Why Southern Europe in Winter Is the Perfect Solo Escape (Starting in Lisbon)

May 5, 2025
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✨ Southern Europe in Winter: Why I’m Starting in Lisbon (and Where I Might Go Next)

When most people think of a European winter, they picture snowy streets in Paris or chilly Christmas markets in Germany. But that’s not what I’m after this time.

I want sunshine, comfort, and culture—without freezing my toes off. That’s why I’m starting my solo winter trip in Lisbon, Portugal.

Why I Chose Lisbon

For starters, I have a couple of friends there and a place to stay, which makes it the perfect base for my first 5 days. But beyond convenience, Lisbon checks all the boxes: it’s one of the warmest cities in Europe during winter, it’s scenic, budget-friendly, and full of character.

The cobbled alleyways, colorful trams, historic viewpoints, and endless plates of pastéis de nata—Lisbon is a city where I can just be, without needing a strict itinerary.

What I’m Planning to Do in Lisbon

Day trip to Sintra – castles, forests, and fairytale vibes just 40 minutes away
Explore the Alfama district – with its maze-like streets and fado music
Sample local food – codfish dishes, bifanas, and a wine or two (or three)
Museum hop – the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum and MAAT are on my list
Wander freely – with cheap Bolt rides and no pressure to pack every day

What’s Next? Southern Spain Looks Promising

After Lisbon, I’m keeping things flexible—but Andalusia is calling my name. I’ve heard amazing things about Seville, Cadiz, and Granada, and I’m seriously considering hopping on a train or bus eastward.

🏛️ Seville

A vibrant, walkable city filled with flamenco, royal palaces, and orange-scented streets. It makes a great base for day trips to Córdoba or Cádiz. If you love history, plazas, and tapas, Seville delivers.

🌊 Cadiz

A coastal gem that feels like a secret. With a lively old town, sea views, and incredible tapas, Cadiz sounds like the kind of place you visit for a day and end up staying a week.

🌄 Granada

Everyone raves about the Alhambra, but the whole city seems worth exploring. Set against the Sierra Nevada mountains, it’s got Moorish architecture, a student buzz, and free tapas with your drinks—yes, really.

Other Stops I’m Considering

Valencia – futuristic buildings, beachside promenades, and steady sun
Tarifa – a chilled-out surf town where I could catch a ferry to Tangier, Morocco
Bordeaux, France – not exactly Southern Spain, but I hear it’s lovely (and wine-packed). I’d need to check the winter temps first.

Budget Goals: €30–50 Per Day

I’m aiming for a low-budget but comfortably solo-friendly experience.

How I’m Saving:

Eating at bakeries, cafés, and mercados
Staying in hostels, guesthouses, or with friends
Walking and using buses or trains
Skipping flights to keep it low-stress and low-cost

Where I’ll Splurge:

A fantastic local meal or a glass of wine with a view? Always worth it.

So far, Portugal has been kind to my wallet, and Spain looks manageable, especially in smaller cities with fewer tourists in winter.

What I’m Hoping For on This Trip

I’m not chasing perfect weather—just mild temps, some sun, and good energy. I want to:

Meet fellow travelers
Try new foods and local drinks
Wander new cities
Learn something everywhere I go

This is the kind of trip where I’m listening to what the road tells me. If a fellow traveler or local says, “You have to check out this place,” I just might go.