Chasing Winter Sun in Europe: Where to Escape This January/February

While much of Europe wraps itself in scarves and snowfall, there is another side to the continent quietly basking in golden light. The start of the year need not mean grey skies and frosted pavements. For those dreaming of warmth, colour and outdoor living, Europe offers a selection of winter-sun destinations that feel worlds away from northern winters, yet remain reassuringly close to home.

From Atlantic islands kissed by year-round sunshine to Mediterranean coastlines glowing under pale winter skies, these are the places where winter becomes an invitation, not a limitation.

The Warmest Winter Escapes

Canary Islands, Spain
Often called Europe’s sun capital, the Canaries deliver warmth and light throughout the year. Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lanzarote offer spring-like temperatures, volcanic landscapes and an effortless outdoor lifestyle – even in mid-winter.

Madeira, Portugal
Known as the “Island of Eternal Spring”, Madeira enjoys mild temperatures hovering around 20°C. Think ocean views, botanical gardens in bloom, and terrace lunches in January.

Cyprus
Bright, warm and welcoming, Cyprus is a favourite for winter sun seekers. With clear skies and gentle temperatures, it is ideal for those who want to swap coats for linen and enjoy a relaxed Mediterranean rhythm.

Malta
Compact, historic and wonderfully liveable, Malta offers sunshine, culture and a thriving year-round community. Winter here feels more like an extended autumn – perfect for coastal walks and café living.

Southern Spain – Andalusia & the Costa del Sol
From Málaga to Marbella, southern Spain remains comfortably mild. Blue skies, palm-lined promenades and a vibrant expatriate scene make this a perennial favourite.

Southern Italy & Greece – Sicily and Crete
These sun-drenched islands retain their charm in winter, with softer light, fewer crowds and a slower, more authentic pace of life.

Mild Alternatives

The Algarve in southern Portugal remains far warmer than the north, while Gibraltar and the French Riviera can offer gentle winter days ideal for outdoor living.

By contrast, cities across central and northern Europe – from Paris and Berlin to Budapest and Rome – are firmly in winter mode, with cooler temperatures and shorter days.

For many, this seasonal contrast sparks a question: what if winter didn’t have to feel like this?

At Europe Properties, we see a growing number of buyers choosing homes in warmer European destinations – not just for holidays, but for a better way of life. Whether it is a seaside apartment in Malta, a villa in Cyprus, or a sunlit home in southern Spain, winter sun living is no longer a dream reserved for retirement. It is a lifestyle choice available now.

Because in Europe, winter doesn’t have to be cold. Take a look at our listings here.