Wintering in the South: The Best Destinations 2026

The Top 10 Winter Destinations at a Glance

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.

Canaries - Europe's Most Reliable Winter Warmth

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.

Madeira - the year-round blooming Portugal

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.

Andalusia & Mallorca - European Classics

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

Malta & Cyprus - Mediterranean Islands

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

Morocco - cheaper than Europe

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.

Thailand - further, warmer, cheaper

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.

Practical Questions Before Departure

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