Europe is an incredible continent to explore, with many must-visit countries and destinations lined up one after the other. However, sometimes the weather can get in the way of having a truly amazing time discovering these travel attractions, due to rain, cloudy conditions or freezing temperatures. Winter sun in Europe, on the other hand, creates a whole new playground.
Sure, the classically cold countries remain so. But, all throughout Europe, some countries shed the cold for a fresh coat of warm summer glow. That’s why Expat Explore has decided to ring in the European winter travel with the top destinations with winter sun in Europe. Plus, stick around to the end if you’re looking to escape Europe altogether and discover some sun elsewhere in the world!
Top destinations with winter sun in Europe:
The Algarve, Portugal
Average Temperature in Winter (Dec – Feb): 16°C (61°F)
Soak up some of the warmest winter sun in Portugal, specifically two of the Algarve’s most picture-perfect destinations. First up is Tavira, complete with its Old Bridge and Tavira Castle. The region is also home to rich biodiversity that yields incredible wines to sample!
Faro, the Algarve’s capital, features a friendly old town surrounded by gorgeous mountainous scenery. Explore the historic centre and be sure to marvel at architectural wonders like the Faro Cathedral.
Related: Here’s why Portugal must be on your bucket list.
Sicily, Italy
Average Temperature in Winter (Dec – Feb): 5–15°C (41–59°F)
Taormina in Sicily, Italy is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, all open to explore in the winter months. This stunning city gained fame recently for being the setting of the second season of The White Lotus. For a touch of adventure, you could visit Mount Etna. Visitors can take a cable car and a 4×4 to the top station and walk in the volcanic ash, learning about the volcano from local guides. A true must-see in this area is a Sicilian sunset.
Sicily’s capital, Palermo, has been influenced by many different rulers, including the Greeks, Romans and Normans. However, this just leaves so much more history and rich architecture to explore when you visit. It’s also home to some of the best and most affordable food in all of Italy!
Related: Discover Sicily on an unforgettable tour of Southern Italy & Sicily!
Seville, Spain
Average Temperature in Winter (Dec – Feb): 10ºC (50ºF)
For the ultimate taste of European sunny winters, look no further than Seville, a magical city in Spain known as the “Pearl of Andalusia”. Some of the top attractions for visitors to enjoy include the Torre del Oro, Metropol Parasol, Calle Sierpes and the exceptional Plaza de Espana, a lively square which is home to some of the most exquisite Spanish examples of Baroque Revival, Renaissance Revival and Moorish Revival Spanish architecture.
Then, be sure to tick the Seville Alcázar and Seville Cathedral off of your bucket list. Both of these architectural masterpieces are true Spanish travel highlights, and winter is a wonderful time to explore them!
Related: Enjoy a free day in Seville during winter when you embark on our Spain & Portugal in Low Season tour!
Mykonos, Greece
Average Temperature in Winter (Oct – Apr): 12°C – 14°C (54°F – 57°F)
Gorgeous Greece! The Greek Islands are home to fresh seafood, blue-and-white buildings and some of the world’s most breathtaking coasts. During winter, unmissable experiences like a traditional Greek Kaiki boat ride can be enjoyed without the extreme heat or crowds.
In Mykonos, be sure to take advantage of swimming and snorkelling activities at Frangias Beach. You can even make a beach picnic day out of it and head to the picturesque bay of Kalafatis for more beautiful beaches to explore!
Related: Take a look at our top five destinations in Greece.
Winter breaks to escape Europe entirely:
While these sunny European destinations are great during winter, sometimes you just want an entirely different experience. For example, feeling the real African sun on your skin! For those cases, here are some non-European destinations to escape to during the European winter.
Turquoise Coast, Türkiye
The Turquoise Coast in Turkey, also known as the Turkish Riviera, is an incredibly busy and popular travel destination during summer. However, in winter, the crowds fall away, leaving only you and the idyllic beaches to explore in moderate weather with up to 10 hours of sunlight daily.
One thing to note is that it could potentially be rainy during this season. However, on the odd rainy day, Turkey’s top cities are renowned for their hammam (Turkish baths), where you can relax, rejuvenate and ready your body for more exploring!
Related: Experience this magical country on our Highlights of Turkey tour.
Marrakesh, Morocco
Morocco is a sunny escape with a deep-rooted culture to experience and exceptional sights to behold. Marrakesh, one of the Imperial Cities, is a must-visit! You’ll see incredible sights you’ve never dreamed of seeing in person, including the Koutoubia, Jemaa el Fna Square and various souks – true highlights of Marrakesh travel. You’ll also be spoiled for choice when you shop for souvenirs and gifts at one of the city’s bustling bazaars.
But that’s not all! You can visit the gorgeous Jardin Majorelle Gardens, a hectare filled with botanical gardens and artistic landscapes, as well as the Medersa Ben Youssef, a hidden gem of an old college with its own museum. However you choose to spend your time in Marrakesh, there’s no way you can regret it! Even if only due to the mouthwatering local cuisine.
Related: Learn more about our first discovery of Morocco.
Cape Town, South Africa
Experience the warmth of the African sun as Cape Town, South Africa’s Mother City, welcomes you. This world city is a bustling metropolis with many iconic sights and attractions to tick off your bucket list. Some must-see sights in and around Cape Town include Signal Hill, an incredible vantage point for sweeping views of the city packed against the ocean; District 6, a former inner-city residential area and artistic mecca that was destroyed during the apartheid era; and the Castle of Good Hope, a 350-year-old bastion fort which is also the country’s oldest surviving building.
Visitors can also enter the Cape Point Nature Reserve and the Cape Point Lighthouse at the most southwestern point of Africa. Be sure to soak up the smell of Fynbos as you experience more highlights such as the Two Oceans Aquarium, the stunning Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the Constantia Wine Valley.
Related: Here are some more recommended things to do in Cape Town.
And with that, you have a wide variety of sunny destinations to travel to! Whether it’s destinations with winter sun in Europe or winter breaks to some of the world’s most iconic sunny places, Expat Explore has a tour for you.
Explore our upcoming tours to each of the dream destinations on our list, book easily and affordably, and get ready to break away to some winter sun!