Warm winter destinations in Europe for a great short break
Europe offers plenty of warm winter destinations if you’re looking to escape the cold. While there are some fabulous places in northern Europe that are perfect for a short break, the more southern countries and regions enjoy milder temperatures, making them ideal for a winter getaway.
Below, I’ve covered top places to put on your list of warmer winter destinations in Europe.
Whether you’re drawn to cities packed with fascinating sights and museums, coastal and island locations offering stunning sea views, or iconic landmarks and historical sites, there’s something for everyone here.
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Valletta, Malta
Valletta, Malta’s capital city, is a great destination, with fascinating history. There are many museums and churches, and stunning architecture throughout the centre. So much so, it’s a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can learn more about the island’s unique history on a short break here. And the fact that Malta is the 5th smallest country in Europe (it’s only 121 square miles) means that on a trip to Valletta, it’s easy to see the main city sights, and also take day trips to other parts of the island.
The winter temperatures are also attractive. I visited in winter and was treated to warm and sunny days that were perfect for sightseeing.
See my separate post for more information on top things to do in Valletta and for an itinerary for your trip.
Top things to do in Valletta in winter
– See the stunning views across the Grand Harbour from the Upper Barrakka Gardens
– Sail across to the ‘Three cities’, fortified towns on the other side of the Grand Harbour, and visit the Inquisitor’s Palace
– Go inside the spectacular St John’s Co-Cathedral and view its famous Caravaggio paintings
– Visit the Grandmaster’s Palace, once home to the Grand Master, the head of the Knights of Malta
– Visit Fort St. Elmo and the National War Museum
– Wander through the island’s old capital, Mdina – ‘The Silent City’ – so named because it’s now virtually deserted
– Island hop to nearby Gozo and Camino, the two other Maltese islands in the Mediterranean Sea
– Go to the harbour town of Marsaxlokk with its beautiful Church of our Lady of Pompeii and its bustling Sunday market
Average temperate in winter: 16 to 17 degrees centigrade
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is the capital of Gran Canaria, one of the Canary Islands that sit off the northwestern coast of Africa.
Because of its location, it’s the warmest and sunniest place included on this list, and along with the other islands in the archipelago, is an excellent option for a winter break. This makes it one of the top warm winter destinations in Europe.
Las Palmas is a vibrant city with a rich history and lively cultural scene. There are also beaches you can relax on, and places just a short distance away to visit.
Top things to do in Las Palmas in winter
– Explore the historic Vegueta district, including the Plaza de Santa Ana, the Cathedral, and the Casa de Colon
– Relax on Las Canteras beach and swim in the sea
– Try the local food and drink and pop into the local markets
– Make the most of the island’s waters: go kayaking, scuba diving or snorkeling
– Look out across the city and to the sea from the Mirador de Altavista
– Visit some of the nearby historical towns, such as Arucas and Firgas
– Go walking in an old volcano, the Bandama Caldera
Average temperate in winter: 21 degrees centigrade
Malaga, Spain
Malaga is another European city that is a good choice for a winter break.
The city is perhaps best known for being the birthplace of 20th century artist Pablo Picasso and for its proximity to the many beaches that stretch along the popular Costa del Sol (‘Coast of the Sun’).
But you don’t have to visit during the summer to appreciate all it offers – its mild winter temperatures mean it’s a year-round European destination.
Most of the main attractions are in the old town. This makes the city really walkable – although you can sightsee using the hop-on hop-off bus, which is handy for the castle which sits high on the hill.
Top things to do in Malaga in winter
– Take in the views from Gibralfaro Castle, the highest point in the old city centre, and look across the harbour and bullring
– Walk down to the Alcazaba, a former Moorish palace with beautiful courtyards, archways, and gardens. Pop into the Roman Theatre next door
– Explore the old town’s charming streets and squares and Malaga cathedral
– Learn about the work of the city’s famous resident Pablo Picasso in the Musee Picasso Malaga and Picasso’s birthplace museum
– Sample the food in the local cafés and restaurants or at the Atarazanas Market, the central indoor market
– Visit the harbour area and take a boat trip
– Chill out on the beaches
Average temperate in winter: 17 to 18 degrees centigrade
Funchal, Madeira
Funchal, the capital of the Portuguese island of Madeira, sits in the Atlantic Ocean south of the mainland of Portugal. It is a city with a beautiful old town, a rugged coastline, and a stunning background of hills and mountains.
There are lots of things to do in Funchal, many of which are centred around its beautiful scenery. It has a charming old town, peaceful gardens, and lots of outdoor activities like hiking and whale watching.
With its mix of relaxation and exploration – and its mild winter weather – there’s plenty here that makes it a great option for a trip outside of the hot summer months.
Top things to do in Funchal in winter
– Explore the old town with its pretty cobblestone streets, street art, cathedral, and museums
– Stretch your legs with a walk on the Avenida do Mar along the seafront and marina
– Ride the Funchal cable car for spectacular views across the island
– Try Maderia’s famous tipple in Blandy’s Wine Lodge
– Take a stroll in Monte tropical garden and see the palace and Swan Lake with the waterfall plunging down into it
– Visit the Madeira Botanical Garden and see the views from the hillside
– Ride the Madeira toboggan, a 2 kilometre ride in a huge basket!
– Go dolphin and whale watching
Average temperate in winter: 20 degrees centigrade
Gibraltar, United Kingdom
Gibraltar, the tiny British Overseas Territory that borders Spain on its southern shores, is another option for a winter trip. It might only be 2.6 square miles, but there’s plenty to see and do here – and the chance to hop over to Africa.
Most of the top things to do in Gibraltar centre around ‘The Rock’. This is hardly surprising since, at almost 1,400 feet, it’s impossible to go anywhere without seeing it.
Go in winter, and you’ll have a great time. I visited in early January one year, and the weather was warm, with bright blue clear skies.
Top things to do in Gibraltar in winter
– Ascend the Rock – book an organised tour, or catch the cable car (a ride of only six minutes) – and take in the incredible views out across the sea
– Walk down the Rock via St. Michael’s cave to see the see massive stalagmites and stalactites all lit up
– Meet Gibraltar’s famous monkeys, the only wild troop of barbary macaques in Europe
– Go inside the Rock and learn about Gibraltar’s defence from France and Spain in the 18th century Great Siege Tunnels
– Wander through other parts of the rock that were excavated to provide space for equipment and troops during World War II
– Head to Gibraltar’s beaches for some rest and relaxation
– Go dolphin watching
– Pop into nearby Spain or sail over to Tangier in Morocco
Average temperate in winter: 16 to 17 degrees centigrade
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is a fantastic choice for a winter break. It has a blend of historic charm, old vintage trams that travel around the city, scenic views, and vibrant culture.
My post on 2 days in Lisbon provides more information on the top things to do here. The city’s location also means it’s easy to go out to the nearby beaches and to a Sintra, home to several historical sights, including the magical Pena Palace.
Top things to do in Lisbon in winter
– Explore the Baixa area with the Praca Dom Pedro IV square and sweeping Praca do Comercio, which stands on the edge of the River Tagus
– Ascend the Elevador de Santa Justa for spectacular views of central Lisbon
– Go to the city’s oldest neighbourhood – the Alfama district – and stroll through its warren of narrow, winding, and steep streets
– Visit Lisbon’s cathedral and St. George’s Castle on the hill
– Take a ride on Tram 28, an iconic vintage yellow tram that winds its way through Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods
– Eat out at the Time Out food market
– Head to the Belem district to visit the historic sites and try the famous Portuguese custard tarts that originated in the nearby monastery
– Take a trip to the beach and walk along the coast from Sao Joao to Cascais
– Visit a fairytale castle, the unique Pena Palace in Sintra
Average temperate in winter: 15 degrees centigrade
Elounda, Crete
Just an hour from Crete’s capital, Heraklion, in Greece, Elounda is a lovely place to visit, especially if you’re looking for a vacation in a smaller place, away from the hustle and bustle of big cities.
Having said this, although Elounda is quite small, there are plenty of things to do on a short break. The stunning scenery on the island, the beautiful beaches, charming villages, and proximity to historical sites make it a perfect place for a short getaway.
Plus it has mild winter weather so is another of the top warm winter destinations in Europe.
Top things to do in Elounda in winter
– Sail across to the fortified island of Spinalonga and learn about its fascinating and turbulent history
– Explore Elounda town with its small harbour, striking orthodox church, and small shops selling local goods
– Dine out on the waterfront and try some Cretan food and wine
– Go on a boat trip around the coastline: options include swimming cruises, fishing trips, and snorkeling
– See the sunken lake in nearby Agios Nikolaos and stroll up to the beach
– Visit Crete’s capital Heraklion and go out to Knossos Palace to learn about ancient Greek mythology
– Hike to the Richtis Waterfall, take a dip in the pool and swim in the sea
Average temperate in winter: 16 degrees centigrade
The Alhambra, Spain
Visiting the Alhambra is undoubtedly on many people’s bucket lists (it was on mine!). Sitting high on a hill above Granada in Spain’s southern Andalusia region, it’s a fantastic place to visit. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Covering an area of 35 acres, it’s a place that reflects its construction over many centuries and where you can see the influence of different religions, cultures and rulers. As a result, there are several different sections in the Alhambra, and it’s been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Alhambra’s popularity means that a trip during the winter may be preferable when tourist numbers are likely to be lower.
See my separate post for top tips for visiting the Alhambra.
And you can book tickets for the Alhambra here.
Top things to do in the Alhambra in winter
– Explore the Alcazaba, the oldest part of the Alhambra
– Climb the Torre de la Vela and see the views over the hills
– Wander around the Generalife gardens with its palace, once a summer residence for kings
– Be wowed by the Moorish designs in the rooms and courtyards in the Nasrid Palace
– Visit the Museum of the Alhambra in the Palace of Charles V
– See the Alhambra at sunset from the Mirador de San Nicolas viewpoint
Average temperate in winter: 13 to 14 degrees centigrade
Warm winter destinations in Europe
I hope my round up of some of the warm winter destinations in Europe has inspired you. For other choices for winter, see my separate post here.
