The days are getting shorter, temperatures are dropping, rain, snow, and grey skies are back, and outdoor plans are becoming less and less attractive. If the bleak winter weather gets you down and you feel like spending some time out of your coat and gloves, here are some destinations for a sunny New Year 2026.
Some people don’t care about the cold and want to spend New Year’s Eve in a lively European capital, see 2025 out on the slopes, or are already thinking of big dinners with friends and family. Then, there are those who miss the summer, keep their suitcase always packed and ready to go, and have decided to end the year in an above-freezing location and wonder off into the sunset. So if you are lucky, you will say goodbye to 2025 with your feet in the sand!
Here are our suggestions for a cozy and warm New Year’s Eve.
New Year’s Eve 2025 in Marseille
Although it may not reach the 25 °C of other warmer capitals for New Year’s Eve, Marseille has a special charm: being by the Mediterranean, its climate remains relatively mild even in winter, and its urban atmosphere —young, lively and cosmopolitan— helps to “warm up” the festive spirit. For instance, on New Year’s Eve a spectacular fireworks display lights up the Vieux-Port, where thousands gather to welcome the new year.
There are also themed parties in iconic spots such as the rooftop of the Les Terrasses du Port shopping centre (“Masquerade” event) or lively bar-crawl routes for a fun and social night. At the same time, Marseille lets you “breathe the Mediterranean” even in December: strolls through the old town, panoramic views from the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, and outdoor activities in the nearby Calanques National Park (not for swimming anymore, but perfect for enjoying the scenery).
If you’re looking for a New Year’s destination that combines city life, the sea, good vibes and mild weather —without giving up on an urban celebration— Marseille is a safe bet to close out 2026.
Useful information:
- Find cheap flights to Marseille with Volotea
- Average temperature in December–January: 12-7 °C
- Must-see: the Vieux-Port with its fireworks display, the Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, Le Panier district, and the Calanques National Park (scenic walks).
New Year’s Eve 2026 in Cagliari
Who said Sardinia is only nice in the summer? With a youthful, relaxed atmosphere, a people-friendly centre and, above all, mild temperatures and an almost ever-present sun, Cagliari is an amazing place to see in the New Year. Concerts in the square, Christmas markets, all kinds of performances and trips are more than enough to please both party animals and those who prefer a bit or shopping or exploring nature.
This year it will be Copeland, the historic drummer of the band Police, who will liven up the New Year’s Eve concert in Piazza Yenne, which will be followed by a DJ set until 1:30 a.m. We’d also recommend the Christmas markets in the old town, a panoramic walk along the bastions and venturing out of town to enjoy the wonders of the sea in winter.
And if you want to spend New Year’s Eve in Sardinia but already know Cagliari, you will be happy to know that both Alghero and Olbia have prepared unbelievable concerts for the last night of the year, with artists Gabry Ponte and Marco Mengoni, respectively.
Useful info:
- Look for low-cost flights to Cagliari with Volotea
- Average temperature December-January: 16-6ºC
- Must-sees: castle, fortified quarter, National Archaeological Museum, cathedral, San Benedetto market.
New Year’s Eve 2026 in Malaga
The Andalusian city of Malaga is the perfect destination for those who seek a lively and urban atmosphere, a mild climate, and a beach to take long, relaxing walks. The gorgeous Christmas lights are the perfect backdrop to go shopping and bar hopping down calle Larios. At the port, the restaurants loved by the locals serve the best New Year’s Eve dinners, usually a fish dish. Get your tastebuds ready for the grape-eating tradition, las uvas, when the clock strikes midnight, you swallow a grape with every strike of the clock! If you are fast and concentrated (or sober) enough to succeed, your wishes for the new year will have come true, or at least that’s what they say…
The best place to wait for the campanadas and raise a toast to the new year in Malaga’s Plaza Constitución, a quick walk from beach where you can watch the fireworks.
And if you are still in the city on 5 January, you can’t miss the traditional Wise Men’s parade (Los Reyes Magos), beloved by Spaniards and a favourite for kids.
Useful info:
- Find low-cost flights to Malaga with Volotea
- Average temperature December-January: 16-13ºC
- What you shouldn’t miss: Picasso Museum, Malaga Cathedral, Alcazaba, Gibralfaro Castle, Carmen Thyssen Museum, Roman Theatre, botanical garden.
New Year’s Eve 2026 in Fuerteventura
If you decide to spend 31 December in the Canary Islands, you will feel that you are experiencing an exotic early summer just a few hours from home. Any island in this archipelago in the Atlantic ocean, across from Northwestern Africa, is perfect to enjoy the sun, sea, nature, do sport and leisure activities, or relax during your new year’s holidays. And they all have their own peculiarities that travellers love.
Today, we will tell you about an island that has become famous among young people for its fantastic beaches, ideal surfing conditions, relaxed atmosphere, and its beautiful wild landscapes. We are talking about Fuerteventura, a natural paradise that attracts so many visitors every year, drawn by its unique rhythm.
While the south of the island is the area most visited in the summer by beach lovers, the north side is home to Corralejo, a tourist resort that has retained its fishermen’s village soul. We recommend using it as your base and renting a car to explore the area once you have recovered from the New Year’s Eve dinner and drinks. Other two island towns with a high level of fun (even if you won’t find Tenerife-level excesses here) are Jandia and Puerto Rosario.
The grape-eating tradition is also sacred in Fuerteventura, so grab a bottle of sparkling wine and celebrate by the sea as the clock strikes midnight with your friends or better half.
Useful info:
- Find low-cost flights to Fuerteventura with Volotea
- Average temperature December-January: 22-14ºC
- Don’t miss: Puerto del Rosario, the island’s capital, the church dedicated to the Virgin of the Rosary, Unamuno’s house, the town of Antigua, the Corralejo Dunes Natural Park, the Costa Calma beaches. To find out more, read our article with the itinerary to discover Fuerteventura in 4 days.
New Year’s Eve 2026 in Athens
Spending New Year’s Eve in Athens is a great idea for three reasons: its unique art heritage, mild climate that is ideal for cultural visits and outdoor celebrations, and its low prices, which make it one of the most low-cost European capitals. It’s a great destination for Christmas traditions: the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates differently from Catholics, and, even though Christmas decorations are everywhere, you will experience the traditions associated with Saint Basil, whose feast is 1 January and is the most important day for the Greeks. Saint Basil is the equivalent of Santa Claus, and in New Year’s Eve Athens children go door to door signing carols (calanda) and are given Christmas sweets.
Even though many Greeks spend New Year’s Eve at home with their family, Athens is a lively metropolis which offers tonnes of entertainment to visitors. If you’d like to toast outdoors, go to Syntagma o Thisseio Square, where DJ parties and concerts are held every 31 December. If you prefer to stay indoors, no problem: you’ll find dozens of parties in discos, bars, and pubs.
Useful info:
- Find low-cost flights to Athens with Volotea
- Average temperature December-January: 15-8ºC
- What you shouldn’t miss: the Acropolis, the Agora, Plaka and Monastiriki districts, Filopappo and Licabetto hills, and the National Archaeological Museum.
New Year’s Eve 2026 at Palermo
Palermo is one of those destinations oozing with personality which are impossible to ignore. It’s an inspired choice for New Year’s Eve, because it combines the weather and atmosphere of the Mediterranean seaside and the stimulating, fascinating appeal of a large European city full of history, culture, and nightlife. In addition to its gorgeous Baroque and Art Nouveau wonders, visiting Palermo in New Year’s Eve is also a gold mine for the foodies, because the local gastronomy alone is worth the trip!
It’s easy to find the perfect activity to spend New Year’s Eve in the best way possible in Palermo, whose fascinating lanes, churches, theatres, and venues host concerts and all kinds of events. In particular, the four districts in the historic centre, Kalsa, Vucciria, Capo, and l’Albergheria, are full of little squares, corners, and nooks where you will find music, parties, and street food. And if you feel like enjoying the sea and fresh fish on New Year’s Day, you can always take the bus to Mondello, a few kilometres from the city, which offers a gorgeous beach and so many delicious eateries.
Useful info:
- Find low-cost flights to Palermo with Volotea
- Average temperature December-January: 16-11ºC
- Don’t miss: the Cathedral, Teatro Massimo, Palazzo dei Normanni, Monreale Cathedral, Quattro Canti, Palazzo Reale and Cappella Palatina, the Capuchins’ Catacombs, and Mondello beach.
New Year’s Eve 2026 at Marrakech
Spending New Year’s Eve in Marrakech is a great idea for three main reasons: its fascinating mix of culture and tradition, its mild climate, ideal for enjoying the outdoors, and its lively nightlife, which offers unique experiences to greet the year. It is also an inexpensive destination compared to other tourist cities, making it an attractive option for travellers with different spending options. At this time of year, Marrakech is filled with lights, markets and music, offering a special version of festivities in which Berber, Arab and international influences merge.
Although New Year’s Eve is not a traditional celebration in Moroccan culture, the city adapts to welcome visitors with offerings ranging from dinners in luxurious riads, where traditional dishes such as couscous and tagine are served, to dance and music performances in the famous Jemaa el-Fna square. Those who prefer a more exotic setting can opt for a desert tour, with dinner under the stars and fireworks in a Berber camp.
Useful info:
- Search for cheap flights to Marrakech with Volotea
- Average temperature in December-January: 20-10ºC
- Attractions not to be missed: the Medina, the Majorelle Gardens, the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia, the souks and the Atlas Mountains.
We hope you have found our suggestions useful and you have a wonderful New Year’s Eve travelling. If you are looking for ideas for your Christmas trips, take a look at our top 10 European cities to visit at Christmas.
