Six sunny seaside resorts in southern Europe: where to go in winter

A winter vacation by the sea is a great opportunity to escape the cold and enjoy the warmth without leaving Europe. There are many sunny resorts in the south of the continent, which even in winter delight with a mild climate and bright sunshine. Here you can not only relax on the beach, but also explore local historical sites or taste Mediterranean delicacies.

Countries like Spain, Greece, or Portugal offer a variety of options for winter vacations. In addition, such resorts are usually less busy than in the summer season, which creates even more comfortable conditions for relaxation.

The Guardian has recommended six best places where winter is always sunny. These places, described by travelers, will be a great choice for those looking for an escape from the cold winter.

Loutro, Greece

Loutro, a small harbor in Crete, surrounded by the majestic White Mountains, is a real hidden treasure. It can only be reached by boat or on foot, which makes this place even more special and secluded. The history of Loutro dates back to ancient times, when the Greek and Roman harbor of Phoenix was located here. Throughout the centuries, this place has witnessed various events, from pirate raids to Venetian and Turkish rule. Today, Loutro is a quiet and peaceful harbor where life is slow and steady.

A vacation in Loutro is an opportunity to enjoy the peace, the sound of the sea and the hospitality of the locals. Here you can stay in one of the small hotels by the water and taste traditional Cretan dishes such as tzatziki, Sfakian cheese pie and stewed fish, washed down with local rosé wine and raki.

Stromboli, Italy

Stromboli, one of the most remote islands of the Aeolian archipelago, located in the Tyrrhenian Sea between Sicily and Italy, is a place where you can feel far from civilization, surrounded by wild and magical nature. The island, reminiscent of a child's imagination, rises directly from the sea, striking with its greenery and triangular shape.

The main attraction of Stromboli is an active volcano that regularly spews fiery sprays into the sky, which is why it is called the "lighthouse of the Mediterranean". Here you can watch the eruptions from the sea during a boat trip or even climb to the top of the volcano.

Menton, France

Menton, located in the southeast of France, between the Italian border and Monaco, is a city where the sun shines almost all year round. Menton is famous for its sweet lemons, to which an annual festival is dedicated, and its microclimate is ideal for growing citrus fruits.

The Val-Rahmeh Botanical Garden is worth a visit here, where you can see a variety of exotic plants such as pomelos, clementines, Buddha's hands, cacti, palm trees, and banana trees. It is also worth taking a stroll through the olive grove of Le Parc Départemental du Pian and relaxing on the beach of Plage des Sablettes.

The local market, Marché des Halles, offers fresh vegetables, fruits, cheeses, and traditional delicacies such as chickpea pancakes. A walk through the narrow streets of the old town is a great way to end the day.

San Vicente de la Barquera, a municipality in Spain

This picturesque medieval fishing village surrounded by the Oyambre Natural Park is located in Cantabria in northern Spain. Here you can enjoy the beauty of white sandy beaches, dense forests, dunes, and marshes.

In San Vicente, you can do various outdoor activities such as surfing, kayaking and cycling. There are also interesting historical sights, such as the castle and Villa El Capricho by Antoni Gaudí. The local cuisine is famous for its fresh seafood, especially perch, hake, scorpionfish and sardines.

Pomer, Croatia

This is an ideal place for a relaxing outdoor vacation. Here you can stay at Arena One 99 Glamping, which offers comfortable safari tents and lodges located among the pine trees.

The glamping site has a wellness area with hot tubs, sun loungers, treatment tents, and a sauna overlooking the forest. Here, you can enjoy the scent of pine trees, the sound of the sea, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Porto Covo: a beach resort in Portugal

Located on the western coast of Portugal, in the Sudoeste Alentejo Natural Park, Porto Cova is a small town with white houses and blue shutters stretching to the coast. Here you can enjoy the beauty of wild beaches and walk along the famous Fisherman's Trail.

Praia da Samocheira, with its creamy shores and small pools of sand, is one of the most beautiful places on the coast. Here you can relax on the beach, go hiking or simply enjoy local cuisine in one of the restaurants.

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