It may take some effort to adjust to the cold and lack of sunshine, but autumn and winter offer a lot of fun. Those who live in (or want to visit) Europe will be delighted to know that there are many places to travel within Europe to soak up the sun and ward off the winter blues.
This list includes 10 places in Europe that have fairly warm winters and frequent sunshine. Even with cooler temperatures than summer, travelers visiting these destinations won’t be shivering for too long. As an added bonus, visitors can avoid the dark weather that has plagued other European cities.
10/10 Sicily, Italy
In winter, Sicily is less touristy and the city’s almond trees are in full bloom under a clear blue sky. Skiing Etna, eating exquisite cuisine and enjoying lovely Taormina in the most relaxing way possible without competing with other visitors. The temperature along the coast is typical of the Mediterranean region, and now is the season for sea urchins. As a result, Sicily is full of restaurants for romantic dinners, where visitors can sample this unique and delicious specialty.
9/10 San Miguel, Portugal
A beautiful island off the coast of Portugal, São Miguel is part of the Azores. Hikers and visitors alike will be awed by the stunning scenery of craters, waterfalls and lakes of dazzling hues. São Miguel is a volcanic island, so of course there are hot springs, so it’s a relaxing place. This is especially welcome given that the average annual minimum temperature is only about 16.6 degrees. Several species of whales and dolphins frequent San Miguel’s waters. The best way to see them is from a boat, and everyone has a chance to do so at any time of the year.
8/10 Cyprus
The Cyprus city of Limassol conjures up images of a temperate-climate vacation just by its name. Travelers can visit the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, one of Europe’s most beautiful islands and one of the continent’s top spots for sunbathing all year round. Vacationers can scuba dive, snorkel, or sunbathe in Santa Barbara, Brisoudia, Pissouri, or on the beach, or visit the many historic sites to learn about the island’s rich history. All of them are waving blue flags. It’s also a great place to enjoy sailing, swimming, water he sports, walking and even window he shopping.
7/10 Akyaka, Turkey
Akyaka is a spot where you can enjoy a leisurely drive. This sets Akyaka apart from its competitors. No noisy pubs or clubs here, just quiet boat rides, scenic treks, delicious Turkish cuisine and unique gift shops. Here is a traditional house unique to Akyaka. This mix of old and new is sure to impress any visitor to this Turkish city. Akyaka is surrounded by mountains, has rivers running through it, and forests to explore, all of which amaze visitors.
6/10 Palermo, Italy
Palermo, the sunny capital of Sicily, is the perfect European winter getaway. Although she is the fifth largest city in Italy, it is widely known for its rich cultural heritage and delicious cuisine. Palermo is a perfect winter trip as the island has plenty of bright days during that season. Warm sirocco winds blowing in from Africa endure Palermo’s winters, with temperatures reaching 20°C in the afternoon. This allows vacationers to experience incredible street food, great wine and breathtaking picturesque blue waters at any time of the year.
5/10 France, Corsica
When planning your European winter vacation, consider visiting the island of Corsica in the south of France. With temperatures soaring up to 13 degrees Celsius on sunny days, French Corsica has plenty to offer. Corsica has earned the nickname ‘Isle of Beauty’ (l’Îlede la Beauté) for its stunning landscapes and abundance of beautiful beaches. Despite its proximity to the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Corsica’s winters are pleasant, with temperatures never dropping below zero degrees Celsius. Ajaccio, the capital of Corsica, is the birthplace of Napoleon.
4/10 Rethymno, Crete, Greece
Located in northern Crete, the city of Rethymno is steeped in history and well worth a visit. This city on Crete attracts many visitors throughout the year. Although most tourists arrive in the summer, coming to Rethymno in the winter is a great opportunity to escape the cold, experience the sun and learn about Greece’s rich history and culture. It is important to remember that the weather is always mild with temperatures ranging from 9 to 16 degrees Celsius. Find quality hotels in the heart of the city at affordable prices during the winter months when occupancy is low. This allows visitors to easily reach several points of interest within walking distance.
3/10 Canary Islands, Spain
As one of Europe’s mildest winter holidays, the Canary Islands offer pleasant temperatures all year round. Winters are mild, with average temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius and little precipitation. This condition is perfect for those who want to plan a trip to the Canary Islands for sightseeing or to enjoy the breathtaking volcanic landscape. Spectacular views from Lanzarote’s Timanfaya National Park, Mount Teide (Spain’s highest mountain) and El Hei Hierro of unexpected areas of the Canary Islands carved out by volcanoes that contribute to the island’s natural wealth Just an example.
2/10 Bora Bora, Tahiti – French Polynesia
Despite being far from the French capital, French Polynesia is still part of France and Bora Bora is full of exciting activities. Bora Bora is a tiny slice of heaven on earth. Minimum size of 8 km long and 5 km wide. It was the first volcanic island in the archipelago to rise from the sea, so the natives named it “Pola Pola”, which means “firstborn”. Considering the difficulty of pronouncing the original name, locals adopted the more familiar name “Bora Bora” as a more common name.
1/10 Madeira, Portugal
The Madeira archipelago is one of Europe’s most exotic and remote islands, located 1,000 miles off the coast of Portugal. Winters may bring rain, but the tropical gardens, stunning coastline and lush landscapes are worth a visit all year round. Temperatures range from 18 to 20 degrees Celsius, perfect for outdoor activities such as golf, walking and sightseeing (only about 8 hours of sunshine per day). Funchal, the island’s charming capital, has stunning colonial buildings and a vibrant nightlife scene.
