Discover the best winter sun holiday destinations in Europe, from warm coastal escapes to mild islands perfect for recharging.
There’s a moment each winter when Britain stops feeling like a country and starts feeling like an endurance test.
Grey skies, endless drizzle, and the faint suspicion that summer might have been a fever dream.
But years of winter escapes have taught me something: Europe’s warmest corners are closer than you think.
While Northern Europe settles into hibernation, the south keeps basking in sunshine.
Planning the best European winter sun destinations for 2025 doesn’t call for long-haul flights – you can discover the best places in Europe for a real dose of winter warmth in under five hours from London.
From island getaways to coastal cities, here are 10 amazing spots to trade the grey skies in Europe for winter sun this winter.
The Best Winter Sun Holiday Destinations in Europe
Canary Islands, Spain
Spain’s Canary Islands win the temperature competition definitively. Sitting off Africa’s northwest coast, they maintain 20-22°C from December to February when Manchester’s celebrating double digits.
This makes them one of the warmest places in Europe in December and January: proper beach weather, not optimistic lounging in cardigans.
The archipelago offers seven main islands with distinct personalities.
Tenerife combines beaches with Teide National Park, where volcanic rock creates otherworldly hiking.
Lanzarote showcases César Manrique’s architectural genius scattered across lava fields.
Gran Canaria surprises with green interior mountains.
Then there’s Fuerteventura, where endless dunes meet reliable winds; it’s one of the best destinations in Europe for kitesurfing.
https://www.thomascook.com/holidays/spain/canary-islands/fuerteventura
Beyond beaches (and they’re excellent), you’ll find hiking through volcanic national parks, boat trips spotting migrating whales between December and February, and villages with proper Canarian architecture rather than resort developments.
The islands produce surprisingly decent wines from vines grown in volcanic soil, and local bodegas welcome visitors year-round.
- Flight time from London: 4 hours 15 minutes direct
- Best for: Families, watersports enthusiasts, anyone seeking guaranteed warmth
- Rainy day: Spa treatments or wine-tasting sessions at island vineyards
- Where to stay: Corralejo in Fuerteventura for dunes and beaches; Costa Adeje in Tenerife for family resorts
- When to go: December or January – it’s one of the warmest destination in Europe, perfect for Christmas on the beach
Madeira, Portugal
The Portuguese call Madeira the island of eternal spring. Wondering why? This Atlantic archipelago maintains 18-20°C even during European winter, with landscapes so green they glow.
The main island offers hiking rather than beach lounging, making it one of my favourite places and a great one for those who measure holiday success in mud on boots.
Madeira’s levada system – ancient irrigation channels converted to hiking paths – provides hundreds of kilometres of trails. And the walk to Pico Ruivo’s summit rewards you with views above the cloud layer.
Winter brings flowing waterfalls and cool air, perfect for all-day winter walks without overheating.
The Laurel forest (UNESCO-listed) creates an atmosphere in the mist that the summer sun would destroy.
Funchal maintains year-round energy. The farmers’ market overflows with exotic fruits, and old town streets demand exploration.
Madeira wine tours explain this fortified wine’s journey, and New Year’s Eve brings one of Europe’s most spectacular fireworks displays – a proper winter escape with celebration.
- Flight time from London: 4 hours direct to Funchal
- Best for: Hikers, nature enthusiasts, and wine lovers seeking mild weather
- Rainy day: Afternoon tea at Belmond Reid’s Palace or wine lodge tours
- Where to stay: Funchal for convenience; boutique hotels in the Old Town
- Best time to visit: January for post-New Year calm; late February for Funchal Carnival
The Algarve, Portugal
Portugal’s southern coast proves mainland Europe offers winter sun without island-hopping.
The Algarve boasts over 300 days of annual sunshine, with winter temperatures around 16-18°C.
Swimming might be optimistic – the Atlantic stays brisk – but this counts as warm weather compared to Northern Europe, making it a great place to visit for winter walks and golf, minus the sweat.
The drama along the coastline increases in winter. Golden cliffs frame hidden coves where you’ll often find beaches entirely to yourself. The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail delivers views where turquoise water meets ochre rock formations.
Golfers descend here in winter when courses stay lush and green, and fees drop. The Ria Formosa Natural Park becomes a haven for flamingos escaping harsher climates, a beautiful place for birdwatchers.
Lagos, Faro, and Tavira retain charm without summer’s crush. Restaurants specialising in seafood remain open, and winter marks citrus season – orange trees heavy with fruit line the roads throughout southern Europe’s western edge.
- Flight time from London: 2 hours 45 minutes to Faro
- Best for: Couples seeking relaxation, golf enthusiasts, active travellers
- Rainy day: Church of São Lourenço features stunning azulejo tiles
- Where to stay: Albufeira for resort facilities; Lagos for historic atmosphere
- When to go: February brings carnival in Loulé and mild weather
Check out our favourite secret spot in Portugal: the Costa Vicentina.
Malta
This Mediterranean winter sun destination packs a remarkable variety into modest square kilometres. Malta delivers 300 sunny days annually, with winter highs of 15-17°C, making it among the warmest European countries during cold winter months.
You won’t find tropical heat, but you will find the perfect weather for the culture and history that Malta offers.
Valletta’s honey-coloured stone simply glows under winter light. The UNESCO-listed capital rewards wandering, as narrow streets open onto idyllic harbour views.
St. John’s Co-Cathedral’s Baroque interior stuns even jaded cathedral-goers, and winter means appreciating these sites without tour groups. The countryside turns green, making it prettiest for walks to Dingli Cliffs or prehistoric temples.
Gozo offers tranquillity a short ferry ride away. And then February brings Carnival with Valletta’s family-friendly celebrations, while Nadur in Gozo gets delightfully strange.
It’s a great winter city break in Europe with the best-preserved history.
- Flight time from London: 3 hours 15 minutes direct
- Best for: History enthusiasts, families, budget travellers
- Rainy day: St. John’s Co-Cathedral or National War Museum
- Where to stay: Sliema for central location; Valletta boutique hotels; Gozo farmhouse B&Bs
- When to go: February for Carnival and the greenest countryside
Cyprus
Cyprus ranks among one of the best European destinations for winter sun, with over 340 days of sunshine each year.
Winter brings 17-20°C coastal temperatures, warm enough for outdoor dining and comfortable exploration.
The island’s diversity surprises first-timers. If you want to spend your morning on the beach and your afternoons in snow-dusted mountains, Cyprus can deliver both.
Paphos offers resort comfort alongside UNESCO-listed Roman mosaics. Limassol’s promenade attracts evening strollers, while Larnaca’s salt lake hosts flamingos from November through March.
Pink birds against a blue winter sky create one of the best things about visiting Cyprus in winter.
Cypriot culture blends Greek and Middle Eastern influences and winter is a great time to uncover authentic local life in village coffee shops and mountain monasteries.
- Flight time from London: 4 hours 30 minutes to Larnaca or Paphos
- Best for: Families, history enthusiasts, outdoor lovers
- Rainy day: Cyprus Museum in Nicosia houses 9,000 years of culture
- Where to stay: Paphos for year-round resorts; Limassol for city atmosphere
- When to go: January for the mildest Mediterranean winter temperatures
Crete, Greece
Greece’s largest island offers winter experiences far removed from summer’s tourist hordes.
Crete’s position ensures relatively warm winters: 15-16°C in coastal Chania and Heraklion. The season delivers authentic encounters with Cretan life and ancient history without queues.
Winter transforms archaeological treasures. The Palace of Knossos becomes yours to explore properly without rushed tour groups.
Renting a car reveals mountain villages where tavernas with fireplaces serve raki to locals, just as they have done for generations.
It’s one of the best places for discovering European winter beyond the resorts.
Snow caps distant mountains while coastal days stay mild for winter walks.
Beaches like Elafonisi offer peaceful strolls, and the southern coast often sees comfortable weather even in winter.
Hardy locals swim year-round in 16-17°C water; they refuse to fully hibernate.
- Flight time from London: 4 hours direct to Heraklion or Chania
- Best for: History lovers, road-trippers, food enthusiasts
- Rainy day: Heraklion Archaeological Museum; traditional tavernas
- Where to stay: Heraklion for urban convenience; Chania for harbour charm
- When to go: December for local traditions; late February for almond blossom
Sicily, Italy
Sicily’s position ensures mild winters and comparative sunshine. January averages 15°C in coastal Palermo and Catania, often climbing higher on clear days.
Winter here means ripening oranges and lemons painting the island. Sicily’s winter palette rivals summer’s beauty, making it one of the best destinations for winter sun, combined with Italian culture.
The Norman Palace features golden mosaics, best appreciated when you’re not melting, while, Catania sits under Mount Etna’s gaze, often snow-capped in winter.
In fact, yes, you can ski Etna’s slopes, then drive coastward for a seafood lunch to follow.
February brings Carnevale celebrations across Sicily and Acireale’s float parade ranks among Italy’s finest.
Late winter sees the Almond Blossom Festival in Agrigento, where folk performances unfold amid ancient temples. It’s truly one of the best times to visit in Europe for combining sunshine with spectacle.
- Flight time from London: 3 hours direct to Palermo or Catania
- Best for: Culture enthusiasts, food lovers, romantic travellers
- Rainy day: Villa Romana del Casale’s Roman mosaics; cooking classes
- Where to stay: Palermo for city energy; Taormina for luxury views
- When to go: February for Carnival and almond blossoms
Find more interesting facts about Sicily here.
Seville, Spain
Not every winter sun holiday requires a coastline. Seville proves that cities in Europe can deliver genuine warmth alongside culture.
January sees 16°C averages, February reaches 18°C, and sunny days dominate. Orange trees lining streets bear fruit in winter, gorgeous to see and smell, making it a perfect winter city break.
Winter makes Seville’s monuments accessible without summer’s 40°C heat. And let’s be honest, the Real Alcázar’s Mudéjar architecture deserves hours, not rushed visits.
Seville Cathedral ranks among the largest Gothic structures in the world and Plaza de España looks particularly beautiful when winter’s low sun hits the ornate tilework. It’s one of my top picks for architectural photography.
What else can you do? Well, Seville is the birthplace of flamenco, so it makes sense to catch an authentic show where locals perform with genuine passion.
Winter brings Dia de los Reyes on January 6th in an event that’s bigger than Christmas. Tapas culture thrives year-round, with many bars maintaining outdoor seating with heaters for dining under the stars.
- Flight time from London: 2 hours 45 minutes direct
- Best for: Couples seeking romance, history enthusiasts, food lovers
- Rainy day: Seville Cathedral; Flamenco Dance Museum
- Where to stay: Santa Cruz neighbourhood for historic charm. See our guide on where to stay in Seville here.
- When to go: January for Three Kings Day and orange blossoms
Costa del Sol, Spain
One of the most beautiful winter destinations in Spain, this Andalusian coastline enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with winter temperatures of 14-17°C.
Decades of Northern Europeans seeking winter warmth has established excellent infrastructure, and while summer brings crowds, winter offers a relaxed atmosphere with warm enough weather for outdoor enjoyment.
Marbella, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, and Nerja maintain operations in winter, supporting visitors wanting beach walks and chiringuito lunches.
The real pleasure comes from having beaches largely to yourself and savouring grilled sardines while waves provide the soundtrack. It’s a sun holiday without summer’s intensity.
Málaga city has transformed into a cultural destination. The Picasso Museum honours the city’s famous son, and December brings spectacular Christmas lights along Calle Larios.
White villages dot hills inland, offering panoramic coastal views. Day trips reach the Alhambra or Córdoba’s Mezquita, both more pleasant to tour without heat, making this a great destination for winter beyond beaches.
- Flight time from London: 2 hours 50 minutes to Málaga
- Best for: Long-stay travellers, families, golfers
- Rainy day: Picasso Museum; hot chocolate and churros
- Where to stay: Marbella for upscale resorts; Málaga for city convenience
- When to go: January for tranquillity and best warm places pricing
- See also our guide on how to spend winter in Spain
The Azores, Portugal
The Azores archipelago offers something different. These islands are less about hot sun and more about lush landscapes and geothermal wonders.
Winter brings average highs of 17°C and unpredictable weather (locals joke about experiencing four seasons in a day). The remarkably green scenery and fewer tourists make winter ideal for the drama of these volcanic islands.
São Miguel serves as the base for most visitors while crater lakes like Sete Cidades often wear a dramatic mist in winter.
The real winter perk? Hot springs at Furna: naturally heated thermal pools surrounded by tropical vegetation. Imagine soaking in 40°C water while rain falls and you’ll understand why it’s one of my favourite winter holidays across Europe.
Hiking trails wind along cliffs and through forests where cows outnumber people. Winter waterfalls thunder down, and whale watching continues year-round.
The weather shifts rapidly, creating frequent rainbows across verdant hills. It’s winter in Europe at its most dramatically green.
- Flight time: 4 hours 5 minutes to Ponta Delgada
- Best for: Nature enthusiasts, wellness travellers, photographers
- Rainy day: Parque Terra Nostra thermal pool; tea plantation tours
- Where to stay: Ponta Delgada for hotels; Furnas for hot spring access
- When to go: February – visit in February for less rain
Final Thoughts: The Best Destinations to Visit This Winter
Europe’s 10 best winter sun destinations stretch from volcanic Atlantic islands to quiet Mediterranean coves. The beautiful places on this list prove the winter season doesn’t mean you need to retreat indoors: the south maintains mild weather perfect for exploration.
Flight times and jet lag stay manageable (under five hours flight time for everywhere on this list), prices drop considerably compared to summer, and you’ll encounter these 10 best spots without crowds.
Pack sunglasses alongside your light jacket and get out there. It’s time to make the best of Europe’s winter months.
FAQ: Winter Sun in Europe
What is the warmest place in Europe in winter?
For maximising heat, aim for the Canaries, as swimming remains possible here. They have the best winter sun in Europe guaranteed. Cyprus (17-20°C), Malta, and Turkey’s coast follow.
Can you sunbathe or swim in winter sun destinations?
Sunbathing works on warmer days across the destinations listed. Swimming depends on tolerance. The Canary Islands see regular sunbathing in December and January, with heated hotel pools. Ocean temperatures stay 19-20°C around the beach areas. Madeira and Cyprus offer excellent sunbathing on terraces, though sea swimming (15-17°C) sends most to heated pools. Remember winter UV remains strong, so bring sunscreen for your dose of winter sun.
Which winter sun destinations suit families?
The Canary Islands top the list for family-friendly winter sun, with resorts and water parks open year-round. Costa del Sol ranks second with attractions and welcoming restaurants. The warmest places in Europe in winter generally welcome all ages, and short flight times (under 4-5 hours) prevent restlessness during holidays in Europe.
Are winter sun holidays in Europe expensive?
Generally, no. Excellent value exists. Winter marks off-peak season for most sun holiday destinations (except Christmas and February half-term). Accommodation costs significantly less than in the summer. The holiday season sees higher prices than mid-winter but remains below summer peaks for these winter vacation destinations, making places in Europe in December affordable.
What should I pack for winter sun trips?
Days are warm while nights stay cool, so you need a plan. Bring T-shirts for daytime, plus shorts and lightweight trousers. Evenings need jeans with jackets. Light coats work most places in Europe for winter, though mountain areas require warmer coats. Pack umbrellas for destinations like Madeira. Always include swimwear for heated pools and sunbathing opportunities. Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes. Think “spring attire” with cosy additions for temperature swings from cool mornings to warm afternoons when travelling in winter.
Check out our ultimate travel packing list for a free checklist.
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- The candle festival in Malta and why it is so special
- Is it worth visiting Spain in winter?
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