Where to Find Sunshine in Europe in Winter (Without Going to an Island or Renting a Car)

If you’re from the UK like me, chances are you spend most winters battling grey skies, short days, and that unmistakable lack of vitamin D. Last December, we escaped to Seville—and it was life-changing. Blue skies, 20°C warmth, and golden afternoons wandering through the Alcázar made the festive season feel magical. This year, we’re determined to do it again: chase the European winter sun without going to an island or renting a car.

Here’s a curated list of destinations that tick the boxes: warm-ish weather in December, January, or February, rich history and culture, great public transport, and enough activities beyond just beaches and nature walks.

• Why go: Ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and piazzas bathed in winter sun. Rome rarely dips below 10°C even in January.
• No car needed: The city is incredibly walkable, and Italy’s high-speed train network makes it easy to add on day trips to Florence or Naples.
• Pro tip: You’ll enjoy shorter queues at the Colosseum and Vatican compared to spring or summer.

• Why go: Naples is gritty, chaotic, and packed with energy—and the birthplace of pizza. It’s a great base for visiting Pompeii, Herculaneum, or even Sorrento.
• No car needed: Trains and Circumvesuviana lines connect most key sites. Buses run to Amalfi towns (fewer in winter but still workable).
• Bonus: Fewer tourists means you’ll experience a more authentic side of Campania.

If you’ve already done the Seville–Granada–Cordoba circuit (and loved it), consider:

• Murcia: Underrated, Spanish-speaking charm, fewer tourists, and plenty of sunny days.
• Almería: One of the sunniest places in all of Europe year-round. You’ll find Moorish history, a medieval fortress, and Spain’s only desert.
• Malaga: While it has beaches, the real charm is the Old Town, Picasso Museum, and vibrant food scene.

All of these are accessible by train or ALSA buses—no car needed.

• Why go: The Acropolis, ancient temples, lively tavernas—and winter sunshine!
• No car needed: Athens has a modern metro system and walkable historic centre. You can also hop on buses or trains to nearby Corinth or even Delphi.
• What to expect: Around 13–17°C in winter, sunny days mixed with occasional rain.

• Why go: Rich history, unique regional food, baroque cities, and volcano views.
• Key towns with train connections: Palermo, Catania, Siracusa, Taormina, and Agrigento.
• Public transport tips: Trains are decent and scenic. Buses often run faster, and with a bit of pre-planning, it’s totally doable. You can even arrive via Europe’s last train ferry from the mainland—a bucket list experience in itself.
• Weather: Expect 15–18°C and sunshine in the coastal cities.

• Why go: Gaudí architecture, tapas, and Mediterranean vibes—even in December.
• Concerns about crowds: Surprisingly calm in winter. Locals reclaim the city, and prices drop.
• No car needed: The metro is fantastic, and the city is made for walking. You can also take day trips to Girona or Tarragona by train.

Okay, yes—it’s technically an island. But Valletta offers a city break feel more than a typical beach holiday. Great for architecture lovers, history buffs, and anyone who enjoys exploring on foot. And it’s compact enough that you can get everywhere by bus.

• Canary Islands: Gorgeous, but we’ve already been and wanted something new.
• Crete/Mallorca/Algarve: Beautiful nature, but too beach-centric and car-dependent for our tastes.
• Lisbon & Madrid: Already visited—looking for fresh ground.
• Puglia: Tempting, but felt a bit too touristy without the cultural density we wanted for winter.

When planning a winter escape, it’s easy to fall into the trap of looking for “hot” destinations. But what you really want is sunshine, a bit of warmth, and cities that come alive with culture and charm even in low season. Europe delivers—all without needing a beach towel or a rental car.

Let us know in the comments where you’ve found winter sun in Europe—especially if it came with Roman ruins or Moorish courtyards!