It may take some effort to adjust to the cold and the lack of sunlight, but fall and winter provide a lot of enjoyment. Those who reside in Europe (or who want to visit) will be happy to know that there are many places to travel inside Europe to soak up some sun and chase away the winter blues.
This list features ten places in Europe where winters are rather warm, and the sun shines frequently. Even if temperatures are lower than in the summer, visitors visiting these destinations won’t be shivering for very long. As an added bonus, visitors will be able to avoid the gloomy weather that has plagued other European cities.
10/10 Sicily, Italy
There are fewer tourists in Sicily in the winter, and the city’s almond trees bloom under a clear blue sky. Skiing on Mount Etna, indulging in exquisite food, and enjoying lovely Taormina at its most relaxing will all be possible without having to compete with other visitors. The temperature along the shore is typical of that of the Mediterranean region, which means it is currently sea urchin season. As a result, there are many restaurants for a romantic dinner in Sicily, where visitors can sample this unique and delicious specialty dish.
9/10 São Miguel, Portugal
A beautiful island off the coast of Portugal, São Miguel is part of the Azores archipelago. Hikers and visitors alike will be awed by the stunning landscapes, which include craters, waterfalls, and lakes of dazzling hues. São Miguel is a volcanic island, so naturally, there are hot springs where visitors may relax. This is especially welcome in light of the fact that the average annual low temperature is just about 16.6 degrees. Several species of whales and dolphins frequent the waters at São Miguel. The best way to see them is from a boat, and everyone has a good chance of doing so at any time of the year.
8/10 Cyprus
Cyprus’s city, Limassol, conjures up images of warm-weather vacations just by its name. Travelers may visit the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, one of Europe’s most stunning islands and one of the continent’s top spots to soak in the sun all year round. Vacationers may enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, or sunbathing on the Santa Barbara, Vrysoudia, Pissouri, or beaches, or they can learn about the island’s rich history by visiting its many historic sites. It’s the Blue Flag that they’re all waving. It’s also a great place to go sailing, swimming, playing water sports, walking, and even window shopping.
7/10 Akyaka, Turkey
Akyaka is the kind of spot where one can slow down and enjoy the ride. For this reason, Akyaka stands apart from the competition. There aren’t any loud pubs or clubs here, only peaceful boat rides, scenic treks, delicious Turkish cuisine, and unique gift shops. Unique to Akyaka are the traditional dwellings found here. Because of this fusion of old and new, visitors to this town in Turkey are sure to be impressed by what they see. Akyaka is surrounded by mountains, features a river running through it, and has a forest to explore, all of which will astound tourists.
6/10 Palermo, Italy
The sun-kissed capital of Sicily, Palermo, is a top pick for a European winter vacation. Though just the fifth largest city in Italy, it is widely recognized for its rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine. Palermo is a perfect winter trip due to the abundance of bright days on the island during that season. The warm Sirocco winds from Africa keep Palermo’s winters bearable, with temperatures reaching a balmy 20°C on certain afternoons. This ensures that vacationers may experience incredible street food and wonderful wine, as well as the breathtaking picture-perfect blue water, at any time of the year.
5/10 Corsica, France
When planning a European winter vacation, consider visiting the island of Corsica in the south of France. The temperature rises to a pleasant 13 degrees Celsius on bright days, and there are many places to visit on the French island of Corsica. Corsica has earned the moniker “the island of beauty” (l’Îlede la Beauté) due to its stunning landscapes and abundance of beautiful beaches. In spite of its proximity to the colder waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Corsica has pleasant winters with temperatures that never dip below 0 degrees Celsius. The city of Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica, is where Napoleon was born.
4/10 Rethymno, Crete, Greece
Located in northern Crete, the city of Rethymno is steeped in history and is well worth a visit. Many people visit this city in Crete all through the year. Despite the fact that the summer is when most tourists arrive, coming to Rethymno in the winter is a terrific opportunity to get away from the cold and yet experience the sun and learn about Greece’s rich history and culture. It’s important to remember that the weather is consistently mild, with temperatures ranging from 9 to 16 degrees Celsius. Find a high-quality hotel in the heart of town at a reasonable price during the winter, when occupancy rates are low. This places visitors within easy walking distance of several points of interest.
3/10 Canary Islands, Spain
As one of Europe’s mildest winter getaways, the Canary Islands also provide a lovely temperature all year round. Winters are mild, with average temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius and a lack of precipitation. The conditions are perfect for those who want to plan a trip to the Canary Islands for sightseeing and taking in breathtaking volcanic landscapes. Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote, Mt. Teide (Spain’s tallest mountain), and the spectacular vistas from El Hierro are just a few examples of the Canary Islands’ unexpected regions carved by volcanoes that contribute to the island’s natural riches.
2/10 Bora Bora, Tahiti – French Polynesia
In spite of its distance from the French capital, French Polynesia is still part of France, and there are many exciting things to do in Bora Bora. Bora Bora is a tiny slice of heaven on Earth. Minimal in size due to its 8 km length and 5 km width. Because it was the first volcanic island in this archipelago to rise from the sea, the natives gave it the name “Pora Pora,” which translates to “the firstborn.” Considering the difficulty in pronouncing the original name, the locals have adopted the more familiar “Bora Bora” as a more common name.
1/10 Madeira, Portugal
Madeira is one of the most exotic and far-flung European islands, located a thousand miles off the coast of Portugal. It may rain in the winter, but the tropical gardens, stunning shoreline, and verdant landscapes are all worth a visit year-round. Temperatures range from 18 to 20 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for outdoor activities like golfing, strolling, and sightseeing (the sun only shines for approximately eight hours a day). Funchal, the island’s charming capital, is home to both stunning colonial buildings and a lively nightlife scene.
