Last updated on November 24th, 2025 at 11:13 pm
Looking for the best destinations for a European winter sun getaway? If you’re dreaming of warm weather in Europe during the cold winter months this year, look no further! There are some incredible places offering sunshine and a mid-winter respite for a week or longer and the best thing is you can be enjoying it all in just a couple of hours from leaving the UK!
Last winter, I traded a freezing January and February in the UK, for the warmest country in Europe in winter; Spain, where I spent 3 glorious weeks sunning myself on the balcony of a beautiful apartment on the golden mile of Marbella, it was 23°C most days and I was the envy of friends and family, I only wish I had thought of this years ago!
So in this post, I’ve curated ‘the best destinations for winter European sun’, where you’ll discover my top 7 places for warmth, attractions and style! I have also added affordable luxury places to stay to take advantage of the winter rates – honestly, you’d be surprised by how many towns and cities have fantastic weather in the middle of winter, even a few beautiful islands!
Here’s 7 of the best destinations for winter European sun, you’ll definitely want to run away to!
Why choose Europe for winter sun?
Winter sun holidays in Europe are so underrated, I personally love a getaway in the grip of winter, especially after all the festivities, it’s somewhere to look forward to and unwind!
I’m certain that out of all the times in the year, the winter European sun shines the brightest and the clear sky is deep blue in contrast, it’s dazzling! And not only is the sun dazzling, but you’ll be blown away with the reasonable rates – compared to summer, everywhere feels like affordable luxury!
If you’re looking for more than a holiday, there are some incredible long-stay hotel or apartment deals, but the beauty of a winter European sun trip is that it’s just a 2- to 4-hour flight away, so you can land somewhere warm and chic just for the weekend!
What counts as European winter sun? When the daytime temps hover around 16-20°C, which feels like Spring if you’ve travelled from the UK, the destination has flights all year round, the hotels are fully open and the beach is inviting enough to sit on! You can check past dates and temperatures with Accu Weather or Weather2Travel.
7 STYLISH WINTER EUROPEAN SUN DESTINATIONS
If you’re craving sunshine instead of grey skies this winter, I’ve handpicked the 7 best European winter sun destinations for you – the top places between November and April to enjoy your luxurious winter escape!
1. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Winter sun: Average winter temperature 22-25°C
THINGS TO DO
An ideal escape for Europeans searching for some reliable winter sun, Fuerteventura is one of the quieter and most unique Canary Islands. It offers a laid-back atmosphere and excellent sunbathing weather all year round. If you want a straightforward lounge by the pool with a cocktail in hand holiday you can easily do that, there’s some stylish resorts to unwind, but there’s more to this island!
Fuerteventura can be described as dry and desert-like with beautiful beaches, cacti, mountains, volcanic craters and some of the best sand dunes in the whole archipelago! You can explore the diverse landscape with this incredible panoramic tour – I think it must be one of the most underrated destinations and definitely one of the warm places in January in Europe to visit!
Winter is a great time to visit Fuerteventura, if you want to enjoy long sunny days without the long-haul flight and crowds, even in December, when I visited, there were plenty of loungers around the pool for everyone and lovely blue skies! South Fuerteventura has a micro-climate and will be a few degrees higher in the winter months, Morro De Jable and Costa Calma resorts especially, where you can swim in the sea or check out Corralejo National Park!
WHERE TO STAY
There are plenty of resort-style accommodations in Fuerteventura, adult-only Barcelo Fuerteventura Royal Level is where I stayed. It offers a seafront location with a gorgeous infinity pool and has undergone a recent renovation, plus it’s only 15 minutes from the airport!
For a smaller boutique option, Shambhala is a great choice on the edge of National Park Coralejo it offers suites and a pool. Discover more stylish places to stay in Fuerteventura.
BEST TIME TO GO
For your winter sun escape, December through to February is a great time to go with fewer crowds (except for Christmas and New Year), rates drop and you’ll get temperatures averaging 25°C in the daytime with mild evenings. December see the most rain – but I didn’t see any!
2. Seville, Spain
Winter sun: Average winter temperature 20°
THINGS TO DO
Seville is the capital of the Andalusia region, a city steeped in history and charm with spectacular architecture and plazas! It’s also one of the warmest cities for winter European sun, a perfect weekend cultural break and one of my favourite places to stay in Spain!
In the summer months, this bustling city scorches under 40° temperatures, but in winter, the weather is much more pleasant for strolling around the squares and cobbled lanes and photographing beautiful sights like the mesmerising Seville Cathedral and elegant Alcazar Palace without wilting under the heat!
In the cooler evenings, you can take advantage of the cosy tapas bars in Seville and catch an authentic flamenco show – one of the best things to do in Seville and finish your evening with hot churros and chocolate in the atmospheric old town – it’s delicious!
Stay in a centrally located boutique hotel in the heart of the old town of Barrio Santa Cruz, where all the important sights like the Seville Cathedral are nearby and walkable. Here’s the full list of the best boutique hotels in Seville and below is my favourite picks for winter!
WHERE TO STAY
Seville is the capital of boutique hotels, there are dozens of fantastic options in the charming old town, which is the best area to stay in Seville! Casa del Poeta and Mercer Plaza Sevilla are two of my favourite hotels in the old town, but for the full breakdown, you can read my complete boutique hotels in Seville guide!
BEST TIME TO GO
February is a pleasant time to visit Seville, the temperatures are a warm 20° on average, which is perfect to walk around and explore the sights on this city break (much better than summer – in 40°).
Read Next: The Ultimate Guide To Seville – my full guide on what to do, see and eat!
3. Marbella, Spain
Winter sun: Average winter temperature 22°
THINGS TO DO
Southern Spain is always a reliable choice for winter European sun! Marbella is one of those places that benefits from great weather and a short flight, you can leave the gloom behind and catch some rays in this upmarket beach resort within a few hours of leaving the UK.
Marbella makes a fantastic winter European sun destination, known for its top hotels and wonderful coastal walk along the famous Golden Mile, peppered with luxury restaurants, excellent hotels and boutique beach clubs – an all-round good holiday vibe in any month – it’s my favourite spot to stay!
At either end, Marbella boasts two picturesque white-washed old towns, Marbella Town and Puerto Banus, featuring a stunning yacht-filled marina, which is ideal for taking boat trips. I spent a lovely afternoon sailing and dolphin spotting; it was a great experience and one of the best things to do in Marbella!
In winter, it’s warm enough to enjoy lunch with a sea view on a dreamy restaurant terrace like bohemian-luxe Dune or even you’re own balcony without the need for a jumper (90% of the time I spent exploring Marbella in January, I wore a linen shirt) and on a sunny day the night doesn’t draw in until 7-8pm, it’s incredible!
WHERE TO STAY
Marbella is a sprawling area; it will take you hours to walk from one end to the other. However, there are three main spots to stay: Marbella Old Town, the Golden Mile, and Puerto Banus, each with lots of boutique and luxury accommodations. Marbella Beach Club is my top pick, it’s beautiful and offers a range of villas to stay and nearby you have Nobu Hotel – and Me Hotel in Puerto Banus, for the full list check out my guide to where to stay in Marbella!
BEST TIME TO GO
Marbella has a microclimate with little rain and average daily temperatures of 22°, making it one of the best warm places in January in Europe – my favourite month to go! Early January and February are the perfect time, when the crowds thin and prices are lower! (You don’t even have to make restaurant reservations at this time!)
Read Next: The Best Things To Do In Marbella, my guide to the highlights of Marbella!
4. ALGARVE, PORTUGAL
Winter sun: Average winter temperature 17°
A great winter sun destination in Southern Europe, the Algarve is the warmest place in Portugal and fantastic to explore with its sweeping beaches and dramatic coastline, made even better because of the relaxed atmosphere and reasonable winter prices!
Lagos is a popular spot for tourists to stay. You can spend your days wandering the old town, hiking along miles of trails or beaches and visiting (crowd-free) landmarks such as the Benagil Caves or iconic Praia do Camilo, a famous beach in the Algarve and a must-see. If beaches are not for you, the sunsets are particularly stunning here too!
If you’re looking for something more authentic and charming, Tavira is a fantastic spot in East Algarve with a lovely cobbled old town, sea views and a nature reserve that not many people know about, it’s the Algarve’s hidden gem! You can also visit many other historic towns from here with the Algarve’s excellent transport links!
What I love most about the Algarve as a European winter sun destination is the long-stay rates, there’s so many offers and in some truly unique boutique hotels, such as my favourite hotel in the pretty old town of Lagos Hotel Casa Mae, you definitely won’t want to leave!
WHERE TO STAY
I highly recommend the 5-star Casa Mae Boutique Hotel in the heart of Lagos, it’s stunning and great is you want to be situated next to amenities! Calegio Charm House is another lovely boutique in authentic Tavira, well worth checking out for your next European sun destination! Discover more boutique hotels to stay in the Algarve for winter sun!
BEST TIME TO GO
British seniors spend weeks and weeks in the Algarve over winter, the temperature hovers between 16-20°, I recommend December or February for more sun and the warmest days.
5. MALAGA, SPAIN
Winter sun: Average winter temperature 20°
Malaga is one of the best warm places in January in Europe, it’s a fabulous Spanish city break rich in history, culture and vibrancy, there is so much life in this city!
You can spend hours walking around the attractive streets filled with gorgeous well-preserved architecture and visit the key landmarks like the Alcazaba Fortress with tropical gardens and panoramic sea and city views and the majestic Malaga Cathedral – one of the best things to do in Malaga.
But, as well as the history, you can also take a stroll along the waterfront, shop and dine in some fantastic restaurants such as my favourite spot Blossom, on pretty Calle Larios lane – the tapas is delicious. For art lovers, the Picasso Museum will interest you with masterpieces on display!
Even in the coldest months, you will still enjoy lots of sunshine per day in Malaga, enough to relax on the sun-filled terrace of the gorgeous Only You Hotel or join a sunset catamaran tour and watch the pastel light catch Malaga’s skyline. There’s lots of things to do in Malaga during your European winter sun break.
Malaga is one of those destinations that never really ‘goes out of season’, which makes it one of the best winter sun holidays in Europe – not to mention the bargain £30 flights!
WHERE TO STAY
I love the boutique hotel Icon Malabar and their deluxe double rooms. For a splurge, I recommend Only You Hotel Malaga in the centre of Malaga with stunning sea and old town views, it has dreamy decor and the best rooftop terrace in Malaga. Discover more places to stay in Malaga!
BEST TIME TO GO
As Spain is one of the hottest places in Europe in December and January, the best time to go to Malaga is just after the festivities in January, when you can really save in the sun! But, anytime between January and March would be great! (I would avoid December as it’s busy – unless you are specifically there to celebrate Christmas and see the light displays).
Read Next: Take a look at my latest post Malaga: What to See, Do & Eat for more Malaga inspiration.
6. MADERIA, PORTUGAL
Winter sun: Average winter temperature 20°
Madeira is often called the “Hawaii of Europe”, known for its year-round sub-tropical climate and mountainous landscape, which attracts nature and adventure lovers worldwide.
The combination of fantastic scenery, warm Portuguese culture and unusual beaches makes Madeira one of the best European winter sun destinations for a warm and diverse holiday!
You can spend your days hiking trails such as the famous Ponte de São Lourenço, discover incredible coastal views, visit waterfalls, explore the charming town of Funchal and stay in some characterful boutique hotels like Quinta Da Casa Branca with lovely vistas.
I recommend booking your hiking trips or private driver/guides beforehand to make the most out of your trip or hiring a small car to get around – if you don’t mind driving along steep and windy roads! I think Madeira is definitely worth considering for your next winter sun break in Europe!
WHERE TO STAY
Funchal is a charming place to stay and central if you need transport to landmarks and would like amenities like restaurants and wine bars on your doorstep. I recommend Quinta B, an attractive boutique hotel in an excellent position just above the old town or for somewhere more upscale Quinta Da Casa Branca set in gorgeous gardens! For longer stays Villa Quinta Torrinha (apart-hotel) is perfect!
BEST TIME TO GO
Either January or February is a great time to go, February is the warmer month with plenty of sunny days and hiking opportunities!
7. MALLORCA, BALEARIC ISLANDS
Winter sun: Average winter temperature 18°
Mallorca is usually known for summer holidays, but believe it or not, this island is one of the best European winter sun destinations that should definitely be high on the list of places to visit in the colder months!
Mallorca is a large island full of culture and gorgeous mountainous landscapes peppered with sand coloured fincas and quiet villages such as Alcudia Old Town and Santanyí, which are picturesque places to escape to in the mild Mallorca winters!
Palma also makes a great weekend break, the Jewish Quarter is particularly lovely and is home to some great boutique hotels, I also love the wine and tapas culture in Palma, there are some fab spots to try such as the Bishop Wine Studio!
You can’t beat sitting in an atmospheric square in Spain, sipping wine, which you can totally do even in January while wearing a t-shirt!
WHERE TO STAY
For a chic stay in Palma, I recommend the beautiful Nobis Hotel Palma or Calatrava Hotel Palma for gorgeous rooms and sea views! Discover more places to stay in Mallorca, here!
BEST TIME TO GO
Mallorca is the best place for winter sun in Europe in February with bright sunny skies and it often feels warmer than the official temperatures! It’s a perfect time to sit in squares with a glass of wine or go hiking around the coastline!
WINTER EUROPEAN SUN TIPS
While chasing winter sun in Europe is all about escaping the grey skies, the little details are what turn a good break into a boutique-luxury escape. Here are my top tips for making your short-haul winter sun trip truly memorable!
Research The Weather
Choose destinations with guaranteed mild weather like Marbella or the Canaries, which maintain 18-20 °C even in the colder months, making them reliable for a sunshine fix – especially if booking in advance.
Book In Advance
If you plan on a longer 2-4 week winter stay, I recommend booking in advance for the best rates and availability, those top apartments in Marbella and the Algarve fill up fast! I also recommend waiting for Black Friday deals for resorts and boutique hotels, also keep an eye out for special winter rate offers!
Plan Your Trip
Research and plan part of your itinerary at least a week before you arrive. From restaurants to places you want to visit, spaces book out quickly on day trips in popular destinations. Get Your Guide offers flexible 24hour day trips all across Europe!
Seasonal Openings
Some boutique hotels or small restaurants may operate reduced hours in winter – check ahead so your luxury trip doesn’t feel scaled-down.
Pack Layers
Even though the days are sunny and warm until 7pm, the evenings will be cooler – bring a light jacket or shawl to stay comfortable at rooftop bars or seaside dinners.
Looking for a December warm getaway? Check out my complete guide to the 18 Best Warm Places In December in Europe for warmth, festivities, best hotels and more!
WINTER EUROPEAN SUN FAQ
Warmest places in Europe in December?
The Canary Islands are the warmest places in Europe in December with almost guaranteed hot weather all year round – ideal for winter beach holidays!
Warmest cities in Europe in January?
The warmest cities in Europe in January are Malaga and Seville.
Where is the warmest place in Europe in winter?
The warmest place in Europe in winter is Fuerteventura followed by Marbella!
What is the warmest country in Europe in winter?
Spain is the warmest country in Europe in winter, head to Marbella, Malaga or the Canaries!
What are the warmest places in Europe in February?
As February is the last month in winter, there are a few places that are warm in Europe in February, including Southern Spain’s Marbella, Gran Canaria and Madeira.
Looking for a beautiful beach escape? Check out my guide to the best destinations to visit in February for a sun holiday to the best places in the world!
What are the warm European countries in January?
The warm European countries in January are Spain, Portugal, Malta, Canary Islands and Cyprus.
WINTER SUN IN EUROPE – FINAL THOUGHTS
Winter sun holidays in Europe are great for breaking up the cold winters, with warm sunshine, culture, adventure and more! Many destinations are only a 2-4 hour flight away and the lower prices on stylish stays are fantastic!
My personal favourite spot for winter sun in Europe is Marbella, there’s still a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of things to do – or you can just lounge in the sun!
So whether sunny Marbella or stunning Seville takes your fancy, I hope you’ll find some winter sun in Europe this year!
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Plan your winter European sun trip!
Here’s my go-to list of resources for transport, accommodation, tours and more:
- Booking.com: For the best accommodation rates
- Trip Advisor: Check out the latest reviews & trips
- Omio: For train and bus reservations in Europe
- Viator: For unique day trips
- Get Your Guide: For incredible day trips
Related Posts:
- The Ultimate Guide To Seville: What To See & Do!
- 18 Best Warm Places In December In Europe
- 9 Best Destinations To Visit In February: Dreamy Beach Escape!
- Where To Stay In Seville: Best Areas & Hotels
- Guide To Malaga: What To See, Do & Eat
- 10 Wonderful Things To do In Marbella
- Hotel Review: A 5 Star Stay At Casa Mae, Lagos
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Michelle Trudie, is the founder of Little Wanderblog, a luxury boutique travel site. She has travelled to over 30 countries in the last 15 years. Michelle share’s her passion for stylish and affordable luxury travel experiences in Europe and beyond! Her goal is to make travel planning easier to hidden gem places!