Amid the short winter days and chilly conditions, many of us are in need of a vitamin D fix, with promising blue skies and balmy temperatures. Luckily for us, there are six European countries that offer just that, with highs of up to 20C in January and flights starting from £34 return.

The first few months of the year have been known to be one of the busiest times for Brits jetting off abroad in search of some winter sun, and it’s only increasing. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) found that UK residents made 18.7 million foreign visits between January and March in 2025, compared to 16.7 million in 2024.

To help Brits beat the winter blues for 2026, Eurochange has uncovered some of the best ‘hidden gems’ in Europe for a winter escape, promising those sought-after rays of blistering sunshine. The foreign exchange experts also found some of the best deals available for the sun-soaked hotspots after comparing flight rates on Skyscanner and accommodation on Booking.com.

While there are plenty of destinations, such as Corfu and Tenerife, that are popular for securing some winter sun, Eurochange has outlined some of the lesser-known European getaways. From Cadiz in Spain to Palermo in Sicily, these European destinations offer the blistering sunshine and scenic sights without having to pay over the odds…

Cadiz, Spain

Return flights: London Stansted to Seville in January, starting from £34

Accommodation: Starting from £51 per person, per night

Average Jan-March temperature: Highs of 17C

For those seeking a warm city break with a laid-back atmosphere, Cadiz, nestled on the southernmost point of Spain, is an ideal choice. The city is just a short train journey from Seville and is one of the country’s hottest regions where temperatures rarely fall below 10C, even during winter.

This seaside city boasts a rich history, offering numerous breathtaking landmarks to explore, including the Castle of Santa Catalina and the Torre Tavira, which provides scenic views over the city.

Karpas Peninsula, Cyprus

Return flights: London Gatwick to Larnaca in March, starting from £62

Accommodation: Starting from £55 per person, per night

Average Jan-March temperature: Highs of 16C

Also referred to as the Karpass, this sparsely populated region of Northern Cyprus boasts beautiful deserted beaches and natural beauty in the Dipkarpaz National Park. It’s regarded as one of the Mediterranean’s most pristine areas, stretching 80km to the island’s northernmost point, and is perfect for those seeking solitude in their winter sun destination.

There are plenty of options when it comes to accommodation, including charming farmhouses in Iskele. However, if you’d rather stay in a town, Rizokarpaso, a picturesque beach town brimming with ancient landmarks and a pretty marina, is another great option.

São Vicente, Madeira, Portugal

Return flights: London Stansted to Madeira Airport in January, starting from £37

Accommodation: Starting from £25 per person, per night

Average January temperature: Highs of 19C

Madeira is famed for its breathtaking landscapes, magnificent coastlines, and its extensive selection of superb wine. Nestled in the expansive Laurissilva area is São Vicente, often referred to as the land of valleys and vineyards, boasting lush greenery and charming villages.

It’s also renowned for its volcanic caves, which are approximately 890,000 years old and span around 700 metres. Elsewhere, there’s a plethora of hidden beaches to discover, and temperatures reach up to 19C in January, allowing you to spend days basking on the beach.

Valletta, Malta

Return flights: London Gatwick to Valletta in March, starting from £38

Accommodation: Starting from £31 per person, per night

Average January temperature: Highs of 16C

Valletta, the capital of Malta, is the smallest and southernmost capital city in Europe, yet it’s one of the most charming and warmest cities. Locally known as ‘Il-Belt’, this fortified city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering quaint cobbled streets, stunning Baroque palaces, tranquil gardens and historic churches to explore.

Thanks to its impressive average of 2,957 hours of sunshine annually, the Mediterranean haven is often referred to as the ‘sunny city’.

Formentera, Spain

Return flights: London Stansted to Ibiza in March, starting from £57

Accommodation: Starting from £62 per person, per night

Average January temperature: Highs of 16C

As it’s often overshadowed by its larger Balearic siblings, Formentera is a hidden gem for those who love the allure of Ibiza but crave a more tranquil, affordable, and equally stunning alternative. The small Mediterranean island, situated just 9 miles from Ibiza, boasts crystal-clear blue waters and sugar-white sand.

Once a ‘hippie’ commune, the island still exudes a chilled, laid-back vibe today. It’s perfect for those looking to unwind, with the added benefit of various yoga and meditation retreats available.

Palermo, Sicily

Return flights: London Stansted to Palermo, from £35

Accommodation: Starting from £40 per person, per night

Average January temperature: Highs of 15C

For those seeking a less crowded Italian city break in January, Palermo should be at the top of the list. Nestled on the north-western coast of Sicily, Italy’s southernmost island, provides the ideal blend of a city break and beach getaway.

Visitors can spend days wandering through the cobbled streets, admiring the breathtaking Gothic architecture, before taking advantage of their sprawling sand beaches and charming coastal towns just a short drive from the city centre. Of course, no Italian break would be complete without indulging in the local cuisine, and in Palermo, the Arancini is said to be a must-try.

Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital and engagement at Eurochange, shared: “There are so many great destinations you can visit across Europe if you’re keen to feel that little bit of warmth in January. Places such as Cadiz in Spain and Northern Cyprus, away from the popular tourist spots like Paphos and Larnaca, have so much to offer, and are so much quieter.

“Temperatures can reach up to 18 degrees in the southern regions of Europe in January, so it will certainly be a welcome contrast to the UK weather!”

You can visit the Skyscanner website for flight details, and Booking.com for accommodation.

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