10 Warm Places to Visit in Europe for Winter Sun Escapes

The Canary Islands are one of the best places in Europe for winter sun. These Spanish islands are located near Africa and have warm weather all year. Winter temperatures are around 18-22°C. Tenerife has the famous Mount Teide volcano and beautiful black sand beaches. Gran Canaria offers amazing sand dunes in Maspalomas and charming old towns. If you like nature, La Palma has green forests and hiking trails.

Madeira is a Portuguese island in the Atlantic Ocean with mild winter weather and beautiful nature. Winter temperatures are usually 16-21°C. The island is famous for its colorful flowers and green mountains. Funchal, the main city, has a lovely old town and traditional markets. The island also has amazing levada walks, which are paths along old water channels. If you enjoy gardens, the Monte Palace Tropical Garden is a must-see place.

The Algarve is the southern region of Portugal and one of Europe's warmest winter destinations. Winter temperatures range from 8-16°C. Lagos has stunning golden cliffs and hidden beaches like Praia da Marinha. Sagres offers dramatic coastline views and is great for surfing. The historic town of Tavira has traditional Portuguese architecture and peaceful atmosphere. If you like golf, the Algarve has many excellent golf courses with sea views.

Cyprus is a Mediterranean island with warm winters and rich history. Winter temperatures are typically 13-15°C. Paphos has ancient ruins including beautiful Roman mosaics and the Tombs of the Kings. Limassol offers a modern marina, nice beaches, and good restaurants. The Troodos Mountains provide cooler weather and traditional villages if you want a change from the coast. Cyprus also has excellent local wine and fresh seafood.

Rhodes is a Greek island with mild winter weather and fascinating medieval history. Winter temperatures are around 10-15°C. The Old Town of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage site with impressive castle walls and cobblestone streets. Lindos has a beautiful ancient acropolis on top of a hill with sea views. The island has many quiet beaches during winter and traditional tavernas serving delicious Greek food. Rhodes is also less crowded in winter, making it perfect for peaceful exploration.

Malta is a small Mediterranean island nation with warm winters and incredible history. Winter temperatures are usually 12-16°C. Valletta, the capital city, has baroque architecture and the impressive Grand Master's Palace. The Blue Lagoon on Comino island has crystal-clear water perfect for swimming. Mdina, the old capital, is a quiet medieval city with narrow streets and beautiful views. Malta also has many ancient temples that are older than Stonehenge.

Athens is the historic capital of Greece with mild winter weather and amazing ancient sites. Winter temperatures are typically 8-15°C. The Acropolis and Parthenon are world-famous ancient buildings that you can visit without summer crowds. The Acropolis Museum shows incredible artifacts from ancient Greece. Plaka neighborhood has traditional Greek restaurants and shops in old buildings. Athens also has excellent public transportation to reach nearby beaches and islands.

Sicily is the largest Mediterranean island with pleasant winter weather and rich culture. Winter temperatures range from 5-15°C. Palermo has beautiful Norman architecture and busy street markets selling fresh food. Mount Etna is an active volcano that you can explore with guided tours. Taormina offers stunning views of the coast and ancient Greek theater. Sicilian food is famous worldwide, and winter is a great time to try local specialties without tourist crowds.

Seville is a beautiful Spanish city with mild winter weather and incredible architecture. Winter temperatures are around 8-15°C. The Alcázar palace has stunning Moorish architecture and peaceful gardens. Seville Cathedral is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world with an impressive bell tower. The Santa Cruz neighborhood has narrow streets, traditional tapas bars, and charming squares. Seville is also the birthplace of flamenco dancing, and you can see authentic shows throughout the city.

The Azores are Portuguese islands in the Atlantic Ocean with mild winter weather and incredible nature. Winter temperatures are typically 12-18°C. São Miguel island has colorful crater lakes like Lagoa das Sete Cidades and natural hot springs. Terceira island has the UNESCO World Heritage city of Angra do Heroísmo with beautiful architecture. The islands offer excellent whale watching opportunities and unique volcanic landscapes. If you enjoy hiking and nature photography, the Azores provide endless beautiful scenery.