5 sunny places in and around Europe in Winter
If you want to escape the cold winter months in Europe, you have a number of possibilities at a maximum of 6 hours flight time.
Spain
If you want to stay within Europe, the Southern part of Spain (2.5 hours flight from Brussels) or the Canary Islands (4.5 hours flight from Brussels) are your best options. The cities of Granada, Seville, Malaga, and Barcelona are perfect for a weekend getaway where you can combine sightseeing with good food. There is however still a chance of some rain during the winter months.
Seville
Pictures by An Orcadian Abroad – You could travel – Explore now or never
Granada
Pictures by Explore now or never – Irma Naan World – Second-Half Travels – It’s not about the miles – Almost Ginger
Malaga
Pictures by Irma Naan World – It’s not about the miles – Almost Ginger
The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, and Gran Canaria are the most popular sunny places in winter because of the mild temperatures. The islands all have their own distinct character and offer a wide variety of activities. They all are a great choice for watersports such as kite – or windsurfing, hiking, and dolphin spotting. At Tenerife, you can also go up to Mt Teide, the highest mountain in the Canary Islands, and even Spain. Gran Canaria offers a visit to the Dunes of Maspalomas with a camel ride while you can take a volcano tour at Lanzarote.
Tenerife
Morocco
Outside of Europe, you can go to Agadir, Essaouira, and Marrakech (all-around 3-4 hours flight from Brussels) in Morocco. While the first two are perfect for a beach holiday, Marrakech is also very popular for a weekend getaway. Agadir is the biggest seaside resort in Morocco and is a great place for wind and water sports, as well as Essaouira. Here is a little guide about what to do in Morocco.
Agadir
Picture by The Travel Bunny
Marrakech
Pictures by Two Get lost – Second-half travels – Wandering with Laura – Greta’s Travels – Zen Travellers – Travel Collecting
Essaouira
Pictures by Second-half Travels – Trimm Travels – Travelsauro
Egypt
Then there is Egypt with the seaside resorts Hurghada and Marsa Alam (around 5 hours flight from Brussels). In Egypt, winter is actually much more enjoyable than summer which can be very hot. Both Hurghada and Marsa Alam are known for the snorkeling and diving possibilities and a wide range of all-inclusive resorts. There are also over 55 liveaboards to choose from in Egypt covering 19 different diving locations.
Egypt is perfect if you want to combine lying on the beach with culture. Although it is a long drive, visits to Luxor and Cairo are highly recommended.
Jordan
A lesser-known destination is Jordan. You can stay in Aqaba (around 5 hours flight from Brussels) at the Red Sea and enjoy the sun, sea, and pool. But when you are in Jordan, it would be a shame not to visit Petra, one of the new seven wonders of the world. Visiting Petra is on my bucket list J.
Petra
Pictures by Visiting the Dutch Countryside – Go 4 the Globe – Beard and Curly
Do you go to a sunny place in winter to escape the cold months?
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Everyone needs a little break from the cold weather! These destinations look like the perfect place to get some much needed vitamin D!
They indeed are. And there is something for everyone, people who love cities, or the beach, or some adventure.
Great suggestions. I would love to go to Marrakech and Sevilla most.
For me especially Marrakech because of the different culture. I think it will be perfect for a weekend.
Thanks Sharon. It’s now on my list. Maybe I’ll visit later this year. 🙂
Sevilla looks amazing on any season. Haven’t been there in years and I totally need to go back! Thanks for reminding me of its beauty! 🙂
Every Spanish city is beautiful I think. And that combined with fantastic food makes it amazing 🙂
Every spot looks awesome Sharon. Cyprus is also a sunny place year round, a European paradise.
Ryan
I second Ryan’s opinion – Cyprus is awesome in winter. In fact, I am on the island now, sunbathing on a balcony now and will go for a swim later today. Cheers!