As summer draws to a close some of us are itching to break out the woollens, while others are solemnly mourning the end of the sunshine. You may think you’ve got to jet off to far-flung shores to find temperate climates in winter, but these warm and wonderful European destinations will help keep the Vitamin D depletion at bay in any season.
Sicily
The largest and arguably most beautiful island in the Med, Sicily is brimming with mesmerising landscapes, deep-rooted history and astounding architecture.
Enjoy ancient Greek temples interspersed with Norman churches and Baroque palazzos, as well as natural wonders like Mount Etna and the untarnished beaches of the Southern Coast.
Spring and autumn are heavenly but throughout winter temperatures linger comfortably between 10C and 20C. In fact it can often be t-shirt weather the whole year through.
La Palma
The Canary Islands have gotten a bad rap of late, thanks to the thousands of cheap package deals leaving from British airports daily. But there’s a lot more to the archipelago than you might assume. If Tenerife is for tourists, then La Palma is for travellers. One of the lesser known islands, it’s a little harder to reach but once there you’ll enjoy imposing volcanic landscapes, tropical flora and fauna and an array of beautiful beaches.
With nearly 200 hours of winter sunshine, it’s a sure-fire way to seek sun even in February.
Madeira
As well as its bounty of exquisite food and wine, this Portuguese island boasts unmatched walking, Tolkienesque landscapes and a whole load of historical charm. If you’re in the market for adventure there are sky-high trails that cover the volcanic paradise. The nightlife is sophisticated and European, though its easy to escape tourism if you want to. What’s more, the island’s capital, Funchal is popular in the festive period thanks to its bright lights and New Year’s Eve fireworks.
Madeiran winters are usually mild: in December and January, Funchal enjoys five times as much sun as the UK, and daytime temperatures hover just under 20C.
Cyprus
Spectacular beaches, surprisingly fine food and balmy winter temperatures are just a few of the features that make Cyprus an easy and appealing choice post-summer. Its capital, Nicosia is rich with culture and cuisine, while Paphos supplies white sand beaches and an assortment of archaeological wonders. Visit in spring to see the island’s vast abundance of wild flowers in full bloom.
Temperatures in winter hover around 20C and slowly increase towards summer.
Malta
With its imposing cliffs, natural harbours and idyllic fishing towns, Malta makes for a tranquil getaway, particularly in the quieter winter months. You’ll have the chance to see some of the continent’s finest examples of Baroque and Neo-Classical architecture, or visit one of its nine UNESCO world heritage sites.
Temperatures rarely drop below 15C and it hardly rains, meaning you can stroll the capital of Valletta’s captivating streets all day sampling the island’s acclaimed food and coffee scene.
Written by Thea Carley
