Europe in winter isn’t always about snow and ice. If you’d rather trade frozen streets for sunny afternoons, there are plenty of cities where temperatures stay mild even in January and February. These destinations are perfect if you want outdoor dining, sightseeing without heavy coats, and fewer crowds than in summer.

Below are the ten warmest European cities for a winter trip, with details on average temperatures, top attractions, travel tips, and where to stay.

1. Málaga, Spain

Average winter highs: 16–18°C (61–65°F)

Why go: Málaga sits on the Costa del Sol and is one of the sunniest cities in Europe.

What to do: Visit the Picasso Museum, stroll through the Alcazaba fortress, or relax along La Malagueta Beach. Winter makes it easier to explore without the summer heat.

Travel tip: Flights from London or Berlin often drop under €50 in winter on airlines like Ryanair or easyJet.

Stay: Budget-friendly options like Ibis Málaga Centro start at €60 per night, while Gran Hotel Miramar offers sea-view luxury.

2. Alicante, Spain

Average winter highs: 17°C (63°F)

Why go: Clear skies, sandy beaches, and plenty of tapas spots make Alicante a great off-season city.

What to do: Walk up to Santa Bárbara Castle for views, explore the Explanada de España promenade, and enjoy beachfront dining.

Travel tip: Local buses connect the airport to the city for just €3.85, saving on taxis.

Stay: Melia Alicante is a favorite beachfront hotel, offering winter deals starting at around €110.

3. Valencia, Spain

Average winter highs: 16–18°C (61–65°F)

Why go: Valencia combines history with futuristic architecture, plus it’s the birthplace of paella.

What to do: Visit the City of Arts and Sciences, stroll through the old town, and try authentic paella at La Pepica.

Travel tip: Buy a Valencia Tourist Card for unlimited public transport and discounts at attractions (around €15 for 24 hours).

Stay: Casual Vintage Valencia offers central rooms from €70 per night.

4. Las Palmas, Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Spain)

Average winter highs: 21–22°C (70–72°F)

Why go: The Canary Islands stay warm year-round, making Las Palmas one of the best winter escapes in Europe.

What to do: Relax on Las Canteras Beach, explore Vegueta's old town, or hike nearby volcanic landscapes.

Travel tip: Winter is high season for the Canaries—book flights and hotels early for the best prices.

Stay: Hotel Cristina by Tigotan has sea views starting from €140 per night.

5. Seville, Spain

Average winter highs: 16°C (61°F)

Why go: Mild weather and fewer crowds make winter the best time to explore Seville’s famous landmarks.

What to do: Visit the Seville Cathedral and Giralda tower, tour the Royal Alcázar, and stroll through Plaza de España.

Travel tip: Public transport is cheap, but Seville’s compact center means you can walk almost everywhere.

Stay: Catalonia Giralda offers mid-range stays around €90.

6. Nice, France

Average winter highs: 13–15°C (55–59°F)

Why go: The French Riviera is cooler than Spain but still much warmer than northern Europe.

What to do: Stroll the Promenade des Anglais, explore the old town, and take short day trips to Monaco or Cannes.

Travel tip: The Nice Côte d’Azur Airport is just 7 km from the city, with bus tickets starting at €1.70.

Stay: Hôtel Rossetti in the old town starts from €85 per night.

7. Cagliari, Sardinia (Italy)

Average winter highs: 15–16°C (59–61°F)

Why go: Cagliari is sunny most of the year and offers a mix of beaches, ancient ruins, and Italian cuisine.

What to do: Explore Poetto Beach, see Roman amphitheaters, and wander the Castello district.

Travel tip: Winter is the cheapest season to fly into Sardinia, with Ryanair and Volotea often under €40 from mainland Italy.

Stay: Hotel Flora near the port offers rooms from €75.

8. Palermo, Sicily (Italy)

Average winter highs: 15–16°C (59–61°F)

Why go: Sicily’s largest city offers history, street food, and coastal views in mild weather.

What to do: Visit the Palermo Cathedral, explore Ballarò Market, and try Sicilian cannoli.

Travel tip: Many sites close for long lunch breaks, so plan sightseeing for mornings and late afternoons.

Stay: Hotel Politeama in central Palermo has winter rates starting at €95.

9. Faro, Portugal

Average winter highs: 16–17°C (61–63°F)

Why go: Faro is the gateway to Portugal’s Algarve region, known for cliffs, coves, and golden beaches.

What to do: Explore the old town, take a boat trip to Ria Formosa Natural Park, and enjoy fresh seafood.

Travel tip: Train travel across the Algarve is cheap and scenic, with tickets from Faro to Lagos starting at €8.

Stay: Eva Senses Hotel offers modern rooms overlooking the marina, starting at €100.

10. Madeira (Funchal, Portugal)

Average winter highs: 19–20°C (66–68°F)

Why go: This Atlantic island is famous for dramatic landscapes, gardens, and mild winters.

What to do: Stroll Funchal’s old town, ride the cable car to Monte, and hike along levada trails.

Travel tip: Winter is popular for hiking trips; bring light layers for cooler evenings.

Stay: Pestana CR7 Funchal, co-owned by Cristiano Ronaldo, starts around €120 per night.

Best Times To Go

January & February: Quietest and cheapest months for flights and hotels.

December: Festive lights and Christmas markets, especially in Spain and Portugal.

March: Warmer, but prices start to rise as spring approaches.

Tips For Booking A Warm Winter Trip

• Book flights early for the Canary Islands and Madeira, as these are peak winter spots.
• Look for package deals with airlines like TUI, Jet2, or easyJet Holidays to save on hotel + flight bundles.
• Check cancellation policies—many hotels now offer free cancellation up to 48 hours before arrival.
• Pack smart:light layers for the day, a jacket for cool evenings.

Conclusion: Choosing The Right City

For the warmest option, head to the Canary Islands or Madeira. For city sightseeing with fewer tourists, Seville, Valencia, or Palermo are excellent. If you want a mix of beaches and affordable flights, Alicante, Málaga, and Faro are smart picks. Start comparing flight deals and hotel offers now—winter is one of the most affordable times to enjoy Europe in the sun.