Do you want to escape the cold and dark winter in Europe? If you're answer is yes, then continue reading. If you're a winter lover, this info here won't help you further :) Still reading? Ok, without further ado, here are a few suggestions where to warm up your feet during the winter in Europe:

SEE ALSO: The Best Vacation Spots

Let's have a look at the ideas:

I'm a big fan of Sri lanka. Visiting this country in February last year was a great decision. I admired its beautiful beach in Mirissa & Midigama, drunk lots of tea & fresh juices and went hiking in Ella. It was a short vacation of 9 days though but a great mix of activities! Check out my travel itinerary!

ACTIVITIES: Swimming, snorkelling, surfing, sightseeing, exploring, hiking, meditation, yoga

BEST TIME TO GO: December to March

The Philippines are simply a great idea when you want to run away from winter in Europe! ;) We went in February this year. Imagine perfect beaches, crystal-clear water, colourful fish, yummy food, fresh coconuts and a laid-back atmosphere. A destination we'd recommend to everyone! There are many islands to choose from - Palawan is one of the remote ones and an eye-catcher! A hint: Go to Port Barton. 

ACTIVITIES: Swimming, snorkelling, diving, boating, kayaking, exploring, yoga

BEST TIME TO GO: Between November and April

Although, we prefer less-travelled destinations, we set our feet on the Gran Canaria island. The best decision ever since it has remained one of our favourite travel spots out there. This island is really something special in terms of landscape diversity. Our period of travelling was January. If you need a 7-day itinerary, make sure to check out this blog post. 

ACTIVITIES: Hiking, swimming, wave-surfing, wind-surfing, kite-surfing, wildlife-watching, kayaking, exploring

BEST TIME TO GO: All year around

If you want to stay in Europe but you still want to catch some sun-rays, then head to Portugal. Porto is a great winter destination if you like sightseeing and all that city stuff :) Alternatives to Porto are Lisbon and Coimbra. Beach lovers - the Algarve region would suit you perfectly ;) I visited Porto this year in February and enjoyed lots of sun and even went to the beach!

ACTIVITIES: Tasting wine, eating Mediterranean food, strolling along the coast, exploring, boating, trip to the Douro Valley

BEST TIME TO GO: During the summer months but winter is great too!

Want some Caribbean feeling in Europe? Well, there is a place I've already visited twice so far and it's called Sitges. It's a lovely city, located at the seaside, and only a 40 minute car-drive from Barcelona. The cliffs nearby are impressive, and so is the turquoise water of the Adriatic sea. Get more infos here.

ACTIVITIES: Sightseeing, exploring, shopping, tasting Mediterranean cuisine, enjoying night life, hiking

BEST TIME TO GO: Just before or after the summer months but winter is great too!

Why not exploring the Dalmatian coastline of Croatia? We spent some lovely days in Zadar around the New Year's Eve in this cool apartment! Have a look! The weather was perfect, so we strolled down the streets of the old town, checked out the coast and even made it to the National Park called Paklenica to do some hiking! What a great winter escape!

ACTIVITIES: Sightseeing, shopping, boating, hiking, sunbathing

BEST TIME TO GO: Just before or after the summer months but winter is great too!

Nothing new - the Caribbean islands during Europe's winter are a great escape! One of the islands, I was able to visit this year, was Puerto Rico. Although, I've written down my thoughts on the things I liked and things I didn't like, I'm much aware of its difficult situation after the latest hit of the hurricane. I do think its beaches are out of this world (Luquillo beach, i.e.) so make sure to head to Puerto Rico for some beach fun and with this action support its tourism. 

ACTIVITIES: Swimming, kayaking, water-ski, jet-ski, national park, zipline, surfing

BEST TIME TO GO: December to April; July to August

A flight ticket to Mexico is one of the best things you can ever have :) Due to country's largeness its landscape is quite diverse - my favourite part in Mexico is the Yucatan peninsula with its islands: Cozumel and Isla Mujeres. The ocean water is so clear and beautiful and the locals are so so friendly and funny! Definitely a great destination if you want to escape the winter in Europe. Here is a list of the top things to do in Mexico. 

ACTIVITIES: Swimming, snorkelling, diving, boating, wind-surfing, jet-skiing

BEST TIME TO GO: December to April

Another destination for your winter escape out of Europe is Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). Once there, make sure to visit the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. We visited it in the evening, which left us even more impressed due to its special illumination. An alternative would be Dubai or an awesome destination nearby -  Oman. 

ACTIVITIES: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, desert-trip, night life, shopping, smoking shisha, Arabic cuisine

BEST TIME TO GO: December to March

If you want to escape the winter in Europe, South Africa is a great destination to do so! It will be summer in this country, which means lots of sunny days! The Kruger park with its wildlife, the Blyde river canyon, the majestic Drakensberg mountains and the famous Garden Route with the legendary Cape town are great reasons to choose this country as your winter destination! 

ACTIVITIES: Wildlife watching, hiking, quad-biking, other adrenaline activities, exploring, sunbathing

BEST TIME TO GO: All year around

Have you already picked one destination for your winter escape? If this blog post helped you, please feel free to share it with your friends! Thanks!

Have you been to any of these places? Which one is your favourite destination to escape the winter? Let us know in the comments below!