As summer comes to an end, many of us up in northern Europe will be dreaming of year-round warmth. Well, luckily, you’re not reaching for the stars – there are plenty of locations within five hours’ flight of the UK that offer pleasant temperatures and sunshine in winter. They make a fantastic choice for a holiday home, where you can easily escape the grey British winter for blue skies. Here are our top holiday home spots for some winter sun.
Cyprus
This sunny island, sitting in the blue waters of the Eastern Mediterranean, enjoys ten hours of daylight in December. Head to the east, to locations like Famagusta, and you’ll find less of a breeze, due to being sheltered by the Troodos Mountains.
Some of the other most popular locations for expat buyers include the areas around Paphos and Limassol. Both are medium-sized cities, offering all the facilities you need for your daily life, while also having easy access to sandy beaches and the countryside. Coastal villages such as Pissouri offer a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle.
Apartments with pools range upwards from around €190,000 in Famagusta, whith higher prices towards the centres of Paphos and Limassol.
Israel
Head further east still and you come to the beautiful nation of Israel. The vibrant, cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv is popular for those looking for a buzzing lifestyle, but you can easily find more relaxed areas. Beach resorts like Netanya offer golden sands and an international make-up, as well as being within a short drive from Tel Aviv. For a touch of luxury, try upmarket districts like Herzliya.
In Netanya, you can easily find new-build apartments in excellent condition for €400,000. In Tel Aviv, the city bustle adds a premium, and you can expect to add around €100,000 to that.
Spain
The north of Spain will be chilly at this time, but head down to the Costa Tropical, around Granada, and you’ll find a respectable average temperature in December of 12°C/53°F. The sea might be a bit chilly for a dip, but it’s still extremely pleasant temperature for walking, hiking, cycling, or just sitting outdoors with a light jacket.
As a plus, this region has cultural attractions galore. Going inland, you have stunning Granada, home to the iconic Alhambra. All around its pretty seaside towns and villages, such as Nerja, you’ll find a vibrant café culture and friendly atmosphere. €89,000 will get you a lovely, traditional townhouse in a small settlement.
Greece
The Greek island of Crete, lying in the very south of the country, enjoys a sunny climate much of the year. This is especially the case in the sunkissed southern regions of the island, where weather is similar to North Africa. Around the Messara Plain, you can find temperatures as high as 16°C/60°F in December. Not bad for almost Christmas! The fertile land of Ierapetra is renowned for its ability to grow produce all year-round. It’s no surprise when you see the sunshine hours for the city of Ierapetra itself – it’s number one in Greece, at 3,101 hours a year.
Property prices here are just as pleasantly low as the sunshine hours are high. Detached villas can cost as little as €160,000. Sea-facing apartments – great for use as an ‘at-when’ turn-key holiday home – can be bought for just €60,000.
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