Looking for the best destinations for winter European sun? If you’re dreaming of warm weather in Europe during the cold winter months, 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!
In this post, ‘the best destinations for winter European sun’, you’ll discover my top 7 places including the highlights and best hotel choices, 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 don’t want to miss!
Why choose Europe for winter sun?
Winter sun holidays in Europe are the best! Travelling costs during winter are much cheaper, accommodation is plentiful especially short-haul and not only that, there are also fewer crowds! You can get some great last-minute deals or better rates for longer stays over the winter months. A winter European sun holiday is the trip you were looking for!
A Quick Overview
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick guide to Winter European Sun Destinations!
Warmest place in Europe in winter: The Canary Islands
Best months for winter European sun: Nov – Mar for the best rates.
Top choice for car rental is: Discover Cars, which will allow you to compare rates for the best price and explore at your own pace.
Best hotel: Marbella Club Hotel, in Marbella a stunning 5-star boho luxe hotel on the seafront.
7 WINTER EUROPEAN SUN DESTINATIONS
If like me, you prefer sipping cocktails in the sun to hot chocolates by the fire the following 7 best European winter sun destinations are for you – yes even in the middle of January! I have handpicked these specific European places for their appeal, temperature, attractions and fantastic hotel options.
1. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
Winter sun: Average winter temperature 22°C
An ideal escape for Europeans searching for some reliable winter sun, Fuerteventura is one of the quieter Canary Islands, it offers lower prices a laid-back atmosphere and excellent sunbathing weather all year round. You can spend your time lounging in the sun or exploring the landscape, it’s truly unique.
Fuerteventura can be described as dry and desert-like with beautiful beaches, the bluest sea, mountains, volcanic craters and some of the best sand dunes in the whole archipelago – check out Corralejo National Park.
January is a great time to visit Fuerteventura, if you want to enjoy long sunny days without the long haul flight and crowds. 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, you can swim in the sea or join a fantastic Sailing trip!
WHERE TO STAY
Barcelo Fuerteventura Royal Level adults only offers an amazing location and sea views with plenty of amenities. Recently renovated to a high standard with a wonderful infinity pool (see below) – this is where I stopped the week before Christmas, it was perfect.
2. Seville, Spain
Winter sun: Average winter temperature 20°
Seville is a wonderful Spanish city in the heart of the Andalusia region with spectacular buildings and an incredible food scene, that’s just ideal for a cultural city break. In the summer months, this bustling city scorches under 40° temperatures, but in winter, the weather is much more pleasant to walk around and photograph beautiful sights like the 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 amazing authentic flamenco show, there’s still plenty of things to do in Seville in winter. Stay in a centrally located boutique hotel in the heart of the old town of 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 pick for winter!
WHERE TO STAY
Casa del Poeta is a converted luxurious historic mansion located in the old town of Seville and the perfect place to stay. It’s located just a few minutes walk from the main landmarks of Seville with a serene atmosphere, elegant rooms and gorgeous courtyards.
Read Next: The Ultimate Guide To Seville – my full guide on what to do, see and eat! Discover the hidden gems, best restaurants and boutique hotels in this guide to Seville, which is updated regularly!
3. Marbella, Spain
Winter sun: Average winter temperature 22°
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 it’s top hotels, fancy restaurants and beautiful scenery – an all-round good holiday vibe in any month! As well as the good life there’s the old town of Marbella and the stunning yacht-filled marina of Puerto Banus to wander, plus activities such as walking the Golden Mile or sailing along the coastline.
In winter you can even enjoy lunch with a sea view on a dreamy restaurant terrace like bohemian-luxe Dune or go on a fantastic day trip, visiting the historic towns of Seville or Ronda when they are not over -run with summer tourists. Winter is also the ideal time to challenge yourself and hike Marbella’s La Concha hills or even tackle Caminito Del Rey.
WHERE TO STAY
Marbella Club Hotel, a top hotel on Puerto Romano Beach, a beautiful stretch of coastline halfway between Marbella Old Town and Puerto Banus. A bohemian luxury hotel with plenty of character and amenities to enjoy at any time of the year.
Read Next: 10 Wonderful Things To Do In Marbella, my guide to the highlights of Marbella from beach clubs to the best seafront restaurants.
4. ALGARVE, PORTUGAL
Winter sun: Average winter temperature 17°
Surfer town Lagos sits on the edge of the Algarve in Portugal with sweeping beaches and a dramatic coastline, it’s a great winter European sun destination because of the relaxed atmosphere, range of activities on offer and reasonable prices.
Lagos is famed for its iconic craggy and unspoiled beaches like iconic Praia do Camilo, it may not be truly bikini sunbathing weather in January or February, but in winter you will have them all to yourself and it will be warm enough to enjoy the sunsets without the hordes of day trippers! One of the best things to do in the area is hike along the trails that lead directly from the pretty old town of Lagos and five-star hotel Casa Mae.
In the Algarve there’s fantastic transport and connection links along the coast and inland with reliable trains and buses that are extremely cheap (compared to the UK!!). If you make Lagos your European winter sun base you can easily visit popular towns such as Luz, Alvor, Carvoeiro and Silves just an hour away. Plus you can hop on a day trip and explore amazing things without the crowds like the iconic Benagil Caves.
WHERE TO STAY
Casa Mae Boutique Hotel is my go-to hotel in Lagos, it’s stunning and centrally located within the old town. The highlights include a pool, popular restaurant, gorgeous terrace, a historic house and luxury white boho decor, it’s dreamy – you can read my full Casa Mae review here.
5. MALAGA, SPAIN
Winter sun: Average winter temperature 20°
Malaga is an incredibly diverse and vibrant town surrounded by many gems, such as Ronda, Marbella, and the pretty town of Frigiliana with beautiful coastal scenery and epic walks – like the famed ‘Caminito Del Rey‘. In the centre of Malaga, there are historical sights; Alacazaba, the Roman Theatre and the charming old town, not to mention a handful of fantastic Michelin restaurants like Blossom.
Even in the coldest months, you will enjoy at least five hours 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, there’s lots of things to do in Malaga during your European winter sun break.
Malaga is incredibly diverse and one of those destinations that never really ‘goes out of season’, which makes it one of the best winter sun holidays in Europe. On the off chance that it rains in Malaga, you can always spend an lovely afternoon in the Picasso Museum or even join a fun and authentic tapas food crawl with a local, you will never get bored here!
WHERE TO STAY
Only You Hotel Malaga in the centre of Malaga with sea and old town views, dreamy decor and some fantastic spaces to hang out, including the best roof top terrace in Malaga.
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” due to the sub-tropical forecast and dramatic landscape. It has always been one of the best European winter sun destinations for a warm relaxing holiday with plenty of opportunity for adventure.
This tiny island is teaming with gorgeous scenery and you can easily explore the majority of it on a short winter sun break from the UK. It takes just an hour to travel from one end to the other and along the way there’s hiking, waterfalls, viewpoints, dolphins and black sand beaches to discover!
Some of the must see places include Funchal old town view point called Cabo Giraro, the highest peak on the island Pico do Arierio – for the best sunrise hikes in Maderia and of course no trip is complete without seeing the incredible coastal scenery of Ponte de Sao Lourenco. In Maderia there’s beautiful nature at every turn.
If you have a car to travel around Madeira you can be pretty much based anywhere, otherwise, book a hotel in Funchal, it makes for a charming spot with the mountain backdrop, orange roof tops-meets blue sea vibe and a lovely little old town to wander in the evening.
WHERE TO STAY
Quinta B, an attractive boutique hotel in an excellent position just above the old town of Funchal with orange roof top and sea views. At this upscale guest house there’s only a handful of rooms so you can relax and enjoy the amenities such as the pool with loungers and lovely breakfast serving area!
7. LANZAROTE, CANARY ISLANDS
Winter sun: Average winter temperature 23°
Crisp sunny days and fantastic temperatures are perfect conditions for sunbathing and exploring the wonderful Lanzarote Island of the Canaries. It’s one of the very best European winter sun destinations that should definitely be high on the list of places to visit.
Lanzarote is one of the most interesting of all the Canary Islands, it has over 100 volcanos, a UNESCO Biosphere reserve as well as National Parks such as Timanfaya National Park where you can walk amongst it all and go on epic road trips!
Some of the other best things to do in Lanzarote include swimming in the natural pools at Arrieta, sunbathing on one of the many golden sand beaches like Famara Beach or Papagayo beach with perfect weather and water temperatures even in the winter months. Lastly, no trip is complete without sampling the local wine and exploring the old town of Teguise. See my favourite boutique hotel pick below – you will not want to leave!
WHERE TO STAY
La Isla y el Mar Hotel Boutique is the perfect winter escape, it has an amazing heated pool, Bali beds, pool bar and a view over the Atlantic ocean. Plus it has a wellness centre and is only 15 minutes from Playa Chica Beach.
QUICK TRAVEL TIPS
In the past, I have booked winter sun holidays in Europe at the very last minute. Aside from the Christmas and New Year period usually there’s plenty of availability and amazing deals on both flights (hello Ryanair, £29 return to Fuerteventura) and accommodation. But before you go ahead and reserve, here’s a few tips to make the most of your trip.
RESEARCH THE WEATHER
While southern Europe is mild during winter, it’s still important to check the temperature and conditions of your chosen destination as winter is not as reliable as summer.
BOOK IN ADVANCE
Popular winter sun destinations in Europe can get crowded during the December peak Christmas and New Year season roughly 20th Dec to 6th Jan. Book your accommodation in advance for key places like Marbella and smaller boutique luxury accommodations.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
To make the most of your time away, research and plan your itinerary before you leave the UK. From restaurants to places you want to visit, if you’re thinking of booking a day trip do that first as spaces fill out quickly, with Get Your Guide they have a great 24 cancellation policy if you change your mind later on.
CONSIDER YOUR INTERESTS
Having trouble deciding? Europe offers a wide range of options from historic towns to hiking, there’s something for every type of traveller. Think about your interests and which destination best aligns with them!
Read: How To Plan The Perfect European Trip: 7 Simple Steps
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. It’s the perfect location if you’re looking for a beach holiday in winter and also to see some dramatic scenery from sand dunes to volcanic national parks and Spanish Towns.
Warmest cities in Europe in January?
The warmest cities in Europe in January is Gran Canaria, outside of the Canary Islands there’s Funchal in Maderia Island, Marbella and Malaga city. In all of these places, you’ll need to pack for summer!
Where is the warmest place in Europe in winter?
If you want to stay for a while, the warmest place in Europe in winter is Spain and Portugal. Head over to Maderia Island, Southern Spain or the Canary Islands.
Which part of Spain is warmest in winter?
The warmest part of Spain for winter European sun is the Canary Islands. Specifically South Fuerventura and Tenerife South from Playa de Las Americas all the way up to Playa Santiago, where you can expect fantastic sun lounger weather of 26°.
What is the sunniest place in Europe in winter?
Malaga is the sunniest place in Europe in winter (there’s a reason why so many Brits call it home). The second sunniest place is surprisingly Cyprus, which sees 340 days of sunshine per year and a dry climate, followed by Seville in Andalusia.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Warm sunshine is only a short flight away in the middle of winter! Start planning your getaway to one of these top destinations today. Whether sunny Marbella or stunning Seville takes your fancy, I hope you found some winter European sun inspiration in this post.
Liked this post? Please leave a comment in the box below – or you can BUY ME A COFFEE!
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
- Rail Europe: Book any rail journey
- Viator: For unique day trips
- Get Your Guide: For incredible day trips
Related Posts:
- The Ultimate Guide To Seville
- Where To Stay In Seville: Areas & Hotels
- Malaga: What To See, Do & Eat
- 10 Wonderful Things To do In Marbella
- Hotel Review: Casa Mae, Lagos
LIKED THIS POST? PIN IT!
7 Best Winter European Sun Destinations | Pin For Later
This post contains affiliate links and I earn a small commission when you make a purchase using the link. This is at no extra cost to you and it allows the site to keep running.