Top 7 January Sunny Destinations in Europe

We’ve talked a lot about winter destinations but they’re all for those who don’t mind cold weather and snow. But if you miss your daily dose of vitamin D and don’t like going outside when everything is covered in snow this blog post is more for you. We bring you the top 7 January sunny destinations in Europe to warm your body and soul.

Let’s chase some January sunshine in Europe…

Crete, Greece

Since it’s southernmost Greek island it’s sure that you’ll find some sunshine in January over there. And since it is a pretty big island many people live there regularly so it’s not dead in the winter time. The temperature is usually above 15 degrees, which means it’s warm enough for January. While you’re there you can go hiking to the mountains but be aware that it gets chillier up there. But if you stay on the southern coast it’s much warmer and perfect for bike rides and sightseeing.

How to get to Crete? You can get there directly by plain since Crete has three airports, there are a lot of charter flights from European cities. Or you can fly to Athens and then take a ferry boat to Crete. Also, one can get easily around Crete by bus and taxi services.

Valletta, Malta

Malta’s average temperature in January is around 16 degrees so it’s very mild, and this small country has a lot to offer. Especially its capital Valletta, which is known to be the smallest and southernmost European capital. Because it has so many interesting historical places to offer, the whole city was listed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The city (and the country in general) is not dead in winter, life continues pretty much normally whereas around New Year’s holidays it gets so nicely decorated, you’ll love it. It stays decorated until February, so you won’t miss it when you get there in January.

If you need help exploring beautiful Valletta download our Cultural Places App and find a guided tour through this city.

How to get to Malta? You can get to Malta directly by plane from most of the European major airports. It’s about 45 minutes away from Valletta and you can get a bus, shuttle or taxi transfer from there.

Mallorca, Spain

If you like Crete’s climate in January, you’ll love Mallorca too. The average temperature is also around 15 degrees and it’s pretty dry in that period as well. If you visit Mallorca’s capital Palma you will have a lot of things to do for sure – to visit a lot of museums, to check the mystical Arab baths out, to climb the UNESCO World Heritage Site Serra de Tramuntana where you’ll see blossoming almond trees. Also, there are a lot of interesting festivals at that time of the year, and if you’re a fan of shopping you should know that it’s the time when the major sales happen.

How to get to Mallorca? The quickest way is to fly there – the airport in Palma is the third largest airport in Spain and one of the busiest in Europe in the summertime. Most flights are seasonal and there are only a few from major European airports in the UK, Germany and Scandinavia in winter. So, if you cannot catch a flight from your nearest airport consider flying to one of those or to some other city in Spain and then transport to Palma.

Cyprus

Is 15 degrees to cold for you? Then visit Cyprus where it gets around 23 – it’s an island with one of the mildest winters in this part of the world. Go to Nicosia – the capital and explore museums and historical sites, there is so much to see since it’s one of the oldest civilisations in the Mediterranean. Or if you prefer to hang out by the beach then go to Paphos, Ayia Napa, Pomos, Limassol or Larnaca.

How to get to Cyprus? By air. Cyprus has two active airports where you can land – Larnaca and Paphos, and from there you can catch a taxi or a bus.

Malaga, Spain

Malaga is another location in Spain that is perfect for January sunshine breaks (and there are many more). In the city itself and in its surroundings there is so much to explore – like the popular white villages (pueblos blancos) that are a must for seeing. It may not be warm enough to dip in the sea, but you can definitely bring a blanket, a meal and some sweet Spanish wine and enjoy the beach, or to have a nice time in one of the seaside restaurants. Besides enjoying everything that nature has to offer, you can go and explore the city itself and awesome museums that are much less crowded at this time of the year.

How to get to Malaga? For sure by plain, the Malaga airport is only 8 km from the city centre, so it shouldn’t be complicated to get a transfer to your accommodation. Or maybe if you have enough time you can go by train it can be a unique experience for sure!

Sicily, Italy

Southernmost Italy’s island is full of amazing sandy beaches and beautiful and wild nature all over the place. Also, that’s where the largest European active volcano, Mt. Etna, is situated. But besides the amazing sightseeing that you can do, you’ll also get the chance to explore its very interesting historical places. Since the island is less crowded in the winter time you’ll get to enjoy it even more. Just be aware that some places might be closed at this time of the year, and that the weather may not be nice like in the other January sunny destinations so you should bring a coat. But it’s beautiful and worth of visiting! You’ll have fun, too, since most of the traditional festivals take place in winter. Also, it’s the time of the year when the major sales happen, so go find yourself some nice Italian shoes.

How to get to Sicily? It’s best to fly to Palermo or Catania and then go to your final destination by a bus or a car.

Canary Islands, Spain

If you still think any of these destinations are not sunny or warm enough and you want to go for a swim in January you have to visit the Canary Islands. With an average temperature of 21 degrees and 9 hours of sunshine, this is one of the warmest European destinations in January. Set near the west African coast it’s much affected by its climate. It’s where you’ll find mountains, sand dunes, gorgeous beaches and pretty little Spanish villages. And it’s a place with some of the bluest waters in the world. In case you decided to celebrate NYE on the Canary Islands you should definitely do it on a beach while doing the traditional first swim of the year on January 1st. Also you’ll get the opportunity to listen to classical music on the international music festival that has been going on for more than 30 years. If it’s still not all there to it, read more here.

How to get to the Canary Islands? Get to some of the major European airports and fly to the Canary Islands. Or go to some of the southern Spanish cities and then go to the Canary Islands by boat.

Do you feel warmer already? We are sure you do, you’re probably tired of all these colder days. Go get yourself a plane ticket, find a nice place to stay, pack your bags lightly and enjoy the sunshine.