Winter can get us down sometimes, and in that case, a winter holiday escape could be a great idea, so check out the warmest places in Europe in winter.
Winter can be a magical time of year, but if you need a bit of an escape from the grey skies, don’t worry; there are many dreamy places to absorb that much-needed vitamin D and warm your bones.
While some fabulous destinations are great places to enjoy spending time on gorgeous beaches and getting involved in some fantastic watersports, the best thing is that these places will be warm during your entire visit – so what is not to love?
If you fancy some winter sun inspiration, check out these ten warmest countries in Europe in winter.
10. Albania – a mild European winter
While Albania may not as warm as other countries listed further on, it is undoubtedly a country that experiences much milder winters than other European countries.
Albania is famous for the Albanian Riviera, which is stunning to see all year round, and winter is a great time to beat the crowds.
9. Bulgaria – head to the wine region
Bulgaria might be home to Borovets – one of the cheapest ski resorts in Europe. However, believe it or not, Bulgaria is an excellent option for staying relatively warm during winter too.
While plenty of the country experiences snow, the sunny wine region of Melnik encounters very mild and comfortable temperatures all year, boasting around 300 days of sun annually.
8. UK – Gibraltar is one of the warmest places in Europe
Gibraltar is one of the warmest places in Europe in winter, considering it is located close to the south of Spain and even closer to Africa.
If you don’t want a language barrier and want to enjoy familiar food and drinks while basking in warm weather, then Gibraltar has to be considered.
7. Portugal – an easily accessible destination
The Algarve in the south of Portugal is renowned for being a great winter destination since it is easily accessible from many parts of Europe, with plenty of affordable flights to Faro.
Here you can enjoy temperatures of around 17C (64F) – not too bad for winter. It is also one of the warmest places in Europe in March. While here, you may want to visit the best caves in Portugal.
6. Turkey – a country with a very mild winter
Winters in certain parts of Turkey are very mild, and you can experience very comfortable days by visiting during winter.
Expect an average of around 15C (59F), which is pleasant and mild for exploring, hiking, and other fun activities during winter days.
5. Italy – for comfortable winter days
Italy might not be warm all over but make your way to Sardinia or Sicily for warmer days than in most parts of the continent. Here you can experience daytime temperatures of around 15C (59F), a far cry from the plummeting temperatures in other parts of Europe.
4. Greece – a popular destination
Greece might be well known for its ancient ruins and its gorgeous islands, but the region of the Peloponnese is a place which needs to be discovered if you are in search of warm weather (18-19C/65-66F).
Add beautiful beaches, wild landscapes, and plenty of history and you’ve got a trip to remember.
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3. Malta – for warm weather and beautiful towns
Not only is Malta one of the warmest places in Europe in winter, but it is also cultural and beautiful, with many stunning coastal cities that ooze history. A winter trip to Malta will be a great decision, with average temperatures of 17-18C (63-65F).
2. Cyprus – a fantastic winter destination
Cyprus is a country that is sometimes overlooked. However, if you are looking for one of the warmest places in Europe in winter, then you need to consider booking a trip here.
Limassol, on the island nation’s south coast, is one of the top places to go for its atmosphere, history, and temperature of around 18-20C (65-68F).
1. Spain – one of the top choices
The Canary Islands in Spain are one of the most popular destinations for a winter sun holiday, with many islands, including Lanzarote, Tenerife, and Gran Canaria. You can expect average daily highs of 21C (70F), which are temperate for the deep winter months in these Spanish islands.
So, now that you have seen which options are available for a sunny winter holiday, be sure to consider one of these warm places in Europe, which are excellent choices for everyone seeking the sun.