Lonely PlanetOct 27
10 Amazing Places in Europe for a Dose of Winter Sun
These 10 sunny destinations in Europe’s southern reaches provide a welcome respite from long nights and biting cold.
interior covered in ornate blue azulejo tiles
21 things in this story
- Quinta do LagoSightpopular beach that is blissfully quiet in winter
- Igreja de São Lourenço de MatosSightinterior covered in ornate blue azulejo tiles
- Elsewhere
- Parque Natural da Ria FormosaNature reserveFaro, Portugalmigrating birds flock to this protected area
- Cyprus MuseumMuseumNicosia, Cyprusexplore artifacts on a wet afternoon
- Real AlcázarAttractionSeville, SpainWeb oficial del Real Alcázar y Casa Consistorial de Sevilla.
- St John's Co-CathedralPlace of worshipValletta, Maltagilded baroque interior in Valletta
- MaltaPlaceValletta, Maltaideal for exploring in cooler winter days
- Serra de MonchiqueSightMonchique, Portugaleucalyptus-filled area where waterfalls roar back to life
- Lycian WayTrailFethiye, Turkey540km route winds between Fethiye and Antalya
- SimenaSightKale, Turkeymostly sunken ancient city along the Lycian Way
- Mnajdra TemplesSightQrendi, Maltavisit in good weather for culture and history
- Maltese CarnivalFestivalValletta, Maltabrings parades and late-night parties in February
- Carnevale AcirealeFestivalAcireale, Italyisland's most famous celebration from late Jan to mid-Feb
- Villa Romana del CasaleSightPiazza Armerina, Italyhome to the most significant Roman floor mosaics
- CyprusNeighborhoodNicosia, Cypruswarmest Mediterranean winter with 340 days of sunshine
- Troödos MountainsSightNicosia, Cyprussnow glitters on the peaks in winter
- Tombs of the KingsSightPaphos, Cyprushistoric treasures from 3rd-century BCE
- KourionSightLimassol, Cyprusancient archaeological site
- PataraAttractionKaş, Turkey
- KayaköySightFethiye, Turkey
- Plaza de EspañaSightSeville, Spain