Have you been dreaming of a sunny getaway this winter, but another nondescript Caribbean island where all you can do is lounge by a beach does not exactly float your boat?
You would think Europe is off limits this season, what with all the heavy showers and freezing temperatures, but believe it or not, there are a handful of spots across the pond where the sun is still shining bright, and weather-wise, it’s not all that bad.
If the thought of an all-inclusive trip to Cancun does not make your heart beat faster, and you’re a culture buff at heart, these 4 offbeat European destinations offer pleasant temps, no crowds in the low season, and most importantly, they’re incredibly cheap to visit right now:
Limassol, Cyprus
Located in the southeasternmost country of Europe, a Mediterranean island where winters are very mild, Limassol is both an ancient port dating back thousands of years and a fast-growing coastal hub whose innovativeness and skyscraper-lined waterfront have awarded it the title of ‘Dubai of Cyprus‘.
Is it traces of the medieval period you seek?
You can’t skip the charming Old Town, where narrow alleys are flanked by Greek-style cafes, and a monumental medieval fortress, Limassol Castle, houses an impressive number of centuries-old artifacts.
Drawn to the Dubai-like cityscape?
Taking a walk along the palm-lined promenade, you’ll see rows upon rows of high-rises straddling teal-colored seas, and chances are you won’t even need to slap on a coat, as it’s still a delightful 62.6°F in the coldest months of the year.
Besides all the delicious gyros you can get for under $10 in local bars, accommodation in Limassol is not-at-all expensive, either: this winter, La Hacienda Cyprus has listed rooms from $81, the 4-star Ajax Hotel from $110, breakfast included, and the Atlantica Miramare Beach from $134.
Marbella, Spain
Winter may be certainly coming to (most of) Europe, but Marbella in Spain’s aptly-named Costa del Sol definitely didn’t get the memo: with highs of 68°F in the daytime and very little rain––5 rainy days in January, to be exact––it is the closest to subtropical it gets across the pond.
A bustling resort city wedged between the Sierra Blanca Mountains and the Mediterranean, it lays claim to over 16 miles of golden-sand beaches, interspersed with luxurious villas and hotels, except they cost a small fraction of what they would in the peak season.
For instance, an overnight at the Hard Rock Hotel Marbella in the trendy district of Port Banús will set you back by $149 per night, and you can find beachfront stays for even cheaper at the Barceló, featuring a large pool and lush gardens ($80), and at spa-equipped Senator Marbella ($74).
It may be too cold for swimming this time of year, but the good thing about Europe is there’s never a shortage of cultural sights to be admired––in Marbella’s case, that’s a charming Renaissance-era Old Town littered with whitewashed buildings and bougainvillea-draped streets.
Lagos, Portugal
What is it about Southwestern Europe and its balmy winter climate?
Only a five-hour drive west of Marbella, you’ll reach Lagos in Portugal, the cultural capital of the Algarve, and where all the most beautiful beaches are located, including Praia dos Estudantes:
One of the most scenic beaches in Portugal, if not the whole of Europe, it is easily distinguished by the centuries-old, Roman-style bridge spanning two rock formations, and it’s perfect for some low-season sunbathing, as it rarely rains here, and it’s usually a pleasant 64.4°F.
Lagos’ walled historic core is not to be missed, also: dating back to the Middle Ages, it has well-preserved forts and Baroque churches, and more than just a couple of traditional eateries where you can sample bacalhau and other fresh seafood for under $15 (check out Buteo Kitchen & Bar).
Overall, Lagos is among the cheapest sunny destinations in Europe regardless of season, with private rooms at the Good Vibes guesthouse, only a few steps from the beach costing $35, and the average cost of food being $37 daily, according to Budget Your Trip.
Maspalomas, Gran Canaria
We’re back to Spain for this one, except it’s miles away from the European mainland, just off the coast of West… Africa?
Yep, though it is a full-fledged Spanish island, Gran Canaria is officially part of the neighboring continent, and it’s where millions of Europeans flock into for their winter sun.
More specifically, a lively Maspalomas, a laid-back town famous for its endless miles of soft, honey-colored sands, vast dune reserve, and family-friendly Holidayworld Maspalomas Center, the largest, most thrilling amusement park on the island.
Gran Canaria is known as the Land of Eternal Spring for a reason: it’s never too cold, nor too hot here irrespective of season, and if you’re coming to Maspalomas in January, you should expect daily temperatures to hover around 72°F.
When it comes to affordability, it is what we like to call a ‘luxury on a budget’ destination, with a standard apartment costing $152 per night at the Cub Vista Serena, and fish dishes in inexpensive local restaurants averaging $14.58.
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