The 7 WARMEST places to visit in Europe this winter

When Americans think of a “warm winter getaway,” they usually don’t think of European cities. The default is a quick, easy flight to the Caribbean or Mexico. But what if we told you you could trade the usual all-inclusive scene for ancient ruins, vibrant cities and incredible food, all while still getting a good dose of winter sun?

Hereby Travel off the pathwe’re all about finding that smart, unexpected alternative. While everyone else is on a crowded beach in Cancun, you can check some insanely beautiful European destinations off your bucket list and not freeze your sandwiches at the same time.

We’ve researched the warmest places you can travel to in Europe this winter. Get ready to pack your sunglasses. ☀️

1. Canary Islands, Spain

Often called the ‘Hawaii of Europe’ this Spanish archipelago is the undisputed king of winter sun. While the rest of Europe is shivering, the Canary Islands are enjoying beach weather. The best part? There are now direct flights from the US (Newark to Tenerife), making this a surprisingly easy-to-reach paradise for East Coasters. It’s Europe’s answer to the Caribbean, with otherworldly volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches and epic mountains.

Average daily highs °

• December: 21°C – 70°F
• January: 20°C – 68°F
• February: 20°C – 68°F
• March: 21°C – 70°F

2. Madeira, Portugal

Known as the “Island of Eternal Spring,” Madeira is a hiker’s paradise that is at its best in winter. The summer crowds are over, but the weather remains consistently mild and beautiful. For Americans looking for an active, stunning and incredibly relaxing escape that feels a world away, this is it. You can spend your days exploring the dramatic volcanic landscapes and hiking the famous ones levada routes through lush forests.

Average daily highs °

• December: 20°C – 68°F
• January: 19°C – 66°F
• February: 19°C – 66°F
• March: 20°C – 68°F

3. Limassol, Cyprus

Located in the far eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus boasts some of the warmest winter weather in the entire region. For Americans looking for a culturally rich getaway that still offers plenty of sunshine, Limassol is the perfect base. It offers a fantastic mix of modern city life and a beautiful, historic old town. You can spend your mornings exploring medieval castles and ancient Greek ruins and your afternoons relaxing in a seaside café.

Average daily highs °

• December: 18°C – 65°F
• January: 17°C – 63°F
• February: 17°C – 63°F
• March: 20°C – 68°F

4. Seville, Spain

Seville is officially the warmest city in all of continental Europe, and winter it is secret season for an American to visit. The brutal 100-degree summer heat is a distant memory, replaced by pleasant, sunny days perfect for exploring. The transatlantic crowds are smaller and hotel prices are much lower. It’s the perfect time to get lost in the charming streets, see a world-class flamenco show and enjoy all the tapas you can imagine.

Average daily highs °

• December: 17°C – 63°F
• January: 16°C – 61°F
• February: 18°C – 65°F
• March: 21°C – 70°F

5. Sicily, Italy

Do you dream of Italy without the summer crowds? Go to Sicily. As the southernmost region of Italy, it enjoys the mildest winter climate in the country. Major cities such as Palermo and Catania are still livelyIt’s full of life and the pleasant weather is perfect for exploring world-class ancient Greek and Roman ruins without breaking a sweat. It’s a foodie paradise that offers an authentic Italian experience at a fraction of the summer cost.

Average daily highs °

• December: 16°C – 61°F
• January: 15°C – 59°F
• February: 15°C – 59°F
• March: 17°C – 63°F

6. Valletta, Malta

It’s hard to find a city more strikingly beautiful than Valletta. Malta’s capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the golden limestone streets and grand harbor are a sight to behold. Thanks to its location south of Italy, it enjoys a mild Mediterranean winter. It is a perfect destination for history buffs who want to escape the cold and immerse themselves in a unique and captivating culture. The best part? Americans can now fly non-stop to Malta for the first time in 25 years.

Average daily highs °

• December: 17°C – 63°F
• January: 16°C – 61°F
• February: 16°C – 61°F
• March: 17°C – 63°F

7. Faro, Portugal (Algarve)

Portugal’s south coast is a well-known summer hotspot, but in winter it’s an even better secret. The crowds are gone, but the sun still shines. While it may be a bit too chilly for a nice swim, the weather is perfect for Americans looking for an active European getaway: hike the beautiful cliffside trails, play a round of golf, or enjoy fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant with the place all to yourself. Average daily highs °

• December: 17°C – 63°F
• January: 16°C – 61°F
• February: 17°C – 63°F
• March: 19°C – 66°F

Before you book your warm weather getaway, check out our essential information 1 minute trip check see you immediately check all current entry requirements and travel advice for your destination.

Happy travels!