Some winters feel longer than they should — bone-deep cold, gray skies that linger, and that craving for sun you can’t quite shake. But what if this year, you didn’t just endure winter… You skipped it entirely?
Southern Europe quietly offers something magical: warm days by the sea, terracotta rooftops, markets bursting with citrus, and homes you can afford for months at a time.
If your soul is tired of shivering and your budget says, “be reasonable,” this guide is for you. We’ve found the spots where $1,800 or less buys you warmth, charm, and a better kind of winter.
1. Algarve, Portugal
Portugal’s southernmost gem, where golden beaches hug the cliffs to rugged corners — never has the sun paused in its rays, even as we head into January. The warm weather has long made it a retirement favorite, a digital nomads’ playground, but also one of the less expensive places to live for snowbirds. If you can rent a fully-furnished beach apartment (or even a countryside cottage) for well under $1800/month, and less than $1200 if you manage to book for multiple months.
Beyond affordability, what sets the Algarve apart is its laid-back lifestyle. You’ll find English widely spoken, an abundance of farmers’ markets, and an international community that makes integration smooth. Despite being so welcoming, the Algarve hasn’t lost its Portuguese soul — think freshly grilled sardines, cobblestone streets, and centuries-old towns like Tavira or Lagos to explore when you’re not enjoying the coast.
Come winter, the average daily high barely drops to around 60–65°F (15–18°C), and sunny enough to coax you out of doors, whether you are strolling along the cliffs of Ponta da Piedade or having coffee in an open-air café. It’s comfortable for walking, golfing, or sunbathing on the beach without queuing.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Stay: November to March
- Typical Rent Range: $900–$1,500/month
- Winter Weather: 15–18°C (59–65°F), mostly sunny
- Popular Towns: Lagos, Tavira, Portimão, Alvor
- Perks: Large English-speaking expat community, reliable healthcare, easy airport access (Faro)
2. Torrevieja, Spain
Torrevieja is literally on the Costa Blanca, but it has a character all of its own and in a lot less flash than some of the other down-cheap/resort towns in the vicinity. Designed for snowbirds looking for sun and at a reasonable cost, not to compromising a modern life. Rent a clean, furnished apartment here? Often well under $1,200/month in winter.
The wellness seekers of today are still being attracted to the town due to these healing salt lagoons that hold it captive, even though it is a former salt-mining town. The Mediterranean is just a couple of minutes’ walk from anywhere in town. The Mediterranean averages a mild, warm winter with highs of 17°C (62°F), making daily strolls along the palm-lined boulevards an enjoyable thing to do. Also, unlike some sleepy little coastal towns, Torrevieja is bustling in the winter with shops, cafes, and communities all going about from morning.
Public transport is very good in the town, and Alicante airport is within 45 minutes. You can find most British, German, and Scandinavian suppliers in every supermarket, as well as groceries fresh from home as well and clubs for expats there.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Stay: December to April
- Typical Rent Range: $800–$1,300/month
- Winter Weather: 16–18°C (61–64°F), dry and bright
- Popular Areas: La Mata, Playa del Cura, Los Balcones
- Perks: Strong expat community, natural salt lakes, budget-friendly restaurants
3. Calpe, Spain
Calpe offers what many snowbirds dream about: panoramic sea views, dramatic cliffs, and relaxed beach-town energy — all without a sky-high price tag. Located between Alicante and Valencia, this smaller town is perfect for someone who wants a quieter winter base with big scenery.
The Peñon de Ifach, a massive rock that dangles into the Mediterranean Sea, is one of Calpe’s prized possessions; think hiking trails with fantastic ocean views. Two beaches and a lovely marina with intimate seafood restaurants all around. Winter rentals? Expect tidy one-bedroom apartments for as low as $900/month, with some short-term deals dipping even lower, especially for longer stays.
Unlike larger cities, Calpe doesn’t shut down in winter. The local markets, beach walks, and terrace cafés still buzz with life, especially with international retirees and seasonal residents enjoying the off-season calm.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Stay: November to March
- Typical Rent Range: $850–$1,400/month
- Winter Weather: 15–17°C (59–63°F), mostly sunny and dry
- Popular Spots: Playa de la Fossa, Old Town Calpe
- Perks: Dramatic coastal hikes, great seafood, compact walkable layout
4. Alicante, Spain
Alicante is more than a port city — it’s a winter haven that blends culture, coast, and convenience. The palm-lined Explanada promenade, the castle perched on Mount Benacantil, and the clear Mediterranean waters give it all the visual appeal of a postcard. But the best part for snowbirds? It’s affordable and alive year-round.
Alicante offers excellent infrastructure, hospitals, public transport, and a major airport with flights across Europe. You can rent a centrally located apartment for about $1,000/month, with options even cheaper outside the tourist zones. Unlike small towns that go quiet in winter, Alicante maintains a pulse — its museums, cafés, and shops rarely take a break.
The weather is just as cooperative. Winters are mild and dry, with temperatures consistently in the mid-60s (Fahrenheit). Whether you’re exploring the Santa Bárbara Castle or sipping cortado by the beach, Alicante’s mellow winter vibe is hard to beat.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Stay: November to March
- Typical Rent Range: $900–$1,500/month
- Winter Weather: 16–19°C (60–66°F), sunny and dry
- Popular Neighborhoods: El Barrio, Playa San Juan, Albufereta
- Perks: Direct airport access, city amenities, good healthcare, cultural events
5. Albufeira, Portugal
Albufeira is that perfect tourist town & local life equilibrium. For the summer, it’s pretty popular with beachgoers; however, in winter, it slows down to a calmer, slower community feel that works so well for snowbirds. The cafes, restaurants, and beach views can still be enjoyed, but without tourists or prices that are turned up a few notches.
You can easily find a comfortable apartment near the beach for around $1,000/month, and many landlords offer special winter rates for long-term stays. The old town has whitewashed houses and narrow lanes, while newer areas offer modern condos and sea-facing terraces.
That Albufeira is such an awesome location for the snowbirds, as it well… Just walking marathons, strolling to the market, hiking the cliff walks, and joining local expat meet-ups. Winter: 60s days and sunny are the norm in the winter temperatures. + Bonus! Only 30-40 minutes away is Faro International Airport, and it’s a breeze to travel from there.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Stay: November to March
- Typical Rent Range: $950–$1,400/month
- Winter Weather: 15–18°C (59–64°F), mostly sunny
- Popular Areas: Old Town, São Rafael, Montechoro
- Perks: Coastal cliff walks, relaxed pace, active social scene for snowbirds
6. Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Tenerife is called the “Island of Eternal Spring,” and once you feel its weather in January, you will understand why. On the mainland, Europe shivers, but sunny Tenerife has temperatures of around 21°C (70°F) and a significant snowbirds, particularly in southern places around Los Cristianos and Costa Adeje.
The island offers far more than sunshine — you’ve got volcanic beaches, Spanish architecture, excellent healthcare, and year-round hiking in Teide National Park. Plus, for snowbirds craving variety, Tenerife blends both beach life and highland escapes. Rental apartments are affordable too — expect monthly rates between $1,000–$1,600 for places near the coast, often with sea views and pool access.
What wins people over here is the energy. It’s not sleepy. You’ll find live music in the plazas, bustling cafés, and a network of social events for expats and retirees, even in the off-season. And yes, you can even swim in the ocean in December.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Stay: November to March
- Typical Rent Range: $1,000–$1,600/month
- Winter Weather: 20–23°C (68–73°F), sunny and mild
- Popular Towns: Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, Puerto de la Cruz
- Perks: Warmest winter climate in Spain, hiking, active expat social life, island safety
7. Santa Maria Island, Azores, Portugal
If you’re craving solitude, stunning Atlantic views, and untouched natural beauty, Santa Maria in the Azores is the sleeper pick for snowbirds. It’s the driest and sunniest island in the Azores archipelago, with rolling green hills, volcanic beaches, and an almost magical sense of calm.
It’s also one of the cheapest winter getaways for long stays. Rental houses and apartments hover around $750–$1,200/month, especially in the off-season. Santa Maria doesn’t cater to the masses — and that’s exactly the draw. It’s for snowbirds looking for a place to write, paint, hike, and decompress. English is not as widely spoken here, but locals are kind and welcoming.
You won’t have nightlife or big-box stores, but coastal trails, fresh seafood, and peace. Although the weather is more erratic than mainland Portugal, it is still warm enough to benefit from the great outdoors every day — take a light jacket.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Stay: November to April
- Typical Rent Range: $750–$1,200/month
- Winter Weather: 14–18°C (57–64°F), breezy and mild
- Popular Areas: Vila do Porto, Praia Formosa
- Perks: Quiet, low cost, excellent hiking, off-the-radar lifestyle
8. Lagos, Portugal
Old World Charm meets Modern Comfort — in a sunny package perfect for the over-winter stay Lagos was meant for. It’s with cobbled lanes, 16th-century walls, and beaches that are framed by sea cliffs almost as good anywhere in the Mediterranean. Still shockingly cheap for winter rentals — long-stay deals are still around $1000-$1500/month.
Instead of emptying into the off-season like resort towns, Lagos is alive, yet not at all frenetic. Life here functions with an even beat, from the square-based morning espressos to light golden hour strolls on the cliffs of Ponta da Piedade. Expats have a good connection in this place, English can be spoken virtually anywhere, and Snowbirds are always welcomed by local businesses.
Its mild winter weather makes it easy to enjoy nature year-round, from kayaking to dolphin-watching or just soaking in views from a seaside terrace.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Stay: November to March
- Typical Rent Range: $1,000–$1,500/month
- Winter Weather: 15–18°C (59–65°F), dry and bright
- Popular Areas: Meia Praia, Marina de Lagos, Old Town
- Perks: Coastal cliffs, easy train access, welcoming expat network
9. Nerja, Spain
Tucked between the mountains and the sea, Nerja is the Costa del Sol without the crowds, and it’s quickly become a favorite among winter escapees. With its whitewashed houses, dramatic sea views, and famous Balcón de Europa, it feels like a postcard — but with the bonus of reasonable rents and sunshine year-round.
Snowbirds will want to score those cozy apartments within the city or the beach for about $900–$1,400/month. Nerja, however large it may seem, is punctuated with all the basics — international supermarkets, Clínic hospitals, tapas bars, and even footpaths right underneath Sierra Almijara.
The town’s walkability and winter warmth (averaging 17°C/63°F) make it easy to stay active, whether you’re visiting the famous Nerja Caves or enjoying the town’s many plazas. Life here feels peaceful but never dull.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Stay: December to March
- Typical Rent Range: $900–$1,400/month
- Winter Weather: 16–18°C (61–64°F), lots of sunshine
- Popular Areas: Burriana Beach, Town Center, Capistrano Village
- Perks: Mountains + sea combo, walkable, full of character, affordable cafes
10. Estepona, Spain
From a fishing village to a nice little retreat on the Costa del Sol (Estepona), it always strikes the right balance of charm and comfort. Less touristy version of Marbella and just as sunny and more local, If I Could Swap One City For The World This Would Be It. The tree-lined promenade is nearly endless, the old town is a hothouse of flowers and a great photo opportunity…and the winter rental market here is crazy cheap.
You’ll find plenty of options under $1,800/month — many with terraces or ocean views. Estepona is also home to several English-speaking clinics, small art galleries, and low-key restaurants that remain open through winter. It’s a good match for snowbirds who want amenities without resort chaos.
Temperatures rarely fall below 12°C (54°F), and sunny afternoons are manageable with light jackets, outdoor lunches. This one is quite close to the Costa del Sol, a calm life with access to nature and Andalusian culture.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Stay: November to March
- Typical Rent Range: $1,000–$1,600/month
- Winter Weather: 15–18°C (59–65°F), mostly dry
- Popular Areas: Old Town, Marina, Seghers
- Perks: Laid-back coastal energy, Andalusian charm, scenic beachfront, walkable
11. Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal
Southeastern corner of Portugal — the Guadiana River, where Portugal ends and Spain begins; home to the off-the-beaten-path town of Vila Real de Santo António. Quite a charming place – flat walkable streets with tiled façades, a tree-lined town square, and a marina that shines gold at night. Southeast: Calm, empty, and inexpensive — these are the characteristics many snowbirds are looking for.
Here, you’re minutes from the Spanish border, yet squarely in Portuguese culture. You can sip coffee under orange trees in the morning, stroll the riverside promenade in the afternoon, and be on a beach or in Spain by evening. Rentals are remarkably budget-friendly — you’ll often find clean, furnished apartments for $800–$1,200/month, sometimes even less if you go a little inland or book for multiple months.
Winters are mild and mercifully quiet. There’s not much nightlife, but for retirees, remote workers, or anyone just needing a slower season in the sun, this town’s peaceful rhythm is ideal. Bonus: Public transport is solid, and healthcare is accessible even for short-term residents.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Stay: November to March
- Typical Rent Range: $800–$1,200/month
- Winter Weather: 14–17°C (57–63°F), mostly sunny, little wind
- Popular Spots: Town Center, Monte Gordo (beachside), Vila Nova de Cacela (nearby)
- Perks: Border town charm, no hills, peaceful, great for walking and biking
12. Gandia, Spain
Often overlooked in favor of Valencia or Alicante, Gandia is the low-key, coastal city that punches well above its weight. It’s a working Spanish town with a historic center, clean beaches, and authentic culture — but very little tourist noise. That means better prices, fewer crowds, and more opportunity to blend in rather than stand out.
You can score spacious rentals here for as low as $750/month, especially in the city center or slightly inland from the beach. Even Gandia Playa, the beachside district, remains affordable compared to flashier resorts. You’ll find a strong local feel, excellent public services, and easy train connections to Valencia if you ever crave city stimulation for a day.
What makes Gandia a solid pick for snowbirds is its mix: you get real Spain with a coastal twist. Expect mild winters in the 15–18°C (59–64°F) range, orange groves in the outskirts, and medieval architecture just steps from modern bakeries and fresh markets. You’re not just vacationing here — you’re living well, and doing it affordably.
Quick Facts:
- Best Months to Stay: December to March
- Typical Rent Range: $750–$1,300/month
- Winter Weather: 15–18°C (59–64°F), gentle and dry
- Popular Areas: Gandia Playa, Old Town, Grau de Gandia
- Perks: Authentic vibe, excellent train links, low cost of living, no resort sprawl
