by Gozo beach and basilica, Malta
After some gentle winter sun to warm your skin and soothe your soul? Take a trip to Gozo, an island with stunning coastal scenery a short ferry ride from Malta. Walk along the coast to see the Azure Window; swim in untouched waters on secluded beaches and admire the neo-Roman architecture of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Ta’ Pinu. Spend the evenings eating freshly caught fish with a glass of Maltese wine, which rivals the Mediterranean in quality.
Laura B
Oviedo and wild Asturias, Spain
Asturias, in northern Spain, is cold and wet in December, which was perfect for us. We stayed in an affordable apartment in Oviedo’s old town, which is beautiful. The Museo de Bellas Artes and the Museo Arqueológico de Asturias were excellent, free, and almost empty. Armed with umbrellas, we walked along pedestrian streets, sidewalks and plazas, stopping at sidrerías sample local cider. We browsed the Christmas market and followed giant inflatable horses to turn on the Christmas lights. The city is surrounded by vivid green hills and snowy mountains. We also visited the wild beaches of the rugged Costa Verde.
Mary
Lake Vouliagmeni, Athens
About 10 miles south of Athens is Vouliagmeni, an affluent suburb that brushes the coast. Its lake, which is warmer than the sea at this time of year due to the hot springs below, is said to have healing properties. Perhaps most importantly, there are fewer people there in winter than in summer – giving it a private, almost mystical feel. Early mornings or late afternoons are best at this time of year. Nearby is Rumors, which serves perhaps the best coffee in town.
Lee Kelleher
Tips from Guardian Travel readers
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Pizzas and piazzas in Naples
Naples’ relative warmth makes it a suitable city for winter travelers looking to explore. The city has a Gothic feel, so pull on your boots and head across the cobbled streets of piazzerias and winding alleys. Already atmospheric, the history of Pompeii comes to life even more on a gray winter day. In summer the sweltering heat of a pizzeria can feel suffocating; in winter one of the most European experiences can be seen when you step into a world famous wood oven and pizza.
Natalie
Mallorca serves mountain and Med views
Related: An alternative guide to Mallorca – through the eyes of those who know it best
Yes, the resorts are like ghost towns, but the beaches are still there, the mountains are still there (the Ruta de Pedra en Sec walk, the Dry Stone Route), the Kodak-moment villages are still there. Go for a walk on some of the eight miles of beaches in Alcudia. The mountainside views of the Med are the same as they were in July, not waiting for someone in a bathing suit who isn’t fit enough to get out of the shot. There are also excellent train links. The town of Sóller and its harbor glimmer in the sun. Take the train that serves Manacor for all things Rafa Nadal. You can also train to Sa Pobla and enjoy the Sant Antoni celebration. In early January (usually the 5th) the island-wide Three Kings festival is not to be missed. Probably the day to be there.
Anthony
Skiing and scenery, Sofia, Bulgaria
For me, Sofia is the unsung gem of southern Europe, with a vibrant food scene and mountains away from its center. We took a day trip by bus to the ski resort of Borovets (from the bus station south, changing at Samokov), which has a great piste and views to Serbia, for £50 including a ski pass and equipment hire. Back home we refueled kebapche and Bulgarian wine at the Skara bar. Don’t miss Made in Blue, a cafe with creative small plates in a mobile home, or the Constantinoff RestoBar on the Vitosha Boulevard for more inspiration.
Sam Aldersey-Williams
River adventures in Bosnia and Herzegovina
The rivers of Bosnia and Herzegovina in winter: first, Mostar – winding empty cobbled streets, cozy restaurants with grills and fresh bread, winter markets with mulled wine, and the magnificent cascading river Neretva. We went for a walk with umbrellas during the Christmas drizzle, learning about the painful recent history from our local tour guide. We then traveled to Trebinje, staying at Hotel Studenac on the Trebišnjica river, a trout farm with spa, incredible restaurant and rooms upstairs.
Pipe
The quiet beauty of Venice
Entering Venice as night fell, the vaporetto wound its way onto the emerald Grand Canal. January in Venice – after visiting the city many times – is the best time to discover why it is called La Serenissima. No crowds, no queues, not much noise. The sunset and the fog make the city even more magical. Wrap up warm, roam the quiet streets and see how long it takes you to realize you haven’t heard a car in days. We stayed at Locanda Ca’ le Vele.
Catherine
Second city serenade, Porto
Related: Tales of two cities: a two-city break to Lisbon and Porto
The late afternoon sun bathed the terracotta roofs as we settled in for lunch – a fI studied, the sandwich next door to Porto. It’s December, we escaped the Christmas preparations for a weekend in Portugal’s second city. The sky is as blue as the azulejo tiles of São Bento station as we explore, stopping often for coffee and pastéis de nata. The afternoon is spent sampling the local tipple at the port houses. A short metro ride takes us to Matosinhos, where after watching hard-hitting surfers tackle the Atlantic waves, we follow the smell of barbecue to an alfresco lunch: freshly grilled fish washed down with crisp white wine. We stayed at the NH Porto Batalha Collection Hotel.
Nicola
Winning tip: Traveling to Cyprus
Walking in Cyprus in winter is amazing. Explore the paths of Aphrodite and Adonis, among others, through the remote and beautiful Akamas peninsula. We really enjoyed the smell of the pine forests while hiking in the great Troodos mountains. The coastal paths from Pissouri are magical, don’t miss a visit to the amazing archaeological site of Kourion – a deal for €5 – the views from the cliff face have to be seen to be believed. Finish with a trip to the excellent Chris blue beach restaurant on Episkopi beach.
Kathleen
