The Top 35 Warmest Places for Winter Sun, Autumn in Europe: 21 Stunning Destinations for Fall, Europe Winter Destinations: 22 Amazing Wintry Places, France Road Trip 13 Amazing Itineraries. On occasions, the weather in the early days of November or the last few days of March is so warm that you can even take a dip in the sea. Known for its sheltered sandy beaches, clear waters and coral reefs, this is a great destination if you love being active whilst grabbing a bit of beach time. Known as the Florence of the South due to the many stunning examples of Baroque architecture in its central pedestrianised old town Lecce is a city to experience, rather than do. Popular due to its Mediterranean coastline and balmy temperatures all year round, Sicily is one of the best European destinations for winter sun, especially when the warm African winds blow north. The best part of visiting Malta in the off-season is getting to tour popular spots like Dwerja and Mdina without the typical crowds. The Mediterranean climate is typified by hot and dry summers. Tarifa is probably one of the best places to travel to in winter. Malta Malta is a wonderful vacation getaway, with warm weather all year. Mediterranean climate | Definition, Region, Map, & Facts The most popular destination is the French Riviera, which has an average winter temperature of the high 50s to low 60s. Sicily, Italy (the southern and eastern coast, including Taormina, Catania, Syracuse); 12. Madeira sits 350 miles from the coast of Morocco and enjoys temperatures in double figures and delightful sunny days throughout the winter months. For European travelers and expats, Eilat is a real treasure. The sea helps to keep the . . Alternatively, it is about a 3 hour drive or bus ride from Lisbon. Andalusia climate: weather by month, temperature, rain - Climates to Travel Lets have a look at the average number of bright sunshine hours (given as range across October-April): If youre not determined to hunt down beach weather, that frees up plenty of time to enjoy some of the best places in the Mediterranean in winter minus the crowds and the sweat and the prices of peak summer. Antalya is a very good choice to escape the cold weather, especially if you want to visit a place that offers plenty of things to do. The season between November and March, especially December and January, brings most of the annual precipitation, but you can still enjoy a number of clear sunny days. Second is Madeira with temperatures around 22C in Funchal. The Mediterranean coast basks in the warmest winters of Europe where cities from Barcelona to Athens enjoy daily highs averaging 12 degrees Celsius (54 degrees Fahrenheit) or more. Average winter temperature: 18C Best for: a quieter couples' city break. While its not warm enough to swim, Baris weather stays pretty mild in winter and the mercury rarely drops below freezing. Marrakech13-2155-70Clear days, chilly nights, brief downpours I highly recommend exploring Trastevere, a charming area of Rome that has plenty of restaurants and bars. Explored by Constance of The Adventures of Panda Bear. Crete in winter can reach daily highs of 16c, with occasional days around 18c or 19c, with sunny weather prevailing around half the time. Although being very beautiful sometimes, in general, winter is a season that most people try to avoid by traveling to warm and exotic places. Stroll around the charming streets getting lost between medieval buildings, visit the stunning cathedral which is a perfect fusion of Baroque, Neoclassical, and Gothic from the 17thcentury. To give you an indication of sea temperatures (given as range across October-April): Warm doesnt necessarily mean sunny, and vice versa. Go on a guided tour of the Alcazar and stroll around Alameda vieja. Costa del Sol, Andalusia, Spain (Marbella, Malaga, Nerja, Fuengirola, Benalmadena etc. Most of the islands are a fantastic choice if you need some winter sun, but you need to check the place of your choice in advance since the temperatures in winter vary in a wide range between 10 and 16C (50 60.8F). RELATED POST: Greece Road Trip Two Incredible Routes. Warmest Places in Europe in December through February Here are my top picks for the best warm places in Europe in winter, in no particular order. On occasions, however, the mercury can hit the mid or even the upper-20-s (77F) or more. The remains of a 2,000 year old Roman Amphitheatre, the stunning Piazza del Duomo with its striking Cathedral and the Basilica di Santa Croce are just a few of the many highlights. Going further into the island of Sao Miguel, it is best to check out the hot springs of the island. The New York Times. This is because of its specific location on the shore of a small and shallow bay on the drier and sunnier eastern coast of the island. Whilst the Mediterranean climate is still milder than Northern Europe, winter can still bring low temperatures and lashing of rain. Winter in Spain: 7 Warmest places in Mainland Spain for winter sunshine Its medieval core is quite well-preserved and is a joy to wander around and get lost in. As do Marrakech, Fes, and Tunis. It is possible to find a sunshine holiday in winter, but you might have to stretch the definitions of short-haul and beach break. The Palm, a manmade sweep of beach packed with superb hotels, each with its own immaculate patch of beach, is perfect for family holidays. Causeway Coastal Route: The Best Road Trip In Ireland? According to scientists, the climate of Benidorm has some surprising tropical features, which is a rare phenomenon in Europe. Nice is a great place for sightseeing and I recommend spending at least 2 days in Nice to get a taste of what the city has to offer and visit the main sights. If you want to embrace the cosy winter vibe then consider Ljubljana in Slovenia, northern Italian cities such as Milan, Turin, Bergamo and Trieste, or Croatias Zagreb. But whats inside is what matters, and for you to fall in love with everything this city has to offer. In fact, you can even swim into the sea in January, although the water is a bit cold. Portugals Algarve Coast is the perfect place to visit if you are looking for the winter sun in Europe. The island of Fuerteventura is one of the most popular windsurfing spots in the world and offers some of the most beautiful golden beaches in the Canary Islands. The average daytime temperature in Hammamet is as follows: Average winter (November-March) daytime temperature: 18C / 64.4F. It wont be hot, but you wont be freezing cold either. Fears of hottest year on record as global temperatures spike Youll definitely want to taste the local Puglian food while youre here, as orecchiette is just one of many delicious local specialties. Diving is the big activity here, and many people come to learn. Remote and secluded, the island of Sardinia lies only 190 km (118 mi) off the northern coast of Africa. It really comes alive during the wintertime, where you can cozy up in a wine bar for an aperitif. The 10 Warmest Destinations for Winter Sun in Europe A Mediterranean climate ( / mdtrenin / MED-ih-t-RAY-nee-n ), also called a dry summer climate, described by Kppen as Cs, is a temperate climate type that occurs in the lower mid-latitudes (normally 30 to 44 north and south latitude). Theres nothing like a quick blast of sunshine; flip flop weather when its raining cats and dogs back home. Cagliari, Sardinia. RELATED POST: How to Road Trip Eclectic Sicily, Explored by Sally of Loving Life in Spain. And although cyclones bring 2 or 3 consecutive days with heavy rainfall and strong winds sometimes, this happens relatively more rarely in comparison with the other Balearic Islands. The charming hilltop town of Taormina is one of the best destinations in Europe for winter sun. Rome is a wonderful destination to get a little bit of winter sun. If you want to travel in Europe in December, you will find the best weather on the Canary Islands. La Valletta is the best place to visit in the country during the winter season as it is the most populated and cosmopolitan region in the country. The average daytime temperature varies depending on which island and which part of the island you have decided to visit. 23 Warmest Places In Europe in December to Escape the Cold Winter It can be a good time of year to explore Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan, just be sure to pack warm clothes for the cold nights. When it comes to warmth, Hvar is not only Croatia's sunniest spot, but is, in fact, Europe's sunniest island and supposedly one of the 15 sunniest places in the world. Average winter temperature: 26C. The further east you go through Europe, the more unpredictable the weather becomes. Located further south west of Mallorca and Menorca, Ibiza enjoys an even warmer and sunnier climate. Gran Canaria is best for hiking, national parks and huge beaches, whilstLanzaroteis ideal for a family holiday, with unique volcanic landscapes and natural wonders, typified in the imposing and dramatic Timanfaya National Park. The island itself is known for the large number of settlers from Northern Europe, especially Norway and Germany. 20 Best Cities to Visit in Eastern Europe. This Mediterranean island nation boasts more than 300 days of sunshine a year and has historic cities, beautiful beaches, ancient sites and perennial warm weather, making it one of the top winter sun holiday destinations in Europe. Mediterranean climate - Wikipedia Las Palmas has everything you can expect from a moderately big modern European city. Spend a few days in Dubrovnik for some of the best winter sight-seeing in Europe. Autumn and winter can be the best time of year for a city break in Europe. What European Country has the Most Beaches? It is known for its university and international airport. Where Are the Warmest Countries in Europe for Winter Sun? Funchal16-2161-70Long mild days with brief showers The city is located near the tropics, and in addition, it is protected from cold northern winds through the high Anaga Mountains. Most of them only get warm, its still winter after all, so weve included a few mid-haul destinations from western Europe to help you keep your options open. Walk along the old city walls for amazing views of all the orange roofs in the city and the Adriatic Sea. Probably, the first thing you want to know is if you can go to the beach between November and March. Its an awesome place for photography and relaxation! It's simple geography really: the north isn't going to be anywhere near as hot as the south in winter. Autumn is the perfect time for a holiday. Capital city Palma is prime city break territory - cheap and frequent flights, atmospheric historic streets, modern art galleries, a great shopping, and wonderful food. Banish all thoughts of Madeira as a destination for older folk, the island is the perfect location for a family break at all times of the year and delivers the perfect mix of beach breaks and cultural activities for all ages. Nice is a great destination to spend a winter sun break in Europe. For year-round sunshine, spotless beaches and impeccable service a short hop away, Dubai is an obvious choice. RELATED POST: The Perfect Andalucia Road Trip. The most popular of them are Faro, Lagos, Albufeira and Portimo, which are also some of the warmest towns in mainland Europe and respectively are the most tempting for retirees and other expats. Tenerife and Gran Canaria are already well-known, while other islands are yet to attract more and more visitors. So, the climate is another inevitable reason to visit for winter sun. From the rolling fields of Tuscany and the soaring mountains of the Sierra Nevada to the beaches of the South of France and the mighty Alps, you can find a European road trip route to suit your taste and travel style. The nights are drawing in already. Marbella is one of the most popular Mediterranean tourist cities and is the most attractive winter sun destination in Europe. Travelers often describe this place as a Garden of Eden. Malta Mellieha Bay Hotel/Oyster Average December Highs: 61F - 65F Average December Lows: 52F - 56F Average Hours of Sunshine: 9:48 Even if you've never heard of Malta, you've probably seen it's famed Blue Grotto on your Instagram feed or in your favorite travel magazine. Being too hot in summer, the Egyptian coastal city is a paradise during the winter season and you can expect wonderful weather between November and March. In France, head south to Avignon, Nice, Marseilles, Menton and Cannes. RELATED POST: One Day in Seville Itinerary, Map, Tips & Guide, Explored by Derek & Mike of Robe Trotting. Nothings better than sipping a hot Turkish coffee on a nice winter morning at the Pierre Loti Cafe and admiring the view. It is known for its generally high temperatures, scorching summers and balmy winters. Explored by Amanda of A Dangerous Business. 15 Mediterranean Destinations to Beat the Winter Blues Busy and colorful, the city is known for its bars, clubs, restaurants and museums, most of which remain open during the winter season. Be sure to check out Fort Lovrenjac, a fort located just outside the western walls of the city of Dubrovnik. The temperatures during the winter season are: Average winter (November-March) daytime temperature: 16.6C / 61.9F. And although Las Palmas is the main city, many expats prefer smaller and more quiet villages, especially along the southern shore, between the tourist towns of Puerto Rico and Maspalomas. There are also some wineries worth checking out. Furthermore, the lake provides a beautiful beach that is usually uninhabited and you can relax peacefully. Locals are very friendly and welcoming, perhaps because they dont see foreign tourists that often. You can either fly into Seville Airport or take a high-speed train if youre coming from other Spanish cities such as Barcelona, Granada, Cordoba, or Madrid. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a great choice if you want to escape the European winter but also it is a very good choice for year-round living. Costa del Sol is the warmest place in mainland Europe during the winter season. Other winter activities include warming up with a gin tasting at a local distillery, or marvelling at the islands many megalithic sites that date back to the bronze age. Since most of Europe is located quite further north, every year hundreds of thousands of Europeans try to find a good winter sun destination. Busy and cosmopolitan city, Tel Aviv is a great choice if you want to spend some time abroad in winter. The islands can be windy in the winter months, but if you enjoy sailing, wind-surfing and kiting, then so much the better! Feeling energetic? Use our detailed guide and travel tips to find French road trip ideas in every region, and to plan your ultimate France road trip. Make sure to hit the historical quarter of Castello, where you will find the well curated Museum of Archeology, the two watchtowers, and the beautiful Cathedral. Winter is also a good time of year to hike the hills above the Amalfi Coast. Its an ideal time for city breaks to sunnier climes. In Cadiz, the average temperature ranges from 12.5 C (54.5 F) in January to 25 C (77 F) in July and August. The average daytime temperatures along the coast of Algarve are as follows: Portimo is located in the western part of Algarve. There are numerous other things to do in Estepona, like sea and boat excursions, water sports, fishing and playing golf. The temperature is around 22 - 23C. Heraklion12-2054-68Mild with frequent showers Being exceptionally diverse, Tenerife is one of the most preferred winter sun destinations in Europe. The most popular spots to escape the cold winter are: Surrounded by mountains and situated on the coast of a sheltered bay, Marmaris is known for its mirrored waters and balmy weather, even in January. Cyprus. It is known for its 1.5 km long superb golden beach and lovely churches. Some of the very best options are Turkey, Israel, Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco. The best winter-sun destinations - 46 hot spots | CN Traveller Adventurous types can enjoy a spot of street tobogganing, a 100-year-old tradition on Madeira, where you are steered down steep hillside roads in a land sledge. Malaga13-1655-61Warm winters, sometimes foggy The average daytime temperature along the coast of Sicily varies between 16 and 19C (60.8 68F), which is perfect for a winter escape. Below are the temperatures expected today at popular destinations in the Mediterranean. A couple of hours drive north is Mount Sinai, located deep in the South Sinai Desert. 13 Warmest Places in Europe in December, January, and February While it may not be swimming weather, it will be pleasant to be outside as in the balmy climate thanks to its westerly position on the continent. The difference with the Mediterranean is that here, as a result of higher humidity, the weather feels milder and warmer, although the temperatures are nearly the same. Regular ferries run to Ibiza from the mainland port of Denia in Spain as well as from the neighbouring islands of Majorca and Formentera. However, it is not the only opportunity to enjoy the island. Dubrovnik hotels, flights and attractions will also be cheaper, making this a good budget destination in the low season. However, there are some places to visit in Europe in winter with lovely mild microclimates. And while the lovely climate is a common feature to all the islands of the archipelago because of their location between the 27th and 30th parallel north, each of them is unique and very different from the others. You usually see the sun shining but once in a while, you may experience snow! If you want to have a wide choice of things to do and places to visit, you need to focus your attention over the bigger and busier southern islands, such as Crete and Rhodes. Venice can be incredibly cold and damp in winter but with that comes brooding fog and empty streets. One of the most beautiful Spanish cities and capital of the island, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is located on the Atlantic coast. Cefalu, located just a few hours drive away from the capital city of Palermo, is the perfect spot to settle into for a winter break in Europe. 1. Or take a Greece road trip to ancient Delphi and the Peloponnese for a taste of ancient Greek history. Explored by Vaibhav of The Wandering Vegetable. The average daytime temperatures (nights are cold!) Tunisia is a great opportunity if you want to experience a real African adventure. If youre looking for a beautiful place to enjoy the winter sun, look no further than Seville - one of the hottest cities in Europe! Almeria is a little off the beaten track when it comes to places to visit in Spain, so dont expect as many people to speak English or for there to beEnglish menus in all of the cafes and restaurants. A lovely place to spend spring and summer months, Cagliari - the capital of Sardinia - is also one of the most charming places to visit in Italy in winter. The warmest place in Europe in January is the Canary Islands. The main disadvantage of Mallorca is the series of 2-3 consecutive rainy days in winter, accompanied by wind and temperatures of about 10 12C (50 53.6F) during the day. Summer lingers longer in Cyprus than anywhere else in the Mediterranean. Dont forget about the famous food market held daily, where you can pick your fish or meat and have it prepared in the traditional way. The weather in Ponta Delgada in winter reminds of late April and early May across mainland Europe. Because of its wonderful weather in winter, here you can see people of all ages and from everywhere. Most of the thermal pools on the island are around 30-40 degrees, which is quite normal. Malta is renowned for its pristine waters, perfect for diving. It enjoys a stable subtropical climate and is among the most preferred winter sun destinations in mainland Europe. The city is easy to explore on foot and using public transportation, but should you wish to visit the surroundings on day trips, you are probably better off renting a car (or joining guided tours). Yes, the weather in the middle of winter is too cold for swimming in the sea (the water in winter is between 16 and 20C (60.8 68F), but you will definitely enjoy numerous winter walks along the beach in your favourite T-shirts. The lines in front of the citys sights are shorter and move faster, so you save a lot of time. For sure, at least 50% of the days are great for outdoor activities. Down in Europe 's southeastern corner, this all-year-round island is on a latitude with Morocco and Iran and consequently, October days are properly hot and sunny - around 28C even at the end of the month and into November. One of the hidden gems of Europe and lesser visited compared to many other destinations in Italy, Cagliari is one of the best places for winter sun in Europe. The jewel in the Morocco crown, Marrakech is a magical jumble of tradition and modernity and a wonderful place for a city break in January. Benidorm looks overcrowded to some extent, but this is because its balmy weather attracts too many people over the year. In general, the summer tourist season in Europe and the Mediterranean region stars after Easter (bear in mind that Catholic and Orthodox run on different calendars) and runs through to October, when thunderstorms usually herald the changing of the seasons. Last but not least, make sure to check the Gorreana Tea Factory in the north of the island and try the nicest green and black tea Then, make sure to walk around the plantation and take a few pictures of the breathtaking landscapes! Some of the best things to do in Paphos include wandering through the incredible Kato Paphos Archaeological Park and gazing in awe at the Hellenistic-era mosaics and countless other Greek ruins, visit the nearby Aphrodites Rock (Paphos claims to be the birthplace of the mythical goddess of love and beauty) or explore the fascinating Tomb of the Kings. Other islands in the archipelago offer volcano experiences, fabulous hiking and a taste of Cape Verdes diverse culture. The temperatures during the winter season are as follows: Costa de la Luz is the coastline between the Portuguese border to the northwest and the municipality of Tarifa to the southeast. The region of Costa Blanca is known for its white sandy beaches, beautiful architecture and for the biggest number of date palm trees in Europe. listeners: [], What is more interesting is that the winter season, which lasts from November till March, brings an average temperature of 18.4C (65.1F)! The Mediterranean Sea has a significant influence on the weather in France. Archaeologists have found remains in the area dating back approximately 3,124 years, meaning Cdiz was first inhabited around 1104BCE. The city of Syracuse and the entire area are not just very beautiful but they also enjoy wonderful temperatures over the winter season. Chania, the main city in western Crete, is open year-round, and makes an ideal base for exploring the island. Kos is an island in the Aegean sea which has average temperatures of 24-26 C/74-80F and minimum sea temperatures of 21.2-23 C/69-73.4F. Tarifa is also the most Southern point of continental Europe making it a great place to spend time in a campervan over winter. The second warmest place in January is Madeira, which experiences daytime temperatures of around 20C. Fuengirola is a great choice if you are searching for a modern coastal city to spend the winter season but if you still want this place to be quiet and relaxed. Winter rainfalls turn Albufeira emerald green. It enjoys a growing interest as a tourist and winter sun destination over the last few years. As you can expect, the South of the island traditionally experiences higher temperatures and a bigger number of sunny days.