Discover warm places in winter without long flights
It’s too grey, too wet, too cold? You don’t have to fly long-haul to get warm in winter – some of the warmest places in Europe are only a few hours away from Germany. Temperatures between 14 and 20 degrees Celsius: That sounds much better than fog, snow and ice.
1/5 Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is located just 300 kilometers off the coast of Africa. In the south of Tenerife, temperatures reach up to 20 degrees Celsius in December, the sea is warm enough for swimming – and the island is relatively empty. Although one or two sights may be closed in the low season, the main attractions such as Siam Park are open all year round. In winter, it is also a good idea to explore the island with a rental car and drive to the small mountain villages and towns, which are often very busy in summer. The lively and colorful Santa Cruz is a real hotspot at Christmas with beautiful markets, decorated streets and traditional customs.
Winter is also the best time for various outdoor activities. The great heat waits until the next summer and you can take your time walking, hiking, climbing and cycling. A visit to Spain’s highest mountain, the 3715-meter-high Pico del Teide, is also a real experience for the whole family. On the west coast you will find first-class conditions for surfing – Los Gigantes is particularly spectacular. Puerto de la Cruz and the historic La Orotava are beautiful destinations for leisurely day trips.
Temperatures November to February: around 20°C.