If you want to escape for some winter sun in Europe then you are going to need to do more than hop across the Channel. Although you won’t find anywhere particularly hot anywhere in Europe at this time of year, you can still find places which offer plenty of hours of sunshine even throughout the winter season. Here are a few of the best.
Winter Sunshine by Steve-h
1. Cyprus
You might not get a suntan during the winter in Cyprus, with the average maximum temperature hovering around 18C. However, you can expect to enjoy seven hours of sunshine a day, which is more than enough for most escapees.
The capital Paphos is lively throughout the year, and with rain a rarity even in the winter, this is one of the top destinations for December through to February.
2. Lanzarote
For pleasant daytime temperatures in the low 20s, Lanzarote is another great place to escape the winter blues. Showers are possible anywhere on the island, but it’s hard to complain when you can expect six hours of sunshine a day.
Playa Blanca in the south of the island is the warmest place and the most likely to stay dry. Here you will also find some great beaches, although it may be just a touch on the cold side to go for a dip.
3. Malta
Malta is another destination where you can expect to enjoy seven hours of sunshine a day during the winter months. It is also even closer than the two above destinations, with flights from the UK lasting just three hours.
If you visit Malta in November then you may even be able to enjoy the beaches, but it might be just a bit too cold during January and February.
Valletta is the capital of Malta where you will find lots of historical Roman sites to explore, so make sure this is on your itinerary. You may also want to check out the nearby island of Gozo with its secluded beaches.
4. Tenerife
This is the second destination in the Canary Islands on this list, and you can expect to find much the same as Lanzarote. The winter average here hovers around the 15C mark, but there is lots of sunshine coupled with the fact that the island is well set up to offer cheap flights and accommodation.
The south and west coasts are the best areas to stay because they are milder, and although it might rain at any time, it is still a great place for a winter escape, with November and December being the best times to visit.
5. Madeira
Madeira is an excellent holiday destination throughout the year. You’ll find temperatures of around 18C during the coldest winter months, and six hours of sunshine a day is the norm.
If there is one winter month when you should plan your trip it is February, because it is during this month that the island celebrates the Mardi Gras festival. Head to the capital, Funchal, for the best celebrations.
Other Options
There are lots of other options for escaping to find some winter sun. You could also go to the Algarve in Portugal or the Costa del Sol in Spain, but if you wanted to go a bit further afield then Tunisia and Morocco could be ideal. However, the above five are good places to begin, so start planning your winter escape now.
