When snow and ice dominate life in Germany, many dream of an extended stay in a warmer place. A long-term holiday in winter offers not only a welcome escape from cold and darkness but also the opportunity to experience a different lifestyle and leave everyday life behind. In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn why a longer winter stay in the south can be so enriching, which destinations are particularly suitable, and why one Mediterranean island, in particular, is emerging as a real insider tip.
The advantages of a longer stay during the cold season extend to various areas of life:
A long-term holiday in winter can have extremely positive effects on health:
More sunlight and vitamin D: In Germany, there is often a lack of sunlight during the winter months, which can lead to vitamin D deficiency. In southern countries, however, the sun shines regularly even in winter, which lifts the mood and strengthens the immune system.
Relief from joint and respiratory complaints: Many people with arthritis, rheumatism, or respiratory diseases report a significant improvement in their symptoms in a warmer, drier climate.
Fewer colds: The heating air and the constant changing between cold outside air and heated rooms in Germany promote colds and flu-like infections. A consistently mild climate can reduce the risk.
More exercise: While in Germany, one is often bound to the house by the weather in winter, a warm climate allows daily outdoor activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling.
The psychological advantages of a long-term holiday in winter should not be underestimated:
Avoiding winter depression: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects many people during the dark winter months. More daylight can counteract this form of depression.
Stress reduction: The distance from the familiar environment and daily obligations allows for real relaxation and distance from stress factors.
New perspectives: Spending a longer time in a different culture opens up new perspectives and can lead to personal growth.
More social contacts: In popular winter destinations, like-minded people often gather, which can lead to new friendships and a richer social life.
A long-term holiday in winter can surprisingly be cheaper than a short stay:
Seasonal price advantages: Many accommodations offer attractive discounts for long-term stays in the off-season.
Saving on heating costs: Heating costs in Germany are continuously rising. Those who spend the winter in the south can save considerably here.
Lower cost of living: In many popular winter destinations, food, restaurant visits, and leisure activities are significantly cheaper than in Germany.
More value for money: With a longer stay, you can live and shop like a local, instead of paying tourist-inflated prices.
Depending on personal preferences and budget, there are various attractive destinations for a long-term holiday in winter. Here we present the most popular regions with their advantages and disadvantages:
Main islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura
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Approximate costs for 3 months:
Main regions: Andalusia (Málaga, Marbella), Valencia (Alicante, Benidorm)
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Approximate costs for 3 months:
Main regions: Algarve (Faro, Albufeira), Madeira
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Approximate costs for 3 months:
Main regions: Turkish Riviera (Antalya, Alanya, Side)
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Approximate costs for 3 months:
Main regions: Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, Bali (Indonesia)
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Approximate costs for 3 months:
While the above-mentioned destinations have been classics for a long-term holiday in winter for years, Cyprus has recently developed into a real insider tip. The third-largest Mediterranean island combines numerous advantages that make it particularly attractive for an extended winter stay.
Cyprus offers one of the best winter climates in the entire Mediterranean region:
High sunshine duration: With over 340 sunny days per year, Cyprus even surpasses the Canary Islands.
Pleasant temperatures: The daytime values in winter are between 16 and 20°C – ideal for outdoor activities without it getting too hot.
Little precipitation: The winter months in Cyprus are predominantly dry, rainy days are rare and usually of short duration.
Microclimate depending on location: The diversity of the landscape makes it possible to choose between coast, lowland, and mountain regions – each with its own charm.
Compared to other Mediterranean regions, Cyprus remains significantly milder and sunnier even during the winter months from December to February.
A uniqueness of Cyprus is the division into a Greek-influenced south (Republic of Cyprus) and a Turkish-influenced north (Northern Cyprus). For long-term holidaymakers, this special situation offers unexpected advantages:
Significantly lower prices: The costs for accommodation, restaurants, and daily expenses in the north are about 20-30% below the level of the south.
Less touristy: Quieter atmosphere and more authentic experiences away from mass tourism.
Historical treasures: Impressive medieval castles, Gothic cathedrals, and ancient ruins in an unspoiled environment.
Pristine beaches: Especially the Karpaz Peninsula offers some of the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean, which are nearly deserted in winter.
European standards: As an EU member, the south offers familiar quality standards in services and infrastructure.
Modern healthcare: High-quality clinics and often German- or English-speaking doctors.
International ambiance: Shopping opportunities, diverse restaurants, and cultural offerings.
Uncomplicated entry: For EU citizens, an ID card is sufficient for entry.
The secret to a perfect long-term holiday in winter in Cyprus lies in the clever combination of the advantages of both parts of the island:
This strategy allows for significant savings in accommodation costs without having to forgo the advantages of the European south. The border between both parts is easily passable today, which enables daily or regular excursions to the respective other part.
For a stress-free long-term holiday in winter, specialized providers in Cyprus offer tailor-made all-inclusive packages that go far beyond what is common in other destinations:
A typical long-term package for Cyprus includes:
Unlike simple hotel stays or holiday apartments, these special packages for a long-term holiday in winter offer a comprehensive program:
An extraordinary advantage of these packages are the included trips to international destinations:
These special experiences, which are either not offered in other winter destinations or are separately very expensive, give a long-term holiday in winter in Cyprus a unique added value.
Another advantage for a long-term holiday in winter in Cyprus is the comprehensive personal support:
A typical 30-day package for a long-term holiday in winter in Cyprus could look like this:
Compared to the total costs for a three-month stay in other destinations, this package offers excellent value for money, especially considering the added value of the included excursions and activities.
To get the most out of your winter stay, here are some practical advice:
Thorough planning is the key to a successful long-term holiday in winter:
Early booking: Especially for the winter months, you should book at least 3-6 months in advance to benefit from early booking discounts and have the best selection.
Health check: Before a longer stay, have a thorough health examination, especially if you regularly take medication or have chronic illnesses.
Insurance: Take out special international health insurance for long-term stays. Ordinary travel insurance usually only covers shorter periods.
Documents: Ensure that your ID card or passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your planned stay.
When choosing accommodation for a long-term holiday in winter, you should pay particular attention to the following points:
Heating: Even in the Mediterranean region, nights can be cool in winter. Heating or at least air conditioning with heating function is important.
Location and orientation: South-facing accommodation receives more sunlight and warmth in winter.
Insulation: Many accommodations in southern countries are not well insulated. Look for double glazing and good building substance.
Long-term equipment: For a longer stay, certain amenities are important: a well-equipped kitchen, washing machine, comfortable seating, good bed, and sufficient storage space.
For a carefree long-term holiday in winter, these aspects should also be considered:
Bank cards and cash: Inform yourself about favorable payment and withdrawal options abroad. Credit cards with low foreign fees or special travel accounts can save a lot of money.
Internet and telephone: Check the roaming conditions of your mobile provider or consider getting a local SIM card for cheaper communication.
Streaming and entertainment: Keep in mind that many streaming services may have restrictions abroad. A VPN service can help to watch German content.
Regular payments: Set up standing orders for recurring payments and inform your bank about your longer stay abroad.
Health care is particularly important during a longer stay:
Medication supply: Take enough regularly needed medications, ideally with a list of active ingredients (international names).
Medical documents: You should carry important medical documents such as vaccination records, allergy information, or reports on chronic diseases, ideally in English translation.
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC): This is important for stays in EU countries like Southern Cyprus.
Local healthcare: Inform yourself in advance about doctors and hospitals at the destination that speak your language.
To illustrate the unique advantages of a long-term holiday in winter in Cyprus, here is a direct comparison with other popular winter destinations:
Climate: Both regions offer mild winter weather, but while the Canaries consistently offer 20-22°C, Cyprus can reach up to 22-25°C on sunny days. The humidity in Cyprus is also lower, which many people find more pleasant.
Costs: Cyprus, especially Northern Cyprus, is significantly cheaper than the touristically highly developed Canary Islands.
Culture: While the Canaries are strongly characterized by tourism, Cyprus offers a more authentic Mediterranean culture with Greek and Turkish influences.
Excursion possibilities: The Canaries are islands – once there, one is limited to the limited territory. Cyprus, on the other hand, enables excursions to nearby countries like Egypt or Israel.
Climate: The winter climate on the Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca can be unstable, with occasional rain periods and cooler periods. Cyprus, on the other hand, offers more stable weather with more sunny days.
Prices: While the popular coastal regions of Spain are becoming increasingly expensive, Northern Cyprus still offers excellent value for money.
Overcrowding: Many Spanish coastal towns suffer from mass tourism and over-development. Cyprus, especially the north, is much quieter and less developed.
Activities: The all-inclusive packages in Cyprus with their diverse excursions and activities offer more variety than an ordinary stay on the Spanish coast.
Stability: Cyprus offers a more stable political and economic environment than Turkey.
Two cultures: Cyprus combines Greek and Turkish influences and culture, so it offers "two countries for the price of one," so to speak.
EU advantages: Through the southern part, one has access to all EU benefits such as the European health insurance, while benefiting from the lower prices in the north.
Included excursions: The special winter packages for Cyprus include significantly more activities and excursions than comparable offers in Turkey.
The best recommendations come from people who have already spent a long-term holiday in winter in Cyprus:
"After years of winter holidays on the Costa del Sol, we discovered Cyprus two years ago and are thrilled. The weather is more stable, the prices are cheaper, and the all-inclusive packages with the many excursions offer unbeatable value for money. Especially the excursion to Cairo to the pyramids was an unforgettable experience that would either not be possible or very expensive in other destinations." - Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt, 68 and 65 years
"As an active retiree, I particularly appreciate the diversity of the landscape in Cyprus. One day I can go for a walk on the beach, the next day hike in the mountains. The combination of affordable accommodation in the north and excursions all over the island is brilliant. The personal support and the community with other long-term holidaymakers ensure that boredom never arises." - Helga M., 70 years
"For me as a digital nomad, Cyprus is ideal. The mild climate, the affordable cost of living in Northern Cyprus, and the good internet connection allow me to work effectively while enjoying the benefits of a Mediterranean stay. The central location in the eastern Mediterranean also allows weekend trips to many fascinating countries." - Thomas K., 42 years
A long-term holiday in winter offers numerous advantages for health, well-being, and quality of life. While classic destinations like the Canary Islands, the Spanish mainland, Portugal, or Thailand have their charms, Cyprus is increasingly becoming the first choice for winter holidaymakers.
The unique combination of perfect climate, rich culture and history, affordable prices, and all-inclusive packages specially tailored to the needs of long-term holidaymakers makes the Mediterranean island the ideal winter domicile. Especially the possibility to combine the advantages of both parts of the island and to explore the entire island from a comfortable base in the more affordable Northern Cyprus represents an unbeatable added value.
The included excursions to neighboring countries like Egypt, Israel, or Lebanon also offer experiences that would either not be possible in other winter destinations or would involve significant additional costs. For all those who want to escape the German winter and not only soak up the sun but also experience a lot culturally and activity-wise, Cyprus thus offers a perfect balance of comfort, experience, and value for money.
Would you like to learn more about the possibilities of a winter stay in Cyprus? Request a non-binding offer now and get individual advice:
No obligations, no hidden costs – just comprehensive information to help you plan your perfect winter stay.
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