Southern Europe in winter offers a milder climate, empty promenades and noticeably cheaper hotels than in the summer season. Lower prices and reduced tourist demand can affect Ukrainian travellers’ expenses and demand for flights.
Garachico (Tenerife) - average daytime +21…+22°C and natural lava pools
In Garachico on the north coast of Tenerife the average daytime temperature in winter reaches +21…+22°C, and the ocean warms to +19…+21°C from December to March. The island belongs to Spain and lies roughly a thousand kilometres from the mainland, off the western coast of Africa.
The town centre has a colonial square with wooden balconies and the 16th-century Church of Santa Ana rebuilt after the 1706 eruption. The same eruption left natural lava pools along the shore that you can enter for swimming when the swell is calm; it’s best to wear water shoes.
Malta - air +15…+17°C, quiet museums and brief dips
In winter the air temperature in Malta reaches +15…+17°C, while the sea stays around +15…+18°C. There is no summer heat approaching +38°C, and cruise traffic falls significantly, so cultural sites are less crowded.
In Valletta you can view Caravaggio paintings with fewer people around, and the medieval Mdina, the “Silent City”, genuinely feels quieter at this time of year. Ferry trips to Gozo are popular, with its less-busy stone towns and secluded bays.
Agios Nikolaos (Crete) - +14…+16°C and Kitroplatia beach
On the east of Crete, in Agios Nikolaos, winter daytime temperatures typically reach +14…+16°C and the sea warms to +15…+18°C. The town is spread around a round lake with waterside cafés and pedestrian streets lined with tavernas.
For swimming there is Kitroplatia beach with clear water, which is almost empty in winter. If boats are running, a trip to the island of Spinalonga is convenient, but services may be less frequent in winter, so check timetables in advance.
Paphos (Cyprus) and Tavira (Portugal) - +17…+19°C and tranquil historic areas
In Paphos daytime winter temperatures typically reach +17…+19°C, and the sea warms to +17…+19°C. The city combines seaside relaxation and historic sites, including the Royal Tombs (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Kato Paphos archaeological complex with mosaics from the 2nd century.
Tavira in the eastern Algarve is often bypassed by tourists: it is a 35-40 minute drive from Faro airport and features an ancient bridge, an 11th-century castle and cafés with inexpensive desserts. Ria Formosa park is a good spot for birdwatching in winter.
