Hotels
Winter sun destinations in Europe: 8 places and where to stay
You do not have to fly to the tropics to feel the sun on your face in winter. Here are eight winter sun destinations in and near Europe, from Lanzarote and Madeira to Malta, Sicily and Marrakech.
Winter sun in Europe is rarely about scorching heat. It is about sitting outside with a coffee in January, walking by the sea without a hat and coming home with a little colour in your cheeks. And you can find it in plenty of places, just a few hours away.
We have picked eight destinations with mild winters in and around Europe, from the Canary Islands and Madeira in the Atlantic to Malta, Cyprus and Sicily in the Mediterranean, plus a short hop across to Marrakech. In each one we have chosen a hotel that makes winter easier to bear.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You choose your own dates and room on the hotel page.
How to choose a winter sun destination in Europe
The Canaries and Madeira are the warmest and most reliable in winter. The Mediterranean is milder than home but can bring rainy days, so it suits travellers who want sunshine with food, culture and city life.
Most sunshine and warmth: Lanzarote and Madeira
Mild and cultural: Malta, Sicily and Cyprus
Golf, beaches and great restaurants: the Algarve and Marbella
Exotic and close: Marrakech
The Atlantic: Lanzarote and Madeira
The Cliff Bay
The hotel sits on the cliffs above the sea in Funchal.
Madeira: The Cliff Bay
Madeira is mild all winter, and the island is green and blooming while the rest of Europe is grey. Funchal has an old town, markets and a harbour promenade that is lovely for an evening stroll.
The Cliff Bay sits on the cliffs above the ocean, a few minutes from Funchal marina. There are three restaurants and a spa, and guests praise the helpful staff.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Cliff Bay
Lanzarote: Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort
Lanzarote is the most distinctive of the Canary Islands, with volcanic landscapes, black beaches and white houses shaped by the artist César Manrique. Winters are mild and sunny, and the island is quieter than Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
Princesa Yaiza is in Playa Blanca, a few minutes from Marina Rubicón, with pools and palms running down to the sea. Breakfast is included, and every suite has a balcony.
Book your stay: See rooms at Princesa Yaiza
The Mediterranean in winter: Malta, Sicily and Cyprus
The Phoenicia Malta
The bright lobby, just outside the city walls of Valletta.
Malta: The Phoenicia
Malta has some of the mildest winters in the Mediterranean, and Valletta is a city of baroque churches, fortifications and narrow streets that run straight down to the sea.
The Phoenicia is in Floriana, just outside the Valletta city gates and a few minutes from the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Wifi, parking and an evening social gathering are included.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Phoenicia
Rocco Forte Villa Igiea
The villa by the sea in Palermo, with the mountain behind.
Sicily: Rocco Forte Villa Igiea, Palermo
Palermo is one of Europe’s liveliest cities in winter, with street food, markets and citrus in season. It is rarely cold, and lunch can often be eaten outdoors.
Villa Igiea is a historic seafront villa a few minutes from Palermo harbour. Breakfast is included, and there is a spa. Read more in our Sicily travel guide.
Book your stay: See rooms at Villa Igiea
Anassa
Pool and cypress trees above the sea in Cyprus.
Cyprus: Anassa
Cyprus is the warmest island in the Mediterranean in winter, and the west coast around the Akamas peninsula is green and peaceful out of season.
Anassa is near Latsi beach, with whitewashed village-style buildings and sea views. Breakfast is included, and every room has a deep bathtub.
Book your stay: See rooms at Anassa
Iberia and North Africa: the Algarve, Marbella and Marrakech
Vila Vita Parc
Views of the Atlantic from the restaurant.
The Algarve: Vila Vita Parc
The Algarve has mild winters, golf courses and golden cliffs above the Atlantic. In January and February the almond trees blossom, and the beaches are almost empty.
Vila Vita Parc is on the cliffs at Porches, a few minutes from Tremoços beach. Breakfast is included, and guests are particularly happy with the staff.
Book your stay: See rooms at Vila Vita Parc
Marbella Club Hotel
White buildings and lush gardens leading to the beach.
Marbella: Marbella Club Hotel
The Costa del Sol has some of Spain’s mildest winters, and Marbella has an old town, a seafront promenade and mountains right behind the town.
Marbella Club Hotel is on the Golden Mile, a few minutes from Playa de Casablanca. There are two outdoor pools and gardens that lead down to the beach.
Book your stay: See rooms at Marbella Club Hotel
Royal Mansour Marrakech
The pool in the evening, when the lanterns are lit.
Marrakech: Royal Mansour
Marrakech has sunny winter days and cool evenings, often with snow on the peaks of the Atlas Mountains. The city is a short flight away and still feels like another world.
Royal Mansour is a few minutes from the Koutoubia Mosque, with private riads instead of ordinary rooms. Breakfast is included, and every riad has a fireplace, which you will appreciate when the evening turns chilly.
Book your stay: See rooms at Royal Mansour
When should you book winter sun?
Christmas, New Year and the February half-term are the busiest times, when flights and hotels cost the most. January after New Year and early March are often quieter. For the most warmth, the Canaries and Madeira are the safest bet.
Choose the Canaries or Madeira for the most sunshine
Choose the Mediterranean to combine sun with food and culture
Pack a jumper: evenings can be cool everywhere
Want to go further and warmer? See our guide to where is hot in January.
Frequently asked questions about winter sun in Europe
Where is warmest in Europe in winter?
The Canary Islands are the warmest part of Europe in winter, with mild weather and plenty of sunshine. Madeira comes close behind. In the Mediterranean, Cyprus, Malta and Sicily are mildest, but expect some rainy days.
What are the best winter sun destinations with a short flight?
The Canaries and Madeira are around four hours from the UK and have the most reliable weather. Malta, Sicily, the Algarve and the Costa del Sol are closer, but winters there are milder and more changeable. Marrakech is also a short flight away.
Can you swim in Europe in winter?
The sea is cool everywhere in Europe in winter, though the brave do swim in the Canaries. Most hotels on this list have heated pools. For warm sea swimming you need to head to the tropics or Cape Verde.
Where is best for winter sun and culture?
Malta, Sicily and Marrakech combine mild weather with history, food and city life. Valletta and Palermo are great to explore on foot in winter, and Marrakech has sunny days of souks and riads. Madeira suits those who want nature and walking.
When is winter sun cheapest?
January after New Year and early March are often the best value. Christmas, New Year and the February half-term are the most expensive and popular. Compare several dates for both flights and hotels.