The chilled air during winter is fine till it starts biting you to the point where you can’t hold back your nose from running every time you step out and about. You lose all fashion sense in search of warmth by wearing 7-8 layers of clothing pieces, and with the intensely cold weather, the motivation to step out and be productive vanishes into thin air. If you are struggling with this winter problem, you must have been finding ways to escape this winter cold and find the perfect place for an ideal winter sun to enjoy alone or with your friends and family.
Now, the question that may have popped into your mind is, “Where do I go to escape the winter cold?” Right? Before you opt for the usual go-to winter escape destinations, like Bali, Costa Rica, Africa, and so on, add these new, warm, and comforting European destinations to your list for this winter season to get a sweet escape.
1. Canary Island, Spain
100 kilometres west of Morocco, the Canary Islands are an exquisite group of islands that are the best option for a winter escape this season. They have the most pleasing weather during winter, with cloudless skies, countless amounts of guaranteed sunshine, and only a slight drop in the temperature with little to no rain.
In addition, various outdoor activities await you to enjoy, including sunbathing on the beach, swimming in the ocean, hiking and exploring the wild in pleasant temperatures.
It consists of eight islands and several islets, with Tenerife being the most popular. So pack all your summer clothes to enjoy the perfect winter sun in the Canary Islands.
2. Crete, Greece
This magnificent and popular island in Greece, located in the Mediterranean Sea, is what you must consider for a winter getaway, with its enchanting beaches and hardly any tourists around.
While you stay here, you can take advantage of plenty of things, like their famous dishes, including Cretan cheese pies, stews, smoked pork with potatoes, and other special seafood, along with their famous Greek wine.
Aside from food, you can participate in some of the most exciting outdoor activities, like kite surfing, skiing, lounging on empty beaches, exploring the city of Chania, and learning about its culture and history through museums.
If you visit Create during Christmas, you have made the right decision. You can spend Christmas the Cretan way, with lit-up streets and wonderful festivities, with locals celebrating with their traditional foods.
3. Nice, France
Shed your layers of clothes and pre-book a ticket to Nice, France, in winter. Experience the sunny weather with a sky as blue as the ocean and the pleasantly mild climate. It is a perfect getaway staycation with abundant activities to participate in.
You can explore the most exquisite art museums with the most extraordinary collections. Experience impressionist and post-impressionist art and savour the taste of their local food speciality, from crispy outside and soft inside pancakes to their signature dishes like ratatouille and niçoise salad.
And the fun doesn’t end here; climb the hills towards Collin du Château and experience the most ethereal view from the top of the stairs. Pay a visit to the local farmers market to take advantage of the local produce and experience the life of locals. Don’t forget to visit nearby towns like Sainte-Agnes, Peillon, Gourdon, and many more.
4. Malta
Malta is famously known for its extraordinary coastlines, remarkable architectural sites, and breathtaking landscapes. Nothing can go wrong with opting for Malta to escape this winter. The winters in Malta have an average temperature, so you will surely enjoy it.
If you visit Malta during winter, your time and money will be worth it. There will be hardly any crowds between your photos in the background or a huge waiting line for a reservation at your favourite restaurants or cafes. You will even get most of the beach to yourself.
If you are a hiking lover, Malta has the perfect weather conditions to enjoy nature and fill your phone with gorgeous photos. In addition, visit some of the remarkable archaeological sites, like Borg in-Nadur, Clapham Junction, Hagar Qim, and many others.
Another bonus point of Malta is its green scenery, with exquisite flora and fauna.
5. Lisbon, Portugal
Also known as the city of seven hills, Lisbon is another perfect European winter destination to escape the chilly winter. There are many reasons to choose Lisbon as your winter sun destination, the first being that it is cheaper and less crowded.
A smaller crowd means fewer people will occupy the beaches and tourist sites. The best time to visit Lisbon during winter is around Christmas or New Year. You will enjoy being with the locals in Praça do Comércio Square, an iconic place where the New Year’s Eve event occurs. You will also get to experience the fireworks over the Targus River.
Moreover, there are other places to visit, like São Jorge Castle, Tore de Belém, and the Jeronimos Monastery. You can also experience life like a local by using the local tram. Do not forget to indulge in tasting Portuguese food, which includes Bifanas, a Portuguese pork sandwich, their popular green soup, mixed meat stew, and other popular specialities.
So, get ready to have a sweet escape in Lisbon this winter.
6. Cyprus
Cyprus is the perfect winter destination for finding some sun. It is also famous for its Limassol carnival, local Halloumi cheese, and beautiful beaches. It is also known as the birthplace of the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite.
So, while you are here in Cyprus, there is much to explore, like the Greek-Roman theatre at Kourion and hiking in the Troodas Mountains to escape the city. Do not forget to visit the Aphrodite cultural route to learn more about the goddess of love.
Experience the beautiful small villages nearby, and lastly, enjoy their traditional dishes while you’re there, like anari cheese, conventional Cypriot dips, halloumi bread, beef stew, and other traditional delicacies.
7. Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is another marvellous vacation place where you can enjoy the sun and take a break from winter. With its stunning beaches and lovely villages, you will surely have a great time staying here. The place is ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and boat riding.
Make your visit worthwhile with a glass of their most delicious wines and popular local food, because did you even visit the Amalfi Coast without having their remarkable food?
Lastly, make your time even more exciting and worthwhile by visiting the gardens in Ravello, touring the Museo della Carta, shopping through the local stores, and visiting several other places.
8. Athens, Greece
Athens is the warmest place in the country of Greece. With its exceptional historic sites and food, Athens is also known as the birthplace of democracy.
During your visit, explore the captivating street art with beautiful graffiti and murals on buildings in Gazi, Plaka, and Monastiraki. You can also take advantage of your winter staycation in Athens by hiking to the Acropolis hill and experiencing the exquisite Parthenon.
While there, you can also learn about its history and even visit the Acropolis Museum to witness the artefacts and excavations found there. Apart from the touristy visits, there are various restaurants where you can try their traditional Athenian food like moussaka, Greek salad, and souvlaki.
9. Sardinia, Italy
Adding Sardinia to your list of places for a winter getaway is the most amazing decision ever. With its mild temperature, it hardly gets cold. It also provides ample sunshine during winter, making it easier to explore and enjoy.
Sardinia is full of alluring and marvellous beaches that are best for swimming and relaxing. After spending time in the sea, you can also opt for trekking. There are perfect trekking places to explore and learn about archaeological sites.
Visit some lovely towns, which are another activity to add to your bucket list, and eat their special Sardinian dishes, like spaghetti with sea urchins, bottarga, octopus salad, and many more famous dishes.
So don’t wait for the end moment, and start planning your trip to Sardinia this winter.
10. Málaga, Spain
Besides being known for its beaches, Málaga has much more to offer, like its jaw-dropping architecture, prolific green parks, and impeccable food. Málaga is also famous for its art because so many artists like Pablo Picasso and Jorge Rando were born here.
The Piccaso Museum, Malaga Museum, and Museo Revello de Toro are well-known museums you must visit here. Food is another speciality that the city offers. Some of the most loved traditional foods here are sardine skewers, Malaga salad, eggplant with honey, and crazy cakes.
The temperature here makes it the right weather to go hiking on the mountain trails.
This winter, plan your trip accordingly to escape the cold and enjoy the sunny places in Europe. The best part is that most places are less crowded during winter, making everything from accommodation to exploring and participating in outdoor activities much more exciting with your friends and family.
Last Updated on April 15, 2024 by Annanya Chakraborty