If you’re already dreaming of New Year’s Eve and looking for cheap winter destinations that combine beauty and savings, you’ve come to the right place! Winter doesn’t necessarily mean cold and snow: there are also warm winter destinations where you can enjoy the sun and the sea without spending a fortune.
Here are 10 perfect destinations for welcoming the New Year without emptying your wallet.
1. Capri, from €27 euros
The island of Capri is a year-round dream destination, but visiting it in winter offers unique advantages: lower prices on accommodations and ferry tickets, fewer crowds, and mild temperatures hovering around 12-15°C. This is the perfect opportunity to discover one of Italy‘s inexpensive winter destinations, admiring the island’s natural beauty and visiting iconic sites such as the Blue Grotto or Villa Jovis in total tranquility.
How do I get to Capri?
You can take a ferry from the port of Naples, with a duration of about 45-50 minutes, and prices that run around €27 one way. The ferry companies SNAV and NLG offer numerous daily departures, ensuring frequent and reliable connections to easily reach the island, even in winter.
2. Ischia, from €14
Ischia, with its volcanic landscapes and famous hot springs, turns into a perfect retreat during the winter. Here, you can soak in the warm waters of thermal parks such as Negombo or Poseidon, where steam mingles with the sea breeze, creating a purely relaxing experience. The mild temperatures, around 12-15°C, are ideal for exploring the island, perhaps strolling along the shores of Sant’Angelo or visiting the impressive Aragonese Castle without the summer crowds. In this season, lodging and dining costs also drop, making Ischia one of the perfect low-cost winter destinations for those seeking wellness and tranquility at affordable prices.
How do I get to Ischia?
The ferry ride from Naples takes between 50 minutes and 1.5 hours, with prices starting at €14 one way. The main companies serving this route are Medmar and SNAV, with frequent departures, making it easy and convenient to reach the island even in winter.
3. Olbia, from €21
Olbia, with its authentic and wild charm, offers a winter Sardinia all to experience. Here, winter gives tranquility and unspoiled landscapes, with golden beaches and a crystal clear sea, far from the summer frenzy. The mild temperatures and clear skies invite you to discover treasures such as the Sacred Well of Sa Testa and the Park of Tavolara. Olbia is not only one of the most popular winter destinations in Italy, but it is also an opportunity to explore the island in an intimate and charming season, with affordable prices for an unforgettable low-cost vacation.
How do I get to Olbia?
The Livorno to Olbia ferry is a convenient and economical choice, with a crossing taking about 8 hours. Prices start at €21 one way, while the main companies operating this route are Moby Lines and Grimaldi Lines, providing regular connections to Sardinia even in the colder months.
4. Cagliari, from €40
Cagliari, with its timeless charm and always welcoming climate, is one of Italy’s most surprising winter destinations. Winter here offers a unique serenity, with temperatures hovering around 15°C, ideal for strolling through the alleys of the Castello district, a labyrinth of medieval streets that dominates the city from above. From the terrace of the Bastion of Saint Remy, the gaze wanders over the gulf, while beaches such as Poetto, usually crowded, become a peaceful refuge. And this season, Cagliari also turns out to be more affordable: lodging and dining prices drop, making it one of the perfect cheap winter destinations for those seeking a mix of culture, sea, and tranquility.
How do I get to Cagliari?
The ferry from Palermo is the perfect solution to connect these two island cities. The crossing takes about 12-13 hours, with prices starting at €40 one way. Grimaldi Lines serves this route with regular departures, offering a comfortable and affordable journey to discover Sardinia’s winter charms.
5. Palermo, from €49
Palermo, with its authentic charm and Arab and Norman influences, is a jewel to discover in winter. The mild temperatures, around 15°C, make it possible to stroll leisurely through the bustling Ballarò market, explore the majestic Palazzo dei Normanni, and admire the golden mosaics of the Palatine Chapel without the typical summer crowds. This is also the ideal time to enjoy Palermo’s street food, with specialties such as arancine (fried rice balls) and pane e panelle (bread and rolls), at affordable prices. Winter brings with it lower rates for accommodations and restaurants, turning Palermo into one of the most intriguing winter economic destinations, where art, culture and cuisine intertwine in a unique experience.
How do I get to Palermo?
The ferry ride from Civitavecchia takes about 14-15 hours, with prices starting at €48 one way. The Grandi Navi Veloci company operates this route with several weekly departures, offering a comfortable and convenient journey to Palermo even in the winter months.
6. Bastia (Corsica), from €21
Bastia, nestled on Corsica‘s northeastern coast, is a hidden gem that reveals its most authentic and tranquil side in winter. With mild temperatures hovering between 10 and 15°C, you can stroll along the charming Porto Vecchio, a place where time seems to stand still or explore the historic district of Terra Vecchia, with its narrow streets and charming architecture. Deserted beaches offer a haven of peace, ideal for those who enjoy the silence of the sea in winter. With low costs for accommodations and restaurants, Bastia is one of the perfect inexpensive winter destinations for those who want a break with savings and serenity.
How do I get to Bastia?
The ferry crossing from Livorno takes about 4-5 hours, with prices starting at €21 one way. The main companies operating this route are Corsica Ferries and Moby Lines, offering regular and convenient connections even in the winter months.
7. Tunis (Tunisia), from €48
Tunis, the gateway to North Africa, is one of the most intriguing warm-weather winter destinations to explore. Here, winter means clear skies and pleasant temperatures between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius, perfect for strolling through the alleys of the medina, discovering exotic markets, and getting lost among the ancient ruins of Carthage. This season, prices will drop, giving the opportunity to experience a destination rich in history and culture without having to spend a fortune. For this reason, Tunis is one of the perfect low-cost winter hot destinations for a different kind of getaway.
How do I get to Tunis?
With a ferry from Civitavecchia, the crossing takes about 18-19 hours and prices start at €48 one way. Grimaldi Lines offers regular departures, allowing you to reach Tunis with ease and experience the charms of an authentic and affordable destination.
8. Igoumenitsa (Greece), from €48
Igoumenitsa, located on the northwest coast of Greece, is a gateway to a region rich in natural beauty and culture. With winter temperatures hovering around 15°C, it is the ideal starting point for exploring the nearby pristine and peaceful beaches of Sivota, or immersing yourself in the nature of the Pindus National Park, perfect for hiking and breathtaking scenery. Winter is the best time to discover the authenticity of Greece, away from mass tourism and with reduced costs for accommodations and restaurants. Igoumenitsa is one of the ideal inexpensive winter destinations for those looking for a rejuvenating vacation of sea, mountains, and authentic Greek culture, all at affordable prices.
How do I get to Igoumenitsa?
The ferry ride from Brindisi takes about 8 hours, with prices starting at €48 each way. Grimaldi Lines operates this route with several weekly departures, offering a convenient and comfortable option to reach this beautiful Greek destination.
9. Barcelona (Spain), from €61
Barcelona, with its pleasantly mild climate and infectious energy, is among the winter destinations that will make you fall in love at first sight. In winter, with temperatures between 12 and 16°C, the city welcomes you with its lively but less crowded streets, inviting you to explore Gaudí’s unique works, such as the Sagrada Familia or Parc Güell. The beaches, usually crowded in summer, are transformed into peaceful places to regenerate in the sun. Plus with lower travel and lodging costs, Barcelona becomes one of the ideal winter budget destinations for a vacation that mixes culture, authentic flavors, and a touch of the Mediterranean.
How do I get to Barcelona?
The ferry ride from Genoa takes about 20 hours, with prices starting at €61 one way. The main company serving this route is Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), which offers a comfortable and pleasant journey to one of Europe’s most fascinating cities.
10. Malta, from €71
Malta, with its consistently mild climate and unmistakable Mediterranean atmosphere, is one of the warm winter destinations that gives you sunshine and culture year-round. In winter, with temperatures between 15 and 18°C, you can lose yourself in the history-filled streets of Valletta, admire breathtaking views from the cliffs of Dingli, or relax on quiet beaches without the summer crowds. Costs for lodging and dining come down, making Malta one of the most inviting low-cost winter hot destinations for an escape that combines relaxation and beauty in a perfect blend of sun and culture.
How do I get to Malta?
The ferry ride from Pozzallo, Sicily, takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, with prices starting at €71 one way. Virtu Ferries operates this route with regular departures, offering a comfortable and quick trip to the island even in winter.
Discover the Best Low-Cost Winter Destinations Using Ferryscanner!
The winter destinations we have revealed in this article are perfect for those who want an exciting vacation without spending too much. With these inexpensive options at your fingertips, all you have to do is choose your next destination and hit the road. Using Ferryscanner, you can easily find the route that’s right for you, compare prices, and book your ferry tickets in only a few minutes. Visit our site and start planning your New Year’s vacation now!