The 7 Best European Islands to Escape to this Winter

As the weather begins to cool down across the Northern Hemisphere, and rain and icy temperatures start to creep in, it can become rather dull and dreary. If you want to spend that little bit of extra time in the warm, then where better than a European island? 

Several islands in the continent offer a stark contrast to the winter chill with mild to warm weather from November to February, when most European countries are at their coldest. Islands like Spain’s Canary Islands, Portugal’s Madeira, and Greece’s Crete are perfect places to experience pleasant or warm weather, and serve as ideal havens to escape to during the cold snap. 

What are the best islands in Europe to escape the winter cold?

7. Azores

This remote archipelago and autonomous region of Portugal is the perfect tranquil escape from urban city life. The islands offer the perfect escape from the cold, with average temperatures ranging from 14 °C to 18°C from December to February. The Azores islands are ideal for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers. It’s also a hotspot for whale watching and boat trips. The island also perfectly suits those seeking a quieter and more laid-back lifestyle far from hectic tourist hotspots. 

The islands provide natural attractions like lakes, waterfalls, national parks, and thermal baths. The ‘capital’ Ponta Delgada offers a historic sightseeing experience, with many buildings and monuments to discover. The perfect place to avoid tourist crowds, the Azores is a safe and inexpensive destination to visit.

6. Crete

Greece’s largest island, Crete, is a paradise all year round – the island sees mild to warm weather most of the year. Consider travelling to Crete in the winter months, as there tend to be fewer tourists and better prices. What you can expect from a stay in Crete is a range of beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and a rich culinary scene. 

The island’s capital, Heraklion, is home to ancient Minoan ruins, including the Palace of Knossos. Crete also plays host to a natural phenomenon, where the sands of Elafonisi Beach are tinted pink due to the erosion of red-shelled organisms over time. It’s a diverse and varied place with a plethora of things to see, from natural attractions to remnants of ancient civilisations. Crete's quaint, cobblestone towns and streets also tell their own stories of the past.

5. Sicily

A much more laid-back excursion than its Eastern neighbour, Italy, Sicily may be the answer to your wishes in terms of affordability, tranquillity, and all-year-round pleasant weather. This Italian island is actually the largest in the Mediterranean, and provides the perfect escape from chaotic cities or unexpected cold snaps. 

Visit the ancient Roman Valley of Temples or Teatro Antico Amphitheatre, check out the Villa Romana de Casale, or take a cable car or challenging hiking trip to the top of Mount Etna. Visiting in December-February offers mild weather that can reach 16°c, and fewer large tourist crowds, so if you plan to have a peaceful and laid-back holiday, you’re in the right place at the right time.

4. Madeira

Located close to North Africa, Madeira is Portugal’s autonomous island region, best known for its wine, warm all-year-round weather, and diverse cuisine. The best thing about Madeira is the effortless blend of quaint, old-fashioned charm with gorgeous coastal landscapes. The capital, Funchal, boasts historic buildings, wine bars aplenty, and quaint shopping streets. 

Madeira is also a culinary capital, with its signature fortified wine giving it its international reputation. The island also plays host to a prehistoric forest, which appeals to both history lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. Madeira may be known for a lot across the world, but it offers a much more peaceful way of life compared to its mainland counterparts. The weather is also temperate pretty much all year round, making it the perfect place to escape the UK winter.

3. Cyprus

Combining ancient sites, beautiful beaches, and an abundance of attractions like zoos and theme parks, Cyprus really is the perfect place for all types of travellers. Whether you’re a foodie, wine connoisseur, or sunset chaser, Cyprus excels at all three and more. The home of halloumi cheese, several millennia of history, and ancient ruins, there really is interest and intrigue around every street corner. 

But the basis of Cyprus’s appeal, particularly when it comes to holidaymakers, is its warm weather even in the winter months. From November to February, Cyprus enjoys an average daily temperature of around 17-19°C, making it perfect for escaping the gloom and chill of the UK winter.

2. Malta

This tiny island in Europe may be small in size, but it packs an almighty punch. Malta’s vibrant capital, Valletta, is where the most action takes place, from its historic charm to its lively streets and markets bustling with shoppers and traders. Only a 3-hour flight from London’s Heathrow Airport, and with a mild and pleasant temperature from November to February, Malta really is one of the best places to escape to. 

And, whether you’re here on business, leisure, or you’re simply looking to extend your summer that little bit further, Malta will have everything you could dream of. We’re talking cheaper accommodation, beaches by the dozen, sightseeing spots worthy of filling up your camera roll, and scenic drives across the island. 

1. Canary Islands

Truly the cornerstone of a winter holiday, Spain’s Canary Islands couldn’t be more appealing to those looking to bask in the sun all year round. From Tenerife to Lanzarote, each island provides its own unique escape and tells its own story of the past and present. The Canary Islands consistently see temperatures of around 18-22°C from December to February, which means you’re guaranteed to see sunbathers and sunset chasers all year round. 

Go hiking in the national parks or volcanoes, visit the zoos and theme parks, bathe in the thermal spas, or enjoy premium all-inclusive resorts – there’s definitely no shortage of natural beauty and luxury accommodation here.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What are the best islands in Europe for a winter holiday?

Europe is full of islands, from archipelagos to stand-alone islands. Some of the best islands to visit for warm weather even in the winter include the Canary Islands, Cyprus, Sicily, and several of Greece’s islands.

Which islands in Europe are the hottest during the winter?

For the warmest temperatures during winter, you’ll want to head to either Malta, Cyprus, or the Canary Islands, which see temperatures ranging from 17-22°C during the day from late November to early March. 

What’s the average temperature across Europe’s islands in the winter months?

Islands in Europe can range from 16-22°C in the winter, but the average temperatures can vary depending on which island you plan to visit. 

Which islands can I get to in under 5 hours from the UK?

Most of Europe’s islands are reachable from the UK in under 3 hours, with the main contenders being Malta, Cyprus, and Sicily. When flying from Heathrow Airport, you can reach Malta in around 3 hours, Cyprus in around 4 hours, and Sicily in around 3 hours.