The beach and basilica of Gozo, Malta
After a gentle winter sun to warm your skin and soothe your soul? Take a trip to Gozo, an island with beautiful coastal scenery a short ferry ride from Malta. Walk along the coast to admire the Azure Window; swim in pristine waters on secluded beaches and admire the neo-Romanesque architecture of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu. Spend the evenings eating freshly caught fish with a glass of Maltese wine, which rivals its Mediterranean neighbors in quality.
Laura B
Oviedo and wild Asturias, Spain
Asturias, in the north of Spain, is cold and wet in December, which was perfect for us. We stayed in an affordable apartment in the old town of Oviedo, which is beautiful. The Museo de Bellas Artes and the Museo Arqueológico de Asturias were excellent, free and almost empty. Armed with umbrellas, we wandered through the maze of car-free streets, alleys and squares and stopped at sidrerias to taste local cider. We strolled through the Christmas market and followed giant inflatable horses to see the Christmas lights come on. The city is surrounded by vibrant green hills and snow-capped mountains. We also visited the wild beaches of the rugged Costa Verde.
Mary
Lake Vouliagmeni, Athens
About 16 kilometers south of Athens lies Vouliagmeni, an affluent coastal suburb. The lake, which is warmer than the sea at this time of year due to the hot springs beneath it, is said to have healing properties. Perhaps more importantly, there are fewer people in winter than in summer, which gives the experience a private, almost mystical feel. Early mornings or late afternoons are best at this time of year. Nearby you will find Rumours, which serves perhaps the best coffee in town.
Lee Kelleher
Tips from Guardian Travel readers
Every week we ask our readers for recommendations from their travels. A selection of the tips are displayed online and may also appear in print. To enter the latest competition, visit the Reader Tips homepage
–
Pizzas and squares in Naples
Naples’ relative warmth makes it a welcoming city for winter travelers looking to explore. The city takes on a Gothic feel, so put on your boots and wander the cobbled streets, piazzerias and winding alleys. The history of Pompeii was already atmospheric, but it comes to life even more on a gray winter day. In the summer, the sweltering heat of a pizzeria can feel stifling; in winter, the relief of entering one with a wood-fired oven and enjoying world-famous pizza makes for one of the coziest European experiences.
Natalie
Mallorca offers views of the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea
Related: 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 (walk the Ruta de Pedra en Sec, the Dry Stone Route), the Kodak moment villages are still there. Stroll along the 13 kilometer long beach of Alcúdia. The mountainous view of the Mediterranean Sea is the same as in July, without waiting for someone to step out of view in an ill-fitting swimsuit. There are also excellent train connections. The town of Sóller and its harbor glitter in the sun. Take the train that ‘serves’ Manacor for all things Rafa Nadal. You can also take the train to Sa Pobla and enjoy the Sant Antoni celebrations. Not to be missed in early January (usually the 5th) are the Three Kings festivities across the island. It is likely the day to be there.
Anthony
Ski and sightseeing, Sofia, Bulgaria
For me, Sofia is the unsung pearl of Southern Europe, with a vibrant food scene and mountains just a stone’s throw from the center. We took a day trip by bus to the Borovets ski area (from the south bus station, changing at Samokov), which has fantastic slopes and views into Serbia, for £50 including ski pass and equipment hire. Back in the city we continued to refuel kebapche and Bulgarian wine at the Skara bar. Don’t miss Made in Blue, a café with creative small dishes in a higgledy-piggledy house, or the Constantinoff RestoBar on the grand Vitosha Boulevard for even more spectacle.
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 grilled dishes and fresh bread, winter markets with mulled wine, and the beautiful cascading Neretva River. We walked with umbrellas through the December drizzle and learned the painful recent history from our local guide. We then traveled to Trebinje, where we stayed at Hotel Studenac on the Trebišnjica River, a trout farm with spa, fantastic restaurant and upstairs rooms.
Pip
The silent beauty of Venice
Entering Venice as night fell, the vaporetto made its way along the emerald green Grand Canal. January in Venice – because I visit the city regularly – is definitely the best time to see why it is called that La Serenissima. No crowds, no queues, little noise. The sunsets and fog make the city even more magical. Dress warmly, wander the quiet streets and see how long it takes before you realize you haven’t heard a car in days. We stayed at Locanda Ca’ le Vele.
Katrina
Serenade from the second city, Porto
Related: Stories of two cities: a city trip to Lisbon and Porto
The late afternoon sun bathes the terracotta roofs as we prepare for lunch Francesinha, Porto’s sandwich on your doorstep. 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 the area, stopping regularly for coffee Pasteis De Nata. The evening is spent tasting the local drink in the port houses. A short metro ride takes us to Matosinhos, where, after watching tough surfers brave the Atlantic waves, we follow the smell of the barbecue to an al fresco lunch: grilled fresh fish, washed down with crisp white wine. We stayed at Hotel NH Collection Porto Batalha.
Nicholas
Winning tip: Trek through Cyprus
Walking in Cyprus in winter is beautiful. Explore the Aphrodite and Adonis trails, among others, through the remote and beautiful Akamas Peninsula. We enjoyed the smell of the pine forests in seclusion as we trekked through the vast Troodos Mountains. The coastal paths from Pissouri are magical. Don’t miss a visit to the beautiful archaeological site of Kourion – a bargain at €5 – the views from the cliff have to be seen to be believed. Finish with a trip to the fantastic Chris Blue beach restaurant on Episkopi beach.
Katharine