Where to winter in Europe
If you wish to spend the winter in a warmer country within Europe, you will certainly have to answer the following questions:
1. Which country with a warm climate and cultural program should you choose?
2. Where to find a job?
3. What kind of work to find?
Every day, there are more and more offers of remote work abroad on the labor market, and the reasons for this are quite obvious: a company can save on office rent and purchase of equipment, and the geography of hiring employees is increasing dramatically. It is also very convenient for employees. You can live anywhere in the world and work at the same time. This is especially important in the cold winter period.
However, it is not necessary to limit yourself to remote work when you can find full-time work in a warm European country. This is a great opportunity to combine travel and work. That is, you can work both remotely and in the office, and enjoy the culture of the country and the society of its local residents.
So, for starters, you should decide on the choice of work to your liking and opportunities. To do this, you can visit Norway's website for jobs abroad. There are many different job openings here, such as Norwegian speaking travel agent, content moderator, content analyst for social media, customer care specialist, casino game presenter and many others. As you can see, here you can easily find a job both in the office and remotely.
Further, having decided on a vacancy, you can also decide on the country where you would like to spend the winter.
Which country with a warm climate and cultural program should you choose?
There are dozens if not hundreds of cities and regions to choose from when it comes to deciding where to go for the winter in Europe. Such as Valletta, the capital of Malta - the sunniest capital in Europe, Algarve and Lisbon in Portugal, Barcelona, Malaga and Costa del Sol in Spain, Sicily in Italy or Cyprus.
If it is important for you to be able to swim on the beach, then you should consider the Azores, Albania, Balearic Islands, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Cyprus, Corfu, Las Palmas or Gran Canaria.
To choose the best cities or countries for wintering, we propose to evaluate them according to the following criteria:
1. Average temperature in January: For example, average January highs of 20 degrees or more, but also with average temperatures of 16 degrees Celsius, as winter can be a great time for the off-season and traveling to crowded cities.
2. Potential for travel and recreation: availability of cultural attractions and places for sports.
We have considered the most attractive destinations in our opinion and present them to you for selection.
1. Spain: Gran Canaria, Costa del Sol and others
The southern coast of continental Spain belongs to Andalusia. The southernmost beaches of the Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz live up to their names, even in winter there are very few cloudy or rainy days. In January, on the coast, the temperature is kept at around + 15-16 ° С. Many resort towns are suitable for both young people and couples. Amusement parks, oceanariums, dolphinariums and even penguinariums are open for tourists. A cable car will take you up to the mountains, from where a beautiful view of the sea and the surroundings opens. Resort life does not stop even in the winter months
However, as temperatures drop at night, always check if the room is heated when booking your accommodation.
Canary Islands
In the Mediterranean, Spain owns the Balearic Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean - the famous Canary Islands. In addition, at the top of our list of places where it is warm in January is the Canary Islands. They are located almost off the coast of Africa. The main islands of the Canaries - Tenerife, Palma and Gran Canaria - are called continents in miniature. Here you can visit several seasons at the same time. In the mountains at an altitude of two kilometers, even in summer, there is snow, and on the coast and in winter the temperature is kept at + 20 ° С.
Average temperature in January: 20° maximum / 13° minimum.
Potential for adventure: black sand beaches, a dormant volcano and a local population that loves food, music and dancing.
Although the Spanish Canary Islands are more expensive than Southeast Asia, they are still a dream come true for those looking to work in another country. Amazing weather, affordable accommodation rates and time zones make them popular for winter getaway seekers.
Surrounded by scenery from beaches to rainforests and volcanic craters, the islands have plenty of off-the-beaten-path adventure opportunities. Las Palmas is a walkable city with plenty of co-working spaces, relatively cheap accommodation, and lots of things to do in your spare time. Hint: island life is all about getting outside and signing up for a surf lesson!
Barcelona
Barcelona is a metropolitan paradise for wintering in Europe.
Average temperature in January: 13° high / 7° low.
Adventure Potential: Learn about excellent architecture, incredible food, and a cosmopolitan vibe in this coastal Spanish city.
Even though Barcelona is one of the coolest cities on the list, the weather is still mild all year round, and with tourism on the rise, the off-season may be the best time to explore without the crowds. It can be a wonderful tour on a rented car.
The highlight of Barcelona is definitely Gaudi’s otherworldly architecture, and you should set aside a few days to visit the incredible Casa Batlló, Parc Güell and the Sagrada Familia. After work, you can enjoy a siesta and then go for a walk along the lively Las Ramblas and one of the best gastronomic establishments in all of Europe.
Here you can learn more about getting your residence card in Spain.
2. Italy
For walks along the streets of Italy, the wardrobe will have to be selected separately for each city.
The warmest region in January is Sicily: +15°С (at night +9°С). At this time on the mainland in Naples + 13 ° C during the day (+ 5 ° C at night). A winter evening in Sorrento will delight you with the same temperature. Winters in southern Italy are mild. For comparison: in Rome +11°С, wind and humidity, in Venice +6°С and flooding, in Milan it is cool, +6°С, in Florence +9°С.
Potential for adventure: In the winter months, car rental prices are reduced by 15-30%, it is easier to find free parking, and attractions are free from crowds of tourists.
Island of Sicily
On the Italian island of Sicily, the sun shines 330 days a year. You will need warm sweaters only if you want to go to the mountains. The mild climate and warm weather (15-20°C) are ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
Sicily in January is covered with lush vegetation. Almond trees begin to bloom in white and pink. The area is interesting for its rocky-hilly relief and the highest active European volcano - Etna, around which a natural reserve is spread.
The sights of island Sicily are not inferior to the ancient monuments of the continental part of the country. Sicily has its own architectural style - the Sicilian Baroque, it has its own valley of temples.After the capital Palermo, the main cities of Sicily are Messina, Syracuse and Catania. Palermo was founded by the Phoenicians, Syracuse and Messina by Greeks. Catania is interesting for buildings built from basalt and hardened lava of the Etna volcano.
Each city on the island is unique, for example, the beautiful resort of Taormina continues to enchant creative personalities and bohemians.
Venice
Even though the temperatures in Venice are not warm in winter, many consider this beautiful Canal City to be at its best this season, especially under the snow. In addition, visitors are also offered hotel and airfare rates that are the lowest of the year. Skip the crowds by avoiding the weeks around the Carnevale di Venezia festival and you will benefit from shorter lines to popular attractions, as well as a better chance of experiencing a more authentic side of Venice. Pack up and walk through the thick fog that often settles around the canals, making for some particularly impressive atmospheric photos. You can still enjoy the gondolas as they run all year round and when it is cold, the gondoliers offer blankets to cuddle up with.
3. Portugal
Portugal competes with Spain and Italy not only with warm weather during the winter, but also with attractions. The mixture of European and South American cultures gives the country a unique flavor. The warmest thing in Portugal in January is on the island of Madeira + 18-19 ° С. Other Portuguese possessions in the Atlantic Ocean are the Azores, but in winter, it is foggy and rainy. However, the snow in the Azores does not fall at all.
Average temperature in January: 15° maximum / 9° minimum.
Potential for adventure: the beauty of old Europe meets the bustling modern urban scene.
All the amenities and infrastructure of a large European city, plus a mild climate and affordable prices, make Lisbon an excellent choice for a winter nomad. Add in plenty of co-working spaces where you can rent a desk and Wi-Fi connection, beautiful architecture, delicious food, vibrant nightlife, and convenient transportation. While it's probably not a good idea to visit Portuguese beaches in January, with an average temperature of 15 degrees, it's warm enough to head out for some serious city exploration.
Sagres
Situated off the southwestern tip of the Algarve, this popular wintertime destination attracts many golfers and surfers to its cool, sun-kissed beaches during the winter. This is the time when the Atlantic swells are at their most resilient and reach their peak, while these picturesque stretches of sand are free from the summer crowds. There are also plenty of golf courses such as Boavist and the 18-hole Espiche located in an ecological reserve, whereby enthusiasts look forward to playing a round or two under the pleasant warmth of the sun. When clouds appear, storm watchers have the opportunity to watch and hear massive waves crashing onto the shore. There are also many pretty fishing villages, majestic castles and scenic walks among cork oaks.
The official website of public services in Portugal
can clarify all details of getting a residence permit in this country.
No matter what you think of a winter escape from the wonders of snowland to warm countries and cities, we are sure the European destinations we have listed are sure to encourage you to pack up and hit the road for the winter.