Guest post by Amelia Selby
Europe has some classic destinations for winter sun on offer, with places like the Canary Islands, Cyprus and the southern coast of Portugal all showing 20+ degrees on the thermometer.
More and more people are flocking to warmer climates during the winter months, with research revealing that nine in ten of us are considering doing so between November and February.
At Oliver’s Travels, we’ve used Google data to find Europe’s most sought-after winter sunspots. But for those seeking warmth without the crowds, we’ve also uncovered hidden gems boasting temperatures above 17°C, which remain blissfully overlooked.
Shhh, let’s keep these secret escapes between us!
Taking the top spot for the most searched-for winter sun destination across all wintertime months is Tenerife. The Spanish island also secured first place for all of the month-specific rankings too, impressive! No doubt a result of winter temperatures as high as 26 degrees, Tenerife has always been a firm favourite amongst those looking to escape the cold at the end or the beginning of the year - and it sees over 83,000 monthly searches for this!
Second place goes to Malta, another island, but this time in the Mediterranean. Malta was hot on the heels of Tenerife, also taking the silver medal in all the month-specific rankings. Throughout the wintertime, the island boasts between five and six hours of sunshine on average, making it a destination that many enjoy during this period.
Rounding up the top three is sunny Lanzarote, which attracts many visitors between November and February thanks to its warm climate. The Spanish island sees around 42,000 searches each month for people looking for information about its weather during wintertime. Rightly so, too, with daytime temperatures as high as 24 degrees.
For those looking to make the most of Europe’s balmy temperatures but without the crowds, then look no further!
Mijas is a traditional Andalusian town on the southeastern coast of Spain, right between Malaga and Marbella. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking winter sun without the crowds, with Mijas boasting temperatures between 21 and 18 degrees during wintertime.
Casa Faloto is a great option for those wanting to make the most of the sunshine with a garden full of flowers, lush green forestry surrounding it and incredible views of the Mediterranean Sea that stretch all the way to the African coast.
Located on the eastern coast of Cyprus, just up from Ayia Napa, Pernera boasts warm wintertime temperatures with the thermostat likely showing around 23 degrees in November and only dropping to highs of around 17 degrees in January.
For those wanting to enjoy the town’s warm climate during the wintertime, Villa Myrina is perfect, with its rooftop terrace and hot tub that offer mesmerising views across the Mediterranean Sea.
Almeria is a Spanish town located on the southeast of the Iberian Peninsula. Its position on the shores of the Mediterranean means that it boasts balmy temperatures year round with wintertime offering highs of between 20 and 17 degrees.
Casa Moramarga is a beautiful property to enjoy Almeria’s winter climate. The farmhouse is set amongst lush scenery of olive trees and cacti, and offers a large pool with a panoramic view to die for - across both mountains and sea. Perfect for enjoying the sunshine!
On the cusp of wintertime, November often brings cold temperatures and gloomy skies to the UK so it’s pretty unsurprising that many people start to yearn for a bit of winter sunshine!
Ranking in the top three positions for the most searched-for winter sun destinations for a November getaway are Tenerife, Barcelona and Malta, with temperatures of around 26, 17 and 21 degrees respectively.
Those visiting Barcelona in November will be able to enjoy dry but overcast weather, although they’ll be doing so alongside other tourists, with Google searches being at around 14,200 per month for trips to the city during this month.
Also among the top 10 destinations for November are Rome and Lisbon. The Italian capital sees over 12,200 monthly searches for phrases related to November visits, and the Portuguese capital is just behind with 8,400.
However, these are not the only destinations boasting warm weather in November and some destinations have slipped somewhat under the radar with either none or less than 100 monthly searches.
Carvoeiro is a picturesque town in the Lagoa municipality of Portugal’s Algarve. Situated on a stunning coastline of golden beaches, it boasts November temperatures of up to 19 degrees and six hours of sunshine each day, on average.
Nestled in the fishing village of Benagil, Casa da Encosta is a beautiful three-bedroom villa that boasts panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, which can be enjoyed by guests from its enviable pool or adjoining jacuzzi. It’s the perfect place to soak up the November Algarve sunshine!
Montenegro has been tipped to be the next European hotspot. And rightly so, with its coastal towns like Budva seeing mild temperatures of around 17 degrees right into November. Budva, situated along the Mediterranean coast, sees an average of four hours of sunshine per day during the month.
Visit before the crowds start descending and stay at Villa Anjeza. The stunning villa has floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a constant connection between the inside and outside that is always flooded with sunshine.
Another underrated European winter sun destination for November is Ischia, an Italian island in the Gulf of Naples. Busy in the summer with tourists, the crowds die down towards wintertime with many not realising that it can be incredibly pleasant at this time of year with temperatures of 17 degrees.
Villa Polidori is an ideal option for a stay, where evenings can be spent on the balcony that overlooks the Tyrrhenian Sea (albeit while wearing a jacket!). It is the perfect place to make the most of the mild November climate, with views across Punto Caruso Nature Park and your own private beach access.
December marks the official start of winter across the Northern Hemisphere, but despite often freezing temperatures and icy conditions in the UK, there are still some destinations on the Continent that offer a much more pleasant climate.
Tenerife secures the top spot once again, this time for Google searches relating to the December sun. The Spanish island is followed by Malta and Lanzarote respectively with average temperatures of 23, 19 and 23 degrees.
Also in the top 10 destinations for a December winter sun holiday are Gran Canaria and Antalya. Monthly searches for these destinations are 8,900 and 6,650 respectively, for keywords relating to travel during this month.
Gran Canaria boasts balmy temperatures during December, with typical sunshine and a low chance of rain. It’s unsurprising then that the island attracts so many tourists craving a bit of winter sun! People are also clearly recognising the warm temperatures that Southern Turkey offers for this cool winter month too, with Antalya making the list.
These popular hotspots are not the only European destinations offering pleasant December climates though, with there still being some places that boast mild climates without the crowds (according to Google searches, anyway).
Golden sand and turquoise waters await on the beaches of Costa de la Luz on Spain’s Andalusian coast. It also boasts warm weather right into December, with temperatures reaching highs of 18 degrees and there being around six hours of sunshine each day.
Casa Cueva Mediana is a beautiful setting to soak up the winter rays. Unwind in the natural agrarian landscape with the property’s secluded garden enclosed by leafy trees and plants. Less than ten minutes from the villa is Tarifa's picturesque coastline too, perfect for winter sun.
Further along the coast is Portugal’s seaside village of Comporta, which is often referred to as the country's best secret beach spot. Thermometers can show daytime temperatures that reach 17 degrees and sunshine is a regular occurrence.
Comporta Beach Lux is the ideal spot for a December getaway, surrounded by golden sand and a fragrant pine forest. You might even catch a glimpse of the Sado dolphins at the nearby Praia do Pego Beach, especially during the early morning or late afternoon when the water is calmer.
Another European destination that is pleasant in December but doesn’t attract the crowds is Calpe, which is located on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. Although searches for December in nearby Benidorm and Alicante are high, the historic seaside town goes somewhat unnoticed for getaways during this month.
Villa Chic Calpe is the perfect place to wake up in the sunshine - literally - with a ground-floor bedroom that leads out onto an expansive terrace and pool area. Those looking to make the most of the December climate will enjoy the infinity pool and comfy outdoor furniture.
January marks the peak of winter - something that, combined with a post-Christmas slump, causes many people to look for an escape to some sunshine.
Curiosity for winter sun in January echoes December, with Tenerife, Malta and Lanzarote taking the top three spots.
Interestingly, Madeira is also at its highest position for any winter month, taking eighth position with its average January temperatures of 17 degrees.
Making the top 10 for the first time is Seville, Spain’s so-called ‘frying pan’. The Spanish city took the 10th position, with an average monthly Google search volume of around 2,590 for phrases relating to January visits. While it is the coldest month of the year, Seville still boasts temperatures of around 17 degrees during the daytime in January, which is the reason why sunshine-seekers are so keen to visit during this month.
For anyone keen on a European sunshine break in the depths of winter but away from the crowds, we’ve got you covered.
Protaras is a tranquil seaside town situated along the sandy coastline of Cyprus's Fig Tree Bay. The destination is not as well-known as the island’s popular Paphos resort, which sees over 1,000 monthly searches for its January climate, but still offers the same pleasant temperatures of 17 degrees.
Spain’s Costa Blanca resort, Moraira, boasts lovely temperatures throughout January, with common highs of up to 17 degrees although the thermometer can reach up to 20 degrees when the sun is out!
Offering the perfect terrace to soak up the winter sun is Casa Quilmes, with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The sight from its infinity pool is something to behold - a panorama of the surrounding countryside with crystal clear waters down below.
On the cusp of springtime, February is a month that still sees many jetting off around Europe in search of warmer climates.
Wrapping up the coldest months of the year is February. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it has a top three ranking of Tenerife, Malta and Lanzarote for destinations that people are most interested in having a winter sun getaway to.
Cape Verde climbs the rankings for February though, with it seeing its highest position of any of the cooler months. With 5,250 monthly searches on average for phrases relating to visiting in February, Cape Verde attracted tourists with its average temperatures of a comfortable 25 degrees.
These aren’t the only places offering winter sun in February though, and there are a range of other European destinations whose mild climates seem to be going somewhat under the radar.
Lying on the Andalusian coast, about halfway between Fuengirola and Marbella, Calahonda is a town that sees much fewer tourists during the wintertime despite offering highs of 17 degrees in February. The coastal destination also boasts eight hours of daily sunshine during this month, so it’s ideal for a winter sun getaway
Villa Almendral makes for a perfect base too, designed in a traditional Andalucían style that will be sure to take your breath away. To make the most of the sunshine, the villa boasts landscaped gardens that offer sea and mountain views and a large outdoor space with a curved pool, terrace seating areas and even an outdoor hot tub.
Turkey’s attractive port city, Fethiye, boasts February highs of up to 18 degrees but doesn’t seem to be as recognised for getaways at this time of year as nearby Antalya. Popular in the summer months as a busy cruise destination, the Turquoise Coast city is much less crowded during wintertime.
And for those wanting to make the most of its February climate, Villa Zoltan is a great option nestled in the countryside between Fethiye and Olu Deniz. The villa boasts two pools: an extensive outdoor offering and an indoor one with a traditional Turkish hammam and a large sauna.
Using Ahrefs, we analyzed Google search volumes for winter sun destinations from November to February, focusing on phrases related to monthly weather. We included only destinations with average temperatures above 17°C and counted entire islands smaller than 5,000 km2. The final table features searches for destinations in months where temperatures exceed 17°C.
What's your top choice of destinations for winter sun? Check out our top recommendations on our Winter Sun page and browse the whole portfolio of homes around the world on Oliver's Travels. Then, when you've picked your dream getaway home, contact our friendly concierge team who will help book all manner of fabulous extras for your trip.
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