What is the cheapest wintering destination?
Morocco (Agadir) from about 700 €/month total. Thailand 800-1,500 €/month. Within Europe, Andalusia in off-peak zones from 1,100 €/month.
Wintering in the South: The Best Destinations
Escape the German winter for at least a month: The trend of 'wintering in the south' is growing every year. This guide shows the most popular destinations for 4-6 weeks, whole months, or even several months - with specific information on climate, costs, visas, and quality of life.
14 minutes · By the HolidayGenie editorial team · Updated:
Where is the best place to spend the winter in the south?
The most reliable winter warmth close to Europe is found on the Canary Islands, at 18–22 °C, and in Agadir in Morocco; Madeira, Cyprus, Malta and Andalusia are a little cooler but also popular. On the Canaries, expect around €1,200–2,000 per month, while in Morocco or Thailand €700–1,500 is often enough. Within the EU an ID card is sufficient, and Morocco allows 90 days visa-free.
Why is it worth spending the winter in the south?
More and more Germans, Austrians, and Swiss are spending the cold months in the south - for health, financial, or simply love-of-life reasons. Typical motives:
- Health: Sun and warmth for rheumatism, joint pain, depression
- Quality of Life: Outdoor living instead of dark German living rooms
- Affordable: In some destinations, living is significantly cheaper than in Germany
- Remote Work: Digital nomads combine work with sunshine
- Family Time: Retired couples or grandparents visiting family
Important questions in advance: How long? (Vacation vs. residence), How warm? (at least 18 °C or 25 °C+), What budget? (generally from 800 € to 3,000 €/month).
What are the best places to spend the winter?
The warmest place to spend the winter in Europe is the Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura) with temperatures between 18 and 22 °C, followed by Madeira and Cyprus. Outside the EU, Agadir in Morocco and Thailand are popular; the table compares ten destinations based on temperature, flight time, and budget.
| Destination | Temp. Dec-Feb | Flight Time from DE | EU/Visa | Budget/Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tenerife (Canaries) | 18-22 °C | 4.5 h | EU | 1,200-2,000 € |
| Gran Canaria | 18-22 °C | 4.5 h | EU | 1,200-2,000 € |
| Fuerteventura | 19-22 °C | 4.5 h | EU | 1,200-1,800 € |
| Madeira | 16-20 °C | 4 h | EU | 1,300-2,000 € |
| Andalusia (Málaga) | 13-18 °C | 3 h | EU | 1,100-1,700 € |
| Mallorca | 10-16 °C | 2.5 h | EU | 1,200-1,800 € |
| Cyprus | 15-20 °C | 4 h | EU | 1,100-1,700 € |
| Malta | 12-17 °C | 3 h | EU | 1,100-1,700 € |
| Morocco (Agadir) | 18-22 °C | 4 h | 90 days visa-free | 700-1,300 € |
| Thailand (Phuket/Chiang Mai) | 24-32 °C | 11 h | 60 days visa-free, extendable to 90 | 800-1,500 € |
The temperatures are average values - on certain days it can be particularly cooler at night or warmer during the day. The Canaries and Agadir in Morocco offer the most reliable winter warmth close to Europe.
Why are the Canary Islands ideal for wintering?
The Canary Islands (Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro) are located at 28° north latitude - close to Africa, but politically part of Spain and thus the EU.
Why Canaries
- Winter temperatures reliably 18-22 °C, rarely colder
- EU zone - ID card sufficient for entry
- Euro as currency, German doctors and pharmacies in tourist areas
- Good flight connections from almost all German airports
- Developed infrastructure for long-term guests: furnished apartments, German communities
Which Island?
- Tenerife: largest island, versatile (mountains, beaches, cities); Costa Adeje for comfort, Puerto de la Cruz for historical side
- Gran Canaria: 'miniature continent' with all landscapes; Maspalomas for dunes/beach, Las Palmas for city life
- Fuerteventura: longest sandy beaches, quieter, surfer destination
- Lanzarote: volcanic, artistic (César Manrique), more untouched than Tenerife
- La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro: remote, quiet, hiking-friendly - less infrastructure
Costs
Monthly rent for a furnished 2-room apartment: 800-1,400 € (off-season cheaper, high season Dec-Feb most expensive). Additional costs about 100 €. Groceries similar to Germany, restaurants slightly cheaper. Total budget 1,200-2,000 €/month.
Is Madeira good for wintering?
Madeira, the 'Flower Island' in the Atlantic, is a Portuguese Autonomous Region and belongs to the EU. 16-20 °C in winter, very pleasant for hiking and enjoying nature - less suitable for beaches than the Canary Islands.
- Capital Funchal - very well-kept, with old town and fishing harbor
- Levadas (historical irrigation channels) as hiking trails across the island
- No package tourism continental character - more relaxed, authentic
- German-speaking community established
- Visa: EU identity card
Costs similar to the Canary Islands: 1,300-2,000 € per month.
Can you spend the winter in Andalusia or Mallorca?
Yes, both are suitable, but they are cooler than the Canary Islands: Andalusia has winter temperatures of 13 to 18 °C, while Mallorca ranges from 10 to 16 °C. However, the travel time is short and the infrastructure is very good.
Andalusia (Málaga, Costa del Sol)
- 13-18 °C in winter - mostly pleasant during the day, cool at night
- Málaga as a large city with culture, Alhambra (Granada) as a day trip
- Strong German and British community in Marbella, Estepona, Nerja
- Costs: 1,100-1,700 € per month (cheaper outside holiday zones)
Mallorca
- A bit cooler than the mainland (10-16 °C), but infrastructure perfect
- Winter months = low season - apartments cheap, restaurants partially closed
- Palma with airport easily accessible year-round
- German pharmacies, doctors, supermarkets in Palma and surroundings
Are Malta and Cyprus good winter destinations?
Yes. Cyprus is warmer with temperatures between 15 and 20 °C and over 300 sunny days a year, while Malta is slightly cooler at 12 to 17 °C. Both are EU countries using the Euro, where English is widely spoken.
Cyprus (Southern Part)
- 15-20 °C in winter, 300+ sunny days per year
- EU member, Euro as currency
- Paphos and Larnaca popular with German long-term guests
- English widely spoken
Malta
- Compact, more compact than Mallorca; island can be crossed in 1 h
- English as an official language alongside Maltese
- 12-17 °C in winter - cooler than the Canary Islands or Cyprus
- Valletta as UNESCO capital, culturally active year-round
Is wintering in Morocco worth it?
Morocco - especially Agadir and Essaouira - is a hidden gem for winter guests due to its low costs and reliable warmth (18-22 °C).
- Visa-free for 90 days - for longer stays, a trip to Spain and back is common
- Costs: Monthly rent for furnished apartments €300-600 in Agadir, groceries very cheap
- Overall budget starting from €700 per month is realistic
- English and French widely spoken; German tour guides/translators available in Agadir
- Infrastructure more modern than often assumed; good internet in tourist centers
Important: Pay close attention to the 90-day rule. Exceeding this may result in penalties of up to 6 months entry ban. For longer stays, apply for a Carte de Séjour - a lengthy process.
Is Thailand good for wintering?
Thailand offers the warmest winters (24-32 °C) and often the most affordable overall package - but the longest journey (about 11-12 h flight).
Popular Places
- Chiang Mai: cooler climate (in winter 20-28 °C), affordable rental apartments, large expat community, best infrastructure for remote work
- Phuket: beach lifestyle, higher prices, more tourism
- Koh Samui, Koh Phangan: islands popular for longer stays
- Hua Hin: quiet beach town south of Bangkok
Visa
- 60 days visa-free (since 2024) - extendable in Thailand for 30 days
- Retirement Visa (O-A): available for 50+ with minimum income/deposit, valid for 1 year
- Education Visa as an alternative (Thai language course)
- Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) since 2024: for remote workers, valid for 5 years
Costs: simple apartment 300-500 €/month (Chiang Mai), food in street food mode 5-8 €/day, total budget 800-1,500 €/month realistic.
What do I need to sort out before wintering abroad?
Before spending the winter abroad, you should clarify four points: a long-term overseas health insurance, residence and tax obligations (if you stay abroad for less than 183 days, you remain liable for tax in Germany), mail and official matters, as well as luggage for several months.
Health Insurance
Statutory health insurance usually does not cover longer stays abroad. Take out travel health insurance for several months (e.g., as long-term travel health insurance) - costs about 50-150 €/month.
Residence & Taxes
Anyone staying abroad for less than 183 days remains liable for taxes in Germany. For stays over a year or deregistration in Germany, the rules become more complex - consider seeking tax advice.
Mail & Authorities
- Mail forwarding with Deutsche Post
- Power of attorney for a trusted person who can open the mail
- Online access for bank, insurance, health insurance
- Check passport validity: 6+ months upon departure from the EU
Luggage
- Travel luggage: 23 kg suitcase standard, but often too little for months
- Some airlines allow a second suitcase for an additional fee
- Alternative: Package shipping (DHL, Deutsche Post) - but expensive to Thailand
- Important: Medications + important documents in hand luggage
Which wintering destination suits me?
- Max. 4 hours flight, Euro, German-speaking: Canary Islands, Madeira, Andalusia
- Affordable, but still close to Europe: Cyprus, Malta, Andalusia outside of holiday zones
- Affordable and warm, non-EU country: Morocco (Agadir)
- Maximum warmth, year-round outdoor season: Thailand
- Remote work + tranquility: Chiang Mai (Thailand), La Palma (Canary Islands), Madeira
- Family-friendly with German environment: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Mallorca
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to winter abroad?
Within the EU: no. Morocco: 90 days visa-free, then border crossing required. Thailand: 60 days visa-free + 30 days extension, or special long-term visas (retirees, DTV).
Does health insurance cover wintering abroad?
Usually no. Within the EU: EHIC card covers emergencies, not planned treatments. Outside the EU: separate travel health insurance for long-term stays is essential.
Should I keep my apartment in Germany?
For under 6 months, usually yes - because deregistration is legally/tax-wise complicated. Some rent out their apartment temporarily (Airbnb, furnished rental) to cover costs.
What destination is suitable for seniors with health conditions?
Tenerife South (Los Cristianos) or Gran Canaria (Maspalomas) - low humidity, very stable climate, well-developed medical care, German-speaking doctors on site.
Ready for your winter travel?
