Travel and Life Abroad
Travel and Life Abroad
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As I sit here writing this article on this cold Sunday, there are currently -25°C and I dread the thought of having to step outside tomorrow morning to go to work. Not that staying indoors for days on end is any better. In fact I wish I could go on a walk and enjoy some nicer temperatures. And if you too would like to travel somewhere warmer during the winter months, this article is for you. When compiling these 10 destinations, I decided to focus mainly on walkable cities that are easy to reach from major European cities.
With sunny days and mild temperatures between 5-20°C, these destinations are not for you if you’re looking for sunbathing in January. However, you can participate in outdoor activities, scenic sights, and taste local cuisine without the heat and crowds of the peak summer season. From underrated Mediterranean island getaways to bustling cities, here are 10 destinations for your next winter getaway:
Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the island of Mallorca, located in the Mediterranean Sea, 80 km from mainland Spain. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning Gothic architecture, and lively nightlife. It is one of the most versatile warm European destinations. Everyone from families with small children, youths, sports enthusiasts, and culture buffs will have a good time here. Some things to do in Palma de Mallorca include:
Temperatures from December to February can range from a low 8°C to a high of 16°C with an average of 5 day of rain per month. The fastest way to reach Palma de Mallorca is to fly in. There are multiple daily flights from numerous European cities. However, you can also take a ferry from the mainland, which can take anywhere from 5 to 9 hours, but offers a more picturesque experience.
Located on the French Riviera in the south of France, Nice is one of the most popular year-round destinations in the country. However, if you visit in the winter time you can enjoy warm weather, lower prices, and fewer tourists. For centuries Nice has been a popular winter destination. In fact it was a second, winter home to many European aristocrats in the 18th century. You can see their influences from the Promenade des Anglais to the Russian Orthodox Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de nice. Today, Nice is a large, metropolitan city with over 460, 000 inhabitants.
Nice makes a great destination for everyone from the very young to the very old. There are plenty of attractions for families with young children. The city is also very pedestrian friendly, with great public transit, which makes it a great choice for strollers and those with limited mobility. Some things to do in Nice are:
The easiest way to get to Nice is by plane, as it hosts the second largest airport in France. Additionally, you can also take the train from neighbouring cities in France or Italy. Temperatures can range from 5 to 15°C between December and February, with an average 5 days of precipitations each month.
The largest city in Turkey, and a very important historical, financial and cultural hub, Istanbul also spans two continents. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, having served as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. Today, Istanbul is a bustling metropolis rich in vibrant markets, fine dining, and stunning landmarks. It is one of the best warm European destinations for culture enthusiasts. These are some things to do in Istanbul:
With the busiest airport in Europe, Istanbul is best reached by plane. However, since it has always been an important trading hub, Istanbul can also be reached by car/ bus, ferry, or train from numerous European, Asian, and Middle Eastern cities. In the winter, temperatures can range from 5-15°C, which is perfect for walking around and exploring the city by foot.
The capital city of Crete, Greece’s largest island, Heraklion is also the fourth largest city in the country. It offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and modern conveniences. Heraklion is best suited for those interested in culture, sports and relaxation. However, as a large city there are also plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining, and nightlife. Here are some things you might be interested in doing:
In the wintertime, Heraklion’s weather is quite lovely with temperatures between 9 and 17°C and little precipitations. To reach this wonderful city, you can fly from Athens or other European cities. Additionally, you can catch a ferry from Athens, which takes 6-8 hours.
Located south of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is a great winter destination for those looking to soak in some sun. And the capital Valletta, is especially impressive. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its impressive Baroque architecture, fortified walls, lively cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Throughout the years, Malta has been ruled by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Knights of St. John, French, and British. And this has given the island and its inhabitants a unique blend of architecture, art, and cultural practices. Therefore, Malta offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors interested in history, culture, and nature. Some of these experiences include:
As with the previous destinations, the fastest and easiest way to reach Malta is by plane. There are daily flights from multiple European cities. There are also ferries from Catania (Sicily) and the journey takes 4-7 hours. However very few people take the ferry, and it’s better to fly.
Located in the Liguria region in northwestern Italy, Cinque Terre is composed of five villages built into the cliffs. These villages are: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore, and they are connected by walking trails and paths with fantastic views. In the summer season, Cinque Terre is absolutely packed with tourists. So much so that you’ll have to book everything months in advance and you may have a difficult time sightseeing due to all the crowds. Therefore, if you’ve wished to visit Cinque Terre for a while now, the winter season might be ideal for you. Additionally, in the winter season you’ll also benefit from lower prices and a more authentic experience.
But do keep your expectations low as some businesses will close for the winter months. Moreover, keep in mind that since the villages were built into the cliffs, there are countless steps to climb/ descend as you make your way around. With that in mind, here are some activities to do in Cinque Terre:
You can reach Cinque Terre by train from either Florence or Milan. There are daily direct trains that stop at Monterosso, as well as regional trains that connect the villages. The winter temperatures range from 5 to 12°C.
The capital city of the Corsican island, Ajaccio is where Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of France, was born in 1769. However, the city’s history begins long before him, around the 2nd century AD when it became a Roman port on the trade route between Italy and France. Later, in 1943 Ajaccio became the first city in France to be liberated from Nazi occupation. So if you’re a fan of history, you may want to explore this gem in the off-season, after the crowds of summer seeking tourists have left.
However, there is more to Ajaccio than history. Located in the Gulf of Ajaccio, the city is surrounded by the mountains and sea. Thus making it a great destination for those interested nature, and outdoor activities. There is also a lively restaurant and nightlife scene. Here are some things to do in Ajaccio:
Over the winter months, temperatures range from 5 to 15°C. Getting to Ajaccio is easy by plane or ferry. There are multiple daily ferries departing from Nice and Marseille, even in the winter months. Additionally, there is a vast network of trains and buses connecting the cities on the island of Corsica, so it’s easy to get around if you want to. Of all the warm European destinations, Corsica is my favorite, and it’s a shame not many people outside of France visit it.
Malaga is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Andalusia region in Southern Spain. It offers a blend of old and new, from high rise hotels, to hilltop citadels. With beautiful beaches, and some of the warmest temperatures in Europe, Malaga is one of the few European destinations warm enough to actually sunbathe in winter. And if that’s not your cup of tea, there are multiple sporting activities you can partake in. Furthermore, as a large city, Malaga has a vast network of public transit making it a great destination for those with mobility challenges.
With incredibly hot summers and busy tourist season, the winter months are the best time to visit Malaga and here are some attractions and activities:
Winter temperatures range from 8 to 18°C with around 5 days of precipitations. You can reach Malaga from most large cities in Europe or Spain by plane, train, or ferry.
For those interested in history and culture, Dubrovnik makes a perfect warm European getaway to visit during winter. Its well-preserved Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it features a maze of narrow cobblestone streets and historic buildings. After all the walking, you can sit down and enjoy one of the local seafood dishes. And if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can try some water sports.
In the winter months, temperatures range from 7 to 14°C with some precipitations. The fastest way to get to Dubrovnik is by plane, but you can also get here by ferry, train, or bus.
The capital city of the island of Sardinia, Cagliari is rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture. Originally founded in Neolithic Age, the city has faced thousands of years of change. Today, it offers a perfect blend of history and modern life. As a coastal city, there are multiple beaches around Cagliari, making it a great destination for sunbathing as well as water sports.
And the best part of visiting Cagliari in winter is that you can have a truly authentic experience. In high season, there are some international tourists visiting the city, but in the off season, there are very few. So you can really take in how the locals live. Cagliari is the best destination for those wanting a more unconventional experience. With that in mind, here are some attractions in Cagliari:
Cagliari’s winter temperatures range from 5°C tat night o as high as 17°C during the day, with plenty of sunshine. Reaching Cagliari is easy by air, or by ferry from the mainland.
These are the 10 warm European destinations to visit in winter: