In some of them it stays as warm as +22°C even in January, and instead of summer queues there is silence in the streets.
If the grey and rainy European capitals in winter frighten you, there is an alternative, Travel Off Path writes.
Southern Europe in the cold season offers sunshine, empty promenades and noticeably cheaper hotels than in summer.
A selection of five such destinations.
Garachico (Tenerife), Spain
The average daytime temperature in winter here reaches +21…+22 °C, and the ocean water from December to March warms up to +19…+21 °C.
Garachico is located on the northern coast of Tenerife. The island belongs to Spain but lies about a thousand kilometers from the mainland, off the western coast of Africa. The weather here barely changes throughout the year. A warm jacket will be needed only by those who decide to climb the snow-capped Teide volcano.
In the center of the town there is a colonial square with wooden balconies and the 16th-century Church of Santa Ana, rebuilt after the volcanic eruption of 1706. That same eruption left natural lava pools along the shore. You can swim in them, but only when the waves are not spilling over the edge, and it is better to wear water shoes.
Roughly how much a holiday in Tenerife costs in winter 2026–2027:
- budget guesthouse or apartments — $85–125 per night
- hotel in Garachico — $130–195 per night
- lunch in a Canarian restaurant — $14–23
- cortado coffee — $2–3
- local beer — $2.5–4
- El Caletón natural pools — free
Malta
In winter the air here warms up to +15…+17 °C, and the sea temperature stays at +15…+18 °C.
In summer the heat on the island reaches almost +38 °C, and the streets are filled with cruise liner passengers. But in winter, according to the author, in the Cathedral in Valletta you can calmly study the paintings of Caravaggio, and medieval Mdina, which is called the “Silent City”, really does become silent. Even the Michelin-starred restaurant de Mondion is easy to get into without a booking a few days ahead.
The sea is cool, but quite suitable for a short swim. The author’s favorite pastime is a ferry trip to the neighboring island of Gozo with its stone towns, citadel and turquoise bays.
Most people’s favorite pastime in Malta is a trip by ferry to the neighboring island of Gozo. There are the same beautiful stone towns, a citadel on a hill and bays with turquoise water, but without the tourist crowd.
How much a holiday in Malta costs in winter 2026–2027:
- budget hotel or guesthouse — $70–110 per night
- boutique hotel in Valletta — $110–185 per night
- lunch in a local restaurant — $15–25
- cappuccino — $2.5–4
- bus ticket — about $2.25
- return ferry to Gozo for a foot passenger — about $5.25
Agios Nikolaos (Crete), Greece
The daytime temperature in winter here is +14…+16 °C, the sea water +15…+18 °C.
The town in eastern Crete, about an hour’s drive from Heraklion, is spread around a round lake. According to Greek myths, Athena herself bathed in it. Along the shore stand cafes, and higher up there are pedestrian streets and tavernas. The publication recommends the family taverna Avli with Cretan cuisine and homemade wine.
Those who wish can swim at Kitroplatia beach, which has very clear water and is almost empty in winter. If boats are running, it is worth a trip to the island of Spinalonga, where a leper colony once stood. But in winter boats run rarely, so it is better to check the timetable in advance.
How much a holiday in Crete costs in winter 2026–2027:
- budget hotel or guesthouse — $55–90 per night
- three-star hotel — $75–120 per night
- lunch in a Cretan taverna — $13–22
- freddo cappuccino — $3–5
- local beer — $3–5
Paphos, Cyprus
In winter the daytime temperature here is +17…+19 °C, and the sea warms up to +17…+19 °C.
Cyprus is part of the EU, although geographically it belongs to Western Asia. It is separated from Turkey by only about 72 km, so, in the author’s opinion, a winter day here can resemble the sunniest day of a rainy Parisian March.
Most tourists come here for the sea and calm, but Paphos also has a rich history. Here are the UNESCO-listed Royal Tombs, carved into the rock, and in the Kato Paphos archaeological complex the 2nd-century House of Dionysus with mythological mosaics and a Roman odeon. In winter the author advises a trip to the mountain village of Omodos with its family wineries and medieval monastery.
How much a holiday in Paphos costs in winter 2026–2027:
- budget hotel or apartments — $65–105 per night
- four-star hotel — $110–170 per night
- lunch in a Cypriot taverna — $15–25
- cappuccino — $3–5
- local beer — $3–5
- entry to the Kato Paphos archaeological park — about $5
Tavira, Portugal
The daytime temperature in winter here is +16…+18 °C, the water +16…+17 °C.
The publication calls Tavira perhaps the most beautiful town in the south of Portugal. Tourists bypass it because all the popular Algarve resorts are located west of Faro airport, while Tavira lies to the east, a 35–40 minute drive from it.
The town is crossed by a river with an old “Roman” bridge that is in fact more medieval. Nearby is the cafe Pastelaria Tavirense, where a pastel de nata with coffee costs less than $5. It is also worth climbing to the 11th-century castle with Moorish walls, and the Ria Formosa natural park in winter is suitable for birdwatching.
How much a holiday in the Algarve costs in winter 2026–2027:
- budget guesthouse — $60–95 per night
- three-star hotel — $85–125 per night
- lunch in a Portuguese restaurant — $12–20
- pastel de nata — $1.5–2.5
- bica (Portuguese espresso) — $1.5–2.5
- return ferry to Ilha de Tavira — about $3
Konstantin is an acclaimed travel writer, celebrated for transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary narratives. With years of experience exploring diverse destinations across the globe, his work blends vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and practical advice to inspire wanderlust and guide readers toward unforgettable adventures.
As a key contributor to enjoythetrip.org website, Konstantin has built a loyal readership through their expertise in uncovering both iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures. He specializes in providing travelers with honest, actionable tips, whether it’s finding the best resorts in Maldives, exploring cultural hubs like Paris, or diving into the natural wonders of Croatia.