Warm(ish) Cities to Visit in Europe During Winter

Have you ever wanted to go somewhere new but the weather outside said, “Nope”? That’s European winter for you. You wake up ready to explore — then the cold wind, rain, and grey skies hit, and suddenly your bed looks like the best travel destination in the world.

But here’s the thing: winter doesn’t mean you have to freeze in one city. Between lectures, deadlines, and dark afternoons, a little change of scenery might be exactly what you need.

If you’ve got a Schengen visa, you’ve got options — lots of them. You’ve basically got a golden ticket to hop around 27 countries without extra paperwork. So why not swap icy sidewalks for seaside strolls and explore a few cities that stay relatively warm during winter?

Let’s be honest — some of us were not built for icy winds and frozen sidewalks.

If you’re the type who loves exploring but also loves feeling your toes, these warm(ish) European cities will give you a break from the winter gloom without breaking your wallet. You’ll find sunshine, culture, and even a few budget-friendly adventures — all just a train or cheap flight away.

1. Seville, Spain – Where Winter Feels Like Spring

Average temperature: 17°C Budget tip: Flights are often cheaper in winter, and you can find cozy hostels for under €25/night.

Seville is the kind of place that makes you forget winter exists. The sun is out, the orange trees are blooming, and the smell of tapas fills the air. Visit the Plaza de España, wander through Alcázar Palace, or just sit at an outdoor café pretending you’re living your best “study abroad influencer” life.

2. Lisbon, Portugal – Sunshine and Cinnamon Pastries

Average temperature: 16°C Travel tip: From Spain, you can easily take a budget flight or even a long-distance bus to Lisbon.

Lisbon is basically Europe’s happy pill. It’s warm, colorful, and full of energy even in January. Take the yellow tram through the steep streets, eat a pastel de nata (or six), and enjoy panoramic views at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

Bonus: Portuguese hospitality + winter discounts = a perfect combo for students.

3. Athens, Greece – History Without the Heat (or the Crowds)

Average temperature: 15°C Travel tip: Direct flights from most major European cities are surprisingly affordable in winter.

If you want to say you’ve seen the Acropolis without fighting through selfie sticks, winter is your moment. Athens in winter is calm, sunny, and full of great food. Explore museums, stroll through Plaka, and maybe even catch a ferry to a nearby island like Aegina for a quick day trip.

4. Nice, France – The French Riviera Without the Price Tag

Average temperature: 13°C Travel tip: You can take a scenic train from Paris to Nice in about six hours.

The south of France might sound fancy, but in winter it’s surprisingly affordable — fewer tourists, cheaper accommodation, and still that stunning Mediterranean view. You can even do day trips to Monaco or Cannes (and pretend you’re famous).

5. Valletta, Malta – The Underrated Gem

Average temperature: 16°C Bonus: Malta is English-speaking and part of the Schengen area.

Tiny but mighty, Malta offers sunshine, blue seas, and ancient cities — all in one island. You can explore historical fortresses, swim (if you’re brave), or take a ferry to Gozo. It’s the perfect offbeat destination for a short winter break.

And if you’re thinking, “Okay, but what if I don’t have time for a long trip?” — don’t worry, there are plenty of quick and easy escapes too. If you’re in the UK, hop on the Eurostar to Paris (just over 2 hours) or grab a budget flight to Barcelona or Lisbon for under £50 if you book early. If you’re already in central Europe, trains to Italy or the south of France are scenic, affordable, and surprisingly quick.

Basically — your Schengen visa is your best travel buddy. Use it while you can!

Winter doesn’t have to be dark and dreadful. You can chase the sun, soak in some culture, and come back to class refreshed (and maybe with a light tan).

So, next time the cold starts winning, just remember:

“It’s always summer somewhere — you just have to find it.”