Top 5: Winter Sun Destinations In Europe

As northern Europe shivers through the dismal days of January and February, it can be tempting to escape for a week or two and remember how it feels to see the sun.

Luckily there are a number of destinations just a short flight from European capitals that offer decent weather year round. While temperatures do not reach the scorching highs of mid-summer, it is a marked contrast with the frigid temperatures of London and Paris at this time of year.

Fuerteventura © Martín Zalba Ibanez | Dreamstime

Canary Islands

The Spanish Canary Islands are situated off the coast of West Africa, and the latitude affords them balmy weather throughout the year. Popular islands include Gran Canaria and Tenerife, while volcanic Fuertaventura has black-sand beaches and perfect conditions for windsurfing.

Point de Sao Lourenco © Henner Damke | Dreamstime

Madeira

Portugal also boasts its own far-flung island in the shape of Madeira, where low-cost living makes it a doubly attractive proposition for those looking to dodge winter.

St. Nikolaos Fortress, Mandraki Harbour, Rhodes © Porojnicu | Dreamstime

Crete and Rhodes

In the east Mediterranean, the Greek islands of Crete and Rhodes still attract holidaymakers even in low season. The temperatures do not encourage sunbathing, but you can certainly indulge in a hike or a bike ride.

Tomb of the Kings, Paphos © Abayuka | Dreamstime

Cyprus

Another similar destination is Cyprus, where temperatures hover around 15 degrees. Stick to the more picturesque western end of the island away from the larger resorts.

Grand Harbor, Valletta © Richard Goodrich | Dreamstime

Malta

Malta is a sadly neglected destination at any time of year, and the small island has a lot to offer those looking for a winter getaway. Take in the Baroque and Neo-Classical architecture of the capital, Valletta, and hit the beaches at nearby Gozo if the temperatures stray north of 20 degrees Celsius.