Best Destinations to Escape the Winter in Europe

While you won’t find tropical destinations, there are still some great options a few hours flight away if you’re looking to escape the winter in Europe!

Escape the European winter

Canary Islands

High/low temperature in January:
69°F / 59°F
20°C / 14°C

Off the western coast of Morocco, these Spanish islands have everything you need to escape the cold! Each island is slightly different, and you’ll find great sights for nature enthusiasts on every one! In the winter, the tourists all leave but the locals enjoy living on the islands all year long. You can go camping, hiking, or even maybe do some scuba diving in the dead of winter!

The weather varies from island to island, so be sure to double check temperatures before you go! To discover the best island for you, check out this Canary Islands guide!

Sardinia

High/low temperature in January:
58°F / 42°F
14°C / 6°C

A bit colder than the Canary Islands, but still totally doable! Sardinia is a large Italian island in the middle of the Mediterranean. In the summer it’s absolutely amazing, but still a great spot to enjoy the sunshine in the winter! You can join a steaming hot of authentic Italian carbonara under the sun and experience Sardinia the local way without the crowds of tourists!

Cyprus

High/low temperature in January:
61°F / 45°F
16°C / 7°C

A bit farther and longer of a flight, but this beautiful island is still stunning even in winter, and with less tourists! There is a lot of sun, and hiking is top notch at this time! The island is full of historical sights, which can be seen at any time of the year. Prices are cheaper, so winter is a great time to visit the island of Cyprus.

Greece

High/low temperature in January:
57°F / 49°F
14°C / 9°C

Visiting Greece or the Greek islands in winter can be a great idea! The weather is very mild, and you get to see the towns and cities filled with locals instead of tourists. While you may not be able to swim, you’ll still get to view some world class beaches in Greece without worrying about all the people in your photo. Each island is different and the islands are completely different from the mainland, so research the weather before you visit!

Morocco

High/low temperature in January:
66°F / 43°F
19°C / 6°C

Not technically in Europe but still reachable! While Morocco is a huge country with various weather, it can still be warm in certain parts in the dead of winter! Many people head down south to towns such as Essaouira and Agadir, which may be a bit chilly this time of year but are absolutely perfect for surfing– even in winter!

Balearic Islands

High/low temperature in January:
57°F / 45°F
14°C / 7°C

These Spanish islands are absolutely gorgeous, and still quite nice in winter! Nestled in the Mediterranean, each island is a bit different. There are plenty of things to do in Palma de Mallorca even in winter, Menorca is a beautiful gem yet to be discovered by most tourists, and Ibiza is a gorgeous island besides all the nightlife. If you’re looking to party in Ibiza though, keep in mind that most places will be closed!

Malta

High/low temperature in January:
60°F / 48°F
16°C / 9°C

Last but not least, Malta! Malta can be a beautiful destination and boasts some pretty nice cities! It can be a great option for your escape from the winter, especially since in summer it is hot and crowded. Visit all the sights of Malta and discover the local way of life when traveling in winter.

What other destinations have you been to for escaping the winter in Europe?