Have you ever thought about the benefits of a warm winter vacation? If autumn has returned for you with the grey monotony of city life and you're longing to reconnect with nature and recharge your energy, treat yourself to the well-being of the Winter Sun holiday in Europe.
What we call a warm winter vacation is often associated with long-haul destinations that the mind links to tropical paradises and long ocean crossings. By doing so, we forget that Europe has fantastic destinations capable of offering the perfect mix of natural beauty, history, and, for hiking and outdoor enthusiasts, vast spaces to explore on beautiful trails and walks.
Where? Let’s discover them together...
Looking for winter sun holidays in Europe that combine nature, walking and a mild climate? Would you like to discover the shapes and colors nature takes in a volcanic archipelago exposed to the currents of the Atlantic Ocean? To find out, let's pack our bags and head to the Canary Islands, a destination offering a wide range of solutions for hiking and adventure lovers who will enjoy a mild, constantly temperate climate. Imagine the privilege of walking surrounded by the ocean, your eyes filled with the blue of the sky while you hear only the pleasant crunch of your footsteps on the volcanic soil. Or you could delve into the lush nature of La Gomera, restoring energy and well-being thanks to its wild, at times primordial flora. You will appreciate the silence of these places, far from city routines, and feel the ocean breeze on your face. And Tenerife offers more than sun and relaxation: you can challenge yourself on the 3,718 meters of Mount El Teide, the highest peak in Spain.
Another inspiring option for winter sun holidays in Europe lies further into the Atlantic. Traveling awakens the desire to broaden our horizons, fill our eyes with beauty, and discover unexpected curiosities. This is certainly the case with the Azores, a natural and chromatic jewel shaped by volcanic forces and softened by the Gulf Stream’s influence.
From a landscape perspective, the Azores are characterized by volcanic vegetation and rugged coastlines, but here nature has also created panoramic lakes, thermal springs, and spectacular waterfalls. Human hands added another layer of interest with the first European tea plantation, founded in 1883 and still active today on the island of Sao Miguel. Walk trails suited to your pace, soak in the contrasts of green hills and deep-blue ocean, and savor unique dishes cooked using geothermal heat — perhaps with a cup of excellent local tea.
If you want to discover the beauty of a paradise island where it's always spring but don't love crowded, overrun destinations, Madeira is the place for you. Balancing between picturesque bays and typical rural villages, the undeniable protagonist of Madeira is its lush nature, well-represented by a wide variety of tree species that benefit from the mild local climate. In fact, the island boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the Laurisilva laurel forest, a must-see for green hiking and botany enthusiasts. But Madeira also offers beautiful walks along the characteristic levadas, irrigation channels dating back to the 16th century, used to divert water to the drier areas of the island.
Do you want to change course, slow down, and immerse yourself in a lifestyle different from the usual? Want to do it authentically? Portugal offers an alternative itinerary through the Rota Vicentina, between Algarve and Alentejo, allowing you to follow pilgrims' and fishermen's paths and discover beautiful trails, breathtaking cliffs, and endless beaches. You will enjoy vast spaces and the peaceful and genuine atmosphere of these places, with the ocean as your travel companion most of the time. And when you venture inland, history will speak to you with an itinerary that takes you to discover archaeological remains like the prehistoric menhirs of Vila do Bispo.
Imagine an elegant destination, rich in history, and at times mysterious. Combine these ingredients with lush nature and a landscape outlined by jagged cliffs and breathtaking views overlooking a crystal-clear sea, and you have the profile of beautiful Malta. Malta, along with the nearby island of Gozo, can surprise you with a truly unique combination of attractions: nature lovers and walkers can enjoy easy trails accessible to everyone, while history enthusiasts will appreciate the refinement of baroque buildings, the exotic charm of Medina, not to mention UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Hagar Qim and the Ggantija Temples. Additionally, a particularly pleasant note is the local cuisine, which, along with the history, is the result of layers and influences from all the peoples who have interacted with Malta.
There’s an island where the sun never quite sets — Sicily, glowing golden even in the heart of winter.
Here, light spills over hills and sea, and every path tells a story of cultures that met, merged, and left their mark.
Walking the Magna Via Francigena, from Palermo to Agrigento, means crossing the island’s soul: landscapes of rolling wheat fields, olive groves, stone villages, and the scent of citrus in the air.
In winter, Sicily is quieter, more intimate, wrapped in a golden light and a deep sense of authenticity.
And when evening comes, a plate of pasta con le sarde or a glass of Nero d’Avola will remind you that warmth, here, comes from the heart.
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