Spain’s been a popular winter sun destination for decades. Brimming with gorgeous beaches, it’s mild in the winter, although certainly cool compared to the summer months!

However, there’s plenty to do in Spain in winter. Explore cities, like the beautiful Barcelona, Seville and Granada. Try out some incredible hikes, take to the slopes of the Pyrenees or explore charismatic towns and try out delicious Spanish food. 

At over 700 miles in length, Italy is home to snowy mountains with some of Europe’s best slopes in the north and sun soaked beaches in the south. In between, find gorgeous cities like Milan, Venice, Rome and Palermo. 

The northern part of Italy can be chilly in the winter, but for sunshine, head south. Destinations like the Amalfi Coast and Sicily’s coastline can be glorious in the summer months, with cooler but bright days and a host of attractions. 

For a winter retreat with a touch of Mediterranean charm, Malta beckons. 

Wander through ancient towns like Valletta and Mdina, where history’s in every stone.

Valletta, the capital, stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

For sunshine, plenty of history and a gorgeous coastline, there’s nowhere better than Malta. 

With history stretching back milleniums, Greece is a beach-lovers paradise with plenty of depth. Enjoy ruins in Athens and beyond, or head to the islands. 

Here, you’ll find white sand beaches, bright blue sea and a laidback culture. In the winter, you’ll be without the crowds and have plenty of chances to eat gorgeous Greek food in the sunshine. 

Turkey’s a huge country with almost everything you could ever want in a destination. 

Try skiing, walking around a less-crowded Istanbul, exploring ancient ruins or basking in the Mediterranean beaches.

Contrary to popular opinion, Turkey can be chilly in the winter – but in most places, the cold season is short, and you’ll usually have some sunny days. 

Due to its mid-Mediterranean location, Cyprus is one of the warmest place to visit in the wintertime. Temperatures are usually mild, the beaches are nearly empty and the hotels can be incredibly budget-friendly. 

Resort towns like Paphos and Larnaca, beaches like the world famous Aphrodite’s Beach and the fascinating capital which has a border in the middle (part of Cyprus is administered by Turkey) all have plenty to offer travellers, particuarly in the winter months!