Endless Summer: Where to Find Winter Sun in Europe

When Northern Europe turns grey and freezes in November, the instinct is to fly to Thailand or the Caribbean. But you don’t need to cross an ocean to find Vitamin D. Europe has its own subtropical pockets where you can wear a t-shirt in January.

In 2026, “Near-cations” are popular to reduce carbon footprints. Here are the European islands that keep the summer alive.

1. Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain)

  • The Stats: 22°C (72°F) average in Jan. 6 hours sun.
  • The Vibe: The south (Costa Adeje) is beach weather. The north is lush and spring-like.
  • Why Go: It is the most reliable winter sun in Europe. You can swim in the ocean (19°C) or hike Mount Teide in the snow on the same day.
  • Digital Nomad Hub: Santa Cruz and Puerto de la Cruz are booming with remote workers escaping high energy bills in the north.

2. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands (Spain)

  • The Stats: 23°C (73°F).
  • The Vibe: A continent in miniature. Sand dunes in Maspalomas, pine forests in the center.
  • Why Go: The dunes of Maspalomas feel like the Sahara. Las Palmas is a vibrant, real Spanish city with a surf beach (Las Canteras) that works all winter.

3. Madeira, Portugal

  • The Stats: 19°C (66°F). “Eternal Spring.”
  • The Vibe: Subtropical garden. It’s not a beach destination (mostly rocks), but it’s perfect for hiking and outdoor dining.
  • Why Go: The New Year’s Eve fireworks in Funchal are world-famous. The winter light on the green mountains is spectacular.

4. Cyprus

  • The Stats: 17-20°C (68°F).
  • The Vibe: Mediterranean heritage. It is further south than most of Europe (close to Lebanon).
  • Why Go: Exploring the ancient ruins of Paphos without the summer heat stroke. Agia Napa is quiet and peaceful. The Troodos mountains might have snow for skiing!

5. Lanzarote, Canary Islands (Spain)

  • The Stats: 21°C (70°F). Windy but sunny.
  • The Vibe: Lunar chic. Cesar Manrique’s architecture and black lava fields.
  • Why Go: It feels stylish and artistic. Great for cycling. The winter light on the white houses is a photographer’s dream.

6. Malta

  • The Stats: 16-18°C (63°F).
  • The Vibe: Cultural city break.
  • Why Go: Valletta is arguably Europe’s most beautiful capital. Winter is the time for museums, coffee shops, and exploring the Citadella in Gozo. It’s too cold to swim for most, but warm enough for a t-shirt in the sun.

7. Sicily, Italy

  • The Stats: 15°C (59°F).
  • The Vibe: sleepy authenticity.
  • Why Go: The almond blossom festival in Agrigento (February) is stunning. You get the archaeological sites to yourself. The food (citrus season!) is incredible.

8. The Azores (Sao Miguel), Portugal

  • The Stats: 16°C (61°F). Wet and mild.
  • The Vibe: Moody Atlantic nature.
  • Why Go: The hot springs! Soaking in the thermal pools at Furnas or Caldeira Velha when the air is cool is magical. It’s green and lush.

Tips for Winter Sun

  1. Heated Pools: If you want to swim, book a hotel with a heated pool. The ocean is brisk in Jan/Feb even in the Canaries.
  2. Layers: It is t-shirt weather in the sun (12 PM - 4 PM), but you need a jacket as soon as the sun goes down.
  3. South vs. North: On mountainous islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Madeira), the south is always drier and sunnier. Stay south for sun, visit north for nature.

9. Cape Verde: The African Atlantic

Technically Africa, but often included in European flight networks (4-5 hours from Lisbon).

  • The Stats: 25°C (77°F). It is a proper beach holiday.
  • The Vibe: “Morabeza” (hospitality). Sal is for resorts and kitesurfing; Santo Antão is for hiking.
  • Why Go: It is the warmest “short-haul” destination available.

10. Gozo, Malta: The Green Season

  • The Stats: 16°C (61°F).
  • The Vibe: Rural peace.
  • Why Go: While Malta is built up, Gozo is green fields and dramatic cliffs in winter. Rent a farmhouse with a fireplace and enjoy the silence.

Packing for Winter Sun

  • Closed Shoes: Sandals for the day, sneakers for the evening.
  • Wetsuit: A “shorty” wetsuit makes swimming in 19°C water much more enjoyable.
  • Sunglasses: The winter sun is lower in the sky and brighter. Good shades are essential.

Winter doesn’t have to be miserable. A 4-hour flight can trade grey skies for blue.