1. Canary Islands (Spain)
Temperature in December: +15…+23 °C, average duration of a sunny day: 10 hours 24 minutes.
Summer in the Canaries lasts all year round, as the archipelago lies 100 km from the west coast of Africa. About 10 million tourists come to the paradise islands every year. Lava fields resemble a lunar landscape, beaches with black volcanic sand and pine groves are washed by a crystal clear ocean, and bananas grow on plantations. All 7 islands are unique in their own way, but most vacationers choose Tenerife or Lanzarote for the vibrant nightlife and lots of entertainment.
2. Crete (Greece)
Temperature in December: +9…+18 °C, average duration of a sunny day: 9 hours 51 minutes.
Crete is the largest Greek island, according to legend, the birthplace of the supreme god Zeus. Here you can see ancient Roman ruins and Turkish hamams, mountain ranges adjacent to sand dunes. The local population is very hospitable, friendly and sociable. In the off-season there are no crowds of tourists, so you can relax and have a good rest.
3. Cyprus
Temperature in December: +9…+20 °C, average duration of a sunny day: 9 hours 54 minutes.
After a deep economic crisis, Cyprus is experiencing a new upswing. But even in difficult years, the flow of visitors to this fertile land does not dry up. The island, located at the crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa, remembers ancient civilizations: Stone Age parking lots, Roman ruins, Venetian fortresses, Muslim mosques and Christian monasteries have been preserved here. You can sunbathe and swim almost all year round, as well as enjoy meze snacks, sheep’s cheese, meat and vegetable dishes, which are beloved by Cypriots.
4. Costa del Sol (Spain)
Temperature in December: +8…+18 °C, average duration of a sunny day: 9 hours 45 minutes.
The Costa del Sol is a resort place in the very south of Europe, its sandy beaches are surrounded by mountains. During the day in December it is warm (up to +18 ° C), and at night a cool wind blows. There is always somewhere to go: to the Picasso Museum, to a bullfight or a performance by flamenco artists. A local jamon with cheeses and excellent wine will brighten up the long winter evenings.
5. Algarve (Portugal)
Temperature in December: +9…+18 °C, average duration of a sunny day: 9 hours 43 minutes.
The resort is located on the southwestern tip of Europe. It has a warm climate, beautiful sandy beaches, framed by high shores with pine groves and flowering shrubs. It is very comfortable to rest even in December, but swimming is difficult because of the cold and choppy ocean. But strong winds contribute to sailing sports. Cozy fishing villages, cork oak plantations and golf courses are scattered along the shores. And in rainy weather, you can go shopping. And vacationers are also waiting for a diverse and healthy local cuisine, rich in fish, meat and vegetable dishes, and, of course, delicious Portuguese wines and real port.
6. Madeira (Portugal)
Temperature in December: +15…+20 °C. Average duration of a sunny day: 10 hours and 15 minutes.
This fertile island with a warm subtropical climate lies in the Atlantic Ocean to the west of Morocco. In winter, the flow of tourists decreases, and prices decrease. Many at this time go to the capital — the city of Funchal, interesting for its ancient architecture, lively nightlife and magnificent seascapes. Dense forests grow along the beaches covered with black volcanic sand. There are more sunny days here than rainy ones, so you can spend enough time walking.
7. Malta
Temperature in December: +11…+18 °C, average duration of a sunny day: 9 hours 48 minutes.
A small island in the Mediterranean Sea is located near Italian Sicily. The weather is very favorable here, this place is considered the sunniest in Europe. The proximity of the two continents has diversified Malta’s culture and architecture, influenced by the Phoenicians, Romans, English, Italians, French and Moors. Here you can meet stone fortresses and red telephone booths, taste kebabs and pizza. Prices on the island are moderate, the trip will not hit your pocket. The main attraction is the Blue Grotto, it is washed by clear turquoise water and surrounded by limestone rocks.