With the weather being agreeable and pleasant all year round, visiting the capital of Catalonia in December has the great advantage of avoiding the huge crowd of tourists that flood the city during spring and summertime. Make sure to pay a visit to the Osini Heels to have a guided tour of the Nuraghi, the unique ancient architecture from the Bronze Age. We know that some people, ourselves included, are desperately looking for a bit of warm winter weather somewhere in Europe. Here's Europe's warmest places in December, January, and February. Off the coast of Africa, and to the north of Spains Canary islands, lies the small archipelago of Madeira. Apart from the beaches, the second biggest Canary Island has great nature. Andalucia region in Spain is fairly warm in winter, as well as Sicily in Italy and Crete in Greece, but the Canary Islands are by far the hottest during the European winter. Kalamata and its surroundings have lots to do. Finally, there is a fair amount of nightlife on the island, if thats what you are here for. Depending on what activities you prefer during a holiday, you can look here and decide which Canary Island you should visit. Similarly to Fuerteventura, there is a lot of beautiful nature, including weird rock formations, beaches with black pebbles or white sand, and some great hiking trails. Although it may not be warm enough to lounge on the beach or swim, it's still warm enough to walk around without freezing to death, while still enjoying outdoor dining when the sun is out. Although temperatures in Crete generally drop below 20 C (68 F) in December, they are still quite high compared to most other places in Europe. Does the six drinks rule apply to Tenerife or the Canary Islands in general? There are plenty of incredibly beautiful paths of all kinds of levels of difficulty, and fortunately, the weather conditions on the island are year-round perfect for excursions. The city is an example of southern European historical architecture, faces the mediterranean sea, and is nothing less than spectacular. There are also many caves all around Fuerteventura that are worth exploring. At the same time, rain is quite common in Cyprus in December, so dont be disappointed if you dont exactly get your ideal beach weather. If you love food thats spicy and rich in flavor, then youll love the typical meals that Cordoba has to offer. If you are after local delicacies or souvenirs, weekly markets happen in most places. For what concerns precipitations, you may expect around 9 out of 31 days of rain in December. The countrys main airports are in Larnaca, Paphos and Nicosia, so you should be able to find a direct flight from many locations in Europe. Moreover, walking around the city, you will find many opportunities to mingle with the locals and engage in local traditions, stop for tapas with a beer or a glass of wine. Above all, you can enjoy Cretan hospitality without the crowds, and get a better understanding of life in Crete. If renting a car and driving around is not your cup of tea, you can book an off-road tour to explore the island. However, what makes Fuerteventura unique is its volcanic nature. Tenerife Weather in February: What Temperatures Can You Expect? Crete has plenty of wineries and some fantastic olive oil, and this tour will give you lots of insight to these popular traditional Greek products. One of Europes most popular destinations, Italy is a big country with a varied climate. While summers can be scorching, winters are not exactly warm, but they are a lot milder than Central and Northern Europe. Although winter is not most peoples first choice when it comes to visiting Europe, there are many benefits in going to Europe in December. Greek Island Hopping | Greece Travel Itineraries | Bicycle Touring, Last Updated On February 7, 2022 by Dave Briggs Leave a Comment. Temperatures drop to around 14C at night, so you might want to pack a light jackets or jumper for the evenings. For a scenic stroll, you can visit the picturesque old Jewish quarter, but if you want to witness Granadas culture in action, you should visit the Flamenco Barrio, Sacromonte. This commission helps to keep the lights on here. Even in the warmest places in Europe in December, swimming might not be pleasant. The city has plenty to offer from a naturalistic, architectural, artistic, and cultural point of view. Cyprus is a place full of culture and history, so there are lots to see if you want to go out and explore, or you could just book a nice hotel and soak up some winter sun by the pool. Even while taking a stroll on the spectacular Promenade des Anglais, or through the picturesque narrow streets of the Vieille Ville (the Old City), you can still enjoy some of the most incredible street food. There's even ski resorts in some of the mountain areas! While you wont get tropical weather, its still possible to find warm temperatures in Europe, even in winter. }, Your email address will not be published. Gran Canaria has some lovely, colourful towns that you should take a trip to, like Teror and Vegueta. Perhaps you sometimes wonder why people pack, Read More Europe in Winter: 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Europe during WinterContinue. Although you may be lucky and get some beach weather in Madeira, dont bank on swimming, given that the ocean is open and water temperature might not be pleasant for you. Winter is considered as high season in the Canary Islands, due to the fact that many people from the north of Europe and the UK come here to live for a few months between December and March or April, enjoying the winter sun and hot temperatures of the Canaries. The south of Spain enjoys sunny and beautiful weather all year round, with temperatures still reaching 18C to 20C in December in Malaga. Corralejo and Caleta de Fuste are the most popular resorts in Fuerteventura, but the south part of the island has some incredible beaches and it sometimes gets a bit more sun during the winter months, so you could also consider booking a holiday to Costa Calma or Morro Jable. A combined Cordoba sightseeing tour would offer more insight into the citys long and complex history. We hope you enjoyed this guide to European winter sun destinations. Here's a list of warm destinations in January in Europe. Here are the biggest mistakes to avoid while traveling in Istanbul for a memorable trip. The Mediterranean countries of Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Malta and Spain have much warmer December temperatures compared to their northern counterparts. "acceptedAnswer": { Granada is also at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, where you can go skiing at the southernmost ski centre in Europe. eclectic project artsy labels They have been a popular European winter destinations for years. "@type": "Question", The historic centre is full of small streets where you can see the lovely old architecture, while there is a nice promenade where you can go for an evening walk. The beach below Kourion is great to relax for a couple of hours after youve visited the archaeological site. Paphos, to the southwest of the island, is a really popular destination. Pay a visit to the Piscinas Naturales Aguas Verdes and enjoy the truly rare lava formations meeting the pristine emerald water. Although the bus network seemed to be good, you can always rent a car if you are happy to drive on the left side of the road. You can take a day tour and explore the best places in Lanzarote. Countries like Spain, Malta, some parts of Italy, Portugal, and France offer amazing temperatures even in December. Just bring a couple of warmer clothes. However, if you are looking for a moment of relaxation away from the hustles and bustles of the city, then take a meditative stroll and a moment to decompress in the beautiful Japanese Gardens. All rigths reserved. December, January and February tend to be the coldest months in Europe, yet some countries enjoy mild weather and many sunny days. I recommend visiting Malaga if you are a real art addict. Although swimming is not impossible, and some locals swim all year round, the sea temperature and general weather conditions will probably not be inviting for most people. Here are the most famous landmarks in Europe that you should add to your bucket list. So if youre looking for the warmest places in Europe in December to escape the cold, this post will give you the best and hottest places in Europe in December for your winter holiday in the sun! While the temperatures are the lowest on this list, you can still enjoy comfortable temperatures of around 16 - 18C during the daytime, which is pretty good for the European winter. The Mediterranean countries of Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Malta and Spain have much warmer December temperatures compared to their northern counterparts. For the foodies reading this guide, Tenerife has a lot to offer when it comes to fresh vegetables, fruit, and Pescado, or fish. In fact, the temperature is pretty stable around 17C (63F) and 8 C (47F). If you are a foodie, then youll want to have a taste of the typical Mediterranean cuisine that Madeira has to offer. For a starry sky to remember forever, visit the Astronomical Observatory of Temisas or the Roque Saucillo Astronomical Center. We are back in one of the warm European countries in December, Spain but this time to recommend you to visit Malaga, one of the gems of the southern part of the country. The south of Tenerife is the hottest place to visit in January in Europe, and similar temperatures you'll also find in the south of Gran Canaria. When visiting the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, you must take a couple of days to stop in Limassol. } Blue sea, picture-perfect beaches, ancient temples, and a plate of souvlaki. Want to escape the cold weather in Europe in December without leaving the continent? Here are the best spring break destinations in Europe to consider. Many of the towns have weekly street markets selling local delicacies, fruit and veg as well as clothes, jewellery and souvenirs. rachel allen feast perfect guide christmas independent ie The Canary Islands are the absolute warmest place in Europe in winter, followed by other southern European countries. Choosing Faro, Albufeira or Lagos as your base, you can explore the wider area, and discover great nature, beautiful cathedrals and interesting museums and sites. Still, temperatures generally reach a comfortable 19-20 C (62-28 F) during the day, dropping during the night. So it really depends on the country itself. Maybe youll want to avoid taking a swim in December, but you will still be able to have a great time at the beach in Cagliari, where the winters are mild and temperatures are mostly steady around15C (60F) and never lower than 9C(48F) in December. The archipelago includes several well-known islands such as Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and La Palma. Sicily is a popular beach destination in summer, but for those interested in history and sightseeing, winter is still a great season to come for a visit. Try the Socca, the emblematic street food of Nice, or a typical chickpea pancake that goes hand in hand with a glass of white wine. The Canary Islands are part of Spain, so you can travel here just as you would to any other part of Spain. The south of Gran Canaria is definitely hotter than the north, so if winter sun is what's you're after, you should look for accommodation around the areas of Maspalomas and Puerto Rico, instead of Las Palmas and the mountainous regions. Madeira is also the perfect choice for those who love a more adventurous vacation since there is plenty of opportunity for hiking and trekking in the region. ", Also, if you are passionate about astronomy, there is no place better than Gran Canaria. The average temperature in December is 15C (60F), which makes it the ideal location for those that want to spend their winter holiday in short sleeve t-shirts and tennis shoes. Here are the warmest places in Europe in December to choose from! Interested in finding out more about Greece? If you love a city with plenty of art and history to offer, then you may want to book a ticket to Cordoba this winter. If you are feeling adventurous, try taking a kayak tour in the Acantilados de Cerro Gordo-Maro Natural Park or rent a small boat without the need for a license and go snorkeling in Maro and Cauelo. A city that is a UNESCO Heritage Site in its entirety, Cordoba is another place that you could visit in winter. In Albaicin, dont miss out on the incredible Moorish palace, the former residence of Granadas last Moorish King. Even so, Madeira still is one of the best and warmest tourist destinations in Europe in winter, because temperatures still rise above 20C during the day (especially in December), which means you'll be able to walk around wearing just a T-shirt. Even in wintertime, its combination of beautiful nature, mountains, long shores, and remote bays, together with its distinctive architectural style and lively nightlife, makes Mallorca one of the warm places to visit in December in Europe and a place where everybody can have the best time.