The 15 Sunny Destinations in Europe Perfect for Off-Season Vacations

What are the 15 destinations for a vacation under the sun in Europe?

What are the most sun-soaked spots in Europe?

The sun is the favorite vitamin of every traveler, the most sought-after ingredient for chasing the perfect vacation around Europe.

With a weather map and forecast in hand, you can discover numerous splendid and sunny destinations throughout the old continent where warm temperatures allow for delightful visits even off-season.

Southern Europe, with its islands embraced by the warm hug of the Mediterranean, touches the north African coast, and the paradisiacal Aegean islands to the Turkish coasts are just a few of the many possible destinations for an unforgettable vacation under the sun.

Located closer to the African coast than the Portuguese one, about 400 km from the Canary Islands, the island of Madeira is kissed by the sun all year round, and even in December, the average temperature is between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius.

Madeira is a mountainous volcanic island with numerous cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, creating visually stunning landscapes.

The island boasts lush vegetation and a mild climate; this fortunate combination of natural elements makes it more than just a beach destination, but rather an ideal spot for a range of coastal activities.

Here, you can hike along the "levadas," the irrigation channels that carry water from the mountains and snake through the world's largest laurel forest, the Laurisilva forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Then you can dive into the natural saltwater pools found in Porto Moniz in the north.

DISCOVER: SWIMMING IN DECEMBER IN MADEIRA

In the south of Portugal, the Algarve is the perfect sunny destination thanks to its sunny climate all year round, with average temperatures remaining mild even in the heart of winter.

This makes it ideal for those looking to escape the cold and enjoy some warmth without having to reach remote exotic locations.

The Algarve hosts some of Europe's best beaches with crystal-clear waters and miles of golden sand brushed by the Atlantic Ocean.

Charming towns to discover include the capital, Faro, the coastal beauty of Carvoeiro, the Benagil Caves, the cliffs of Algar Seco, Praia do Carvalho, Praia do Paraíso, and Praia do Vale de Centeanes.

Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy surfing, hiking, birdwatching, and cycling along the Sagres coast in spots like Cabo de São Vicente, Praia da Mareta, and Praia da Martinhal.

Located just 300 km from the African coast, Tenerife is part of the Canary Islands of Spain. In December, the island has maximum temperatures of 20˚C, warm seas for swimming, and very low tourism.

The city of Santa Cruz is rich in colorful local events, charming markets, decorated streets, and many picturesque customs.

The mild climate even in winter allows for climbing, hiking, walking, and exploring the spectacular Teide National Park.

Meanwhile, the beaches along the western coast offer excellent surfing conditions: Los Gigantes is particularly spectacular. The southern part of the island boasts charming, sunny spots like Puerto de la Cruz and the historic La Orotava.

Every year, Malaga ranks among the sunniest cities in Europe.

The city of the Costa del Sol boasts an average of 280.2 hours of sunshine per month. Sun lovers can enjoy beaches and outdoor cafes year-round, crowded beaches, and colorful festivals such as the Feria de Malaga.

In addition to its stunning beaches, Malaga also features: an excellent museum complex as the birthplace of Pablo Picasso and the only Centre Pompidou outside Paris, one of the oldest seaports in Spain that serves both as a transport hub and a popular destination with shopping malls and cutting-edge art galleries, a traditional historic center, and one of the most important cathedrals in the nation, the Cathedral Basilica of the Incarnation.

Over 60 km of beaches and plenty of sunshine characterize the island of Gran Canaria, an island that stays warm year-round and is home to more than half the population of the entire archipelago and the island's capital, Las Palmas.

Even off-season, Las Palmas is a vibrant and active city, multicultural and full of character, with plenty of sights to see and things to do, like visiting its old town, Vegueta, or heading to the beaches.

Black or golden in almost equal measure, they are dotted with vast dunes, exposed to waves as well as swimmable waters. For a complete contrast, inland, you discover another island, so mountainous and austere that it reveals another identity of the place but maintains temperatures between 20˚ - 26˚ from November to March.

This small island in the Mediterranean, located just south of Turkey, is one of the sunniest and warmest places in Europe.

With an average temperature of around 22 degrees Celsius, it features beautiful beaches, fascinating historical sites, and wonderful nature.

Cyprus is the right place for a short sun vacation combining a millennia-long history, stunning golden sandy beaches washed by turquoise seas, rocky promontories, archaeological sites, castles, and exquisite hospitality.

The locations on the southern coast of the island are the most frequented and host the best beaches and many of the main attractions, and here UNESCO has included several sites in the World Heritage list like the Neolithic village of Khirokitia and the coastal city of Paphos, which alongside the ancient ruins and the mosaics of the Tombs of the Kings, boasts numerous beaches perfect for sea lovers.

A fabulous country, steeped in history, full of charm, and pleasantly sunny and warm in winter, Malta is an excellent choice for a sun-drenched vacation all year round, where the temperate climate warms the sea for early sea baths.

Located in the center of the Mediterranean, rich in history, nature, and culture, the tiny island nation of Malta offers a stunning natural landscape with lagoons, bays, and breathtaking coves like the magnificent Blue Grotto, the city of Valletta dominated by majestic honey-colored bastions, and nine UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The rugged coastline contains caves, cliffs, lagoons, and beaches, and a short boat trip can take you to the islands of Gozo and Comino from Valletta.

Located off the coast of North Africa, Lanzarote boasts sunshine all year round, spectacular volcanic landscapes, and beautiful beaches, making it the ideal destination for a sun getaway.

Lanzarote enjoys average daytime temperatures of around 20°C in December and January, creating ideal conditions for outdoor festivals and nighttime beach visits all year round.

Also known as "the island of eternal spring", Lanzarote has many natural attractions such as Timanfaya National Park with its geysers and rugged volcanic landscape to explore.

Cueva de los Verdes offers secret tunnels created by solidified lava through which you can take a guided tour, and a huge cactus garden in an old quarry is another example of Lanzarote's natural beauty. Additionally, the clear waters are perfect for snorkeling.

With over 150 kilometers of golden beaches, Fuerteventura is an ideal destination for holidays seeking sun, sea, and sand.

The entire island was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009 due to its volcanic landscape and pristine beach expanses.

The Corralejo National Park in the northeastern part of the island is a popular spot for visitors, who flock to admire the white sand dunes and the desert landscape of the protected area, which ends in the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

La Concha Beach, whose only residents are monk seals, boasts calm waters ideal for the little ones, while the old town of Betancuria attracts history enthusiasts.

Crete is the largest and southernmost of the Greek islands with plenty of sun, sea, and history. Its museums and four main cities offer various archaeological wonders to explore, such as the Palace of Knossos, kilometers of hiking trails, beautiful historical centers like Rethymnon and Chania, and numerous ongoing cultural events throughout the year.

Its main attraction in summer is, of course, its magnificent beaches, those along the northern coast are more accessible, more crowded, and tourist-friendly with sandy beaches equipped with bars, restaurants, and beach facilities, while the southern coast beaches tend to be less frequented and host real paradise-like spots almost deserted washed by warm crystal-clear waters.

Mallorca, a gem of the Balearic Islands, is a charming and sunny European destination even off-season, thanks to mild winters with average temperatures around 15°C that make it perfect for those seeking a sun destination all year round.

The winter charm of Mallorca lies in its peaceful beaches, panoramic mountain ranges, and picturesque villages, far from the summer crowds.

The Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers breathtaking hiking trails. The quieter winter months also allow for more intimate experiences of the island's beautiful coasts and cultural sites.

The island's rich history is reflected in its architecture, from the Gothic cathedral of Palma to the medieval Bellver Castle. The capital of Mallorca, Palma, is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and museums.

The mix of historic charm, lively markets, and scenic mountain trails makes the island a unique destination perfect for those seeking both adventure and relaxation in a breathtaking setting.

Alicante is a beautiful Spanish city on the Costa Blanca and has been a popular tourist destination for years, especially due to its wonderful climate and white beaches. With 280 hours of sunshine per month, it is also one of the sunniest destinations in Europe.

In addition to its beaches and monuments, be sure to visit the pink salt lagoons of Torrevieja and the island of Tabarca, two must-see excursions from Alicante.

Spain is among the sunniest countries in Europe, and the city of Murcia is no exception, being a destination still outside the main tourist flows.

With a sunny climate all year round, it's a fun city for sun lovers who enjoy avoiding the crowds of more popular destinations.

It not only boasts a charming historic center but also allows for relaxation on the beaches of Bolnuevo and access to places like the beautiful Cartagena and the medieval village of Lorca.

Antalya in Turkey is the unusual destination to relax and enjoy the sun in the Mediterranean on beautiful beaches, dive into the azure waters for a refreshing swim or explore the ancient wonders of the city, such as Hadrian's Gate and the Antalya Museum.

Here, historical testimonies tell the identity of the place, such as the picturesque ruins of Perge and Aspendos or the charming streets of the Old Town, where colorful bazaars offer treasures in abundance.

With its perfect combination of history, culture, and natural beauty, Antalya is a sun-soaked destination to rediscover year-round.

Sunny beaches and dreamy landscapes are the business card of the Turquoise Riviera in Turkey.

This very popular coast has it all: ancient cities and historical monuments, stunning beaches, chic tourist towns, and world-famous natural phenomena.

The coast can be explored by boat trips that depart from the marina to visit nearby islands and beaches, giving visitors the chance to snorkel and dive into the clear waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas.

Visiting Turtle Beach allows you to see the turtle conservation process and even spot them coming ashore to lay eggs.

Local markets are filled with sweet Turkish tea, "good luck" charms, and hand-woven carpets, as well as affordable and high-quality leather goods and boxes of Turkish delights as gifts.