Winter is starting to make its presence felt. The first snowfalls have already begun in many cities in the north. In Europe, thereās a considerable number of people looking to spend their Christmas holidays in the southern regions. If you happen to be one of them, here are seven budget-friendly European destinations for a warm winter getaway:
Alanya, Antalya, Turkey
A resort city in the east of Antalya, one of Turkeyās most popular tourist destinations. It is approximately 530 km away from the capital Ankara.
The Mediterranean climate is dominant in Alanya. Therefore, the winters are mild. In December, January and February, the average daytime temperature is 15-16Ā°C (59-61Ā°F), and the average nighttime temperature is 9-10Ā°C (48-50Ā°F).
If we include Turkey in Europe, Alanya may be the city with the warmest winters in Europe. The number of Russian and German tourists in the city is quite high. You can shop with euros in almost every market. Most of the shopkeepers speak intermediate Russian and English.
Alanya Castle, Alanya Archeology Museum, DamlataÅ Cave, Dim Cave, Cleopatra Beach and Syedra Ancient City are among the popular places for tourists.
GazipaÅa-Alanya Airport is approximately 40 km from the city center. There are nonstop flights from Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Lithuania, Norway and Serbia from time to time, but it is necessary to check for the winter season. Another alternative is Antalya Airport. The distance between Antalya Airport and Alanya is approximately 120 km.
Batumi, Ajaria, Georgia
A small coastal city in the southeast of the Black Sea. It is approximately 380 km away from Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.
A temperate climate prevails in Batumi. Therefore, the winters are mild. In December, January and February, the average daytime temperature is 8-9Ā°C (51-53Ā°F), and the average nighttime temperature is 4-5Ā°C (41-43Ā°F).
Batumi is a location that can be recommended for those who want to experience a different holiday both architecturally and culturally. Apart from Georgians, Turkish and Russian population is also high in the city. Batumi, where you will see buildings from the Soviet Era and modern buildings side by side, is an interesting city that keeps both the old and the new alive in terms of architecture.
Batumi Boulevard, Europe Square, Ali and Nino Statue, Batumi Botanical Park, Batumi Archeology Museum, Borjgalo Ethnography Museum and Batumi Cathedral of the Mother of God are among the popular places for tourists.
Batumi Airport is approximately 4-5 km from the city center, but the number of non-stop flights to Batumi from outside Georgia is few. Therefore, you can go to Batumi via the capital Tbilisi by bus or train.
Chania, Crete, Greece
An island city in the middle of the Mediterranean. It is approximately 320 km from the capital Athens.
In Chania, the Mediterranean climate is dominant. Therefore, the winters are mild. In December, January and February, the average daytime temperature is 12-13Ā°C (55-57Ā°F), and the average nighttime temperature is 5-6Ā°C (48-50Ā°F).
Chania is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in Crete. You can see many architectural works from both Byzantine and Ottoman periods in the city center.
Chania Lighthouse, Maritime Museum of Crete, Archaeological Museum of Chania and Byzantine Wall Of Chania are among the popular places for tourists.
Chania International Airport is approximately 12 km from the city center. Non-stop flights can be arranged to Chania from France, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, United Kingdom, Sweden and Finland, but it is necessary to check again for the winter period.
Durrƫs, Albania
In DurrĆ«s, the Mediterranean climate is dominant. Therefore, the winters are mild. The average daytime temperature in December, January and February is 13-14Ā°C (53-55Ā°F), and the average nighttime temperature is 5-6Ā°C (41-43Ā°F).
Durrƫs is a popular holiday destination, especially for those living in the capital Tirana, where they spend the weekend. Authentic and inexpensive cafes on the Adriatic coast are reminiscent of Italy.
Durrƫs Archaeological Museum, Durrƫs Amphitheater, Durrƫs Castle, St. Anthony Church and Duka Winery are popular destinations for tourists.
Tirana International Airport is approximately 30 km from the city centre. Non-stop flights can be arranged to Tirana International Airport from the United Kingdom, Serbia, Austria, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, Sweden and Greece, but it is necessary to check again for the winter period.
Kotor, Montenegro
A coastal town on the Adriatic coast. It is about 80 km from the capital Podgorica.
Mediterranean climate is dominant in Kotor. Therefore, the winters are mild. In December, January and February, the average daytime temperature is 10-11Ā°C (50-52Ā°F), and the average nighttime temperature is 2-3Ā°C (36-38Ā°F).
Kotor is a town that has successfully preserved its historical atmosphere. Each corner of the city is like a separate painting. Therefore, Kotor has the potential to satisfy those who love both history/culture tourism and nature tourism.
Clock Tower, The Gurdic Gate, Kotor Cathedral and St. Johnās Fortress is among the popular places for tourists.
Tivat Airport is approximately 7 km from the city center. Non-stop flights can be arranged to Tivat Airport from Serbia, Austria, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and France during the summer season, but it is very difficult to find non-stop flights for the winter period.
Split, Croatia
A city located on a peninsula on the Croatian coast. It is approximately 400 km from the capital Zagreb.
In Split, the Mediterranean climate prevails. Therefore, the winters are mild. In December, January and February, the average daytime temperature is 9-10Ā°C (48-50Ā°F), and the average nighttime temperature is 5-6Ā°C (41-43Ā°F).
Split is a city that has preserved its historical structure. Although it is similar to Kotor in this respect, it is larger and more crowded than Kotor. The fact that Split is located on the transit roads is also effective in this.
Diocletianās Palace, Salona Ancient City, Saint Domnius Cathedral, Diocletianās Cellars, Froggyland and Split Archaeological Museum are among the popular places for tourists.
Split Airport is approximately 20 km from the city center. Non-stop flights are available to Split from many countries in Europe during the summer, but youāll need to check back for the winter.
Agrigento, Sicily, Italy
A city in the south of Sicily. It is about 950 km from Rome.
Mediterranean climate prevails in Agrigento. Therefore, the winters are mild. The average daytime temperature in December, January and February is 14-15Ā°C (57-59Ā°F), and the average nighttime temperature is 9-10Ā°C (48-50Ā°F).
Agrigento is one of the popular tourist destinations in Sicily due to its rich cultural heritage. Empedocles, one of the pre-Socratic philosophers, lived in Agrigento. The Athenian historian Thucydides stated that Agrigento was founded around 580 BC.1
Temple of Hera, Temple of Concordia, St. Lawrence Church, Agrigento Archaeological Museum and Temple of Olympian Zeus are among the popular places for tourists.
Unfortunately, there is no airport in Agrigento. Those who want to visit Agrigento by air prefer Catania Airport and Palermo Airport. The distance between Palermo and Agrigento is about 150 km.
- āArchaic and Classical Greek Sicily: A Social and Economic Historyā, Franco DE ANGELIS, Oxford University Press, 2016, ISBN: 9780199721559[ā©]