Lets start with the sunny destinations for the winter. With the cold, gray winter months approaching there is nothing better to think about, then a holiday towards the sun!
The next 10 destinations are places where you can still catch some sun even if it is November or December!
Madeira
Madeira belongs to Portugal and is known as The Flower Island. Even in winter, everything from the lily to the venus slipper (orchid) and poinsettia is still in bloom. Madeira has many cute little villages in addition to Funchal, which are certainly among the most beautiful sights on Madeira. One of them is São Vincente. You can walk through the small center here, or visit one of the viewpoints. Here you will find beautiful views both over the sea and towards the mountainous interior. For hikers it is therefore a mecca all year round. If you walk along the levadas – old irrigation canals – you will be completely immersed in nature. They are built all over the island through the mountains, covering more than 3000 kilometers. If you follow the signage, you can be sure that you will not get lost. The weather? Between 14 and 17 degrees.
Gran Canaria
If you’ve really had enough of the cold, the Canary Islands are the perfect getaway.Just like Tenerife, Gran Canaria is also divided into a cooler north and a warmer south. But with more than 320 days of sunshine a year, this island is the most popular winter sun destination among the Dutch. You can enjoy about 7 to 8 hours of sunshine per day and due to the minimum temperature of 20 degrees it is always spring here. It is the only destination in Europe where you can enjoy beach weather all year round. Head to Gran Canaria for a classic party, sun and beach getaway, visit La Gomera to hike through the Garrajonay National Park, or travel to Fuerteventura for pristine white beaches not yet overrun by tourists. The weather? Around 20 degrees.
Malta
Malta has an incredibly rich culture. Valetta, the capital, has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Admire the 16th-century St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Barrakka Gardens.
The capital Valletta is by no means big, it is even the smallest in Europe, so it is best to explore it on foot. Most attractions are near Republic Street, so you don’t have to cover many miles. For example, you have the cathedral of St. Jansco, the palace and the fortress of St. Elmo. From statues to fountains and coats of arms, you’ll find a historic landmark on every corner. The Upper Barrakka Gardens are also not to be missed. This beautiful garden is located on top of the fortress walls and therefore you have an unparalleled view of the city. You will find a mix of Roman, Arabic and English influences in Valletta. You can see this, for example, in the fact that the Maltese also drive on the left side of the track. Moreover, the small town also has a very rich history. So let a guide take you on a journey through time and discover Malta’s role during the Second World War. Another attraction of the island is the Blue Grotto: due to the light color of the rocks, the sunlight reflects off the water in different directions, creating a reflection in all shades of blue. The weather? Around 20 degrees.
Cyprus
Did you know that Cyprus has 340 days of sunshine?
Cyprus has very mild winters and warm summers. Nevertheless, there is always some coolness to be found in the summer. Take a trip to the Troodos Mountains, for example. Perhaps you are staying along the coastal strip, then the temperatures are already a bit lower than in the capital Nicosia. Those who want to enjoy the sun and preferably on the water have more than 50 beaches available. The most famous resorts are Coral Bay, Limassol and Ayia Napa. Visit the archaeological park Kato Paphos, which is on the Unesco World Heritage List. There are historic ruins dating from the 4th century BC to the Middle Ages. Another tip is Cape Greco: a beautiful Cypriot National Forest Park with sea caves, special rock formations and crystal clear sea. There are also hiking and biking trails here. The weather? Around 29 degrees in December to 16 in February
Algarve
The Algarve is one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe. And the beaches are world famous and regularly win awards. With brightly colored rocks and countless coves that shelter you from the elements. With a remarkably rich nature. The Algarve is the southernmost region of Portugal. During your winter sun holiday, also visit the medieval fortified town of Silves with the Castle of Silves and the cozy Lagos with many works of art on the walls. No idea what to do in Algarve? Read below some of the activities you could do during your stay in Algarve! The weather ? Around 18 degrees.
The Azores
Just like Madeira, the Azores archipelago also belongs to Portugal. The archipelago has a mild climate all year round. Perhaps that is one of the reasons why dolphins stay here all year round. Actually the number 1 reason why people go to the Azores is because of its nature. This is the main reason to visit this group of islands and why Azores are the alternative for a long journey. Also in the Azores you can take a walk in a tropical rainforest and you will be spoiled with beautiful views while you drive over the islands. The weather changes so quickly that you can experience four seasons in one day. That is why the islands are very green. The nine inhabited islands each have their own unique beauty. The weather ? Around 18 degrees.
Crete
In Crete you have plenty of choice when it comes to beaches – there are around five hundred. The most popular attraction on the island is Knossos, which was probably the capital of Crete in Minoan times. Tourists mainly come for the palace. The most important museum of Crete is the Iraklio Archaeological Museum, with a fine collection of Minoan art. The weather? Variates from 17 degrees in November to 15 in January.
Tenerife
Last but certainly not least. On Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, the 3718 meter high volcanic mountain Pico del Teide plays the leading role. A cable car takes you up to a rugged lunar landscape with views of the island and the ocean. It is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Tenerife also has natural pools with marked out small bays between the lava rocks, it is unique to swim here. What to do in Tenerife during the winter? Check out the banner below. The weather? Around 17 to 19 degrees.
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