Tenerife is home to 43% of the total population of the archipelago, making it the largest and most popular island of the Canary Islands, as well as the most populous island of Spain and Macaronesia. However, its size and population are not the only reason why it got its fame. The island is also a great place to escape the cold winter and enjoy pleasant temperatures all year round. Visiting this destination, you will have a chance to go on beautiful hiking trails, enjoy amazing beaches, walk around colonial towns, and try out various kinds of delicious traditional cuisine.

Approximately five million tourists visit Tenerife each year since this place offers something for everyone. Visitors can explore the Tenerife South beaches, the bustling streets of Puerto de la Cruz, and the charming villages and towns that make up the island. After that, visit the charming village of Taganana in the north and go hiking in the Anaga Rural Park. Don't forget to explore the lovely Masca Valley in the west and check out the stunning Los Gigantes rocks.

One of the most special things about Tenerife is that this island is home to a lot of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For example, Tenerife's La Laguna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the third most populated city overall and the second most populous city on the island. Teide National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located in the island's center. Teide National Park includes Mount Teide, which is the tallest mountain in Spain and among all the islands in the Atlantic. Since 2015, the Macizo de Anaga (massif), another natural feature of the island, has also been recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Average daily maximum temperatures in Tenerife in winter: 21°C

The Portuguese Island of Madeira is given the name "the Pearl of the Atlantic" for its beautiful nature all year round, with its pre-historic laurel forest classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This island is always warm and welcoming, therefore, it offers many options for both relaxation and exciting adventures. Its pleasant temperatures are ideal for going for coastal walks, hiking the Pico do Arieiro, and even swimming on the beautiful beach and natural pools of Seixal or Porto Moniz. Enjoying delicious traditional seafood dishes and local drinks are also must-do activities here.

Since Madeira is perfect for tourism, the total income from tourism of this island contributes 20% to the region's GDP, providing support throughout the year for commercial, transport, and other activities and constituting a significant market for local products. The island of Porto Santo is entirely devoted to tourism, offering a 9-kilometer-long (5.6 mi) beach and a perfect climate for tourists from all over the world.

One of the most interesting and famous activities in recent years that you could try here in Madeira is whale watching. During the winter, whales come to this area to run away from the cold, and many of them can be spotted near the coast or offshore. Besides whales, if you're lucky, you'll get a chance to see many other awesome animals that are also enjoying Madeira's weather just like you.

Average temperatures in Madeira in winter: 19°C

Almería is a place that every "Game of Thrones" fan would love to visit since this is the film location for the sixth season of the world-wide famous TV series. It lies in southeastern Iberia on the Mediterranean Sea and is one of the sunniest cities in Europe, with warm sunlight all year round. Therefore, spending the winter on this sunny destination while wandering around the film set of Game of Thrones is definitely something one should try.

The Alcazaba - the largest fortress in Andalucía is the most famous spot in Almería. It was built in the 10th century but was destroyed by an earthquake in 1522. The Alcazaba has a triple line of walls, a majestic keep, and large gardens that will let you travel time back to centuries ago. It is the second largest among the Muslim fortresses of Andalusia, after the Alhambra. Because of its beauty that doesn't fade with time, the Alcazaba did indeed appear in so many Hollywood movies besides Game of Thrones.

There are many other places that are worth visiting here in Almería. If you're a fan of history, go to the Almería air raid shelters, and underground galleries for civilian protection during the Spanish Civil War, currently the longest in Europe - which is now open for tourists. If you are into architecture and arts, go to the Museum of Almería, which includes findings from Prehistoric, Iberic, Roman, Greek ages and Muslim objects, mostly from the Alcazaba. For a more cultured experience, go to the Renaissance church of Santiago and Chanca, a group of houses carved into rocks.

Average daily maximum temperatures in Almería in winter: 17°C

Located in the central Mediterranean Sea, Sicily is a gorgeous island of Italy that continues to seduce travelers with its dazzling diversity of landscapes and cultural treasures. These few years, thanks to the Academy-winning series "The White Lotus", this island has been known by more people and became a rising famous vacation spot. What people might not know about this place is that it is also one of the warmest destinations for winter sun in Europe.

Here in the winter, Sicily becomes colorful and magical, with ripening fruits, fresh vegetables, and seafood in food market stalls all over the city, especially in Catania and Palermo. Since the weather here is generally mild and could be up to 20°C on warm days, you can spend the entire winter exploring everything that this city has. After visiting famous food markets like arancini, caponata, and cannoli, check out famous spots like the Greek ruins in Agrigento’s Valley of the Temples and the Greco-Roman theatre in Taormina. The national park of the active Etna volcano is also a must-visit spot. If you come to Sicily a bit late in Winter, you can see people all over the island prepare for the Carnevale festival which is usually held in February.

Average temperatures in Sicily in winter: 16.5°C

Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is an island country located in the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Libya. During summer, this place is packed with people from all over Europe who want to enjoy the summer weather on the lovely island. When winter comes, the fewer crowds and moderate temperatures make this place perfect for a runaway from the cold winter. The economy of Malta is heavily reliant on tourism, and the country promotes itself as a Mediterranean tourist destination with its warmer climate compared to the rest of Europe.

Since Malta is a whole country on its own, you should definitely visit the striking Valletta - the ancient capital that has both gorgeous townhouses and excellent modern design hotels. Moreover, Valletta is also famous for having the best restaurants where visitors can enjoy traditional Mediterranean food. This country's 300 days of sunshine a year also make it possible for you to enjoy various outside activities that are usually only doable in Summer, such as swimming and diving in the blue sea.

Moreover, in Malte, you can also visit numerous recreational areas, and architectural and historical monuments, including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, Valletta, and seven megalithic temples which are some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world.

Average temperatures in Malta in winter: 16°C

Most people think of Athens, Greece as a center for the arts, learning, and philosophy that is filled with crowds in summer. But this city is also a great place to visit in winter, mainly for its moderate temperatures even in the coldest months, and the city being less crowded is a plus if you want to take all the time you want to explore the city, enjoy traditional cuisine, and admire the impressive Acropolis.

Being a city in the Mediterranean and both the capital and largest city of Greece, Athens offers tourists a chance to enjoy the winter sun without having to go to an island or a beach. Take a tour of the numerous galleries, libraries, and museums to learn about the culture and history of this city. After that, check out the Greek National Opera and the National Library of Greece. If you want a little bit of energy, hike to the top of Mount Lycabettus for a panoramic view of Athens.

Athens is a well-known city break destination, but in recent years there has been an influx of artists, chefs, and hoteliers, so the eccentric neighborhoods and must-try restaurants are now just as popular as the major attractions. So don't forget to also check them out while you enjoy your winter time there.

Average daily maximum temperatures in Athens in winter: 15°C

Antalya is located on Anatolia's southwest coast bordered by the Taurus Mountains and is the largest Turkish city on the Mediterranean coast outside the Aegean region. With great weather and beautiful sites, this is the fifth-most populous city in Turkey. Being warm all year round, Antalya is also one of the best destinations for winter sun in Europe. Just before the Covid pandemic hits, a record 13.6 million tourists passed through the city in 2019.

Antalya is home to some of Turkey's biggest international sea resorts, making it a perfect beach location even in winter. Moreover, in the West of the city, you can find a good number of fairly upmarket hotels with beautiful golf courses and adventure playgrounds beside the beach. On the southwest coast, Antalya appears to be more subtle and cultured, filled with astonishing historic sites.

Historical architecture in Antalya dates to the medieval Seljuk period, with a number of mosques, madrasahs, masjids, caravanserais, Turkish baths, and tombs giving the city a Turkish-Islamic character. Acknowledging its rich culture shows through historic sites, the city has been putting a lot of effort into restoring its hotels, bars, clubs, restaurants, and shopping spots to retain much of its historical character.

Average daily maximum temperatures in Antalya in winter: 14°C