Is Autumn one of your favourite seasons? It is indeed a glorious season when leaves turn orange and red, the sky changes colour, the forest becomes a true painting with a thousand shades of gold. But it means that winter is coming! The days are getting shorter, you feel the lack of natural light on your body and your morale takes a dip. 

Time to avoid depression and recharge your batteries in the sun. Prepare your holidays in beautiful destinations where, even in winter, the sun is at the rendez-vous.

Take your sunglasses, sunscreen, swimsuit, book your flights at the best price, as well as your accommodation and your activities and tours in Europe and discover the Warmest Destinations for Winter Sun in Europe.

Go on, treat yourself to a sunny break in the warmest and sunniest destinations for winter sun in Europe.

Need more inspiration? Discover the Sunniest Christmas Destinations in Europe, Best Destinations for New Year's Eve, as well as the best places to visit in the sunniest countries in Europe as Portugal, Spain, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Croatia,...

1. Madeira

Portugal

Our teams have travelled all over Europe, from North to South, West to East but we have yet to see any place more beautiful than Madeira. Madeira has a perfect climate, never too hot, never too cold. Madeira is a perfect destination for leisure activities, sports activities, rest or rejuvenation in hotels immersed in nature or luxury hotels; everything you dream of is in Madeira.

Come trekking, watch the dolphins or rest on the beaches of Porto Santo. Madeira is the perfect destination to discover all year long with family, lovers, and friends. The temperature is almost the same throughout the day, neither too hot nor too cold; do not expect a white Christmas in Madeira but you will enjoy a stroll in the beautiful Christmas market dressed simply in a t-shirt that will be good enough to face 18 degrees/ 64 Fahrenheit, average at this time of the year. Welcome to Paradise! 

For nature lovers we advise you to book your room at the hotel Quinta do Furao and for lovers of the most beautiful hotels in the world, we recommend the hotel Belmond Reid's Palace, a sublime 5-star hotel where Churchill and Lady Churchill resided.

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Beaches in Madeira, Best Instagrammable Places in Madeira, Best Things to do with Kids in Madeira, Best Activities for Nature Lovers in Madeira and much more in this travel guide dedicated to Madeira!

 How to get there: Book your flights to Funchal and your accommodation, tours & activities in Madeira. 

 Where to stay: "Hotel Porto Mare - Portobay" offers 4 restaurants, 6 bars and 5 swimming pools

2. Malta

Malta

Malta is the perfect compromise between idleness, gastronomy and cultural tourism. Alternate the days of discovery of the island of Malta with rest days by the hotel pool. The average temperature in winter is 16 degrees, (61 F) and does not drop below 14 degrees (57 F). So, leave sledges, hats and gloves at home and pack your sunglasses and spring clothes for a dream holiday on the island of Malta.

For its excellent value for money and its perfect location we recommend the Grand Hotel Excelsior and the superbly located hotel Ursulino Valletta. Also book your best activities in Malta such as a vintage bus ride or a private tour with a local operator. 

 How to get there: Book your flights to Valletta and your accommodation at the best price. 

 Where to stay: "Grand Hotel Excelsior". Set just outside the historic entrance to Valletta.

3. The Algarve

Portugal

Royals, celebrities from around the world, families, nature lovers, birdwatchers, trekkers, nightclubbers, everyone finds happiness in the Algarve, a destination to discover throughout the year. The Algarve is like a good friend always smiling, always in a good mood, warming your heart and taking away the worries of the day.

The Algarve is an incredible destination that offers sublime hotels at very attractive prices in winter such as the Pine Cliffs Hotel located in Albufeira, the EPIC SANA Algarve Hotel or for small budgets who want to enjoy sea views the Muthu Oura Praia Hotel. 

During your stay do not miss to visit the Best Beaches in Portugal, Most Beautiful Secret Destinations in Portugal, Best Castles in Portugal, Best Places to Visit in Portugal and Best Things to do in Portugal to enjoy the very best of Portugal.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Faro, your accommodation and tours & activities in the Algarve.  

 Where to stay: "Portobay Falesia" features direct access to the white sandy Falésia Beach.

4. Tenerife

Spain

We think that the 20 degrees (68 F) in November-December-January will be sufficient to allow you to recharge your batteries, go to the beach and get a tan in the middle of winter while your friends freeze in the cold pacing the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe.

Book your dream holiday in Tenerife today by selecting your accommodation at the best price as well as your tours and activities in Tenerife such as Whales and Dolphins tours. 

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Beaches in Spain, Best Christmas Markets in Spain, Best Hidden Gems in Spain, Best Places to Visit in Spain as well as the Best Things to do in Spain and visit one of the Warmest Winter Sun Destinations in Europe.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Tenerife Airport, your accommodation and tours and activities in Tenerife.  

 Where to stay: "Jardin de la Paz". Pleasant location and beautiful views.

5. Seville

Andalusia - Spain

Already ranked among the best destinations to visit in October for its  weather, Seville with its Christmas market, its shopping streets, is also one of the best destinations for Winter Sun in Europe.

The capital of one of the most beautiful regions of Spain is of extreme beauty. You have also ranked it among the safe places to travel in Europe, Best sunny Christmas destinations in Europe, Best place to propose in Europe and of course among the best places to visit in Spain.

During your stay do not miss the most beautiful Christmas Markets in Spain and most beautiful beaches in Spain.

Book your flights to Seville, your transfer, accommodation in Seville as well as your tours and activities in Seville such as a "Seville: Royal Alcazar Entry Ticket".  

 How to get there: Book your flights to Seville and your transfer. 

 Where to stay: "Welldone Cathedral". The main Christmas Market is 300 m away.

6. Lisbon

Portugal

The city of seven hills – like Rome – is one of the best destinations for winter sun in Europe. With one of the best shopping centres and outlets in Europe, Lisbon is a prime destination for pre-Christmas shopping.

Here the prices of clothes are on average 10 to 20% lower than the prices charged in France, Germany, United Kingdom. 

Need more inspiration? Discover the most beautiful castles in Portugal, the most beautiful secret destinations in Portugal and the most beautiful beaches in Portugal.

Book your flights to Lisbon, your accommodation in Lisbon as well as your as your tours and activities in Lisbon such as a "Lisbon: Sintra Pena Palaca and Park Entrance".

 How to get there: Book your flights to Lisbon and your transfer.

 Where to stay:  "Torel Palace Lisbon". Stay in the heart of Lisbon.

7. Puerto de Mogan 

Gran Canaria - Spain

Gran Canaria is one of the 8 islands of the Canary Islands and one of the best winter sun destinations in Europe. It is also one of the best destinations to visit in November in Europe.

If you prefer a lazy afternoon at the beach rather than strolling through crowded Christmas Market aisles, then Puerto de Mogan is for you.

It is the best time of the year to enjoy this little corner of paradise. It's the perfect hideaway to recharge your batteries for a week or two during the winter months.

Book your flights to Gran Canaria, your accommodation in Gran Canaria as well as your activities and tours such as a "Dolphin Watching Cruise".

 How to get there: Book your flights to Gran Canaria and your transfer.

 Where to stay: "Hotel Cordial Mogan Playa". Set in tropical gardens, it features 2 outdoor pools, spa and rooms with balconies.

8. Marbella

Andalusia - Spain

The most beautiful city of Andalusia, The Capital of the Sun, The most exclusive destination in Europe, awaits you for an exceptional Winter Sun Holiday in Europe.

Imagine a New Year's Eve with your feet in the water. After a day of shopping in the authentic alleys of Marbella, in the designer shops of Porto Banus, you have a drink in the Marina or in one of the 5-star resorts of this destination which has always attracted celebrities. This year visit one of the Best Destinations in Europe for Winter Sun.

Book your flights to Malaga (40 min by car), your transfer, your accommodation in Marbella as well as your activities and tours in Marbella such as a "Marbella: Catamaran Tour with Dolphin Watching".

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Beaches in Spain, Best Castles in Spain, Best Hidden Gems in Spain, Best Ski Resorts in Spain and the Best Places to visit in Spain.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Malaga (40 min by car) and your transfer.

 Where to stay: "Nobu Hotel Marbella". The nearest beach is 500m away.

9. Nice

Cote d'Azur - France

What better way to start the year than a few rays of sunshine to warm up. Treat yourself to a walk along the "Promenade des Anglais", facing the Baie des Anges while listening to the sound of the waves lulling you.

Nice is one of the most beautiful cities on the French Riviera. Chic and elegant, just like its neighbour Cannes, it is a perfect destination to enjoy the first rays of the sun in winter. If the temperatures are not those of summer you can still count on average temperatures around 10 degrees and many sunny days in winter.

Be sure to visit Nice's covered or open-air markets to stock up on local produce, including the famous lemons of Nice (the Nice Lemon Festival takes place in mid-February. It is one of the most important events in Nice).

During your stay do not miss to visit the Best Beaches in France, Best Secret Destinations in France as well as the Best Castles in France.

Book your flights to Nice, your accommodation and your tours & activities such as a "Nice: Gorges of Verdon and Fields of Lavender Tour".

 How to get there: Book your flights to Nice and your transfer.

 Where to stay: "Hotel de France" situated in the "Carré d'or" district.

10. Porto Santo

Madeira Islands - Portugal

For the perfect Winter Sun Holiday, treat yourself to a stay in Porto Santo/Madeira Islands. This island is famous for its kilometric beach of golden sand with therapeutic virtues. After beautiful walks on the beach, eat on the terrace and enjoy the spectacle of one of the most beautiful sunsets in Europe.

Want to cocoon? Porto Santo has a high quality offer of hotels with Spa & Wellness.

Ranked among the best destinations for Valentine’s Day, Porto Santo is also recognized as one of the best wellness destinations in Europe.

Book your direct flights to Porto Santo or your flights to Funchal (Madeira main Island) + short flight to Porto Santo or ferry crossing. This winter, treat yourself to a cure of sun and well-being by staying in Porto Santo.

Not to miss: discover the best beaches in Madeira.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Porto Santo or your flights to Funchal Airport (Madeira) + a ferry crossing or a flight to Porto Santo.

 Where to stay: "Hotel Porto Santo & Spa" on a sandy beach.

11. Positano

Campania - Italy

In Winter, nothing better than filling up on vitamin D & freedom, discovering incredible landscapes, resting on the beach, sunbathing, enjoying good food, discovering one of Italy's best hidden gems: Positano.

Considered one of the best destinations for a wedding, a honeymoon, to propose or for a romantic stay in Europe, Positano is THE destination for lovers.

This former fishing village is built on the side of a cliff on the magnificent Amalfi Coast. Romantic Airbnb’s as well as mythical hotels like the "Eden Roc" welcome lovers looking for a change of scenery, sun and tranquillity in February.

Why visit Positano in Winter? Because the streets and beaches  are uncrowded , because you will be staying with the locals or do trails along the empty coast and because accommodation is up to 3 times cheaper than in high season.

Another good reason to visit Positano in winter is that the lemon trees fill the Amalfi Coast with their sweet fragrance in Winter.

Book your flights to Naples as well as your accommodation at the best price in Positano and your tours and activities on the Amalfi Coast such as a "Positano & Amalfi Coast Boat Tour".

 How to get there: Book your flights to Naples (1h20 by car or taxi/transfer).

 Where to stay: "Hotel Eden Roc Suites" set in a panoramic location it offers a pool and a spa.

12. Mijas

Spain

This beautiful and charming little town in Spain is totally different from other European destinations. Its sunny climate throughout the year makes it one of the best destinations for a sunny holiday in Europe in winter.

The warm air of the sea will warm you up and recharge your batteries. It is very rare to see snow in Mijas in winter, in fact it happens every ten years and the last time was in 2012. Book your accommodation at the best price in Mijas and come to enjoy one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe.

Find peace and quiet at the la Perla de Torrenueva thanks to its location metres from the beach. During your stay do not miss to visit the Best Beaches in Spain, the Most Beautiful Castles in Spain and the Best Secret Destinations in Spain! 

 How to get there: Book your flights to Malaga, your accommodation in Mijas or Malaga and your tours & activities in Andalusia. 

 Where to stay: "TRH Mijas". This charming Andalusian style hotel is located between the beach and the mountains.

13. Cyprus

The name "Limassol", the capital of Cyprus, immediately evokes holidays in the sun. Come and discover one of the most beautiful islands in Europe and one of the best destinations in Europe to enjoy the sun all year long.

You can explore the history of the island or its most beautiful monuments or rest on its hot sand, see idyllic landscapes, go diving or just sunbathe on the "Pissouri", “Santa Barbara” or the “Vrysoudia" beaches. They all fly the "Blue Flag".

The island is perfect also for sailing, water sports, walks, shopping. 

 How to get there: Book your flights to Larnaca International Airport, your accommodation in Cyprus and your tours & activities in Cyprus.

 Where to stay: "Amathus Beach Hotel" with direct access to the Mediterranean beach

14. Porto 

Portugal

The city of Porto is magical at Christmas, a hot Porto wine, a pasteis straight out of the oven, a woolen beanie bought on the ephemeral Christmas market or in the renovated Bolhao market, there are all the ingredients for a perfect Christmas if you are travelling to Porto in winter.

In addition, the city of Porto organizes fireworks every year which has nothing to envy to those of Paris, London and Berlin. Go to Batalha square, in front of the Town Hall to count down to midnight and admire the fireworks. 

Book your flights to Porto, your accommodation in Porto as well as your tours and activities in Porto such as a “Porto River Cruise” and discover one of the Best Winter Sun Destinations in Europe. During your stay, visit the Best Beaches in Portugal, Best Hidden Gems in Portugal, Best Places to Visit in Portugal as well as the Most Beautiful Castles in Portugal.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Porto and your transfer.

 Where to stay: “Portomoments” to stay in the historic heart while staying away from the noise of the crowd. “InterContinental Palacio das Cardosas” to be at the heart of the festivities.

15. Ustica 

Sicily - Italy

Probably one of the most under-the-radar European islands, Ustica is a tiny Italian island, with a population of just over 1000 people north of Sicily. It is connected to the Port of Palermo by a regular ferry service and is renowned for the beauty of its landscapes and the purity of its waters which make it one of the best diving spots in Europe. It is an ideal destination for a winter sun vacation away from the crowds in a little lost paradise.

Book your flights to Palermo (+ ferry to Ustica), your accommodation in Ustica as well as your activities and tours in Sicily such as a "Palermo: Street Food and History Walking Tour".

 How to get there: Book your flights to Palermo. 

 Where to stay: "Le Terraze sul Mare" offers sun terrace with pool and air-conditioned studios with sea views.

16. Fuerteventura

Canary Islands - Spain

Fuerteventura is one of the Best Winter Sun Destinations in Europe. This island is the guarantee of sunny holidays. Fuerteventura is flatter than the neighbouring islands and the clouds are never trapped by the mountain as can be the case on other islands such as La Palma, La Gomera or even Tenerife.

Lanzarote, is also a good choice for a sunny stay in March. This rebellious island has stood up against the construction of massive hotels under the leadership of the committed architect César Manrique, whose "Volcano House" you can visit in Lanzarote. Fuerteventura, on the other hand, is famous for its numerous beaches and its bewitching emerald blue waters as well as its sunny weather all year round.

Need more inspiration? Discover the best beaches in Spain, Best hidden gems in Spain and Best places to visit in Spain.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Fuerteventura or your flights to Tenerife + domestic flight to Fuerteventura.

 Where to stay: "Alma Calma Hotel Rural" provides adults-only accommodation.

17. Lanzarote

Spain

This Canary Island enjoys permanent sunshine throughout the year. Lanzarote has a favourable microclimate and more than 2500 hours of sunshine a year, a record in Europe. The temperature in winter is never lower than 14 degrees (57 F) and goes up to 20 degrees (68 F) on sunny days.

This island is perfect to rest, to sunbathe on the beach and to discover the main attractions of the island such as the Timanfaya National Park. 

Book your activities & tours in Lanzarote such as a "Volcanoes and Caves Tour" or a "2.5 hour Sunset and Dolphins Cruise" and book your accommodation in Lanzarote.

 How to get there: 

Book your flights to Lanzarote, your accommodation in Lanzarote and your tours & activities in Lanzarote.

 Where to stay: "Las Costas" located close to a golden sandy beach and the "Iberostar Lanzarote Park" with pool and sea views. 

18. Malaga

Spain

Malaga is a great city surrounded by other jewels of European tourism such as the "Caminito del Rey", this incredible walk along the mountains of Spain and exceptional small cities like Ronda and its famous bridge ranked among the most beautiful bridges of Europe.

During the coldest months, you will enjoy at least 5 hours of sunshine a day in Malaga (compare this with 1 hour for London in December) and average temperatures of 17 degrees (63 F) in the daytime.

Come and load with sunshine this winter by booking your accommodation in Malaga as well as your activities and tours in Malaga such as a "Gourmet tapas tasting tour".

During your stay visit the Best Beaches in Spain as well as the Best Secret Destinations in Spain.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Malaga,

your accommodation in Malaga and your tours & activities in Andalusia.

 Where to stay: "La Casa Azul B&B" in the centre of Malaga for its very good value for money.

19. Crete

Greece

Discover the vineyards of Crete and the famous Cretan diet known to make centenarians of its inhabitants. But perhaps their secret is not in their olive oil, in their wine nor in their diet based on fish and vegetables, maybe this longevity and joy of living comes from the incredible sunshine they enjoy.

During December, the ‘worst’ month of the year, you are sure to enjoy at least 5 hours of sun a day (compare this with 1 hour a day in London) and temperatures reach an average of 17 degrees (63 F).

Do not waste time and book your hotel, B&B, apartment in Crete and your tours and activities such as an "afternoon sailing trip to the Dia Island" or a full day tour of Heraklion". 

Need more inspiration? Discover the Best Islands in Greece, Best Hidden Gems in Greece, Most Beautiful Places to visit in Greece, as well as the Best Things to do in Greece.

 How to get there: Book your flights to Chania or Heraklion Airports,

your accommodation in Crete and your tours & activities in Crete.

 Where to stay: "Nostos Beach Boutique Hotel" located just steps from the beautiful Bali Beach.

20. Dubrovnik

Croatia

One of the most beautiful medieval towns in Europe awaits you this winter. Considered one of the best destinations to visit in Croatia, Dubrovnik is an incredible destination that attracts history lovers, those who want to discover the most beautiful castles in Croatia, but also gourmets, water sports enthusiasts, wine lovers, or those looking for sun and idleness.

There is a Dubrovnik for each of us. Are you a movie buff or do you love TV series? Dubrovnik is one of the best movie locations in Europe and you won't miss discovering places that have been used as sets for popular series like Game of Thrones.

While walking through the lobby of your hotel you might come across Hillary Clinton. Dubrovnik is one of the favourite destinations of celebrities. With its secret beaches, among the most beautiful beaches in Croatia, its 5 and 4 star hotels and its numerous restaurants offering Croatian and Mediterranean cuisine, Dubrovnik has everything to please you.

Book your flights to Dubrovnik as well as your accommodation and your tours and activities in Dubrovnik such as a "Dubrovnik: City Walls Sunset Guided Tour".

 How to get there: Book your flights to Dubrovnik and your transfer.

 Where to stay: "Hotel Dubrovnik Palace". Get the celebrity treatment at Hotel Dubrovnik Palace.