We've traveled on shorter trips during shoulder season. But I've always dreamed of a longer stay, getting to know an area, more like a local. We are hoping to stay 1-2 months this winter, any time from January-April. We don't have a big budget.. We want to stay in a warmer spot, preferably a smaller town or village vs. a large city. We are considering Portugal, Spain, France, Italy or Greece. Any recommendations or negatives?
Posted by
5703 posts
Most of those places get cold in winter, though they certainly could be sunnier/milder than your home climate. Still, I'd lean toward the early spring months versus true winter, when I'd prefer being in a city versus a small town or village. So, first I'd work out how important the temperature part is and look at some typical averages (I like Wunderground website for this).
In Spain, I'd lean toward Andalucia and central Spain; in Italy, Sicily would be a contender for me, though you'll have to research the transport aspect well.
Posted by
St Paul
159 posts
We will be going to Malaga, Spain for our 6th winter in 2025. While Malaga is certainly not a smaller town or village, there are areas very close by that you can check out. We have done several day trips and enjoyed them but continue to go back to Malaga to stay. While you will find warmer temps in the Canaries, we generally experience 60 - 70 degrees when we are there. As we're from MN, this temp is very acceptable for us. It is not swimming weather, but we certainly are able to walk to the beach whenever we want and enjoy the sunny days. We will be in Malaga mid-January to mid-March this upcoming winter. Malaga is a good transportation hub, and we are able to travel easily around the region and beyond. They have a great airport which is well connected to the city and the general area. We have found our accommodation through Airbnb and VRBO.
We were in Alicante winter 2024 for 10 nights and another 10 nights in Valencia before we traveled to Malaga. We loved Valencia. I'm not sure how the flooding would impact a visit to Valencia city. Check out YouTube to see what interests you. We find it very helpful.
Sorry, I know I haven't given any small-town recommendations! Good luck with your search!
Posted by
OP
2 posts
We're also from Minnesota. 60-70°F sounds great to us, especially if it includes some sunshine. Thanks! We'll check out the area around Milaga. Someone else recommended Valencia, but we also are concerned after the flooding.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
1877 posts
Uruguay. Tennerife. The Azores. The Canary's.
None of the places you listed are particularly warm. They will all be wet as that's rainy season. Also fairly windy, especially along the Med. It usually starts getting better in April.
You should also know that rural towns still use a lot of indoor fireplaces for heat.
Posted by
Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
21960 posts
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Glostrup, Denmark
1432 posts
Thailand. Warm, nic people, fantastic food, cheep (at least much cheeper than Europe)
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Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest
21960 posts
Posted by
Bristol, UK
1625 posts
For cost and weather reasons the south of Spain and the Algarve in Portugal would suit. Both areas are relatively low priced and have mild, sunny winters.
The Canary Islands would offer better weather but winter is peak season and so it will cost more to stay there.
Posted by
8776 posts
Better check out Argentina, Chile or Australia.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11947 posts
We have been in Sorrento and Rome in December and found the temps lovely as 60 and sun is my favorite weather. Can it get colder? Certainly, but as a Minnesotan by birth and an Oregonian by choice, 60 and sunny has both beat to pieces. FWIW, we also spent a mostly miserable week in March in Sicily one year so expect at least some inclement conditions.