Seville
The birthplace of flamenco and capital of the Andalusia region, Seville oozes romance, thanks to its graceful architecture, cobbled streets, excellent tapas restaurants and sizzling flamenco-fuelled nightlife. The city’s symbol, the Giralda, was built as an ornate 12th-century minaret, but later turned into a bell tower and attached to the 15th-century Santa Maria de la Sede Cathedral, which you can visit. But if you’re short of time, don’t miss the Alcázar of Seville, an exquisite Moorish palace, with elaborately tiled rooms, arched colonnaded walkways and fragrant gardens.
February daily sunshine hours Six hours
February average high 17C
February average rainfall 2.6 inches
Getting there
Flying time 2 hours 50 minutes
Flights to SevilleAlgarve, Portugal
With a year-round balmy climate, it’s often warm enough to hit the beach in February in this southern Portugal region. But even if it’s not bikini-weather, the sun will be shining, and other outdoor options await, from sailing the Med to hiking in one of the Algarve’s national parks – Ria Formosa is beautiful. And golfers are spoilt for choice with a range of world-class courses. In February, carnivals take place throughout the region, too, with the one in Loulé, 17km from Faro, the oldest and most popular. In February the town will shine with colourful floats, samba schools, giant puppets and papier-mâché figures with enormous heads.
February daily sunshine hours Six hours
February average high 16C
February average rainfall 2.6 inches
Getting there
Flying time 3 hours
Search for the cheapest flightValletta, Malta
Malta has long been an underrated holiday destination but, with its beautiful capital city Valetta designated European Capital of Culture 2018, that’s about to change. This year is packed with events, including a beefed-up Maltese Carnival. One of the country’s oldest festivals, Valletta’s streets come alive with marching bands, street dancers, elaborate fancy dress competitions and float parades. The historic food market is-Suq tal-Belt has also been restored to its Victorian glory, so pop by for lunch under the ironwork awnings.
February daily sunshine hours Six hours
February average high 15C
February average rainfall 2.1 inches
Getting there
Flying time 3 hours 40 minutes
Flights to MaltaGran Canaria
The Canary Islands is the only place in Europe where you’re practically guaranteed beach-worthy temperatures in February. And on Gran Canaria – the third-largest island in the archipelago – it’s also the month when the mountains start to turn green and the island’s almond trees flower, showcasing their pale pink and white blossoms. If you’re a swimmer, the waters of the sheltered beaches, such as Mogán, Amadores and Puerto Rico, should be just about right for long lazy laps. After burning the calories, you can refuel on local delicacies, including the Canarian banana, locally made rum, palm honey from La Gomera and quesadilla cheesecake from El Hierro.
February daily sunshine hours Seven hours
February average high 20C
February average rainfall 1.5 inches
Getting there
Flying time 4 hours five minutes
Book NowAgadir, Morocco
Famous for its 10km golden-sand beach, this southern Moroccan city isn’t just for sunbathers. Surfers flock here in winter to take advantage of the trade winds from the north east. If you’re not into swimming or surfing, stroll along the six kilometre beachfront promenade, lined with cafes, bars and restaurants, or hire a car and head to nearby Souss Massa National Park, which runs down the coast from Inezgane. Allow plenty of time to explore its 330 sq km of spectacular cliffs, sand dunes, forests and diverse wildlife, including flamingos and the bald ibis.
February daily sunshine hours Eight hours
February average high 20C
February average rainfall 1.4 inches
Getting there
Flying time 3 hours 55 minutes
Book NowWeather data from www.weather2travel.com
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