Where to go on vacation in winter: inexpensive destinations in Europe

What we all lack in winter is not even warmth, but sunshine. However, if you choose the right vacation destination, you can find all of this together even within Europe.

The Travel of Path publication has told you about four destinations that will help you keep warm and enjoy the sun in winter. The bonus is that there are no crowds of vacationers during the low season and prices for flights and accommodation are reduced.

Limassol, Cyprus

Located in the southeast of Europe, the Mediterranean island of Cyprus boasts very mild winters. Its capital Limassol is both an ancient port and a super-modern city, which is why it was even named the "Dubai of Cyprus."

Be sure to visit the old town with its cozy streets and numerous Greek-style cafes. And the monumental medieval fortress, Limassol Castle, will show you an impressive number of ancient artifacts.

Strolling along the palm-lined promenade, you will see rows of modern skyscrapers towering over the turquoise waters of the sea. At the same time, you probably won't even have to put on a coat, as the temperature is still a comfortable 17 degrees in the coldest months of the year.

Marbella, Spain

While the rest of Europe is freezing in the winter cold, Marbella hasn't even heard of it. The daytime temperature here is about 20 degrees, and there is very little precipitation – in January, on average, there are only 5 rainy days. This is the closest thing to a subtropical climate that can be found outside of the ocean coast.

The lively resort town of Marbella is sandwiched between the Sierra Blanca Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea. It boasts more than 25 kilometers of golden sand beaches interspersed with luxury villas and hotels. And this gorgeous vacation costs several times less than in the high season.

Of course, swimming in winter can be cold even here. However, the city offers many cultural attractions to admire. Visit the ancient center, which still retains the spirit of the Renaissance.

Lagos, Portugal

Just a five-hour drive west of Marbella takes you to Lagos in Portugal, the cultural capital of the Algarve province. All the most beautiful beaches in the region are located here, including Praia dos Estudantes. This is one of the most picturesque beaches in Portugal, if not in the whole of Europe. It is easily recognizable by the centuries-old Roman-style bridge connecting two rock formations. With a daytime temperature of 18 degrees, it's a great place to enjoy sunbathing in the low season.

Don't overlook the walled historic center of Lagos. It was built in the Middle Ages. There are well-preserved baroque forts and churches, as well as several traditional eateries where you can try bakalau and other fresh seafood. In general, Lagos is one of the cheapest sunny destinations in Europe, regardless of the season.

Maspalomas, Gran Canaria

The Spanish island of Gran Canaria is located off the coast of West Africa, so this is the place to go for the winter sun. The city of Maspalomas is known for its endless kilometers of soft honey-colored sands, a huge dune reserve, and the Holidayworld Maspalomas family center, the largest amusement park on the entire island.

Gran Canaria is known as the land of eternal spring for a reason: it is never too cold or too hot here, regardless of the season. So in January, the temperature here is kept at 20-22 degrees Celsius during the day. Local accommodation options offer luxurious conditions for very reasonable money.

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