European Winter Sun Destinations: 12 Amazing Places to Visit
Looking for the best winter sun destinations in Europe? These are my 12 favourite destinations for some Vitamin D in the winter months.
I’ve been travelling extensively around Europe for years yet I always end up with holiday days to kill in December. Especially since every office has a Christmas shutdown and you’re forced to take days off.
When you think of Europe, you most likely think of cobbled streets, big cities, beautiful countryside landscapes, tiny boutique shops, and an endless stream of fascinating history.
But, Europe is also often thought of as either a summer destination or a perfect place for ski slopes and Christmas markets. So, what about if you want to catch some rays in December? Are there any European winter sun destinations? Yes, there most certainly are.
Europe in winter isn’t just mulled wine and snowy streets. I’m not going to lie to you, it won’t be as hot as lounging on a Caribbean island, but you don’t need to go long-haul to seek the sun. These are some of the best destinations for winter sun in Europe.
My Favourite Winter Sun Destinations in Europe
✅ Malta: perfect for history and beaches – Book a trip here!
✅ The Azores: for the outdoors and hiking – Book a trip here!
✅ Lanzarote: for the perfect beach break – Book a trip here!
1. Gran Canaria, Spain
Average December High: 22.2°C (72°F)
Gran Canaria is one of the most popular places to go for winter sun in Europe. The sunny Canary Island has something for everyone.
It’s home to many luxury resorts, historical sites, and cultural cities. For example, Maspalomas is famous for its sand dunes, exotic wildlife, and annual snow festival.
When it comes to water sports, you can go scuba diving through vibrant coral reefs, sailing the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, or simply relax on one of many golden beaches.
The south of Gran Canaria is definitely hotter than the north, so if you’re looking for the perfect winter sun destination in Europe, Puerto Rico or Maspalomas in Gran Canaria’s south is the place to be.
2. Cyprus
Average December High: 19°C (66°F)
Cyprus has a more relaxed atmosphere than other winter sun destinations in Europe. But don’t be fooled into thinking that it’s merely a beach break.
Cyprus is filled with many historical sites and cultural influences – and they are often better explored without the hot sun beating down on you.
The island boasts some of the best historical sights on the continent. This includes the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos, and the stunning ruins of the Kourion, which was once a major city in the Cypriot mountains.
With its warm weather and sandy beaches, you can relax on the beach all day or go surfing or snorkelling on one of many boat trips around the island.
In December through January, it’s possible to enjoy temperatures in the high teens, making this a fantastic winter sun destination for those who want to escape Europe’s coldest months.
3. Malta
Average December High: 19.0°C (66°F)
Malta is a small island located south of Italy and above Africa. It boasts a rich history, and fascinating attractions for visitors to explore, and is one of the best winter sun locations with temperatures in the high teens.
Malta’s capital city Valletta was built by The Knights of St John during the mid-1500s. The rest of Malta has many historical sites for visitors to enjoy too.
The best attractions in winter include Mdina, an old fortified city with narrow streets and interesting buildings that date back hundreds of years. Don’t forget to explore Mosta Dome, a beautiful building that’s older than the Pyramids of Giza!
Winter sun-seekers looking for a relaxed atmosphere should head to Sliema or St Paul’s Bay in Malta. Both have beautiful bays with shallow waters perfect for swimming, plus amazing views across Valletta and the Grand Harbour.
4. Madeira, Portugal
Average December High: 19°C (66°F)
Located off Portugal’s mainland, Madeira has much more of an exotic atmosphere than other European destinations. The island is steeped in history and has an eclectic mix of influences from different countries including France, Britain, Germany, and Italy.
Madeira is also home to a lot of wonderful wildlife. This includes Madeiran wall lizards, a rare species of scorpion, and a beautiful assortment of colourful birds.
For this reason, tourists will find plenty of tour operators offering tours deep into Funchal’s mountainous forests which are fascinating to explore.
Famous for its forests full of fragrant eucalyptus trees, Madeira is popular for hiking and other outdoor activities.
5. Croatia
Average December High: 16°C (61°F)
Although Croatia might be a more popular summer destination than winter, this small country in the Balkans is filled with plenty of attractions for visitors to enjoy in the colder months. Croatia boasts 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and many natural wonders.
This includes the Plitvice Lakes National Park – which although beautiful, is definitely not the warmest. The turquoise-coloured lakes are quite icy in the winter. For the warmth, you’ll want to head to the coast.
In the winter months from November through March, temperatures are in the low teens. So, you can enjoy the beautiful Croatian coast’s mild weather without being too hot or too cold.
Croatia’s capital city Zagreb is also a fascinating place to visit. It’s full of museums and features architectural styles from many different European nations including Austria, Hungary, Italy, and Serbia. It also has one of the best Christmas Markets in all of Europe.
The warmest places in Croatia during winter are on the southern coast. Head to Dubrovnik – a historic walled city on the Adriatic Sea – or Split – where you can explore Diocletian’s Palace which dates back to around 300 AD when it was built by the Roman emperor.
6. The Algarve, Portugal
Average December High: 18°C (64°F)
The Algarve in Portugal is one of the best winter sun destinations in Europe and it’s not hard to see why. This area boasts long, warm beaches along with plenty of golf courses, hiking trails, excellent hotels, and restaurants.
The Algarve has plenty of natural wonders too. There are many peaceful gardens and parks for tourists to explore on their holidays here.
Of course, don’t forget the Algarve’s beautiful limestone coastline which is just as beautiful in winter as in the summer months – plus, it’s much less crowded!
The capital of the Algarve, Faro, is the perfect place to explore some of Portugal’s history. The city has remnants from Roman times through medieval, Islamic, and contemporary periods.
Further west, the beautiful city of Portimao is also a must-see destination. Be sure to visit the famous Praia da Rocha and the 16th-century fort which is one of the best examples left in Portugal.
7. Tenerife, Spain
Average December High: 19°C (66°F)
The Canary Islands are a huge draw for people who want to find the best winter sun in Europe. Tenerife is one of these popular Spanish islands because there are so many things to do here.
This ranges from hiking up volcanos and eating at fantastic restaurants serving local and international cuisine, to amazing shopping experiences at one of the Canary Islands’ picturesque outdoor markets.
Tenerife is also a haven for those who love nature. It’s especially good for bird-watchers because the island has so many types of birds including pink flamingos!
If you’re interested in hiking or cycling there are plenty of trails that will lead you around the island and up to incredible viewpoints overlooking Tenerife. And, of course, it boasts some of the best beaches in Spain.
Some of the best attractions in Tenerife include La Laguna – a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an impressive history dating back thousands of years and Puerto de la Cruz – which has a fantastic nightlife and is home to one of Spain’s oldest theatres.
From Tenerife, you can also take a trip to its sister island of La Palma. This has a quiet simplicity and is home to the Caldera de Taburiente National Park.
8. Lanzarote, Spain
Average December High: 20°C (68°F)
Lanzarote is the third largest Canary Island and is another of the best places for winter sun in Europe. It’s well-known for its black sand beaches (not unlike those in Iceland – although significantly warmer), red volcanic rock formations, and colourful fishing villages.
This island is also home to some of the world’s best snorkelling and diving opportunities.
Lanzarote has a rich history because it was one of the first islands to be settled by the Spanish. You can trace this history at attractions like Cueva de Los Verdes – a stunning lava tube cave with stalactite and stalagmite formations.
You’ll also find plenty of art and culture on display at places. The Museo de Lanzarote has an impressive collection of contemporary art from local artists plus some works by Picasso and Miró from the 20th century.
9. Rhodes, Greece
Average December High: 14°C (57°F)
The Greek island of Rhodes is a beautiful destination in the winter months.
Like other islands around Greece, you’ll find plenty to do here whether your interests include exploring history and culture at museums like Rhodes City Museum which is home to incredible mosaics, or taking in the natural beauty of places like Seven Springs Park.
In fact, Rhodes has some of the richest histories across all of the Greek Islands. It was also home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The architecture from these times can still be seen in places like the Acropolis of Lindos which sits on a hill overlooking Rhodes and has incredible views over the island city below, or Old Town with its winding streets lined with medieval buildings.
You’ll also find beautiful beaches here. For instance, Ixia which has a huge choice of restaurants and bars, or the gorgeous St Paul’s Bay which can be viewed from the Acropolis.
10. Azores, Portugal
Average December High: 16°C (61°F)
Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, these tiny islands are a territory of Portugal. The Azores is an archipelago made up of nine islands including São Jorge, Pico, Faial, and Terceira. Each island has unique landscapes ranging from dry deserts to lush forests.
The Azores is one of the top spots for European winter sun. It’s especially good for hiking and nature lovers because it’s home to some of the world’s rarest and most beautiful plants. Plus, there are natural hot springs and volcanic lakes too!
What makes the Azores even more special is its location on top of one of Earth’s two underwater mountain ranges. These are still growing today and are perfect for scuba diving.
The Azores is easily one of the best winter sun destinations in Europe for nature lovers.
11. Malaga, Spain
Average December High: 17°C (62°F)
Last but not least, another vote for Spain! Malaga is the capital of Spain’s Andalucía region. It offers some incredible architecture like Grand Theatre or Alcazaba which is an Arab fortress dating back to the 111th century. Plus, there are plenty of places to go shopping and markets to explore here too!
Malaga is also a great destination for culture. It has famous art galleries including the Carmen Thyssen Museum which holds over 200 works of 19th-century Spanish art, or Museo Picasso Málaga with plenty of paintings by the famous artist.
Of course, if you’re looking for something fun to do in the evenings you’ll love Malaga’s nightlife scene with hundreds of bars and clubs for all tastes.
When it comes to the weather, December is one of Malaga’s most pleasant months. Temperatures are still warm enough for sightseeing during the day before dropping at night. This means it’s easily one of the best winter sun destinations in Europe.
What is the Best Place for Winter Sun in Europe?
The best European winter sun destinations are either the Canary Islands or Madeira. Both boast highs in the low twenties during December and January.
These tiny islands are located off the coast of Africa and are popular all year round. But winter sun-seekers will find themselves completely at home here.
Final Thoughts on the Best Winter Sun Destinations in Europe
Overall, you don’t just have to stay in the coldest destinations throughout Europe in winter.
There are plenty of wonderful winter sun destinations all over the continent and these little rays of sunshine can be just what we need to make it through the winter months.
So, if you’re sick of the chill, I hope this gives you the inspiration you need to get back to the sunshine.
👉 Searching for the sun this winter? Be sure to check out the warmest place in Europe in February and the warmest places in March.
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Ooh I do love a bit of Winter sun! Cyprus is working it’s way up my list at the moment and love the look of Azores for diving.
Will definitely be looking into a few trips!