If you miss the warm feeling of the sun on your skin and crave a temperate climate, then this guide is for you for the best sunny winter destinations in Europe!
The truth is, you don't need to fly off to a far-flung tropical destination for a break from the cold.
Even in Europe, there are still plenty of options that will satisfy your need for cloudless blue skies, without the need for an exhausting and expensive intercontinental flight.
So if you're looking for the warmest places in Europe in winter to escape the cold, this post will give you the best and warmest places in Europe for your winter holidays in the sun!
But before we dive in, let's take a look at the general weather in Europe during the winter season.
Europe's winter climate
While some people instantly think that temperatures are the same across Europe in winter, this is absolutely not true.
The weather in Europe in December, for example, is very varied: the Scandinavian countries experience brutal snowy winters with temperatures sometimes dipping below zero, while some countries, particularly those around the Mediterranean, enjoy a certain amount of sunshine and temperatures can reach 20°C (64°F).
So it really depends on the country. There are countries in Europe that you can visit to experience a snowy winter, but there are others that you can visit and enjoy the sunshine.
In this article, we're going to focus on the warmest places in Europe in winter.
Read on and you might just find the perfect destination for winter sunbathing; let's go through a list that's not exhaustive, as there are many others, but it's a very rich one.
The best winter destinations in Europe
1/ Canary Islands, Spain
The Canary Islands are a group of magnificent Spanish islands off the coast of Morocco, just a 4-hour flight from London. These islands enjoy some of the warmest and sunniest weather in Europe in winter.
Which island should you visit?
You really can't go wrong with any of them, but the most popular are Tenerife, Grand Canaria and Lanzarote. Whichever island you visit, be prepared for endless amounts of outdoor activities, sports, hiking and natural wonders.
Average daily maximums
December: 21°c - 70°f
January: 20°c - 68°f
February: 20°c - 68°f
March: 21°c - 70°f
2/ Seville, Spain
Seville is officially the hottest city in continental Europe, and winter is an ideal time to visit. Although you might get caught in the occasional downpour, it's much better than trying to visit in summer when temperatures routinely reach over 40°C! Ouch!
In winter, there are fewer tourists and prices are much lower, with some of the top hotels costing even less than $100 a night.
There's no shortage of magnificent cathedrals, beautiful museums and art exhibitions to fill your days.
Average daily maximums °
December: 17°c - 63°f
January: 16°c - 61°f
February: 18°c - 65°f
March: 21°c - 70°f
More information in this article: What to do in Seville? 56 must-see activities and visits
3/ Majorca, Spain
Spain's third entry on the list is the dazzling Majorca, with its incredibly crystal-clear waters. Located in the group of islands off the coast of Spain, it's usually synonymous with spring parties, but Mallorca is quieter than the infamous Ibiza. Thanks to its location in the Balearic Sea, the weather is warm and sunny all year round.
As mass tourism has been present on the island since the 1950s, winter is the best time to go. You'll have all the world-famous spas and hotels to yourself, as well as over 3,400 restaurants and 262 breathtaking beaches.
Average daily highs °
December: 16°c - 61°f
January: 15°c - 59°f
February: 15°c - 59°f
March: 17°c - 63°f
4/ Gibraltar, United Kingdom
Many people have heard of the "Rock of Gibraltar", but few are able to locate it on a map.
Gibraltar is a tiny British overseas territory of 6 square kilometres, located at the tip of Spain, overlooking Morocco. It has been under British rule since 1713, but changed hands many times before that.
Although small, Gibraltar is an ideal place for a winter holiday thanks to its mild climate and long list of things to do. You can explore over 150 caves, 50km of World War II tunnels, botanical gardens, take the cable car or walk across the suspension bridge. You'll also be a stone's throw from Spain and Morocco, making it easy to add warmer winter destinations to your trip.
Average daily maximums °
December: 17°c - 63°f
January: 16°c - 61°f
February: 17°c - 63°f
March: 18°c - 65°f
5/ Crete, Greece
Escape the snow and head to Crete, Greece's largest island.
To be honest, Crete can be a bit rainy in winter, but that won't stop you from enjoying its hundreds of kilometres of beaches. We'd rather be on a gloomy beach than in the freezing cold! Plus, if you're stuck indoors, you can eat delicious authentic Greek food all day long. Problem solved!
Visiting Crete in winter means discovering a Greece that's different from the one in summer, more relaxed, more hospitable and more charming. You won't find queues, exorbitant prices or towns overrun by tourists.
Average daily highs °
December: 17°c - 63°f
January: 15°c - 59°f
February: 16°c - 61°f
March: 17°c - 63°f
6/ Palermo, Italy
Palermo is Italy's fifth-largest city, and because it sits on the 'rock' that Italy's 'boot' plants on the map, it's also one of the hottest. Thanks to the warm Sirocco winds blowing in from Africa, winters in Palermo are mild and can reach up to 20°C on some afternoons. This means you can enjoy everything from unreal street food to clear turquoise waters all year round. If you're a fan of 'The Godfather', then Palermo is probably already on your bucket list.
Average daily highs
December: 16°c - 61°f
January: 15°c - 59°f
February: 15°c - 59°f
March: 17°c - 63°f
7/ Toulon, France
Toulon isn't very well known, but its climate should be! It's the warmest city in France during the winter, and it's also much more affordable than its neighbours. Near Toulon, you'll find Saint-Tropez, Cannes and Monte Carlo, Monaco, all of which share the same mild winter climate.
Thanks to the mountains to the north of the city, the cold winter winds are kept away from Toulon, making for a relatively warm, dry and sunny winter.
Average daily highs °
December: 14°c - 57°f
January: 13°c - 55°f
February: 13°c - 55°f
March: 16°c - 61°f
8/ Kotor, Montenegro
This spectacular fortified town looks like something out of a children's storybook. Hidden in the protection of a winding bay, Kotor is an ancient fortified town with a history dating back to the Middle Ages.
Not only is Kotor pretty sweet for a Balkan country, it's also one of the most affordable places on this list! Your budget will be multiplied by 2 or 3 here compared with the warmer European islands during the winter months.
A visit during winter will be quiet and relaxed as most cruise ships won't be returning until spring. Take advantage of the cooler weather to go hiking, cycling, jogging and wandering around the old town and the town's many fortifications.
Average daily maximums °
December: 13°c - 55°f
January: 12°c - 54°f
February: 13°c - 55°f
March: 16°c - 61°f
9/ Sibenik, Croatia
Game of Thrones fans are in for a treat! Sibenik is a charming old town along the Dalmatian coast with plenty of history to discover, but more recently it has been used as a filming location for the wildly popular series. Sibenik is much smaller and less crowded than other Croatian towns.
While the maximum temperatures of 12 and 13 degrees are not stifling, they are certainly warmer than the sub-zero temperatures in neighbouring Baltic countries. Warm winds and the waters of the Adriatic Sea keep Sibenik mild and tolerable in winter.
Be sure to visit Šibenik Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the 16th-century Old Town Hall. In addition, don't miss the spire-shaped fortress of St Nicholas and the fortress of St Michael, which offer excellent panoramic views of the city and the Adriatic Sea.
Average daily highs °
December: 13°c - 55°f
January: 12°c - 54°f
February: 12°c - 54°f
March: 16°c - 61°f
10/ Fethiye, Turkey
Fethiye is a picturesque town on the turquoise coast of south-west Turkey. While it's overrun with tourists in summer, in winter you can enjoy the winter sun here, stroll along the peacefully empty beaches, go hiking and discover local life.
Mount Babadağ near Fethiye is one of the best places in the world to paraglide thanks to its spectacular views, and it's possible to do so even in January. Take this flight at sunset for the most dreamy views of the surrounding mountains and turquoise waters.
The superb beaches of Oludeniz and Calis are always packed with holidaymakers in summer. So winter is the perfect time to enjoy them on your own, and the weather is perfect for a picnic on the sandy shores. What's more, many beach restaurants remain open in winter!
Average temperature in Fethiye
A few tips before visiting the destinations mentioned?
Now that you know the best destinations to visit in Europe under the winter sun, here are a few essential travel tips to help you make the most of your trip.
Bring layers: The weather in Europe in winter can be quite unpredictable, and this is true for many of the places recommended in this guide. During the day, you may encounter wind in many of these warm places, despite their high temperatures. Temperatures also drop massively at night, so bring warm clothes and check that your hotel has adequate heating.
Book in advance: Some destinations in this guide, such as the Canary Islands, actually have their peak tourist season in January, for example. Make sure you research your chosen destination and book hotels and restaurants in advance before they fill up. Booking flights early is also a good plan if you want to snatch up the best deals.
Check opening times: Travelling in Europe in winter usually means shorter queues at popular attractions. However, some attractions may not stay open in winter or operate with reduced opening hours. Although all the places featured in this guide are tourist-friendly during the winter season, check the opening hours of some attractions to avoid disappointment.
FAQ
Why visit Europe in winter?
As you will have noticed from the places mentioned above, a European model is beginning to emerge. All these European cities are cheaper, less crowded and don't have sweltering temperatures of over 35 degrees during the winter months, making it an ideal time of year to visit. That's why Europe, with its warmer destinations compared to other frozen places, is a pleasant and satisfying choice.
More tips for warm places in Europe?
Benefit from reliable travel insurance with World Nomads.
Book your private transfer from the airport to your hotel with Expedia
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Get the best tourist guides via Get Your Guide, Tiqets or Viator.
To hire a car for road trips, get the best deals on com.
Pack a waterproof phone case and sturdy hiking boots.
Bring the best photographic equipment.