While the UK’s winter touring scene is gaining popularity, there’s something undeniably appealing about escaping the chill and heading south for warm days, blue skies and sunlit evenings. For many caravan and motorhome owners, Europe offers a perfect blend of mild weather, gorgeous scenery and well-equipped campsites that stay open throughout the colder months.

Whether you’re travelling in a compact two-berth tow-car setup, a family-friendly motorhome, or a well-insulated touring caravan, heading to Europe for winter sun brings a level of freedom and comfort that’s hard to beat. Modern vehicles — often built with improved insulation, dual-fuel heating and chassis stability systems like AL-KO — make long-distance touring more enjoyable than ever.

Here are some of the best winter sun touring destinations in Europe, each offering its own blend of warmth, culture and unforgettable landscapes.

1. Southern Spain – Andalusia, Costa Blanca & Costa del Sol

Southern Spain remains Europe’s number one winter sun destination for touring travellers and for good reason. Daytime temperatures regularly sit between 16°C and 22°C from December through February, with clear blue skies and wonderfully mild evenings.

Andalusia

The further south you go, the better the winter weather. The region around Málaga, Cádiz and Seville offers warm days, rich history and affordable campsite rates during the winter months. The roads are quiet, and the coastline provides plenty of opportunities for beach walks even in January.

Costa del Sol

Popular touring hubs include Marbella, Estepona and Benalmádena, all well-served by large, fully equipped campsites. Many British travellers bring their caravans over on the ferry to Bilbao or Santander and make a relaxed journey south, enjoying easy motorway driving along the way.

Costa Blanca

Slightly further east, the Costa Blanca offers long sandy beaches, lively towns like Benidorm and Alicante, and some of the best long-stay winter campsites in Europe. This region is especially popular with motorhome owners who appreciate the wide pitches and excellent service points. Caravan movers, like Powrtouch systems, are especially helpful on terraced Spanish sites where tight manoeuvring is sometimes needed.

2. Portugal – Algarve & Southern Coastline

For many winter tourers, Portugal has become the new favourite. Featuring some of Europe’s most beautiful coastlines, a relaxed pace of life and reliably sunny winters, the Algarve regularly sees temperatures of 16–20°C even in January.

The Algarve

Popular towns such as Lagos, Albufeira, Sagres and Tavira offer affordable campsites, great food and calm beaches. Many sites stay open year-round, offering spacious pitches suitable for larger caravans and motorhomes. Portugal’s A22 motorway along the southern coast is caravan-friendly and easy to navigate.

The Alentejo Coast

Further north, the Alentejo region is quieter but equally stunning, with long beaches, open clifftops and charming small villages. It’s perfect for travellers who want relaxation and fewer crowds, with plenty of campsites offering winter discounts.

Portugal is also known for being particularly welcoming to British tourers, with facilities tailored to caravans, motorhomes and campervans.

3. Southern France – Provence & Côte d’Azur

While not quite as warm as Spain or Portugal, southern France still enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate during winter. Sunny days and crisp evenings make this region a brilliant winter touring destination for those who prefer cooler air but plenty of sunshine.

Provence

The landscapes of Provence — lavender fields, vineyards, Roman ruins and hilltop villages — are incredibly peaceful in winter. Campsites in towns such as Avignon, Arles and Aix-en-Provence stay open year-round and are far quieter outside summer.

French Riviera

Along the Côte d’Azur, dramatic coast roads connect Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Menton. The Riviera is known for winter sunshine and clear blue skies. Touring here feels luxurious, with well-maintained roads and high-quality campgrounds. Many modern caravans with strong insulation perform well here, even when nights become cooler.

The ferry routes into northern France make Provence and the Riviera popular options for those wanting winter sun without driving as far south as Spain.

4. Italy – Sicily & Southern Mainland

Italy offers some of the warmest winter temperatures in Europe, particularly in Sicily where average highs remain around 17–20°C across the winter months.

Sicily

This island is one of Europe’s most unique touring destinations. With ancient Greek temples, volcanic landscapes and crystal-clear beaches, Sicily provides a winter experience unlike anywhere else. Campsites near Taormina, Cefalù and San Vito Lo Capo offer excellent long-stay facilities.

Southern Italy

Regions such as Puglia, Calabria and Basilicata stay warm and sunlit through winter, making them ideal for extended touring. Their roads are scenic, and campsites are generally uncrowded. For touring caravans built on AL-KO chassis with strong suspension and stability, the varied landscapes of southern Italy feel reassuring and enjoyable to navigate.

5. Greece – Peloponnese & Southern Islands

For those seeking late-winter sunshine (February–April), Greece is one of Europe’s most spectacular choices. While early winter can be cooler, by late February temperatures rise significantly.

Peloponnese

The southern Peloponnese is dotted with year-round campsites overlooking turquoise seas and sandy bays. Touring travellers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, fresh food and genuine hospitality. Caravan and motorhome sites are generally spacious, and the region is known for its relaxed, unhurried pace.

Crete

For adventurous tourers who don’t mind longer ferry travel, Crete offers a mix of rugged mountains, ancient cities and warm sandy beaches. It is one of Europe’s warmest winter destinations, particularly from March onwards.

Tips for Winter Sun Touring in Europe

Plan your route carefully

Winter touring often means quieter campsites and relaxed driving, but longer distances require planning. Modern sat-navs designed for caravans and motorhomes are helpful for avoiding narrow routes.

Check campsite opening dates

Not all sites operate year-round. Spain, Portugal and southern France offer the largest choice of winter-open campsites.

Allow for temperature variations

Even in southern Europe, nights can drop sharply in December and January. Caravans with efficient heating systems or motorhomes with dual-fuel systems perform well.

Think about manoeuvrability

Spanish and Italian pitches can be tight. A caravan mover is especially useful on uneven gravel or tiled pitches.

Europe offers an incredible selection of winter sun destinations, each with its own personality and charm. Whether you’re drawn to Portugal’s relaxed coastline, Spain’s vibrant towns, France’s Mediterranean elegance or Italy’s historic warmth, winter touring abroad offers an unforgettable break from grey UK weather.

With modern caravans and motorhomes continuing to improve in insulation, stability and interior comfort, taking your leisure vehicle to Europe during winter has never been easier or more enjoyable. Beautiful beaches, mild temperatures, peaceful campgrounds and excellent long-stay rates make a winter-sun getaway the perfect touring adventure for 2026 and beyond.