Late December and early January are wonderful times for a European vacation. The magic in the air and the comforting songs of Frank Sinatra coming from every store? Check. The Christmas fairs luring in everyone passing by with beautiful lights and the smell of spiced mulled wine and heavenly baked goods? Check. The gorgeous Christmas trees scattered around the cities’ streets, bringing a bit of gentle happiness even to the most hardened cynics? Check again!
But at the end of January, when the last celebrations die down, the anticipation of spring settles, making us crave warmth and sunlight. Unsurprisingly, not many travelers choose Europe as their vacation spot, as it isn’t exactly associated with any of those things. But what if we tell you that there are some amazing European destinations where you can get a dose of vitamin D even in the midst of the winter?
Best Winter-Sun Destinations in Europe
Tenerife, Spain
Let’s start with Tenerife, a beautiful island in Spain where the average daytime high in January is about 21°C. Dozens of beaches, from classic golden sand to Instagram-black, majestic Mount Teide, the world’s third-tallest volcanic structure when measured from the ocean floor, and the UNESCO-listed Teide National Park make Tenerife a stunning place to visit all year round. This destination is famous for its beach resorts and vibrant nightlife, but it also has a lot to offer if you prefer classic sightseeing or active holidays to spending all day in a lounger with a book in one hand and a cocktail in the other. And while this magical island is very much a part of Spain, it feels nothing like lively Madrid or breathtaking Barcelona, making it a must-visit place for everyone who wants to truly see the hundreds of facets of the gem that is this remarkable country.
And yes, you theoretically can swim in the sea if you really want to, but the water is only about 19–20°C in winter, so most travelers prefer to stick to the heated hotel pools.
Madeira, Portugal
While Tenerife is known as an excellent party destination, not least because of its amazing carnival which can rival the famous celebrations in Rio, breathtaking Madeira has a much calmer vibe and can be an excellent alternative to Hawaii. It boasts slightly cooler weather, with daytime highs of about 20°C in January, and while it’s generally agreed that it’s too cool for a day on the beach (even though its beaches are truly stunning), it’s a perfect temperature to give in to the temptation to explore this remarkable place.
The island is a dream destination for any photographer and a perfect choice for all hiking enthusiasts out there. Lush natural parks, steep mountains, amazing opportunities for whale watching, exquisite wines and brandy, and natural swimming pools are only a fraction of the things you can enjoy on your getaway. Actually, scratch the statement that the island is a perfect choice for hikers. Madeira is a perfect choice for everyone, as this Portuguese island has everything you can dream of. Well, apart from an easy way to reach it: direct flights from the US run only in summer, so in winter most travelers fly to Lisbon or Porto and take a short flight to Madeira from there.
Limassol, Cyprus
Limassol is another great option you can consider on your quest to find sun in winter Europe. The destination is the second-biggest city in Cyprus, and this popular tourist hub welcoming visitors all year round is quite a sight to see. It’s a city of contrasts where modern buildings are nestled next to amazing historical treasures, and it’s a separate form of pleasure to get slightly lost exploring the narrow streets of its Old Town.
The things you can add to your must-see list are endless: from a majestic castle in the city center and other stunning archaeological sites to mountain monasteries and beautiful wine routes. In summer, wakeboarding and surfing are also popular activities, but not many are brave enough to enjoy them in the middle of the winter, as the average daytime high is about 17°C. In every other respect, this beautiful Cypriot city can easily be the perfect setting for your winter vacation.
Valletta, Malta
Of course, we couldn’t ignore Valletta when speaking about the sunniest destinations in Europe. The capital of Malta boasts a cheerful 16°C in the middle of winter, which combined with the predominantly sunny weather makes it a very good option to consider.
The city’s narrow cobbled streets and beautiful architecture feel distinctly Italian, which is no surprise as Malta lies less than 100 km south of Sicily, but make no mistake—it is its own glorious place first and foremost that has a lot to offer. Make sure to check out Caravaggio’s masterpiece “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist” in St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the stunning Upper Barrakka Gardens, MUŻA, the national art museum, and the magnificent Grand Master’s Palace, among the first things you explore.
Malaga, Spain
And we are back in Spain! If you are not in the mood for the island vibes this winter and are in the market for something more urban, consider visiting lively Malaga. It’s a city buzzing with energy and character. The birthplace of Picasso has an incredible cultural scene, and the museum dedicated to the most famous Spanish painter is a must-visit place even if you are not that much into art. And let’s not forget about Malaga’s incredible food scene, ranging from high-end restaurants to busy bars open till early hours in the morning and beach bars grilling espetos, the local sardine skewers.
And while all of it is great, we haven’t covered the topic of weather in January yet, so let’s go. The average daytime high in January is about 17°C, and although January is one of the wetter months, sunny days still win by a wide margin: Malaga gets around 2,900 hours of sunshine a year. While it’s not exactly T-shirt conditions, a warm pullover and a light jacket should be quite comfortable.
As you can see, there is more to winter travel than magnificent Dubai, lovely Costa Rica, and tropical Thailand if you are looking for the sun. Europe, in all its glory, has a few very interesting options to offer with all the perks that come from traveling in the low season! So why not treat yourself to an unforgettable vacation this winter? And if you fancy winter sun in Spain or Portugal, from Malaga to Madeira, we will be happy to take care of all the details.
