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With winter approaching, the days getting shorter and the winds getting colder by the minute, we understand why a transatlantic trip to Europe, where the gray season can feel quite gloomy, might not seem like the most appealing thought.
A majority of Americans will instead head to the Caribbean, South America or, if they’re feeling particularly adventurous, to Southeast Asia little do they know that not all of the Old Continent will experience low temperatures and snow showers in the coming weeks.
In fact, one of the trendiest European destinations remains relatively warm all winter long, and it is best experienced out of season:
Why Sicily is one of the most underrated winter hotspots in Europe
Recently, Lonely planet went as far as Naming Sicily is one of the best destinations in Europe for winter sun.
Being the largest island not only in Italy, but in the entire Mediterranean, it has been one of the most popular European holiday destinations this year, especially during the summer.
It is home to beautiful beaches, thousands of years old towns, rugged nature and a vibrant culture that stands out from the wider Italy. millions of holidaymakers who hoped to make their lives come true white Lotus fantasy, relax and enjoy the subtropical atmosphere, or delve into history.
As any of you who visited Sicily earlier this year will know by now, it can be impossibly hot and unbearably busy during peak season – which, believe it or not, can start as early as May and end as late as November .
Just like Andalusia in Spain, so is Sicily one of the naturally hottest regions of Europe because it is closer to the tropical borders and close to the African continent, and this brings us to point one.
Unlike most of the continent, especially tourist hotspots like Paris, London and Amsterdam, winters in Sicily can be quite mild.
Sicily is not your usual European winter destination
Don’t get us wrong: it do get cold, but it is usually in the evening.
Locals still enjoy many long hours of sunshine every day and an average temperature of 59°F in January, the height of winter, although this can vary depending on altitude and location on the island (generally the coast warmer).
The risk of precipitation is quite low all year round in Sicily.
It can increase in winter, but even in January the temperature can increase worst month for weather-based activities, tourists can still expect an average of 50-60 mm (2 ~ 2.5 inches) of rain spread over 9 to 10 rainy days.
That’s not much not at alland then it just keeps getting better from February.
A public-free Taormina is possible
Then we have point two: since Sicily is mainly considered a summer holiday destination, as opposed to a destination that can be visited all year round, the crowds tend to disappear in winter.
This means that you essentially have access to the beautiful streets of Taorminaa hilltop town with an iconic Greek theater overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the charming alleys of Syracuse and the picturesque harbor of Cefalù (mostly) all to yourself.
You would expect locals to continue visiting these places, but the concentration of foreign tourists in Europe is normally elsewhere this time of year, in Spain’s autonomous Canary Islands or up-and-coming Madeira in Portugal.
In larger cities, such as the metropolitan Sicilian capital Palermo or the second largest conurbation Catania, you may notice that sights remain busy, but these are large urban centers with fast-paced life anyway.
And trust us when we say: Sicily does just as fascinating a winter destination as it is in summer or autumn.
Sicily is not suitable for swimming in winter, but it is perfect for sightseeing
Whether it’s exploring the ancient Greco-Roman temples in the Valley of the Kings, sightseeing in Palermo, easily one of Italy’s most exciting city breaks, home to an abundance of architectural gems, or visiting quaint villages with a snow-capped Etna as a backdrop, You’ll find that sunny Sicily makes for a great winter holiday.
The only downside is actually the temperature of the water this time of year.
The Mediterranean Sea cools off around Sicily in the shoulder months, meaning it’s certainly not as warm or attractive for swimming in winter, but the breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline are the same, and the coastal drives to blood-orange-hued sunsets are just as fascinating.
If you go to Sicily in winter, keep in mind that this is the first place a cultural destinationWhile you don’t need to pack heavy winter coats and you might even feel comfortable wearing shorts during the day, it is not a beach destination all year round.
If you are looking for a beach holiday on the Mediterranean, it is best to postpone your visit until early May at the earliest.
However, if it is the historic temples that attract you most, then you will appreciate the delicious Sicilian cuisine, including Italian classics such as arancini And caponataand you are instead looking for a slow, relaxing holiday that does not necessarily involve the sea, you won’t be disappointed.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
