Looking For Sun And Warmth In Winter In Europe? You Can Visit The Five Capitals Of This Country

Illustration of warm cities in Europe as they enter winter clockwise, Valletta, Tirana, Rome, Lisbon and Athens. (Collage/VOI)

JAKARTA - Along with the onset of winter, a number of cities in Europe you can visit without worrying about the stinging winter, becoming a friendly choice for those of you who are looking for warmth.

Launching Euronews November 22, one of the Portuguese travel agents said that some areas in the Blue Continent could be the perfect place for a warm winter vacation with sunshine.

Visit Cascais, which reports that more than 8,000 Britons are currently searching for 'winter sun' on Google, has also identified the closest beach to each city, so you can enjoy the warmer weather in your swimsuit.

Here are the top picks for sun lovers looking for a European getaway this winter

5. Tirana, Albania

Illustration of Tirana, Albania. (Wikimedia Commons/Albinfo)

Albania's capital, Tirana, is renowned for its colorful architecture, including landmarks from the Ottoman and Soviet eras. The city also boasts of architect Stefano Boeri's extraordinary vertical forest.

There are many reasons to visit the city besides its pleasant climate, which reaches an average high of 17 degrees throughout November and 15 degrees in December.

Despite the longer journey of northern Europe, you are guaranteed a place in the sun. The average maximum outside temperature in November and December is 15 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the average seawater temperature is a maximum of 15 degrees Celsius. The closest best beach in town? Durrs Beach, Durrsit

4. Rome, Italy

Illustration of Rome, Italy. (Wikimedia Commons/2pi.pl)

Like Paris, France, this capital of Italy is a great idea if you're looking for some sun. Despite being well-known as an urban destination, it takes less than an hour to reach the city's beaches.

There are many beautiful local beaches to choose from, and you'll love swimming with water temperatures averaging 21 degrees Celsius, even in December.

In fact, local sea temperatures are expected to be warmer than outside, so if you're looking for a city getaway with a swim side, Rome is a great choice.

The average maximum outdoor temperature in November and December in the city is around 15 degrees Celsius, while the maximum seawater temperature is 21 degrees Celsius. Nearest best beach? Tibidabo Beach.

3. Athens, Greece

Illustration of Athens, Greece. (Wikimedi Commons/A.Savin)

Looking for winter warmth in a classic city? Athens could be an option with warmer water temperatures.

While most travelers will think of historic sights and Greek ruins when they consider Athens, there are a number of public beaches outside the city that are the perfect addition to any city vacation itinerary.

Recorded as the capital with the sunniest weather on this list compared to the other four capitals, this city received 268 sun rays in 2020 or almost 75 percent.

The city's average maximum outdoor temperature in November and December is 17 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the average seawater temperature is a maximum of 20 degrees Celsius. Nearest best beach? Glyfada Beach, Glifada

2. Lisbon, Portugal

Illustration of Lisbon, Portugal. (Wikimedia Commons/M.Peinado)

Portugal's capital, Lisbon, and the surrounding Cascais region bask in the sun all year round, with temperatures averaging 17 degrees Celsius until the end of the year.

Bernardo Barros, president at Visit Cascais says, 'with 226 sunny days each year, and temperatures averaging close to 20 degrees by the end of the year, Portugal is the perfect destination for people who want to escape the cold weather, to enjoy a sun bath in the Southern Europe."

He described Cascais as Portugal's hidden treasure, with sun, excellent food, pristine beaches and lots of culture.

The average maximum outside temperature in November and December is around 17 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, the average seawater temperature is a maximum of 19 degrees Celsius. The closest best beach in town? Praia do Tamariz, Cascais

1. Valletta, Malta

Illustration of Valletta, Malta. (Wikimedia Commons/Bengt Nyman)

If you're really looking for some sun and warmth into the winter months in Europe, the answer is that Malta's capital, Valletta, is your best bet.

With maximum sea temperatures averaging well below the 20s degrees Celsius through December, Malta is an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy swimming in the ocean until the New Year.

Malta has more than 230 sunny days each year (making it over 63 percent sunny all year round), with an average outdoor temperature of around 19 degrees Celsius throughout November and December.

Meanwhile, the average seawater temperature is max: 22 degrees Celsius. While the best beach in this city is St. Elmo Bay, Valletta. Interested in trying?