As the final countdown to Christmas begins, many across the UK are already dreaming of the cosy, festive lull between the big day and New Year. For those fortunate enough to have time off, the 'Twixmas' period presents a golden opportunity to swap leftover turkey and Quality Street for a dose of much-needed sunshine.
Surge in Searches for Post-Christmas Escapes
New data reveals a significant spike in Brits seeking warmer climes during the festive break. Global searches for 'Post-Christmas holiday' have soared by 126 per cent in the last month alone. Meanwhile, the quest for winter sun is a year-round trend, with searches for 'destinations for winter sun' skyrocketing by more than 500 per cent over the past year.
To guide holidaymakers, the global booking platform Omio has analysed temperature data across European capitals to pinpoint the warmest getaways. The results highlight five sun-drenched cities perfect for a mid-winter reset, all just a short flight away.
Europe's Top 5 Warmest Winter Capitals
1. Valletta, Malta
Claiming the top spot is the historic capital of Malta, Valletta. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its Baroque architecture and fortifications, enjoys average January highs of 16°C. With bright blue skies and Mediterranean views, it's an ideal spring-like escape. Travellers can explore the historic harbour, hop on a ferry to neighbouring islands, or dine with spectacular views.
For a bargain break, Ryanair flights from London Luton to Malta on New Year's Day can be found for as little as £22, with a journey time of just over three hours. Those able to travel later in January can even find flights for £19.
2. Nicosia, Cyprus
Matching Valletta's sunny score is Nicosia in Cyprus, also offering average highs of 16°C. Cyprus's capital promises warm afternoons perfect for al fresco dining and exploring centuries of history, from Venetian walls to the Büyük Han. With excellent transport links, it provides an effortless warm-weather retreat.
3. Lisbon, Portugal
In third place is the ever-magnetic Lisbon, where January temperatures hover around a pleasant 15°C. The city's pastel-coloured architecture and world-class food scene are compelling reasons to visit. An added bonus is the ease of adding a second stop, with onward travel to Porto available from just £4.
4. Athens, Greece
Combining ancient history with mild weather, Athens offers a winter climate of around 14°C. This is the perfect time to explore iconic sites like the Acropolis and the Temple of Athena Nike without the peak-season crowds. For an island escape, the Port of Piraeus offers quick ferry routes to destinations like Aegina, just an hour away.
5. Rome, Italy
Rounding off the list is the Eternal City, Rome, where January temperatures reach a mild 13°C. Visitors can enjoy the city's legendary landmarks, such as the Colosseum, with far shorter queues. From golden-hour views at Il Giardino degli Aranci to authentic local bakeries, Rome is at its most relaxed in winter. For a seaside trip, the coastal town of Anzio is only 40 minutes away by train.
Making the Most of Your Twixmas Break
This data confirms that a last-minute winter sun holiday during the Twixmas period is both desirable and affordable. With direct flights from the UK to these sunny European capitals readily available, a quick dose of sunshine is within easy reach. Whether you're seeking culture, cuisine, or simply a break from the grey skies, these destinations offer the perfect January pick-me-up without breaking the bank.
