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Algarve

Winter Sun

Winter Sun Vacations in Europe

When winter sets in at home, southern Europe still has sunshine to spare. Our winter sun vacations head for Portugal's Algarve and Atlantic coast, Madeira and Malta, where mild winter days suit walking and cycling.

Hike the Algarve's golden clifftops, ride quiet coastal roads on Authentic Algarve By Bike, or follow Madeira's levada paths through laurel forest. Every trip is self-guided, so you set your pace, and we book your stays and move your luggage.

20+ years of experience and 24,000+ reviews back every trip.

  • A place these routes go

6 hand-picked routes

  • Portugal

    Algarve Coastal Trails

    • Walking
    • 7 days
    • Moderate
    from$2,295CAD pp
    View Route
  • Portugal

    Madeira: The Flower Island

    • Walking
    • 8 days
    • Moderate
    from$3,050CAD pp
    View Route
  • Portugal

    Authentic Algarve By Bike

    • Cycling
    • 8 days
    • Moderate
    from$2,465CAD pp
    View Route
  • Malta & Gozo

    Walking on Malta & Gozo

    • Walking
    • 8 days
    • Easy - Moderate
    from$1,775CAD pp
    View Route
  • Spain

    Inn to Inn Walking in the Sierra de Aracena

    • Walking
    • 5–8 days
    • Easy - Moderate
    from$1,105CAD pp
    View Route
  • Portugal

    Algarve Cycling Short Break

    • Cycling
    • 5 days
    • Easy - Moderate
    from$1,120CAD pp
    View Route

Real photos, real stories, straight from the trail

Over 26,000 travelers strong, our community shares #MacsMoments, swaps tips and advice, and helps each other plan the perfect trip. Many connect long before they set off - and some even meet up on the trail!

  • Pilgrim standing in front of Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela after completing the Portugués Way

    I'm headed back to the states and have a mixture of emotions. So much to process. I feel like a different person!

    October 2026

    Camino de Santiago, Spain

  • A smiling hiker beside a West Highland Way marker post below a mountain

    Thank you Macs for the brilliant adventure! We loved all the accommodations provided

    June 2026

    West Highland Way, Scotland

  • A hiker standing in a pasture amongst horses

    October 2026

    Hadrian's Wall Path, England

  • A hiker beside a wooden signpost by an ivy-covered wall

    June 2026

    Cotswolds to the Cornwall Coast, England

  • A hiker stops on the trail for an interaction with a local cow

    August 2026

    Via Alpina, Switzerland

  • A group selfie in front of a river on a blue sky day

    In fact, if you're looking for sensory magic, give this trip a try

    October 2026

    Walking the Dordogne in Style, France

Join our Macs Community

Get to know Winter Sun

  • What does winter sun mean?

    Winter sun is a vacation in a warmer place during the colder months, usually between November and March, where you can still walk or cycle outdoors.

  • Where can I go for winter sun?

    Our walking and biking trips cover the Algarve in Portugal, Madeira, Malta and Gozo, and Andalucia's Sierra de Aracena.

  • What is the weather like?

    Winter days are mild and usually dry enough for walking and cycling, but sea breezes and mountain air can be cool. Pack layers and rain protection.

  • Is it warm enough to walk or cycle?

    Yes. Island and coastal routes in Portugal, Spain and Malta stay comfortable for outdoor activity through winter, though nights can be cool.

  • Can I bike on a winter sun trip?

    Yes. Ride the Algarve on Authentic Algarve By Bike or the Algarve Cycling Short Break.

  • Where is warm in December and January?

    Madeira and southern Portugal's Algarve have mild days in December and January, so walking and cycling stay comfortable. Malta trips run in December and again from February.

  • When do these trips run?

    Most run right through winter. Malta & Gozo runs in December and from February. Each trip page shows its season.

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