Last Updated on October 26, 2021 by Cody Livingston
In February, entire Europe is not under a white blanket of snow. While a part of the continent is bone-chilling cold with a grey sky, the other side of Europe has pleasant weather with a warm climate. And for those who want to fly to warm cities for a winter break in Europe, there are several options to select from. The best thing about these destinations is their short distance from London, which makes the holiday more budget-friendly. Here, we bring you the 15 best warm places to visit in Europe in February.
1. Algarve, Portugal
The sun-kissed beaches of Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, is the ideal place to bask under the winter sun. With the temperature hovering between 13 to 17 degrees, it is a perfect short-haul escape from the UK. Despite having a diverse terrain, overwhelming culture and rich culinary scene, this place somehow manages to dodge the holidaymakers. With around 6 hours of sunshine every day in February, it is warm enough to wear a t-shirt and take a stroll along the beaches during the middle of the day.
In February, Algarve hosts Volta ao Algarve, the region’s biggest bicycle race, where participants cover more than 690 kilometres on bicycles. The annual Loulé Carnival and the famous Semana de Chocolate (chocolate week) are also held in the second month of the year.
Temperature: The average maximum temperature is 17 °C, while the average minimum drops down to 13 °C.
Approximate Flight Duration from London to Algarve: 2 hour 55 minutes
Popular Attractions: Ponta da Piedade, Cape St. Vincent, Praia da Rocha, Ria Formosa and Praia da Marinha
Read Also: Top 10 Warm Places to Visit in February Around the World
2. Madrid, Spain
Madrid, the capital of Spain is another European city to pack your bags in this February. With beautiful architectural landmarks such as Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace of Madrid and the Royal Theater, the third-largest city in the European Union is one of the best warm places to visit in February. While in Madrid, visit the city’s famous museums like Museo del Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía. The evenings can be made vibrant at one of the many clubs and lounges in the city. In February, Madrid also hosts the annual Carnival featuring live performances, fun activities and theatrical parades. If you are in this city for a winter break in February, be a part of Festival de Arte Sacro, the cultural festival that includes choirs, dance, plays and poetry recitals along with film screenings.
Temperature: The average maximum temperature is 12 °C, while the average minimum drops down to 4 °C.
Approximate Flight Duration from London to Madrid: 2 hours 30 minutes
Popular attractions: Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace of Madrid, Museo Nacional del Prado, El Retiro Park, Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum and Puerta del Sol
Read Also: Where to Go For Beach Holiday in September Across Europe
3. Kyrenia, Cyprus
Grine or Kyrenia is a picture-perfect destination on the northern coast of Cyprus. The city is hailed for its bewitching landscape coupled with white sandy beaches and cobblestone streets. The city witnesses a modest temperature in February, which is not too hot or cold, making Kyrenia fun to explore. Enjoy the day-long sunshine strolling at the waterfront cobblestone and markets. Don’t forget to visit the Kyrenia Castle and Shipwreck Museum. Alagadi Beach is a perfect place to bask under the warm winter sun. With plenty of shopping spots and casinos, the destination will keep you engaged for the entire February.
Temperature: The average maximum temperature is 17 °C, while the average minimum drops down to 9°C.
Approximate Flight Duration from London to Kyrenia: 4 hours 40 minutes
Popular attractions: Kyrenia Castle, Shipwreck Museum, Vela Yachting Kyrenia Boat Trips, Icon Museum and Aphrodite Boat Trips
Read Also: Top 20 Romantic Destinations to visit in Valentine’s Day
4. Barcelona, Spain
Europe’s most sought-after destination, Barcelona is touched by the Mediterranean Sea and peppered by spectacular beaches like Nova Icaria Beach, Bogatell Beach, Mar Bella Beach and Ocata Beach. The weather in February is relatively cold, but again manageable as sunshine during the day covers up for the chill. The Catalan capital is a cultural hub offering awe-striking architecture, mind-boggling beaches and gorgeous landscape. The culinary scene and nightlife will propel you to explore the city till wee hours. The cherry on the cake is the range of festivals and events organised in February like Barcelona Carnival, Santa Eulàlia Festival, Chinese New Year Celebration and the Llum BCN – Festival Llum.
Temperature: The average maximum temperature is 15 °C, while the average minimum drops down to 9°C.
Approximate Flight Duration from London to Barcelona: 2 hours 05 minutes
Popular attractions: La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Milà, Gaudi masterpiece housing arts venue, Casa Batlló and La Rambla, Barcelona
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5. Canary Islands, Spain
A Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, the Canary Islands is the tropics of Spain in winters due to warm temperature and greenery. Situated in the southernmost tip of the country, it receives over 11 hours of sunshine in February. For tourists in search of warm winter sun, the Canary Islands is the ideal destination with copious sunshine. Apart from the sunshine, the sea here is ideal to engage in a range of activities like cliff diving, swimming, snorkelling and more. With plentiful white sandy beaches, it is undoubtedly the best place to travel in Europe in winter.
Temperature: The average maximum temperature is 21°C, while the average minimum drops down to 15°C.
Approximate Flight Duration from London to the Canary Islands: 4 hours 15 minutes
Popular Attractions: Gran Canaria, Mount Teide, Timanfaya National Park, Siam Park and Teide National Park
Read Also: Top 15 Stunning Fairy-tale Villages around the World
6. Nice, France
In February, while the whole of France is under the white blanket of snow, Nice stands out with its daytime temperature touching 13°C. Located on French Riviera, on the south-east coast of the Mediterranean coast and at the foothills of the Alps, this city is nicknamed ‘Nice la Belle’ (Nice is beautiful) for the spectacular beauty it offers. In February, the city hosts the annual Nice Carnival, which is at par with the Brazilian and Venetian Carnival. At Nice, a tourist should never miss the Colline du Chateau overlooking the Baie des Anges and harbour. The temperature in February might not be suitable for a sea bath but is ideal for a stroll on the beach. You should also not miss an opportunity to take a walk along the popular Promenade des Anglais or enjoy a picnic at the Parc du Chateau.
Temperature: The average maximum temperature is 13°C, while the average minimum drops down to 6°C.
Approximate Flight Duration from London to Nice: 2 hours 05 minutes
Popular Attractions: Promenade des Anglais, Musée Matisse, French Riviera, Castle of Nice and Marc Chagall National Museum
7. Monte Carlo, Monaco
Monte Carlo, a tiny city in Monaco is known as the playground for rich and famous. Situated on a prominent escarpment at the base of the Maritime Alps along the French Riviera, Monte Carlo is famous for Place du Casino, the gambling centre, where millionaires fly down for the extravagant display and reckless dispersal of wealth. In Monte Carlo, take a walk along the coastal Avenue Saint-Martin, featuring some beautiful cliff-side gardens or visit the 19-th century Monaco Cathedral. The Palais du Prince located in old Monaco-Ville and the exclusive Hotel d’Paris are other tourist attractions in the city. With the February day time maximum climate of 12°C, you can also comfortably cycle along the serpentine roads of Col de Braus and enjoy the sunshine.
Temperature: The average maximum temperature is 12°C, while the average minimum drops down to 7°C.
Approximate Flight Duration from London to Monte Carlo: 2 hours 05 minutes
Popular Attractions: Palais du Prince, Musée Oceanographique, Formula One Monaco Grand Prix and Monaco Harbor
Read Also: Top 20 Smallest Countries in the World
8. Rome, Italy
Rome, the capital of Italy, also popularly known as ‘The Eternal City’ is a year-round destination. Located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, along the shores of the Tiber, Rome experiences a warm climate in February, where the maximum day temperature touches 15°C. This makes the city one of the popular places to travel in Europe in February. Rome homes several ancient monuments and museums like Colosseum, Palatine hill, the Baths of Caracalla and Palazzo Massimo alle Terme. While in the city, make sure not to miss Museo Nazionale di Villa Giulia, Galleria d’Arte Antica and Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna.
Temperature: The average maximum temperature is 15°C, while the average minimum drops down to 10°C.
Approximate Flight Duration from London to Rome: 2 hours 35 minutes
Popular Attractions: Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum and Pantheon.
Read Also: 20 Most Popular Tourist Places to Visit in Rome
9. Santa Cruz, Tenerife
Santa Cruz in February is outstanding with temperature floating around 20 °C. The port city is the capital of Tenerife Island and is hailed for its medieval-era buildings such as 1700’s Palacio de Carta and Immaculate Conception. During this month, Santa Cruz turns into a gorgeous city with the sun out. The entire city turns into a party destination as the beaches are full and streets are laden with tourists exploring the city’s rich culture and heritage. Plaza de España is the famous square in the city and a must-visit along with Tenerife Espacio de las Artes, which exhibits local artwork and photography.
Temperature: The average maximum temperature is 20°C, while the average minimum drops down to 15°C.
Approximate Flight Duration from London to Santa Cruz: 7 hours 20 minutes
Popular Attractions: Playa de Las Teresitas, Auditorio de Tenerife Adán Martín, Plaza de España, Museum of Nature and Man and Rural de Anaga Park
Read Also: Where to Go on Holiday in October around the World
10. Valletta, Malta
Valletta is a small city and the capital of Malta. Established on the orders of Knights of St. John in 1500s, Valletta is known for its palaces, churches and museums. The city was named as the European Capital of Culture 2018. In February, Valentine’s Day celebrations make Valletta a romantic escape. The temperature hovers around 16 degrees, making it one of the warmest cities in Europe in February. Stroll around the city’s alleyways and explore monuments like St. John’s Co-Cathedral, The Upper Barrakka Gardens, Fort St. Elmo, The National Library, The Casa Rocca Piccola and St. James Cavalier
Temperature: The average maximum temperature is 15°C, while the average minimum drops down to 10°C.
Approximate Flight Duration from London to Valletta: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Popular Attractions: St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Grandmaster’s Palace, Upper Barrakka Gardens, National War Museum – Fort St Elmo and National Museum of Archaeology
Read Also: Where to Go For Beach Holiday in September Across Europe
11. Palermo, Italy
Palermo, the beautiful coastal city and capital of Sicily Island is noted for its history, architecture, culture and gastronomy. With good Mediterranean weather, this Italian city is one of the best warm places in Europe to travel in winter. The city houses ancient and medieval era monuments like 12th-century Palermo Cathedral, Teatro Massimo, Palazzo dei Normanni and Cappella Palatina exhibiting the regions glorious past. Palermo is considered as Sicily’s economic, cultural and tourism capital. Peppered with white sandy beaches like Mondello Beach, Spiaggia dell’Arenella and Capo Gallo Reserve, Palermo is perfect to bask under the sun and even swim in the shallow blue seawater.
Temperature: The average maximum temperature is 15°C, while the average minimum drops down to 10°C.
Approximate Flight Duration from London to Palermo: 2 hour and 55 minutes
Popular Attractions: Norman Palace, Cattedrale di Palermo, Cattedrale di Monreale, Quattro Canti and Massimo Theater.
Read Also: 15 Most Amazing Secret Beaches in the World
12. Santorini, Greece
An island in the southern Aegean Sea, southeast of Greece’s mainland, Santorini is renowned for its whitewashed houses and beaches consisting of red, white and black lava pebbles. In February, the temperature is just perfect with the maximum touching 15 °C. During the day, tourists can enjoy the copious sunshine and explore the town’s rich heritage and history. If you are beach bump, Santorini is full of the spectacular white sandy seashore. Other outdoor venture includes numerous small quaint villages and towns speckled throughout Santorini.
Temperature: The average maximum temperature is 15°C, while the average minimum drops down to 12°C.
Approximate Flight Duration from London to Santorini: 7 hours
Popular Attractions: Akrotiri, Santorini caldera, Santo Wines, Ancient Thera and Red beach.
Read Also: 20 Best Places to Visit in Europe for Summer 2020
13. Florence, Italy
Florence in Italy to many is the abode of Renaissance period art and architecture. Every corner of Florence is filled with artistic masterpiece and monuments that changed the course of history during the Renaissance period in Europe. In February, the city experiences cold but is not that extreme and has 5 to 6 hours of regular sunshine. The city is known to cross the 17-degree marks in February and gives relief from bone chill winters of Northern European cities. Tourists can visit the State Museum in Florence and revel in the celebration during St. Valentine’s Day. While in Florence, a tourist should not miss the Historic Center of Florence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city also has museums and art galleries, such as Uffizi Gallery and the Palazzo Pitti, which attracts thousands of art lovers every year.
Temperature: The average maximum temperature is 11°C, while the average minimum drops down to 3°C.
Approximate Flight Duration from London to Florence: 7 hours and 5 minute
Popular Attractions: Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Vecchio and Pitti Palace
Read Also: 20 Most Incredible Places to Visit in Florence
14. Naples, Italy
This February, fly to Naples, one of the oldest continuously inhabited urban areas in the world. In February, with the average high temperature hovering around 16°C, Naples experiences abundant sunshine, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities. Located in Southern Italy, the city boasts numerous ancient architecture and buildings like the Duomo di San Gennaro, Royal Palace and Castel Nuovo. Every corner of this city has something for tourists to explore. Certosa di San Martino, a Carthusian monastery at the top of a hill near the city centre, Napoli Sotterranea, the ancient Neapolitan aqueduct and Teatro San Carlo, the famous opera house are places that you should miss to visit in Naples. Don’t miss out the fabulous culinary delights and fantastic wine. Quartieri Spagnoli, Piazza Vittoria and Antignano are famous shopping spots to explore in Naples.
Temperature: The average maximum temperature is 16°C, while the average minimum drops down to 5°C.
Approximate Flight Duration from London to Vienna: 2 hours and 55 minutes
Popular Attractions: Mount Vesuvius, Naples National Archaeological Museum, Royal Palace of Naples, Ovo Castle and Castel Nuovo
15. Majorca, Spain
Majorca or Mallorca, the largest island in the Balearic Islands is one of the best warm places in Europe to travel in winter. In February, the day temperature will go up to 15°C and with days getting longer and regular sunshine, it is a treat to be in Majorca at this time of the year. The spring vibes start to flow in the air with the blossoming of almond trees. Key sporting events like Powerman Mallorca Duathlon and local carnivals and festive events such as Sa Rua and Sa Rueta set the stage for a month-long holiday in Majorca.
Temperature: The average maximum temperature is 15°C, while the average minimum drops down to 8°C.
Approximate Flight Duration from London to Majorca: 2 hours and 20 minutes
Popular Attractions: Schönbrunn Palace, The Hofburg, Belvedere Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Prater
In February, Europe is not a frozen land but it also has different destinations with sunshine and warm temperature. With these 15 amazing destinations in Europe, why not pack your bag to spend a few days in this February, away from thick blankets and woollen cloths.
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