10 amazing short-haul cities that are still warm in winter

1. Marrakech, Morocco

Average winter highs: 21C

The three-and-a-half hour flight to Marrakech is a no-brainer when you know there’s 21C sunshine awaiting. The dense North African city, sheltered by the Atlas Mountains, maintains its warm weather throughout winter, making it a top option for a hot city break.

It’s a great time to get acquainted with Marrakech’s famous chaotic souks. You’ll be able to experience the hubbub of the market stalls and street performances without the overwhelming summer crowds. The same goes for the city’s most popular landmark, Koutoubia Mosque.

For a quieter moment, seek out secret gardens and rooftop cafés.

2. Palma, Majorca

Average winter highs: 16C

Majorca’s capital is a summer holiday stalwart, and with pleasant winter highs reaching the mid-teens, it's a top pick for a short winter escape too.

Exploring the Old Town, Casco Antiguo, should be first on the to-do list. You’ll find a warren of cobbled alleys, baroque buildings and some of the city’s best restaurants, both hole-in-the-wall and Michelin-starred.

Use the 44m-tall (144ft) towers of Palma’s cathedral to guide you to its doors. Stunning stained glass windows and frescos lie within. From here, it’s a short walk to the city’s beach. With chilly 15C waters, swimming may not be on the itinerary, but sandy-toed walks and picnics are.

3. Valletta, Malta

Average winter highs: 17C

Valletta’s warm weather isn’t the only ace up its sleeve when it comes to a winter city break. The pint-size capital, packed with architectural wonders and encased within 16th-century walls, can feel full to the brim with tourists in summer. They all but disappear in November, meaning your chances of sightseeing in peace – and finding affordable accommodation deals – are at their best.

If you’ve only got a couple of days here, St John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grand Master’s palace are must-see masterpieces, as are the Archaeological Museum’s incredible prehistoric artefacts.

Evenings are best spent dining on delicious seafood overlooking the grand harbour.

4. Palermo, Sicily

Average winter highs: 16C

Palermo’s Mediterranean climate and its Sicilian hospitality promise warmth in spades. Yes, you’ll want to pack a jacket for the evenings, but there’s so much to see and do that you’ll easily stay warm during the day.

Work up a sweat as you set off on foot to discover the pretty Norman, Arab and Byzantine architecture that fills the city, from the central cathedral to the hilltop palace. Plazas and side streets keep the energy levels high with market vendors cheerily flogging everything from clothes to vegetables.

The street food is in a league of its own, too. Arancini and cannoli are just a taste of what the city has cooking.

5. Paphos, Cyprus

Average winter highs: 18C

Cyprus is one of Europe’s best destinations for winter sun thanks to 18C temperatures that are warm enough for shorts and tees, and (if you’re brave) a swim in the sea.

Capital Paphos is steeped in legend, making it perfect for city breaking history buffs. Visit the Paphos Archaeological Park to see the remains of castles, villas, fortresses and mosaics, before taking a trip to the extensive underground chambers of the Tomb of the Kings.

Looking to refuel? A feast of Cypriot cheese and grilled meats, washed down with a glass of native xynisteri wine, will re-energise you for more sightseeing.

6. Faro, Portugal

Average winter highs: 16C

The Algarve’s capital comes into its own in winter. While the region’s popular beach resorts wind down for the low season, Faro’s restaurants, shops and nightlife do no such thing. Even better? The weather’s still wonderfully mild and package deals are jaw-droppingly cheap.

It’s a great city to get a taste of traditional Portugal. Wonder the old town for charming cobbled streets, café-lined plazas and historical landmarks including Faro Cathedral and the Arco da Vila, before stocking up on local goods at the Municipal Market.

Beyond the city’s walls, the Ria Formosa Nature Park adds adventure activities to Faro’s sightseeing repertoire.

7. Athens, Greece

Average winter highs: 15C

Athens’s winter highs may not seem a lot compared to its mid-thirty summer temperatures. But picture yourself climbing the 250 steps up to the Acropolis in unrelenting heat, and 15C suddenly sounds far more appealing.

Once you’ve visited the hilltop icon, make the most of the emptier city by ticking off other top attractions such as the ancient necropolis of Kerameikos and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Thousands more Greek artefacts await at the National Archaeological Museum.

Afternoons are best spent exploring the city’s neighbourhoods. Hit the markets in Monastiraki, snack on souvlaki in Plaka or simply enjoy some sunshine in Syntagma Square.

8. Seville, Spain

Average winter highs: 17C

Like the sound of discovering Spain’s quieter side, without compromising on sunshine? A winter city break in Seville is your answer.

November through February is a great time to experience all of Seville’s best bits without the queues – or stifling summer humidity. Spend warm, sunny days ticking off highlights including the Plaza de España, Seville Cathedral, flamenco shows and some of Spain’s tastiest tapas.

Winter is also when Seville’s oranges come into season, so you’ll get to see the city’s iconic trees blossom with baby oranges that fill the air with their sweet scent.

9. Funchal, Madeira

Average winter highs: 19C

Adrift off the coast of North Africa, Madeira has a similar climate to Morocco – balmy, but with a few sea breezes thrown in. It’s known for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture and delicious wine. All are best combined in its capital city, Funchal.

Nature lovers will want to get stuck into outdoor activities: whale watching, mountain biking and canyoning are all on offer here. Culture cravers can visit the huge Monte Palace tropical gardens, browse the historic Farmers’ Market, or take a wine tasting tour to really get to know the island’s fortified liquor.

If you’re hitting the city in February, don’t miss Funchal’s Carnival celebrations. Its samba parades are spectacular.

10. Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

Average winter highs: 22C

Gran Canaria may not be your first thought for a Spanish city break, but with a jack-of-all-trades capital that delivers big on culture, cuisine and coastal charm – and tops 20C even in January – it’s a winning choice for a warm winter city break.

Las Palmas’s old town, Vegueta, is the heart of the action where you can admire age-old churches and colonial buildings, people-watch in pretty plazas and stock up on anything from coffee to cheese at the morning food market.

Afternoons are dedicated to beach time. Las Canteras is the local go-to for sunbathing, swimming and socialising – and understandably so, with 2km (1.2 miles) of soft, buttery sand.

Come evening, rave-worthy seafood restaurants and hip rooftop bars will ensure you’re wined and dined to the max.

*Average high temperatures sourced from holiday-weather.com.