8 warm places for winter vacations in the sun
Did you think that “winter vacations in the sun” necessarily rhymed with “airplane”? It doesn't. To prove it to you, here are 8 warm places within reach of the train, so you can swap your scarf and beanie for sunglasses and a hat (and without ever having to trade your convictions for your desires).
We've put together a list of nearby destinations (2 trains) and more distant destinations (3 or more trains from France), depending on your time constraints and desires. What do they have in common? They're all accessible without a plane AND on a reasonable budget.
Of course, the price of the journey can quickly climb depending on when you book: take a look at our article on how to pay for your train tickets at the best price. But once you're there, you'll really be able to keep your expenses down, especially if you're traveling out of season.
Prepare the sun cream, boarding immediately!
Spain
We're starting close to home with 2 superb cities in southern Spain: Seville and Malaga.
1. Seville
Why go to Seville this winter?
This winter, you could be eating tapas on a terrace in the Plaza de España, strolling or cycling along the Guadalquivir, taking in the panoramic view of the city from the Metropol Paraso, or visiting Seville Cathedral and the famous Alcazar without the crowds of the summer season.
To find out more, take a look at our Seville Guide!
And to combine the mild climate with winter activities: from late November to early January, you can enjoy Sevilla on Ice, a theme park that opens especially for the festive season, with its Christmas fair, outdoor skating rink (the biggest in Spain) and attractions (including bouncy castles, Ferris wheels, bouncy castles, merry-go-rounds and a big slide).
How do I get to Seville by train?
To get to Seville, you can take a high-speed train to Barcelona (approx. 6h30 from Paris), then a high-speed train to Seville (approx. 6h).
Plaza de España, Sevilla
2. Malaga
Why go to Malaga this winter?
Always in the south of Spain: this winter, you could stroll along the sunny beaches of the Costa del Sol without the summer crowds, visit the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle with their breathtaking views over the city, explore museums like the Centre Pompidou Málaga or the Picasso Museum, and enjoy tapas in the central Atarazanas market.
And to combine the mild climate with winter activities: from late November to early January, the city lights up with spectacular Christmas decorations, especially on Calle Larios. You can also attend the Three Wise Men parade on January 5, a very popular tradition in Spain.
How do I get to Malaga by train?
To get to Malaga, you can take a high-speed train to Barcelona (approx. 6.5 hours from Paris), then a high-speed train to Malaga (approx. 6 hours).
Panoramic view on the Malaga port from the Gibralfaro castle
Italy
Still with our cross-border neighbors, we head for Italy, with Bari and Palermo (in Sicily) in the south of the country.
3. Bari
Why go to Bari this winter?
This winter, you could stroll through the picturesque alleyways of the old town of Bari Vecchia, visit the Basilica of St. Nicholas without the summer crowds, enjoy fresh orecchiette on a sunny terrace, and take in the seaside charm of the Lungomare Nazario Sauro.
And to combine the mild climate with winter activities: in December, the city comes alive with its traditional Christmas market in the Piazza Mercantile. You can also attend the celebrations of St. Nicholas, the city's patron saint, on December 6, with processions and cultural events.
How do I get to Bari by train?
From France, you can take the train to Milan for a night train and wake up the next morning in Bari, in southern Italy.
Sweet colors of Bari
4. Palermo
Why go to Palermo this winter?
This winter, you could explore bustling markets like Vucciria or Ballarò, visit the Palazzo dei Normanni and the Palatina Chapel without the summer crowds, stroll through the botanical gardens, and enjoy arancini on a sunny terrace in Piazza Pretoria.
And to combine the mild climate with winter activities: in December, the city lights up with Christmas decorations and hosts traditional markets. You could also attend the Saint Lucia celebrations on December 13, with its torch-lit procession and the tasting of cuccìa, a local dessert!
How do I get to Palermo by train?
From France, you can take the train to Milan and then take an overnight train to Palermo, Sicily, where you'll wake up the next morning.
Sunset on the Mediterranea in Palermo
Morocco
A little further south, head for Morocco to add a few degrees to the winter thermometer.
5. Casablanca
Why go to Casablanca this winter?
This winter, you could visit the impressive Hassan II mosque without the sweltering summer heat, stroll through the alleyways of the old medina, stroll along the seafront Corniche or explore the art deco district of downtown Casablanca.
And to combine the mild climate with winter activities: in December, the city comes alive with festive illuminations, particularly in the chic Anfa district!
How do I get to Casablanca by train?
From France, you can take the train to Barcelona, Spain. From there, you can take a high-speed train to Madrid (approx. 2h30), then a train to Algeciras (approx. 5h30). From there, you can take a bus to Tarifa (40 minutes), before taking a ferry to Tangier, Morocco (approx. 2h30). From Tangier, all you have to do is take a high-speed train to Casablanca (approx. 2h10).
Hassan II mosque in Casablanca
6. Marrakech
Why go to Marrakech this winter?
This winter, you can explore the medina and its souks without the stifling summer heat, visit palaces and gardens like Jardin Majorelle or Bahia Palace, and enjoy the unique atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna Square in the evening.
And to combine the mild climate with winter activities: in December, the city hosts the Marrakech International Film Festival! It's also the ideal season to take a trip to the snow-covered Atlas Mountains or spend a magical night in the nearby Agafay desert.
How do I get to Marrakech by train?
From France, you can take the train to Barcelona, Spain. From there, you can take a high-speed train to Madrid (approx. 2h30), then a train to Algeciras (approx. 5h30). From there, you can take a bus to Tarifa (40 minutes), before taking a ferry to Tangier, Morocco (approx. 2h30). From Tangier, all you have to do is take a high-speed train to Casablanca (approx. 2h10), and then take a regional train to Marrakech (approx. 2h40).
Famous Jemaa el-Fna place in Marrakech
Tunisia
7. Tunis
Still on the other side of the Mediterranean, you can spend your winter vacations in Tunis, Tunisia. Yes, you can get there by train and ferry!
Why go to Tunis this winter?
This winter, you could explore the ruins of Carthage without the summer heat, stroll through the blue-and-white streets of Sidi Bou Saïd, visit the Bardo Museum and its exceptional mosaics, or stroll through Tunis' UNESCO World Heritage Medina.
And to combine the mild climate with winter activities: in December, the city comes alive with Christmas markets, particularly in the La Marsa district. It's also the ideal time to sample the delicious Maltese oranges, a local citrus fruit in peak season.
How do I get to Tunis by train?
From France, you can take the train to Milano, then take an overnight train to Palermo, Sicily, and wake up the next morning. From Palermo, all you need to do is take a ferry in the evening to arrive in Tunis the next morning (approx. 11 hrs. journey).
Typical blue and white streets of Sidi Bou Saïd, Tunis
Greece
How could we end this article without mentioning Greece, a sunny destination par excellence?
8. Athens
Why go to Athens this winter?
This winter, you could visit the Acropolis and its emblematic monuments without the crowds of tourists, stroll through the picturesque alleyways of Plaka, explore the must-see museums (such as the Acropolis Museum or the National Archaeological Museum), and enjoy the traditional tavernas in the lively squares.
And to combine the mild climate with winter activities: in December, the city lights up with Christmas decorations, especially in Syntagma Square. You can also attend the Greek New Year celebrations, with concerts and fireworks. And if you're looking for snow, the ski resorts of Mount Parnassus are just a few hours away!
How do I get to Athens by train?
From France, you can take the train to Milano and then take an overnight train to Palermo, Sicily, where you'll wake up the next morning. From Palermo, all you have to do is take a ferry in the evening to arrive in Tunis the next morning (approx. 11 hours' journey).
L'Acropolis d'Athènes
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