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Sandy beaches, mild winter weather and quick flights from the UK, there are plenty of European countries that offer the perfect warm winter holidays at low prices
Escaping the chill is easy when parts of Europe boast sun, even during the winter months. With sandy beaches, mild winter weather and quick flights from the UK, there are plenty of European countries that offer the perfect weekend getaway at low prices, giving you a chance to top up your tan and get a dose of vitamin D on a minibreak to the sun.
Since many places in southern Europe are just a short flight from the UK, a winter holiday in the sun doesn’t need a huge budget or a daunting travel time, giving you more time and money to enjoy a long weekend in the warmth, a visit to clear blue seas or a chance to explore a whole new city.
From the stunning coast of Spain’s Costa del Sol to the lush landscapes of Madeira, discover the best places in Europe to escape the winter weather – here’s our list of the top eight perfect destinations for a few days away from the grey!
Las Palmas, Gran Canaria: Winter Sun & Spanish Flair
You may recognise Las Palmas, the striking capital of Gran Canaria, from the famous picture-perfect shots of colourful houses stacked on the hillside. The city has a lively atmosphere, with an eclectic mix of Spanish, African and Latin American influences, gifting Las Palmas with bustling markets, iconic architecture and a unique culinary scene that combines traditional Spanish dishes with tropical ingredients from the Canary Islands – a great holiday destination for foodies.
Founded in 1478, Las Palmas is rich in history. Vegueta, the historic quarter, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrating the cobbled streets and colonial landmarks. In fact, Las Palmas is one of the oldest cities in Spain and is famed for being a pitstop for Christopher Columbus in 1492 on his way to the New World.
Why is Las Palmas a great winter getaway?
- Winter Weather: Thanks to its proximity to the Western Sahara, winter temperatures in Las Palmas range from 18°C to 23°C (64°F to 73°F) so it is one of the warmest places in Europe during winter.
- Beaches: Las Canteras Beach is one of Europe’s best urban beaches, a perfect holiday for beachgoers, surfers, and walkers.
- Flight Time: The flight to Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) from the UK takes approximately 4.5 hours, with regular flights from Manchester Airport or most London Airports.
- Distance from Airport: Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) is 25 km (15.5 miles) from the city centre, just a 20-30 minute drive that won’t drag out your travel time. If you want a cheaper option, Global Bus Line 60 takes travellers from the airport to San Telmo Station in the city centre.
- Book your travel insurance in advance by clicking here
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Chania, Crete: Warm Winter Days in the Mediterranean Sun
Greece is well-known for its thousands of islands, but Crete is one of the most popular and accessible, making it perfect for a quick trip during the winter months. The history of Chania is exceptional, from its ancient roots through to its rule by the Ottoman Empire, its Venetian harbour and its significant role in World War II. Thanks to this, the city has a unique blend of cultures, with these historical influences visible everywhere.
Not only does Chania sit snugly by the famous blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, but it is also a short drive from Samaria Gorge. Samaria is one of Europe’s longest and most beautiful gorges – a must-visit for fans of hiking and nature.
Why is Chania a great winter getaway?
- Winter Weather: The mild Mediterranean climate grants Chania temperatures between 12°C to 18°C (54°F to 64°F) in winter. The days are mostly sunny, usually bringing it to the higher end of the scale – perfect for sunning away the winter blues!
- Beaches: The blue lagoons of Balos and Elafonissi are a short distance from Chania, the beaches are often quieter in winter, making them the perfect place for a splash and a sunbathe.
- Flight Time: Flights from the UK to Chania International Airport (CHQ) are typically no more than 4 hours from most UK airports.
- Distance from Airport: Chania International Airport (CHQ) is just 15 km (9 miles) from the city centre, a 25-minute drive away. There are also frequent KTEL buses during the day, taking 30-40 minutes.
- Book your airport transfer before you travel to avoid any hassle! Click here
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Albufeira, Algarve: Striking Beaches Without Winter Chills
The white, square buildings that form Albufeira as it sits along the southern coast of the Algarve region of Portugal are iconic, making it a stunning town to explore on your winter holiday. With blue waters and a sprawling beach just a stone’s throw away, it’s no wonder the city’s name originates from the word “al-buhera”, meaning “the lagoon”.
By day, the town is a quaint maze of cobbled streets with an old-town charm, perfect for a peaceful stroll, but come evening, there are areas which have a buzzing nightlife for those who want more exciting nights. Albufeira is also conveniently located near several other popular destinations in the Algarve, such as the scenic Ria Formosa Natural Park, the historic town of Silves, and the picturesque Cabo de São Vicente. It’s also just a short drive from the famous Zoomarine Algarve theme park, which is a great holiday in Europe for families.
Why is Albuferia a great winter getaway?
- Winter Weather: Like much of the Algarve region, Albufeira, enjoys mild winter weather, with temperatures between 12°C and 18°C (54°F to 64°F). Winter showers are infrequent, so holidaymakers are guaranteed plenty of time to top up the tan.
- Beaches: Albufeira is located right on the coast, with a sprawling Praia dos Pescadores beach right next to the town and Praia da Oura beach less than a 10-minute drive away.
- Flight Time: Flights from the UK to Faro Airport (FAO) in the Algarve take approximately 2.5 hours from Manchester Airport and 3 hours from London airports.
- Distance from Airport: Faro Airport (FAO) is 45 km (28 miles) from Albufeira, about a 35-40 minute drive, making it easily accessible in a hire car or taxi. Public transport is also available from the airport, with the journey taking just over an hour.
- Don’t forget to book your car hire in advance-click here!
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Western Beach, Gibraltar: A Sunny Spot for a Weekend Escape
While Gibraltar isn’t normally a destination that comes to mind when booking a holiday, Western Beach offers a quiet spot for a warmer winter getaway. Gibraltar is famously a tiny island that is part of British territory. The island itself is 231 times smaller than London, making it possible to explore the whole island and its six beaches even during a short stay.
The Western Beach area is the warmest during winter months and is a small, quiet town, but since everywhere on the island is in such close proximity, wherever you visit is accessible. In fact, for fans of long hikes, it only takes about four hours to do a lap of Gibraltar, with views of the Strait of Gibraltar, Spain and the coast of Morocco all visible along the way. The walk can be a bit steep in places, particularly if you want to visit the nature reserve at the top of the rock, so make sure you pack your hiking shoes as well as your swimwear for your holiday getaway!
Why is Western Beach a great winter getaway?
- Winter Weather: Since Western Beach is on the sunny side of Gibraltar, warm winter temperatures range between 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). Though it isn’t unusual for Gibraltar to get rainy showers during winter, these are usually short-lived and clear up quickly.
- Beaches: Western Beach offers the warmest place to soak up the sun, but since the island is so small, all of its six beaches are easy to access.
- Flight Time: Flights from London to Gibraltar International Airport (GIB) take around 3 hours, with flights from Manchester Airport taking a little longer.
- Distance from Airport: Gibraltar International Airport (GIB) is just a five-minute walk from Western Beach, so you can go straight from the plane to the sun and sand in no time.
- Book your travel insurance before you go! Click here
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Dubrovnik, Croatia: A Mild Winter Holiday in a Magical City
At the southern tip of Croatia is the historical town of Dubrovnik, known “Pearl of the Adriatic,” where ancient walls and cobbled streets form a breathtaking city, ready for exploration. In fact, much of Game of Thrones was filmed in Dubrovnik, so some of the iconic landmarks such as Fort Lovrijenac and the Old Town will transport you to King’s Landing and the Red Keep.
If you’re more into history than movies, the preserved medieval buildings are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the walks around the ancient fort walls give you stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.
Dubrovnik is surrounded by protected natural landscapes, with captivating islands such as Lokrum and Elaphiti Islands just a stone’s throw away, offering opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and beach relaxation. The region is known for its diverse marine life, towering cliffs, and clear waters, making it a hotspot for ecotourism.
Why is Dubrovnik a great winter getaway?
- Winter Weather: Dubrovnik has mild winter temperatures, ranging from 10-15°C (50-59°F), with sunny days perfect for exploring the historic Old Town and city walls.
- Beaches: Banje Beach is just an 8-minute drive from Dubrovnik, offering striking views of the city walls, but for those who want to venture further afield, the beaches of the nearby islands are a quiet place to catch some rays on your sunny winter getaway.
- Flight Time: Flights from the UK to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) take approximately 2.5 hours from Manchester Airport, or an average of 3 hours from London Airports.
- Distance from Airport: Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) is located 20 km (12 miles) from the city centre, a 30-minute drive to get to the heart of the town. The Atlas shuttle bus also departs after every flight, coming to a stop at Pile Gate near Old Town.
- Book your car rental before you go so you can travel Dubrovnik easily!Click here
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Lecce, Puglia: An Italian Gem for a Sunny Winter Minibreak
The relaxed vibe of Lecce in the south of Italy creates a welcoming atmosphere for tourists as they stroll the quiet streets. The region of Puglia is locally known as the “breadbasket of Italy,” where the abundance of outdoor cafes and restaurants serve some of the best authentic Italian cuisine in the country, with its proximity to the Salento wine region bringing the finest wines to the table.
Just a short drive away is considered one of the best beaches in Puglia, the white sands and clear blue waters are met with breathtaking cliffs and natural beauty. Lecce is also famed for its art scene and craftmanship, with unique sculptures made from papier-mâché making the perfect holiday souvenirs.
Why is Lecce a great winter getaway?
- Winter Weather: Though not strikingly hot, the temperatures in Lecce reach up to 15°C (59°F) in winter, so the days are perfect for escaping the cold of the UK and exploring the city.
- Beaches: Lecce is close to stunning beaches such as San Cataldo, where iconic arched cliffs meet the crystal sea, granting tourists a beautiful beach trip even in winter.
- Flight Time: The flights to Brindisi Airport (BDS) usually take no more than 3 hours from UK airports.
- Distance from Airport: Lecce is 40 km (25 miles) from Brindisi Airport (BDS), a 40-minute drive, with convenient busses and trains available.
- Book great deals on airport transfers by clicking here!
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Budva, Montenegro: Mild Winter Weather and a Mass of Beaches
Just a small town in the coastal region of Montenegro, Budva is a little-known gem that is a myriad of quaint, ancient streets just waiting to be seen. The tiny population of around 26,000 people means that a visit to Budva is intimate and relaxing, but don’t be fooled, several vibrant beach clubs offer holidaymakers nightlife by the sea.
The town has a perfect balance, with areas ideal for a family holiday and for those looking for a place to wind down, but also a good choice of nightclubs for tourists looking to blow off steam.
The Budva Riviera is a 35-kilometer stretch of coastline, home to some of Montenegro’s best beaches, such as Mogren Beach and Jaz Beach, providing turquoise waters and scenic backdrops. A drive along the coast gives tourists the choice of 17 beaches in total, so you’re sure to find a spot to settle down and soak in the sea.
Why is Budva a great winter getaway?
- Winter Weather: Budva has a Mediterranean climate, with temperatures ranging from 12-14°C (54-57°F) in winter. Though not scorching, the weather is mild enough for sightseeing and coastal walks.
- Beaches: Numerous beaches are near Budva, with the stretching expanse of coastline that the town sits offering many spots to choose from.
- Flight Time: Flights from the UK to Podgorica Airport (TDG) are a bit less accessible during winter, with the journey taking around 6 hours with one change, though shorter routes are available depending on when you book.
- Distance from Airport: Podgorica Airport (TDG) is roughly a 1-hour drive from Budva, but grabbing a rental car also gives you the freedom to explore the riviera at your leisure.
- Book your rental car in advance, great deals to be had by clicking here!
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Villasimius, Sardinia, Italy: Natural Beauty and Warm Winter Days
The town of Villasimius is one of the most popular sunny winter holiday destinations in Sardinia, so it caters well to tourists with accommodations and eateries in abundance. Known for its unbeatable seafood, traditional Sardinian cuisine boasting dishes such as frittura di paranza (fried mixed fish) and Malloreddus (Sardinian gnocchi) are always on the menu.
Possibly one of the most notable qualities of Villasimius is the outstanding natural beauty found nearby. The Mediterranean Sea around Villasimius is part of the Capo Carbonara Marine Protected Area, rich in marine life and ideal for snorkelling and diving.
The protected waters are home to a variety of fish and coral species, so the area is a holiday hit with divers. For those who love wildlife but prefer to stay dry, Stagno di Notteri lagoon is visited by flocks of migrating flamingos during winter.
Why is Villasimius a great winter getaway?
- Winter Weather: Winter months in Villasimius have gentle temperatures averaging 12°C to 15°C (54°F to 59°F) during the day, making a visit to the outdoor eateries a perfect addition to your getaway.
- Beaches: Villasimius is known for beautiful beaches like Spiaggia di Simius and Spiaggia di Punta Molentis, which remain peaceful in winter.
- Flight Time: Flights from London Airports to Cagliari Airport (CAG) take around 2.5 hours.
- Distance from Airport: Villasimius is 60 km (37 miles) from Cagliari Elmas Airport (CAG), taking about 45 minutes by car.
- Don’t miss out on great deals on travel insurance by clicking here!
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Conclusion
While the gloom of the winter months clings to the UK, many people dream of a sunny winter getaway, even just for a few days. Our list of the top places in Europe to go for a weekend minibreak or a full-blown holiday offers towns that are all just a short journey away from the UK, with some cheap flights as low as £50! If you’re looking for a few days to boost your vitamin D and top up your tan, these six destinations are the best places to go for a winter holiday, with short flights at budget prices that won’t break the bank!
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