9 Cheap winter holiday destinations for Europeans

For the majority of Europeans, winter spells cold and snow. Many would prefer to move to warmer climates until the winter is gone. But since that’s not always an option, visiting warmer destinations definitely is. So for those who want to head to a warmer place for a winter vacation we’ve put together a list of destinations which are both warm and affordable.

We haven’t forgotten about those who enjoy the snow either. Europe boasts an incredible number of ski resorts and it’s quite easy to find lovely ski resorts so we’ve looked around and found couple of places where a skiing vacation is affordable.

1. Egypt – Red Sea

The winter months (October to March) in Egypt are warm but the nights can be a bit cold. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that virtually no rain falls on the Red Sea Riviera. The coast is pleasant year round, with the average temperature day time during the winter ranging between 30C in October and 23C in December. Thanks to this beautiful weather, the region tends to be most crowded during the European winter and mostly around the holidays (Christmas and New Year’s Eve).

The Red Sea Coast is one of the best places in the world to go scuba diving. One of the proffered destinations both for scuba diving and sun bathing is Sharm el Sheikh.

Prices: There are plenty of low-cost carriers serving Hurghada. Expect to pay about €160 per person for a round trip flight departing from London. Accommodation wise, there are 3-star hotels in Sharm El Sheikh which charge as little as €20 per person per night. And you can find 4-star hotels which charge about €45 per person per night.

Getting there: the main city on the Red Sea Coast is Hurghada, which has an airport served by plenty of low cost carriers. Make sure to arrange with the hotel to pick you up from the airport.

2. Spain – Costa del Sol

Costa del Sol, literally meaning Sun Coast, boasts up to 330 days of sun, each year. Even in the winter the temperature is warm enough for a game of golf or walking in one of the numerous fishing villages. The cold month of winter is January, with average of 16C. The water is still mildly warm and good for a short dip, if you are brave enough to do so!

Prices: If you plan your vacation early enough (about 4-6 weeks before you expect to leave) you can find really affordable prices. One particular low-cost carrier offers flights from Leeds to Malaga at a price of €127 per person, RT, taxes, bags and insurance included. As for the accommodation, the prices are really low during winter as winter is, technically, off-season. Prices range between €23 per person per night in a 2-star hotel and €34 per person per night in a 3-star hotel.

Getting there: Malaga airport is located on Costa del Sol. Once arrived here, you can either take a bus or a taxi to your hotel. Or you can arrange with the hotel to pick you up from the airport.

3. Spain – Tenerife

The weather in Tenerife depends a lot on the location. On the southern and western coasts the weather is always milder than on the rest of the island. Sometimes it might rain but there isn’t an official “rainy season”. The average temperature during the winter months is about 15C. The winter weather can be easily compared to the spring weather in the colder parts of Europe so although it’s a bit cold, it’s sill heaven compared to the cold European winters.

Prices: Airfare is most attractive between November and mid-December but if you plan to visit the island in January (after the holidays) it’s not that expensive either. Expect to pay about €175 for two persons, RT, departing from London Gatwick. Accommodation wise, the island is not that cheap but you can find double rooms in 2-star hotels for €55 per night. If you prefer a 3-star hotel, a standard double room costs €75 per night. Do remember though that Christmas and the New Year are considered high season, so the prices will be high as well.

Getting there: Tenerife offers two airports but the majority of the international flights arrive on Reina Sofia Airport. You can then arrange with the hotel to provide transfer from the airport or you can take a taxi.

4. Tunisia – Monastir

The coastal region of Tunisia has a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot and sunny summer and mild but wet winters. The winter days are generally pleasantly warm with at least 6 hours of sun shine. Thanks to the pleasant climate, Tunisia has emerged as a preferred winter sun destination for those who want to escape the colder European climates.

Prices: If you decide to fly into Monastir, you can choose between several low cost carriers. Prices are around €175 per person, RT, departing from London Gatwick. As for the places to stay, a very good option is to rent an apartment right by the beach. For example, an apartment with 3 bedrooms and capable of housing up to 6 persons, costs only €196 per week during the winter. It’s located in Monastir, right by the beach.

Getting there: one of the best options is to fly into Monastir, which is served by plenty of airlines. Then you can rent a car, use the public transport or arrange for transfer to the hotel.

5. Morocco – Marrakech

Generally speaking, the weather in Morocco is moderate and subtropical, cooled by the breezes. In the capital of Marrakech, the average winter temperature is 21C, which makes it a perfect place to enjoy a warm winter vacation and do some sightseeing and shopping. The weather in the capital is sunny all year round and rain is possible during winter. The winter nights can be cool so bring appropriate clothing.

Prices: Winter is low season in Morocco, so the airfare is very affordable. Expect to pay about €135 per person, RT, departing from London Gatwick. The accommodation is also very affordable. In a 3-star hotel, expect to pay €37 per night for a standard double room. If you fancy staying in a 4-star hotel, you’ll pay €68 per night for a standard double room, breakfast included.

Getting there: if you plan to visit Marrakech, plenty of airlines – including low cost ones – serve the city’s airport. Once arrived, you can take a taxi or arrange for transfer to the hotel.

6. Portugal – The Algarve

The Algarve is one of Europe’s sunniest places and receives more than 3000 sunshine hours each year. That’s more than California can brag with! Winter in the Algarve is mild, with temperatures reaching an average of 15C. Warm days are not uncommon so temperatures of 20C can be found during the winter days. Nights are cold though. The wettest months are January and February but typically the rain falls in short bursts. The water temperature is mild as well in the winter, reaching an average of 14C.

Prices: If you avoid the Christmas and New Year high prices, a vacation in the Algarve is affordable. In January, expect to pay about €110 for 2 adults, RT, departing from London Gatwick. A standard double room in a 3-star hotel costs between €46 and €58 per night.

Getting there: The Algarve is served by Faro Airport which receives plenty of international flights. Once arrive on the airport you can either arrange with the hotel to provide transfer or you can take a taxi.

7. Cyprus – Paphos

Paphos is an incredible all year holiday destination. The winter brings warm weather, as Paphos is blessed with typical Mediterranean weather. The average temperature between December and March is 18C and there are at least five hours of sunshine per day.

Prices: Although winter is technically off season, the nice weather attracts a lot of tourists and prices are not that low, especially for the flights. Expect to pay about €240 per person, RT, departing from London Gatwick. A very good idea is to rent an apartment in Paphos, which costs about €180 per week and is able to house up to 6 persons.

Getting there: Paphos is served by a small airport which receives mostly charter flights but there are enough flights available to make it an affordable destination. Bus services are available to get you from the airport to the hotel or apartment.

8. Austria – Soll , ski

Söll has always been a popular ski resort among the beginner and intermediate skiers. Part of Ski Welt, Austria’s largest ski region, Soll offers gentle slopes, lovely scenery, affordable accommodation and lively après ski life. Due to being so popular, it gets really crowded during the weekends and holidays. Night skiing is available between 6:30 pm and 10:15 pm in the Valley run Söll.

The entire Ski Welt area boasts 279 km of slopes and 91 cable cars and lifts. The season lasts between December 22 and March 20. The ski passes range between €37.50 per day for an adult and €19 per day for a child. Discounted ski passes can be bought for several days (up to 2 weeks).

Prices: If you plan your vacation little in advance (at most a month) you can find a cheap flight at about €70, one way. As for the accommodation, expect to pay between €37 per person per night in a 3-star hotel and up to €60 per person per night in a 4-star hotel. There are also plenty of cheap pensions, located outside the main resort area, for those who are on a limited budget.

Getting there: The closest airport is Slazburg (80 km from the resort), which is served by low cost carriers. From there you can either rent a car or you can check if the hotel offers transfer services. Other options include flying into Innsbruck (also 80 km from the resort).

9. France – Avoriaz , ski

Avoriaz is one of the 14 resorts which make up the “Portes du Soleil” ski area. The French resort is located right in the middle of this immense zone and offers varied terrain and landscape. There are easy slopes available (27) but those who are looking for more challenging terrain (14 intermediate slopes) will also be very happy. There are lifts, gondolas and cable cars available. Lift passes are available at special prices. A full-day lift pass costs €32.80 for an adult and €22 for a child.

Prices: If you decide to fly into Geneva, expect to pay about €100 for a rout trip flight departing from London, all taxes included. As for the accommodation, there are plenty of places located right within the resort. The prices range between €42 per night per person in a 2-star hotel and €64 per night per person in a 3-star hotel.

Getting there: there are three major airports close to Avoriaz: Geneva, Annecy and Lyon. All are served by plenty of low-cost carriers. Once arrived at the airport you can rent a car or you can arrange with the hotel to pick you up.

Photo credits:

1 – pixel7777 on Flickr; 4 – cardbush on Flickr; 5 – Adre Pipa on Flickr; 6 – rekaaa on Flickr; 7 – fluffballs on Flickr

Author: Cristina Dima

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