you can spend your entire day outside without getting cold.

As the cradle of Western civilization, Greece, and especially Athens boast tons of historic landmarks, great museums and wonderful scenery. It has also some great boutique hotels you can stay at.

But in winter you have a great chance to spend time outdoors as mild temperatures make being outside more pleasant than during the height of summer. 

I suggest doing a complete tour of Acropolis, walking around Syntagma Square and visiting Mount Lycabettus to see the sprawling views of the city. These are only a few ideas for things to do in Athens.

Check hotels in Athens here

By Daria from The Discovery Nut

Azores, Portugal

View over two lakes surrounded by lush green forests

The Azores are a Portuguese archipelago located right in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, half way through between North America and Europe.

These beautiful islands are unique and offer great weather when the rest of Europe is covered in snow and dark clouds.

The islands have different topographical features from desert to lush greenery and volcanic lakes.

The weather here is around 18°C to 20°C (64°F to 68°F) in winter with plenty of sunshine. But whatever is missing is easily made up for by the volcanic springs that offer perfect evenings in thermal, mineral rich waters, most of which are open till late in the evening.

The islands are also beautiful and there is a lot to see and do here, from the twin crater blue and green lakes in Sete Cidades, to scuba diving, and tasting the great and cheap food with perfect Portuguese wines.

It’s not easy to hop between islands in the winter, but whatever island you land on, there is plenty to see and do to keep you busy for a week or so.

The best and most famous of these islands is Ilha de São Miguel which is famous for its thermal springs, especially the beautiful Terra Nostra Park in Furnas.

If you’re looking for some sun, luxury and relaxation look no further than Azores, they will win your heart over at touchdown of your plane.

Check hotels in Azores here

By Ucman from Brown Boy Travels

Cadiz, Spain

Waterfront lined up with classical buildings and a domed church

With over 300 sunny days a year, Cadiz is one of the best European destinations in winter when you are searching for a little warmth.

The average temperatures in Cadiz over the winter season are between 10°C and 17°C (50°F to 62°F), with only a few days of rain per month.

Cadiz is one of the liveliest cities in the South of Spain. Even if Cadiz is the oldest attested city in Europe, its spirit is very young, with locals who love to go out and flood its streets with laughter and cheer.

One of the best places to visit in Cadiz if you want to experience its soul is the fish market. Here, in the morning, you can buy the freshest fish – so fresh that it was still swimming in the early hours of the day. In the afternoon, you can taste the same fresh fish in the restaurants and tapas bars adjacent to the market. 

Cadiz is also a historical town, with beautiful old walls and arches that still stand the proof of time, since the 13th century. 

The Cathedral of Cadiz was built during the wealthy years of the city, when the trade with America was flourishing.

The best view of the cathedral is from Paseo del Vendaval, where its golden roof reflects in the ocean water below and is accentuated by the sunset and sunrise colours. 

Check hotels in Cadiz here

By Joanna from Andalucia in my Pocket

Cartagena, Spain

Arial view of a Roman amphitheatre built in the middle of a city with the sea and mountains in the background

Located on the Mediterranean coast, in the province of Murcia, Cartagena is the most important naval port city in Spain. It has a large naval shipyard. The city is a phenomenal combination of historical and modern architecture which makes it a must-visit. 

The city shows a great history and iconic views when you visit here. If you want to experience the Spanish culture, you should visit the place at least once in your lifetime. 

There are some fun things to do in Cartagena that you can enjoy on your visit that include enjoying the marvel that is the Roman Theatre, visiting the Palacio Consistorial, learning history at the Archaeological Museum, and more.

The city has hot semi-arid weather throughout the year as it is located on the coast. Though, you can feel oceanic winds during some times of the year. The city brings a cool yet tolerable winter in the months of mid-September that lasts till March. 

The average temperature you’d feel there is between 12°C and 15°C (53°F and 59°F) in the winter season. Due to the moderate winters, you can visit Cartagena to soak up the winter sun and explore the historical corners of the city. 

Check hotels in Cartagena here

By Paulina from Visit Southern Spain

Catania, Italy

City square with a tall fountain in the middle and surrounded by Baroque style buildings

When it gets chilly at home, we all dream about a sunny holiday. Catania, in the Eastern part of Sicily, is a great winter destination to enjoy some of that sun we miss at home.

The average high temperature during the winter is about 16°C (59°F), which isn’t bad at all, right?

Bring your light jacket and sunglasses and enjoy everything Catania has to offer. About that, Catania is a unique Baroque city with its center made almost entirely out of black lava stone. 

Create your Catania Itinerary and visit Sant’Agata Cathedral in Piazza del Duomo, the center of historic Catania, then take a stroll through the city’s main shopping street, Via Etnea.

As you might imagine, you can always see Mount Etna while walking on Via Etnea. Don’t miss Ursino Castle, the Roman theater, and the loud fish market by Piazza del Duomo.

Another thing you should do while in Catania is to take a day trip to Mount Etna, the most impressive active volcano in Europe. You can even go skiing on Etna’s trails, then get back to the higher temperatures in Catania, all in the same holiday.

Check hotels in Catania here

By Anda from Travel for a While

Crete, Greece

Colourful fishing boats on a harbour with a little church and a small city in the background. Crete is a great winter sun destination in Europe

Crete is one of the best winter destinations in Europe, when temperatures remain warm and balmy and the sites crowd free but still accessible.

While there can be rain and cooler days, in the largest of the Greek islands temperatures remain fairly constant with highs around 6°C (42°F). 

This can be a great time to visit some of the big sites across the country particularly Knossos, one of the oldest cities in Europe, and often crowded with tourists through the summer. Wander through the abandoned remains of this Minoan Palace which is really atmospheric. 

Winter is also the perfect time to visit the pretty towns of Chania and Rethymno where you can sit for coffee and loukoumades (delicious honey drenched Green doughnuts) in the cafes and watch the world slowly drift by. 

If you’re looking for something more active then this can be a great time to cycle in Crete and there are some breathtaking trails around the island with the cooler temperatures making this endeavour a much more pleasant experience. 

There are some fantastic family hotels in Crete which remain open through the season to enjoy as the sun sets.

Check hotels in Crete here

By Nichola from Global Mouse Travels

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Aerial view of the city built on a spit of land protruding into turquoise blue waters

Dubrovnik is one of the best winter sun destinations in Europe and the crown jewel of Croatia with its ancient walls and spectacular views.

With average temperatures of 12°C (53 °F) and hardly any crowds, you will have Stradun, the main street in the Old Town, all to yourself.

Dubrovnik at Christmas time can feel like a fairy tale town, decorated in winter colours, and it’s the perfect time to discover special Croatian traditions which involve amazing Mediterrean food. 

The main attraction in Dubrovnik is the famous City Walls, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A great way to enjoy the Old Town is by taking a guided walking tour. 

Take a cable car to Mount Srđ where you will be able to enjoy fabulous views. The forts of Dubrovnik specially Lovrijenac are marvellous at any time of the day, and Lokrum and Lopud islands make for great day trips.

Check hotels in Dubrovnik here

By Gabrijela from Under Flowery Sky 

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Gran Canaria, Spain

Small street lined up with traditional two storey houses with wooden balconies and a church at the end

Gran Canaria is an excellent destination for some winter sun in Europe. It is one of the Spanish Canary Islands, and because it’s situated by the northwestern coast of Africa, even in winter the sun doesn’t stop shining and day temperatures don’t fall below 15°C (60°F).

Winter weather is perfect for getting up from your sun loungers (at least some of the time) and exploring the island, which is much more than its beautiful beaches. 

Head to Maspalomas to see the stunning sand dunes. The site is a nature’s wonder and is best to visit at sunset when the sun rays are glistening in the sand, creating a beautiful view. 

Rent a car and go on a road trip around the island to explore its beautiful mountainous landscape and authentic, little villages.

Visit Teror, which is the island’s spiritual centre and a picturesque town with colourful, colonial-style houses and narrow, charming alleys. Stop at Tagoror, a restaurant in a cave that offers a very unique dining experience.

Choose between other exciting things to do in winter which include duty-free shopping in Las Palmas, water sports on Playa del Ingles and hiking some outstanding trails at Pico de Las Nieves. 

Check hotels in Gran Canaria here

By Mal from Raw Mal Roams

Kotor, Montenegro

View of the city of Kotor by a natural harbour surrounded by mountains

Kotor, one of the best places to visit in Montenegro, is among the most popular destinations in the Balkans. However, if you visit Kotor in winter, you will most likely be one of the very few tourists there and you will be able to get to know the town in-depth.

Kotor is well-known for its stunning location, at the end of the fjord, and charming old town.

It’s a pure pleasure to discover all the winding lanes, charming corners, and centuries-old palaces without too many people around (which is often the case in Kotor in the high season).

But the highlight of Kotor is climbing up to the fortress high above the town – it is a bit challenging with over a thousand steps but the views from above are worth the effort.

Winter temperatures in Kotor are relatively mild, around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), but this should be enough to enjoy the outdoor activities and even sit outside for a cup of coffee with the locals.

Check hotels in Kotor here

By Kami from My Wanderlust

Lisbon, Portugal

City square with a three tier fountain and a column surrounded by trees and buildings

Lisbon is a gorgeous city and has something for everyone in every season, even winter. As you wander the steep, beautifully paved streets it’s hard to imagine it’s even winter with the sun shining in this beautiful city.

Average temperatures are between 9°C and 15°C (48°F to 59°F), and it gets the highest number of sunny days of any other capital city in Europe, so a visit to Lisbon in winter is a must.

Public transport will get you to some amazing destinations easily. Visit the ruins of the Carmo Convent tower overlooking Rossio Square, and take the Santa Justa lift to the top of the steep streets Lisbon is known for.

You can visit the Maritime Museum where you can learn about the ‘discoveries’ by Portuguese sailors. If you are visiting Lisbon with kids, get the Yellow hop on hop off bus to quickly see all of the sites in the city.

On a beautiful winter day, you can take a day trip to Sintra and visit where the Portuguese Royals had their holiday homes, or you can get the famous tram up to Castelo Sao Jorge for views over the city. 

You can go back in time in the Belem Tower and stay warm in the Jeronimos Monastery. If you really are unlucky and strike a cold day in Lisbon there’s nothing better than tucking into some Pasteis de Belem in a warm little coffee shop.

Check hotels in Lisbon here

Bec from Wyld Family Travel

Madeira, Portugal

Madeira is not only a great destination for adventure lovers, but it’s one of the top places to catch some of the best winter sun in Europe.

With average temperatures around 13ºC (55ºF) during the day and 6ºC (40ºF) at night, Madeira is one of the warmest places in Europe during the winter months.

It may not necessarily be beach weather, but there are plenty of things to do in Funchal, the capital, and all over the island.

Wander around the old town enjoying the famous Painted Doors of Funchal, or sample the delicious Madeira food on a food tour.

If you are feeling a little bit adventurous, why not take to the hills and do a levada walk, go canyoning, or dolphin and whale spotting on a catamaran?

The great thing about visiting Madeira during the winter is that it’s quieter and the nature is incredibly lush and green.

Check hotels in Madeira here

Malaga, Spain

Modern architectural structure built along a promenade with the sea on one side and a line of palm trees on the other

Malaga is the largest city in Costa Del Sol and a perfect beach destination in Spain with 300 days of sunshine a year. Thanks to its year round Mediterranean sunny climate it is one of the best winter sun destinations in Europe.

Malaga has many beaches that are world-famous for their beauty, with green palms swaying on the white sand and its deep blue waters.

This coastal city in southern Spain is one of the oldest cities in Europe and has a lot of interesting architecture too. It is the birthplace of Picasso so it also has great arty vibes.

The nightlife of Malaga is very lively with colorful traditional tapas bars, cafes and modern clubs that are open till 6 am.

You can also go on a day trip to the white villages of Andalucia, the historical city of Granada or, if you’re brave enough, to El Caminito del Rey.

Check hotels in Malaga here

Yutki from Travel With Me 24/7 Blog

Mallorca, Spain

Mountainous harbour with hundreds of small yachts in turquoise blue waters

Rigth next to the idyllic island of Menorca, Spain, we find Mallorca, the perfect place for nature-lovers at any time of the year – including in the winter months! While summer sees busy beaches and crowded towns, in winter a quiet solitude envelopes the island, and it’s the ideal time to experience the hidden gems in Mallorca

The cooler months mean empty hiking trails, quieter roads for cycling, private sandy nooks to build sandcastles on and a slower pace of life.

By visiting in winter, you’ll also benefit from paying less for your accommodation in Mallorca, although some hotels do close over the winter. 

Temperatures are perfect for sightseeing without working up a sweat, hovering in the mid-teens during the day, and often accompanied by clear blue skies. But do be warned that the mountainous areas of the island do get much cooler, so pack appropriately if you’re planning on tackling the hill trails. 

Spend days touring the historical sights of Palma, shopping in the interesting boutiques, taking the Soller train to the quaint town of the same name, hiking the island’s trails, and enjoying the authentic village life away from the capital too.

Check hotels in Mallorca here

By Nadine from Le Long Weekend

Marbella, Spain

City square with cafe tables and parasols, sculpted gardens and a very ornate street light, surrounded by a big building. Marbella is one of the best winter sun destinations is Europe

Marbella in southern Spain is one of the best places for winter sun in Europe, during December and January. Even though these months are the two coolest, this still means very pleasant daytime temperatures of around 17°C to 23°C (62°F to 73°F).

This part of Spain also doesn’t receive too much rain, so you can expect sunny, warm days to enjoy dozens of activities in and near Marbella, such as golfing, sailing, hiking, sightseeing and walking along the beach promenade. 

Although Marbella’s beach clubs will be closed, and the nightlife fairly quiet compared to summer, you will still find the Old Town of Marbella the perfect place to spend the evenings.

Also known as Casco Antiguo, this area is a labyrinth of narrow laneways, lined with stylish boutique stores draped in tumbling bougainvillea.

The buildings are all excellent examples of Moorish architecture, and the main square, Plaza de los Naranjos is a stunning, 15th century Castilian square. In the evenings, the square is filled with lively sounds of local musicians and is a charming place for dinner. 

Marbella is ideally located to explore the rest of Andalusia. You could take a boat trip to Puerto Banus or even head up to the Sierra Nevada for a morning skiing, before returning to the beach in the afternoon to catch some rays! 

Check hotels in Marbella here

By Claire from Stoked to Travel

Marseille, France

Harbour flanked by a tower and fortress and a modern glass building, with the city in the background

Marseille, in the south of France, is a great destination for winter sun in Europe.

The capital of the region of Provence is one of the sunniest cities in France, with more than 130 hours of sun during the winter months, and the average temperature in winter never drops below 7ºC (45ºF).

Marseille is both a cultural and gastronomic destination with many things to see and do. We recommend a minimum of 2 days in Marseille, more if you want to do a day trip somewhere in Provence or in the French Riviera.

The list of fun things to do in Marseille includes the Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, the Old Port with its colorful fishing boats, the Fish Market, the Old Town and the MuCEM (Museum of Mediterranean cultures).

The Airport of Marseille receives many international flights but if you are visiting Paris before, the train ride from Paris to Marseille is less than 3 hours by TGV train from Paris Gare de Lyon.

Check hotels in Marseille here

By Elisa from France Bucket List

Menton, France

Traditional city with honey coloured buildings by the sea, with small yachts in the harbour and mountains in the background

One of the best destinations in Europe for winter sun is the town of Menton in France. It is a great place to visit for its weather, things to do and overall feeling. It is located in the French Riviera and is very close to Nice and Monaco.

Menton is a beautiful town and it doesn’t really feel like winter there. Temperatures do not go below 12°C (54°F)  and there are only a few days when you can expect rain.

The beach is a great spot that you have to visit. From the beach you can see the colourful houses of Menton which look amazing! 

The town is famous for its botanical gardens. Of these, the Jardin Botanique is great to visit. Also, walking through the town’s picturesque streets while seeing stunning French architecture is a lot of fun.

The town is not that big, so you can easily walk through the whole city in a short amount of time.

Menton has a very central location from which you explore more of the area surrounding it by train! In short, Menton in winter is a lovely experience!

Check hotels in Menton here

By Dymphe from Dymabroad

Naples, Italy

Scenic picture-postcard view of the city of Napoli (Naples) with famous Mount Vesuvius in the background in golden evening light at sunset, Campania, Italy. The best view when spending one day in Naples

Located in Southern Italy, Naples is one of the best winter sun destinations in Europe. 

With an average temperature of 14°C (57°F), visiting Naples in winter is a very pleasant thing to do. As there aren’t many tourists, you won’t need to queue to visit the attractions and the overall experience is more authentic. 

If you can, stay in the city centre so you will be within walking distance of all the main sites including Naples Underground, Chapel Sansevero and the Royal Palace.

To discover more about the history of Naples, make sure to go on a walking tour with a local. The best ones are the Old Town tour and the Spanish Quarters tour

Visiting the Castel Sant’Elmo is also a very unique experience. It’s located up a hill so you will have to take the funicular to get there. From the castle, you will discover breath-taking views over the city and Mount Vesuvius.

In the evening, go for a stroll at the port. It’s beautiful and pretty lively. 

Finally, make sure to go on a day trip from Naples to Pompeii or Herculaneum to discover more about the Roman civilisation. If you’d rather go to the seaside, the Amalfi Coast or Capri island are great options.

Check hotels in Naples here

By Pauline from Beeloved City

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Nice, France

A city square with a large fountain in the middle on a black and white tiled floor, with pink terracotta coloured buildings around it. Nice is idea for winter sun in Europe

Nice is one of the biggest cities along the French Riviera, and a must for anyone looking for culture and sun. It’s a location that attracts lots of celebrities and nobility, especially during the winter months when the city isn’t overrun with tourists.

With winter temperatures ranging between 7°C to 15°C (45°F to 60°F), it’s no wonder the city is a top choice for those in the know. 

During the warmer afternoons, you can grab a gelato and stroll along the well-known Promenade des Anglais in nothing more than a light jacket. It curves almost five miles along the famous Bay of Angels.

While walking, stop at the historic Hotel Negresco to grab a bite on their patio in the sunshine. When you’re done eating, stop inside to check out the interiors of the hotel, they’re stunning! 

As the sun sets and the weather cools off in the late afternoon, head to the Matisse Museum on Cimiez Hill. It’s in a 17th-century villa that houses much of his work from the 1890s through World War II. 

In the evening, grab dinner in the Old Town. It’s an area of Nice that’s got lots of charming restaurants, cobble-stoned streets, and it’s fantastic for people-watching.

Check hotels in Nice here

By Ally from Ally Travels

Palermo, Italy

Looking up at a gothic building with a tower and with palm trees in front of it

Palermo is the capital of the beautifully, and always sunny island of Sicily. It is the perfect getaway for the winter as the average temperature is a cozy 15°C (59°F) and rainy days are few and far between. 

If that does not sway you, perhaps the thought of their amazing street food will. Italy as a country is very well known for their food – the best in the world according to some.

Aside from the traditional pizza and pasta, be sure to try the typical Sicilian street food of Palermo on a street food tour.  

You cannot leave the city without visiting some of their local churches. They are unlike any other churches you will have seen before, each one of them just a little different.

Also don’t forget to visit the Norman Palace, the most well-known Arab-Norman architecture in Palermo. The oldest parts of the palace were built  back in the 9th century thus making it making it the oldest royal palace in all of Europe. Today the building is the seat of the Sicilian Regional Assembly. 

Check hotels in Palermo here

By Caroline from Veggie Wayfarer

Puglia, Italy

Rugged coast with turquoise blue waters and a classical city in the background

A real hidden gem on the south-eastern tip of Italy, the province of Puglia is one of the most under-the-radar winter sun destinations in Europe. This is despite having some of the most beautiful cities in Italy.

Popular with domestic tourism, Puglia has recently seen an influx of international visitors during the peak summer months, yet it remains relatively quiet during the winter, despite its year-round sunny climate, beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters.

November is a great time to visit Puglia, with lower prices for hotels and hardly any other tourists around, yet temperatures remaining between 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F) plus clear blue skies and plenty of sunshine.

The perfect weather for traversing the narrow streets of the region’s numerous historic cities and even sitting on the beach for an afternoon to enjoy a gelato or spritz.

Throughout the rest of winter, the temperature drops a little to a comfortable 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), however days remain bright and sunny and you’ll be able to experience the region’s many winter festivities. 

In December you’ll get to explore the quaint coastal towns draped in traditional Christmas decorations and see the famous living crib of Polignano a Mare, while in January and February you can’t miss the exciting Carnivals of Putignano and Gallipoli, Italy – some of the oldest Carnivals in all of Europe.

Check hotels in Puglia here

Emily from London City Calling

Rome, Italy

View of an ancient bridge of a river leading up to a round medieval castle

Rome is a must visit and a great place for winter sun. In average, temperatures range between 3-5 degrees at night and 12-14 in daytime, which is wonderful on a sunny day. It’s recommended to wear layers so you can adjust if it gets windy or you walk a lot and get warm. 

Featuring astounding Roman ruins like the Forum Romanum and the Colosseum, mesmerizing basilicas like the Saint Peter church, the Vatican city, tasty pizza in Trastevere, your itinerary will be jam packed and you should at least spend 4 days in Rome if you want to see more of the city. 

Winter is the perfect time to wander around Villa Borghese, the biggest park in the city. It’s the perfect place to rent a rowboat to get a different view from one of the park’s ponds or relax in the grass with a good travel book.

It’s also a good time to walk around Piazza Navona, where you’ll find a lot of artists selling their art. The Pantheon is also a must-see and make sure you make time for getting lost in the streets, throwing a coin into the Trevi fountain, and enjoying a glass of wine in the sun.

Check hotels in Rome here

By Linn from Brainy Backpackers

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Santorini, Greece

View of white houses built over a cliff overlooking the see with pink bougainvillea flowers

Santorini has been described as the jewel of the Aegean but also as the supermodel of the Aegean and a wonderful winter sun destination in Europe.

This Greek island receives millions of tourists a year but it is only 18 km in length and becomes extraordinarily crowded in peak season. 

In winter, however, the cruise ships don’t arrive and this stunning island is yours to explore! Greece’s Pompeii – Ancient Akrotiri, the hike from Fira to Oia, the famous Santorini sunsets, and sailing around the caldera are all still possible and enjoyable in the middle of winter.

Santorini’s accommodation is seriously luxe and in winter it costs very little to sit in your private heated Jacuzzi looking out over the Aegean to the volcano! Cave houses and luxury hotel rooms in sophisticated Oia can be booked without long lead times and at highly reduced prices.

With average temperatures of 10°C to 14°C (50°F to 57°F), a sweater is required.

Swimming from the boat to the thermal springs at the volcano is bracing, and scuba diving requires a wetsuit. The days are mild, many of the bars and restaurants are still open, as are the shops, galleries and museums.

Check hotels in Santorini here

By Monique from Trip Anthropologist

Seville, Spain

Bridge arching over a small pond with ornate classical buildings in the background

If you are looking for a sunny European winter break, then Seville needs to be on your radar. As one of the best European cities to visit in spring, and being one of the most southern cities in Spain, even in winter there are plenty of bright sunny days.

Temperatures on average hover at around 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 66°F) during the day. In the sun it can feel even warmer than this. Do take a jacket for the evenings as it can get down to single figures.

With the warm weather and the fact that it’s a compact city, you can see the best of Seville in 3 days, it makes the perfect winter sun break.

Additionally, visiting in the winter, especially in December and January, you’ll get to see the colourful orange trees ripen. There are over 31,000 orange trees planted around the city, so during these months, the air has a sweet smell to it. 

There are several must-see attractions in Seville, including the gigantic Seville Cathedral along with its towering Giralda. Nearby is the Real Alcazar also worthy of a few hours of your time. It’s stunning! Both of these attractions are a stone’s throw from the maze-like cobbled streets of the Old Jewish Quarter. 

A short walk from the old city is the immense building of Plaza de España which features pretty tiled benches featuring each district in Spain and a mini moat you can hire a rowing boat on.

Check hotels in Seville here

By Becki from Meet Me In Departures

Sitges, Spain

Golden sand beach with a promenade lined with palm trees and a church in the background

One of Europe’s best winter sun destinations lies along the Costa Brava in Northern Spain about 40 minutes south of Barcelona. It’s the lovely seaside city of Sitges and a winter gem.

It is also popular with LGBTQ+ travelers who flock to gay Sitges in the summer, but the crowds subside in the winter making it the perfect time to visit.

The coastline of Sitges is stunning, with golden sand nestled between a rock wall and the sparkling Mediteranean Sea. Most years the city gets 310 days of sunshine per year and average temperatures are 16°C (60°F) during the depths of winter.

This means that boating and sunbathing in Sitges is almost always an option, even if swimming is a little cold. 

Sitges is also a magnificently picturesque destination that has charming cobblestone streets and buildings from the medieval era. Another beautiful site is the church of Iglesia de San Bartolomé y Santa Tecla, a seaside church you can reach by walking the shoreline.

The food and drink scene in Sitges is also a reason to visit as you can enjoy a drink on the Passeig Maritim, the coastal promenade. Dining outside in the winter is perfect and the tapas in Sitges are a great winter treat.

Check hotels in Sitges here

By Derek and Mike from Robe Trotting

Albania

Empty golden sand beach with a small town and mountains in the distance

Looking to head to the land of wheat, grape, olives and wine during the winter months?

Albania is the oft-missed country enjoying the benefits of a dry summer climate contrasted with classic Mediterranean “mild” winters, sprinkles of rain and few clouds. Expect temperatures of 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 60°F).

With sweeping coastlines known by some as the “Albanian Riviera”, others by the final vestiges of the untouched Cradle of Western Civilisation; no doubt about it: Albania is raw, unadulterated beauty in its purest form. 

A vast country, both in size and culture, visitors to Albania in winter appreciate the unique criss-cross of Byzantine-Ottoman-Roman-llyrian culture in this region of the world.

Take time in Tirana, of course! Whilst in town, tour the green spaces of the Grand Park of Tirana and Park Rinia. For some fun and history, meander  around Skanderbeg Square, and nearby, find a bustling restaurant and bar scene.

Do not underestimate how much you will enjoy sun, coast, camping, hiking, watersports and lake life in Albania. Water babies and mountaineers welcome. 

Check hotels in Albania here

By Amy from Amy Guides

Cyprus

View of an ancient Greek archaeological site with views over the sea

If you’re looking for one of the best winter sun destinations in Europe, then look no further than the beautiful island nation of Cyprus.

Situated in the southeastern Mediterranean off the coast of Lebanon, Cyprus is known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, friendly people and abundant sunshine. Because of its perennial warm weather, it is very worth planning a trip to Cyprus in the winter months. 

The island nation sees over 300 days of sunshine per year and while winter temperatures may not be quite warm enough for sprawling on the beach. You can still enjoy average highs of about 18°C (64°F) between the months of December and February, with the shoulder months of November and March reaching temperatures in the low 20s C (low 70s F).

Because of the mild temperatures and sunny days, visiting Cyprus in winter is ideal for those who are interested in exploring the island’s many historic sites that are located throughout the island.

Avoiding both the crowds and heat of summer will make exploring this country infinitely more pleasant and you’re sure to welcome an escape from the dreary temperatures found in the majority of continental Europe!

Check hotels in Cyprus here

By Maggie from The World Was Here First

Malta

Baroque cathedral on the edge of the sea reflected on the water with small fishing boats in the forefront

If you are looking for a unique place to visit with plenty of winter sun in Europe, Malta is the perfect destination. With only a few inches of rain per month, you can expect comfortable days ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 60°F), making it ideal to enjoy sightseeing around this interesting island.

The Capital city of Valletta has a stylish, European city feel set on a backdrop of ancient to modern architecture. You’ll find streets lined with cafes to enjoy Maltese wine and traditional specialties.

Visiting the Baroque St John’s Co-Cathedral is a must for the ornate interiors and Caravaggio paintings. 

Game of Thrones fans will want to visit filming locations in the medieval walled cities of Mdina and Rabat and the island of Gozo.

The Blue Lagoon is another showstopper where you can truly appreciate the incredible color of the water around Malta. Spending 3 Days in Malta will allow you to see a different part of the island each day.

Check hotels in Malta here

By Jenifer from The Evolista

Do you have any other suggestions for winter sun destinations in Europe?
Let me know in the comments!

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The best winter sun destinations in Europe
The best winter sun destinations in Europe