Portugal, Spain, and Beyond: Best Southern Europe Winter Escapes Without the Islands

Looking to escape the grey UK winter without relying on a beach resort or renting a car? We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a belated honeymoon, or simply chasing the sun for your sanity (hello, Vitamin D deficiency), Southern Europe is full of charming, walkable cities that stay surprisingly sunny in December, January, and February — and they’re not islands.

Why Skip the Islands?

Let’s get this out of the way: yes, the Canary Islands are sunny. Yes, Sicily is beautiful. But if you don’t want to repeat childhood holidays, or you can’t rent a car, then those sun-drenched spots might not be ideal. Many of these island destinations require wheels or organized tours to really explore — and if your style is more “walk and wander,” that can be limiting.

Plus, you want more than beaches and coastal trails. You’re after architecture, history, walkable towns, and a strong cultural vibe — the kind of places where you can spend a whole afternoon in a plaza sipping wine under a 15th-century cathedral.

Southern Spain: Andalusia Still Wins (But Go Deeper)

Last Christmas, we explored Seville, Granada, Cádiz, and Córdoba — and honestly? It changed everything. Sunny skies, beautiful Moorish architecture, tapas that cost less than a coffee in London… It was magical.

But if you’ve already done Andalusia, where next?

Here are your best bets:

🇪🇸 Barcelona, Spain

• Weather: Mild winters, 10–15°C average

• Why go: Gaudí’s dreamlike architecture, world-class tapas, vibrant neighborhoods, and tons to do without a car.

• Downsides: December can be busier with tourists; book early.

• Pro tip: Stay in Gràcia for a quieter, local vibe. Visit Park Güell, La Sagrada Família, and the Gothic Quarter, then take a day trip to Sitges or Montserrat.

🇮🇹 Rome & Naples, Italy

• Weather: Cool but rarely cold (8–15°C), plenty of sunny days

• Rome: Ancient ruins, piazzas, Christmas lights, and open-air dining even in December.

• Naples: Underrated and warmer than Rome — plus the gateway to Pompeii, Amalfi, and some of the best pizza in the world.

• Getting around: Both cities are well-connected by train. No car needed.

🇫🇷 Southern France: Nice, Menton & Beyond

• Weather: 10–14°C, often sunny

• Nice: A coastal gem with art museums, Mediterranean views, and Belle Époque charm.

• Menton: A pastel paradise near the Italian border, ideal for winter walks and fresh citrus.

• Other gems: Eze Village (fairytale vibes), Villefranche-sur-Mer, Antibes, and Cassis (home to the Calanques).

🚆 Pro tip: All of these towns are accessible by regional train from Nice — no driving required!

Belated Honeymoon Itinerary: Portugal, Spain & France (3 Weeks)

If you’re planning a romantic escape through Portugal, Spain, and Southern France, here’s a sample route that maximizes sunshine, minimizes stress, and skips anywhere that feels “just a beach”.

🗺️ Suggested Route:

• Lisbon (3 days) – Colorful trams, tile-covered facades, Fado music. Yes, you’ve been before — but it’s the perfect place to land.

• Porto (2–3 days) – Riverside charm, port wine tastings, dramatic viewpoints.

• Madrid (1 day) – Art galleries and regal parks, but more of a stopover city.

• Barcelona (4 days) – Food, art, energy.

• Tarragona or Sitges (1 day stopover) – Roman ruins or beachy beauty.

• Carcassonne (1 night) – Medieval walled town straight out of a fantasy film.

• Marseille (2–3 days) – Coastal cool, North African cuisine, and boat rides to the Calanques.

• Nice (3–4 days) – Base here for day trips to Eze, Menton, Antibes, and Villefranche.

You can do the Spain-to-France leg by train — including the scenic coastal route from Barcelona to Nice, with stops like Cassis and Carcassonne on the way. The TER and SNCF trains in France are reliable and scenic.

Places to Skip (Unless You’re Craving Cold)

• Milan or Florence – Northern Italy can be surprisingly grey and cold in winter.

• Tuscany – Gorgeous in summer, sleepy in winter. You’ll miss the sun-soaked vineyards.

• Puglia – Increasingly touristy, and not quite warm enough to compensate in winter.

Final Tips

• Book south-facing Airbnbs or hotels with terraces if possible — maximize that winter sun!

• Use trains: Portugal’s and Spain’s intercity train systems are easy, reliable, and scenic. France’s regional lines along the coast are perfect for short hops.

• Walkability is your friend: Every place mentioned here is easy to explore on foot — pack comfy shoes and you’re golden.

• Crowds: December is a sweet spot — Christmas markets in cities, but no summer hordes.

Conclusion: You Don’t Need an Island for a Sunny Winter Escape

With the right destinations, you can enjoy mild weather, rich culture, and stunning scenery — all without setting foot on a ferry or picking up a rental car. Whether you’re planning a sun-soaked honeymoon or just need to thaw out from British winter, Southern Europe in December might be the best-kept secret in travel.