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Europe: On the hunt for winter sun!

Written on : 14 January 2020
By : Colombe Taddei
Europe: On the hunt for winter sun!

As we are deep into winter, the desire for sunshine is slowly becoming a necessity. Though the prospect of a cozy evening by the fireplace wrapped up in a blanket is rather appealing, over 3 months of cold and rainy days is perhaps a little too much. For those who cannot afford or don’t have enough time to escape to dreamy destinations such as the Caribbean or Mauritius, not to worry, you can find sun in Europe! A weekend away in southern Europe where there is abundant sunshine is sometimes the most ideal option as it is affordable, the flight time is never more than a few hours and it allows one to recharge their batteries without being away from home for too long.

>>> These sunny spots to go to in January

The Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve, Portugal

With over 300 days of sunshine and a breathtaking landscape, the Algarve is a popular destination in the winter due to its delightful climate and the variety of activity. For surf lovers, the Algarve is a great place to either begin your surf journey or perfect your technique. However, one needs to be brave as the sea temperature is around 14 degrees! The Algarve is also paradise for golfers as there are more than enough golf courses in the area. Ria Formosa Natural Park is also a must to visit all year round, this beautiful park offers birdwatching tours as well as kayaking.

The Algarve has beautiful churches which are definitely worth visiting. Villanovo recommends in particular São Lourenço church in the charming town of Loulé, which has beautiful blue tiled interiors!

>>> Our luxury villas in the Algarve

Canary Islands, Spain

Canary Islands, Spain

With temperatures reaching 22 degrees, Tenerife and Gran Canaria are very appealing destinations in winter for those on the hunt for sun. Notorious for their wind, the Canary islands are the ideal location to practice some surfing or kitesurfing, with the annual kitesurf festival held  in november. They are also renowned for their incredible scenery, particularly their impressive volcanoes which provide amazing hikes.

On a rainy day, Villanovo suggests treating yourself to a spa treatment at one of the island’s renowned spas or you can rent one of our spa villas to ensure tranquility and privacy!

>>> Discover our luxury villas in the Canary islands

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, Spain

The capital of Catalonia is ideal for a weekend getaway in the winter as well as other seasons with your family, other half or french. Renowned for its delicious gastronomy, the food scene in Barcelona will not disappoint you and will please everyone! With regards to activities, the real charm of Barcelona is that it is a dynamic city on the beach, a win-win for those wanting a balanced between relaxing and discovering a new culture. At Villanovo, we have a selection of beautiful villas and apartments in Barcelona with ranging criterias, to fit everyone’s needs.
When the rain falls in Barcelona, there are still plenty of things to do! A must-see in Barcelona is the Sagrada Familia, which will take your breath away. Other sightseeing spots which don’t require going outside are all of the Gaudi buildings such as Casa Batlo or Casa Mila which will transport you into a different world!

>>> All of our luxury properties in Barcelona