The complete guide to European winter sun

A trip to warmer climes at this time of year is super-energising. Every day you’re away is a day nearer spring. I’m just back from Spain and in the chilly moments in the weeks ahead, I’ll look back with joy on my photos of waves crashing onto empty beaches, orange trees under cloudless skies, and cocktails waiting to be supped at outdoor tables on sunny streets.

As well as keeping you going through the UK’s chilliest months, winter breaks are excellent value, and crowd-free – some with special offers such as four weeks for the price of three, so you can take a real break and get into the local culture. Head to an area with lots of hotels and cultural highlights: you’ll get better accommodation for less money (four weeks for the price of three is a common offering) and you won’t have to fight through hoards of other tourists in baking temperatures to see the best art and history. Some museums and attractions even have reduced entrance fees in winter (on top of savings for older visitors).

Here are our top tips on where to go, and what to do and see.

Atmosphere: Anywhere in Spain is warmer than the UK in winter, but temperatures are most reliable on the Costa Blanca. Think 20°C and more, and with so many hotels, there are especially good deals to be had.

Culture and sightseeing: Alicante’s Old Town, with its warren of narrow, colourful streets, is a treat, as is its jewel, Santa Barbara Castle, an ancient fortress with spectacular views across the city and out across the Mediterranean.

Pintxos

Food and drink: Pintxos – small bites of seafood and meat, loaded onto bread – are a delicious Basque speciality now much-served in this region too, after northerners moved south and opened tavernas. Be sure to try the local paella – there’s a special way of cooking the rice so it’s extra-creamy.

Relaxing: Take a 20-minute ferry from Alicante to the island of Tabarca, Spain’s smallest permanently inhabited island, with 18th-century walled fortifications and some of the best snorkelling in Europe.

Atmosphere: Quieter than the neighbouring Costa del Sol even in summer, this area of Granada offers a great away-from-it-all warm break and the chance to sample authentic Spain.

Culture and sightseeing: Almunecar with its Roman aqueduct (walk the easy park section – or for a challenge, hike to the top); visit the Alhambra, the13th-century Moorish palace; enjoy glorious views to the mountains.

St Christopher’s beach, Almunecar

Food and drink: In this area, especially in the town of Leon, you’ll be given substantial tapas gratis with your drinks – croquetas, patatas bravas, sausages. Eat your fill while paying only for drinks.

Relaxing: Stay by the sea, and visit the Sierra Nevada ski resort, 70 minutes by car. Even if you don’t ski, it’s fun to flit between sand and snow in such a quick hop.

Atmosphere: It might be winter, but it feels more like spring.

Culture and sightseeing: Malaga’s Picasso Museum will be a lot less crowded than in summer, as will the Centre Pompidou on the city’s port. And the fortified palace of Alcazaba, dating back to the Islamic period, is a vast area that’s much more comfortable to explore in temperate weather.

Frigiliana, Malaga

Food and drink: They serve their dry sherry, Manzanilla, super cold. Pair with gazpachuelo (creamy fish soup), borrachuelos pastries, and the roasted chestnuts you’ll find everywhere.

Relaxing: The Arab Baths in Malaga offer chill time in a beautiful setting – but beware the slippery floors.

Atmosphere: Seville’s trees groan with oranges, and the sun shines brightly, at this time of year. In the wider region there’s lots to see – you’ll do best if you hire a car, as the roads aren’t busy in winter.

Culture and sightseeing: The Museo de Bellas Artes in Cadiz takes you on an art trail from the 16th century to the present day, and includes works by Francisco de Zurbaran painted for the Charterhouse of Santa Maria de la Defension at Jerez de la Frontera – go there to see its vast altarpiece. In Seville you won’t want to miss the 13th-century Royal palace, still home to King Felipe when he visits.

Jerez de la Frontera, Cadiz Province

Food and drink: Jerez is gastronomy capital of Spain for 2026, and it’s famous for its hearty stews, kidneys cooked in sherry, and chicharrones (slow-cooked, seasoned pork rind).

Relaxing: You don’t need to go far for wineries – try the Bodega Tio Pepe in central Jerez, and the Bodega Manuel Aragon just outside Cadiz.

Atmosphere: It’s proper summer, year-round, in Tenerife, although December can be wet. Enjoy the beach-to-snow sensation – with views of white-topped Mount Teide from the sand.

Culture and sightseeing: Teide is the highest peak in Spain – if you don’t fancy the climb, there’s a cable car to the top. Another must is a stroll around the UNESCO World Heritage Site city of La Laguna with its spectacular cathedral and colonial architecture.

Las Teresitas Beach, Tenerife

Food and drink: Grapes grown in the volcanic soil make for excellent wines. Try also the papas arrugadas (wrinkly, nutty potatoes). There are wonderful local cheeses too.

Relaxing: Sublime swimming in the natural pools and coves formed by lava flows.

Atmosphere: Its volcanic history makes Lanzarote lunar-like. This is an island where you can expect to sunbathe and sit on the beach year-round – plus walking and swimming.

Culture and sightseeing: See the work of César Manrique, the sculptor who changed the face of Lanzarote; and journey to the interior of the island to La Cueva de los Verdes, the cave with a big surprise.

Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote

Food and drink: Papas arrugadas are big here as well as on Tenerife. Try also conejo en salmorejo (rabbit stew), and gambas al ajillo (prawns in garlic)

Relaxing: Visit a vineyard to try the dry, smoky wine made from the Malvasia grape.

Atmosphere: Dramatic, rugged coastal scenery, especially around the town of Lagos, and most restaurants, bars and shops are open year-round in Albufeira.

Culture and sightseeing: Year-round hiking and cycling trails, and festivals focusing on everything from ecology to art – check out what’s on when you visit. There’s also great birdwatching, especially at the Ria Formosa Natural Park where the migratory birds gather.

Benagil Cave, Algarve

Food and drink: Feijoada (bean stew with meat), ensopado de javeli (wild boar stew) and carne de porco a alentejana (pork, clams and potatoes) are among the culinary offerings.

Relaxing: Take a trip to Benagil Cave, a unique grotto with a natural opening to the sky.

Atmosphere: There’s plenty of life, with most restaurants and bars still open – and the flowers bloom year-round.

Culture and sightseeing: In Funchal, take the cable car up to the tropical gardens of the Monte Palace. (is this open in winter?)

Camara de Lobos, Madeira

Food and drink: Try carne vinha d’alhos (pork marinated in garlic), picadinho (beef or pork hash) and filets de espada com banana (battered fish and banana), washed down with poncha, a warming mix of rum, honey, sugar and fruit juice.

Relaxing: Winter is a great time for whale and dolphin watching – and the Whale Museum at Canical tells the sometimes-brutal story of the whaling industry. The ocean may be cool here in winter, so choose a hotel with a heated pool if you want to swim.

Atmosphere: English-speaking (it was part of the British Empire until 1964), Malta blends different Mediterranean culture and flavours.

Culture and sightseeing: This small island has a fascinating past, from Roman times on. It’s especially rich in World War II history – its inhabitants were collectively awarded the George Cross. Tour the bomb shelters in the palazzo of Casa Rocca Piccola, and see the Allied HQ at the Lascaris War Rooms.#

Valletta, Malta

Food and drink: Fenkata (rabbit stew) is a winter staple; also try bragioli (stuffed parcels of pork) and soppa tal-armla (vegetable-packed soup).

Relaxing: Take a water taxi across the harbour at Valletta to admire the views, and have coffee in the city’s Caffe Cordina in Piazza Regina under a statue of Queen Victoria.

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