Warmest Cities in Europe
Are you looking for the warmest cities in Europe to visit this winter?
There are tons of great destinations in Europe perfect for chasing the winter sun. The Algarve in Portugal and the Costa del Sol in Spain are two beach regions that are popular even in the winter for escaping the cold elsewhere. And some travelers seek out sunshine on far-flung islands like Tenerife and Lampedusa, which are technically part of Europe but lie closer to Africa geographically.
For the purpose of this guide, though, I’m specifically focusing on European cities. While nowhere is exactly hot during winter, many of these cities are warmer than much of the rest of Europe. You can expect temperatures in the fifties and sixties, and sometimes higher if there’s a warm streak in the winter.
If you’re looking for a great destination for a winter city break, look no further!
Below, I’ve rounded up six of the best European cities to visit during the winter, thanks to warmer temperatures and lots of sunshine. Since these are all big cities, everything is still open and lively during the winter, but you can also enjoy far fewer tourist crowds than in the summer months.
Here’s a look at the warmest cities in Europe to visit this winter:
Seville, Spain
Seville, Spain is my top pick for where to go in Europe in the winter. This sunny city is the capital of the Andalusia region in southern Spain, famous for its traditions like flamenco dancing and bullfighting. The history and architecture in this city is amazing, making it the perfect destination for a winter city break.
Although Seville is scorching hot in the summer with temperatures regularly soaring over 100 degrees, it’s much milder in the winter months, with average highs hovering in the low sixties.
Some of the best things to do in Seville include visiting the Royal Alcázar, a historic palace that was originally a Moorish citadel, and visiting the Catedral de Sevilla, a grand Gothic cathedral.
Related: Where to Stay in Seville, Spain
Athens, Greece
Another warmer city to check out in the winter is Athens, Greece. While some of the touristy Greek islands totally shut down during the winter months, Greece’s capital is a great year-round destination.
Imagine exploring the Acropolis and other historical sites like the Ancient Agora with no crowds before sitting down to a leisurely dinner at a local taverna. That’s what awaits you on a winter trip to Athens.
During the summer, record-breaking temperatures have forced the Acropolis to temporarily close to visitors in recent years, but during the winter, you can enjoy balmy temperatures in the high fifties.
Related: 14 Best Luxury Hotels in Athens, Greece
Rome, Italy
Another European capital that’s excellent to visit in the winter is Rome, Italy. Much like Athens, Rome is almost totally devoid of tourist crowds during the winter, making it a unique time of year to visit.
While it’s not exactly “warm” in Rome during the winter, with average high temperatures in the mid to high fifties, it’s certainly not as cold as most places are in Europe. You can comfortably explore the city with a light jacket and enjoy mild days with plenty of sunshine, even in the midst of winter.
There is plenty to do in Rome at any time of the year, with some highlights like touring the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, visiting the Vatican Museums, and of course, eating your way through the city!
Related: 15 Best Luxury Hotels in Rome, Italy
Nice, France
Another one of the best places to go in Europe in the winter is Nice, France. This beautiful city along the French Riviera is much warmer than Paris to the north, making it ideal to visit in the winter.
You can expect average high temperatures in the mid fifties in Nice during the winter months. And while it can still be a little chilly, there’s usually plenty of winter sunshine to make up for it.
In Nice, you can stroll along the Promenade Anglaise or try local delicacies in the Cours Saleya market. You can also hop on the train and be in Monaco in half an hour, which makes for a great day trip.
Related: 7 Best Hotels in Nice, France
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal is another good winter destination in Europe. This coastal city has become a trendy hotspot in recent years, and there’s plenty to do here, even on a visit during the middle of winter.
Some of the best things to do in Lisbon include visiting the Castelo de São Jorge, the Jerónimos Monastery, and Belém Tower. You also shouldn’t miss the many miradouros, or viewpoints, around the city.
When it comes to winter weather in Lisbon, you can expect mild temperatures with an average daily high in the low sixties. It’s also a very sunny city so you can enjoy exploring Lisbon even in the winter.
Related: 11 Best Luxury Hotels in Lisbon, Portugal
Valletta, Malta
Finally, one of the warmest cities in Europe in the winter is Valletta, Malta. With temperatures in the low sixties, the capital of this tiny Mediterranean island nation is as warm as it gets in the winter.
Valletta is a historic city and a great place to base yourself on a trip to Malta. Since the country is so small (about 122 square miles) you can rent a car and see a lot of the island in just a few days.
Although Malta is known for its great beaches, it’s too cold to swim in the Mediterranean in the winter. However, you can still enjoy plenty of strolls along the waterfront under the winter sun.
Related: Where to Stay in Valletta, Malta: Top 10 Best Hotels
Warmest Cities in Europe
This guide showed you the warmest cities in Europe to visit this winter.
My top pick would be Seville if you’re looking for a culture-filled getaway during the winter, or Valletta if you want to get a taste of Mediterranean island life in the off-season. All are really great, though!
Have a wonderful winter trip to Europe!
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