Winter in Europe brings to mind visions of freezing cold weather, drizzly rain and sometimes even snow. It’s a time when people retreat inside looking for warmth and comfort until the spring sunshine breaks through. But that’s not the case across the continent and there are destinations where you can find sunny weather in Europe, even during the peak of winter.
So, if you’re not ready to endure yet another miserable winter in Europe, consider relocating for a month (or few) to a warm climate to get your fix of Vitamin D. Why not base yourself in Valencia or Marbella for a few weeks or head to sunny Lisbon. A luxury apartment or cozy home will offer everything you need for an extended stay or relocation, accompanied by sunshine, mild weather and the opportunity to discover a whole new culture.
The benefits of a winter relocation
Good weather, sunshine – you might think the benefits of migrating south for a European winter are obvious. But there are a few additional perks you might not have considered. Not only can you find cheap flights to destinations across Europe outside of the peak summer travel months, but you’ll also benefit from offseason pricing on quality accommodation.
A winter relocation might enable you to stay in a luxury serviced apartment that would be out of your price bracket during the rest of the year or stay in the heart of the tourist district, which is usually in high demand. Rather than having to book weeks (or even months) in advance, you might be able to leave your travel plans to the last minute (except if you’re relocating over the Christmas/New Year break).
If you’re considering travelling for the purpose of medical tourism, the winter months are the ideal time to capitalise on reduced accommodation rates. Marbella in Spain is renowned for the quality of its hospitals and popular with medical tourists, thanks to its enviable setting on the sun-drenched Costa del Sol. After having your treatment, you can spend your days recovering on the endless stretches of sand or kicking back in the waterfront bars and restaurants.
There are destinations across Spain and Portugal that experience mild winter temperatures and boast plenty of natural and historical attractions to discover during your relocation. Explore the exquisite National Palace of Sintra without the crowds or tour the Moorish-Hispanic treasure of the Alhambra during an extended stay in Granada. Why not base yourself in Valencia to experience the creative “Ninots” and festivities of Las Fallas or celebrate the winter solstice in style during the Festa dos Rapazes in Portugal’s remote northern Trás-os-Montes region.
In Marbella, you can easily travel across the Costa del Sol and explore its 60 exclusive golf resorts stretching from Malaga to Sotogrande. Andalucia gets sun for over 300 days a year, so chances are you will get the blue-sky days.
So, before you unpack the winter woollies and coats once again, reimagine how your season could be with a relocation to one of Europe’s warmer (and more affordable) destinations. Our accommodation experts can help you find quality and vetted apartments and houses to suit your style so you can take advantage of the incredible winter deals.