Love Winter, Hate the Cold? Here Are the 12 Warmest Cities in Europe

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While iconic cities like Copenhagen, Reykjavik, and Oslo are covered in ice and snow, the warmest cities in Europe in winter offer sun-seeking travelers a break from the cooler temperatures and some much-needed sunshine. This warmer weather, combined with fewer crowds and cheaper travel prices, is the perfect recipe for a good time.

However, finding the best place to go is time-consuming and difficult if you don’t know which European cities offer warmer temperatures. Luckily, we’re here to help. In this article, you’ll find 12 of Europe’s warmest winter cities. The entries on our list were selected because they experience temperatures of at least 63°F (17°C) in winter.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife, Spain

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With an average daily high temperature of 72°F (22°C), Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the warmest cities in Europe in winter. It is a port city on Tenerife, Spain’s largest Canary Island. This vibrant city is well known for its well-preserved buildings, modern architecture, and soft-sand beaches.

There is something for every kind of traveler in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, so you won’t struggle to find something to do. However, some attractions stand out more than others. Noteworthy points of interest in the city include Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín, Plaza de España, the Museum of Nature and Archaeology, and Parque Marítimo César Manrique. You can also relax on Caleta de Negros.

Limassol, Cyprus

In winter, Limassol is slightly warmer than Paphos, offering daily highs of 66°F (19°C). Much like Paphos, Limassol, situated on the Southern coast of Cyprus, is known for its picturesque coastline, historic landmarks, and family-friendly attractions. Molos, a long waterfront promenade, is an excellent place to enjoy the sunshine.

When you’re not walking along the promenade, visit the centuries-old Limassol Castle, explore the Cyprus Medieval Museum, and admire the Neolithic and Roman artifacts in the Limassol Archaeological Museum. Families with children might also want to visit Limassol Zoo, Fasouri Watermania Waterpark, and the Toy Confectionary Cafe. Meanwhile, those of you looking for somewhere to relax and soak up the sun should head to Marina Beach.

Marbella, Spain

Temperatures in Marbella fluctuate in winter, but that doesn’t stop the city from being one of the warmest cities in Europe. Throughout winter, visitors can expect daily highs of 64°F (18°C), which is a far cry from the 37°F (3°C) in Iceland. Marbella is a stunning city and resort along Spain’s beautiful south coast.

It’s been considered a playground for the rich and famous for many years. You’ll find luxurious yachts, high-end restaurants, world-class shopping, and gorgeous beaches in Marbella. You’ll likely spend most of your time walking along Playa de Puerto Banus, exploring Marbella Old Town, eating in an authentic Spanish restaurant, and admiring how the other half live in Puerto Banus Marina.

Faro, Portugal

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The Algarve is nowhere near as hot in winter as it is in summer, but it’s still one of the warmest travel destinations in Europe in winter. Faro, a city and municipality in Southern Portugal’s Algarve region, experiences temperatures of 63°F (17°C) in winter. However, temperatures do drop to 61°F (16°C) in January.

This temperature is ideal for exploring Faro and its breathtaking surroundings without feeling uncomfortable. You can enjoy leisurely walks along the beach, hike the coast, and get lost exploring the Old Town. Must-visit attractions in the city include Praia de Faro, Municipal Museum of Faro, and Ria Formosa Nature Park. It’s also worth noting that Faro is much quieter in winter.

Lagos, Portugal

Lagos is another must-visit city in the Algarve if you seek warmer weather this winter. This magnificent coastal city is recognized for its walled Old Town, pristine Atlantic beaches, and impressive cliffs. In winter, the city experiences daily highs of 63°F (17°C). One of the best things about Lagos is that it offers something for everyone.

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Hiking enthusiasts can walk to the nearby Ponta de Piedade. Beachgoers can relax on Praia do Camilo. History buffs can visit historic landmarks like the 18th-century Igreja de Santo António and the 16th-century Castelo dos Governadores, and foodies can find local foods at Mercado Municipal de Lagos. Lagos is also a popular European surfing destination, so you might want to pack your surfing gear.

Birgu, Malta

For warmer weather, historic attractions, fewer crowds, and impressive coastal views, visit Birgu, a small yet impactful city in Malta. Birgu experiences highs of 64°F (18°C) in winter, perfect for enjoying winter sunshine and exploring the city without being too hot. You’ll find Birgu on the south side of the Grand Harbour, on the outskirts of Valletta.

Also known as Città Vittoriosa, Birgu is a popular destination for history enthusiasts who visit to explore its fascinating landmarks. One of the main highlights is Fort St. Angelo, originally constructed during the 13th century. Other popular attractions include the Magisterial Palace, Kalkara Marina, Birgu Waterfront, and Auberge d’Italie. Of course, you should also visit Valletta.

Syracuse, Italy

Unfortunately, iconic Italian cities like Rome and Florence aren’t warm in winter. However, luckily for us, cities like Syracuse are. Syracuse is a historic city on the Ionian coast of Sicily. Like many destinations in Italy, it’s best known for its impressive architecture, rich cultural heritage, and landmark attractions.

In winter, Syracuse experiences daily highs of 63°F (17°C), so you’ll appreciate the warmer temperatures, especially if, like me, you’re from somewhere wet and miserable like the United Kingdom. In Syracuse, spend your time eating delicious Italian food, visiting historical landmarks, walking along the seafront promenade, and exploring the island of Sicily. Don’t miss Neapolis Archaeological Park, Teatro Greco, Anfiteatro Romano, and the Old Market of Ortigia.

Catania, Sicily, Italy

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Catania, a port city on the east coast of Sicily, is also one of the warmest cities in Europe in winter. You can expect daily highs of 63°F (17°C) and clear skies throughout winter. In Catania, you can spend your winter break admiring Italian architecture, visiting historical landmarks, walking along scenic beaches, and indulging in pizza and pasta.

While Catania offers convenient access to the rest of the island, there is much to see and do in the city, too. For example, you should make sure you visit La Playa di Catania, Catania Cathedral, Piazza del Duomo, and La Pacheria. There is only a one-hour drive separating Catania and Syracuse, so you could tie both places into one trip.

Heraklion, Crete, Greece

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Greece may be one of the hottest places in Europe in the summer, but it isn’t usually very warm in the winter. However, Heraklion, a picturesque city on the island of Crete, still offers some of the warmest temperatures in Europe in winter, even if the average daily high is only 63°F (17°C).

This is warm enough to enjoy some last-minute sunshine in Europe before much of the continent experiences frosty temperatures and snow. Heraklion is well known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, crystal-clear emerald waters, and strong traditions. Significant points of interest in the city include the ruins of Knossos Palace, Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Morosini Lions Fountain.

Arrecife, Lanzarote, Spain

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With daily highs reaching a toasty 72°F (22°C), Arrecife is easily one of the warmest cities in Europe in winter. This glorious port city sits on the east coast of Lanzarote, another of Spain’s Canary Islands. It’s best known for its nautical history, historic attractions, sandy beaches, and turquoise waters.

Beachgoers willing to brave the sea should visit Playa del Reducto, where they’ll find golden sand and calm waters. Away from the beach, enjoy peaceful walks along the waterfront and visit the city’s most spectacular landmarks. Must-visit attractions include San Ginés Church, Estatua de Heraclio Niz Mesa, Parque Jose Ramirez Cerda, and San José Castle, which houses the International Museum of Contemporary Art.

Paphos, Cyprus

In winter, Paphos, a coastal city in southwest Cyprus, experiences daily highs of 64°F (18°C), making it one of the warmest cities in Europe for a winter beach break. Admittedly, the sea will likely be too cold to swim in, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a romantic stroll across the sand.

Anyway, there is much to see and do in Paphos besides swimming in the sea. For example, you could visit the Archaeological Site of Nea Paphos or the Archaeological Site of the Tombs of the Kings, have fun at Water World, or make the journey to the iconic Ayia Napa Strip. Either way, you’re in for a fun-filled winter vacation if you visit Paphos.

Gibraltar

Gibraltar isn’t often thought of when people plan a warm weather break, but it should be, especially in winter, when it becomes one of the warmest cities in Europe. This British Overseas Territory experiences temperatures of 63°F (17°C) in winter. Gibraltar may only be small, but it has much to offer.

You can enjoy lush scenery, diverse wildlife, and glorious beaches here. The city’s most famous attraction is the Rock of Gibraltar, an imposing 1,397-foot (426-meter) rock at the headland’s tip. The city views from the top of the rock are exceptional. Other must-visit attractions in Gibraltar include St. Michael’s Cave, Apes Den, Europa Point, and the Great Siege Tunnels.