The thought of gray, cold winter days in Germany makes many people dream of a break in the south. Wintering in the south is no longer just a privilege of wealthy retirees but is developing into a trend for all age groups. From Spain to Cyprus – the possibilities are diverse. But where can you winter affordably in the south, and which destination offers the best value for money? This comprehensive guide provides answers and shows why a certain Mediterranean island is considered an insider tip among connoisseurs.

Why More and More People Winter in the South

The motivations for wintering in Southern Europe are as diverse as the people themselves. Some of the most common reasons:

Health Benefits

• More sunlight: In the winter months, Germany often suffers from a lack of light, which can lead to vitamin D deficiency and seasonal depression. In southern Europe, however, the sun shines much more frequently even in winter.

• Milder climate: Joint pain and rheumatic complaints often occur less severely in warmer, dry climates. The mild temperatures in the Mediterranean region can therefore have positive effects on health.

• More active lifestyle: The more pleasant weather allows for more outdoor activities, from daily walks to swimming in the sea – even in January.

Financial Aspects

• Saving on heating costs: Energy costs in Germany continue to rise. Those who spend the winter in the south can save significantly on heating costs.

• Lower cost of living: In many southern European countries, food, restaurant visits, and other everyday expenses are significantly cheaper than in Germany.

• Seasonal offers: In the off-season, many hotels and holiday apartments offer attractive long-term discounts, making affordable wintering in the south possible.

Quality of Life and New Experiences

• More relaxed lifestyle: The southern European mentality of "Dolce Vita" or "Siga Siga" (slowly, slowly) can be a welcome change from the often hectic German everyday life.

• Cultural richness: A longer stay allows you to immerse yourself deeper in the local culture and gather authentic experiences.

• New social contacts: Many winter visitors make friendships with like-minded people or locals, which enriches the stay.

The Most Popular Destinations for Wintering in Southern Europe

Those interested in wintering in the south have various options. Here is an overview of the most popular destinations with their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Spain: The Classic

Most popular regions: Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, Canary Islands

Advantages:

• Well-developed infrastructure specifically for long-term vacationers
• Large German communities in many places
• Year-round mild temperatures on the Canary Islands (18-24°C)
• Good flight connections to Germany

Disadvantages:

• Increasingly higher prices, especially in popular areas
• Overcrowding in hotspots like Mallorca or Tenerife
• Mainland coast can be quite cool and rainy in winter
• Often little authentic Spanish life in tourist centers

Approximate costs for 3 months (per person):

• Holiday apartment: 2,400-4,500 €
• Food: 1,500-2,400 €
• Activities/excursions: 500-1,200 €
• Total: approx. 4,400-8,100 €

Portugal: The Rising Star

Most popular regions: Algarve, Lisbon region, Madeira

Advantages:

• Still somewhat cheaper than Spain
• Friendly population with good English skills
• Particularly mild climate in the Algarve and on Madeira
• Authentic local culture and excellent cuisine

Disadvantages:

• Atlantic coast can be stormy and rainy in winter
• Infrastructure partly not at the level of Spain
• Fewer German-speaking services
• Increasingly rising prices due to growing popularity

Approximate costs for 3 months (per person):

• Holiday apartment: 2,100-4,200 €
• Food: 1,350-2,250 €
• Activities/excursions: 450-1,100 €
• Total: approx. 3,900-7,550 €

Italy: Southern Italian Flair

Most popular regions: Sicily, Calabria, Apulia

Advantages:

• Rich cultural offerings and historical sites
• Excellent gastronomy at moderate prices
• Authentic Mediterranean lifestyle
• Mild winter climate in the deeper south and on Sicily

Disadvantages:

• More expensive than other southern European countries
• Infrastructure sometimes not optimal
• Public transport can be unreliable
• Language barrier outside tourist centers

Approximate costs for 3 months (per person):

• Holiday apartment: 2,700-4,800 €
• Food: 1,650-2,550 €
• Activities/excursions: 600-1,300 €
• Total: approx. 4,950-8,650 €

Greece: Islands and Mainland

Most popular regions: Crete, Rhodes, Peloponnese

Advantages:

• Vibrant culture and historical heritage
• Warm hospitality
• Healthy Mediterranean diet
• Pleasant winter climate on southern islands

Disadvantages:

• Many smaller islands "close" in winter
• More unstable winter weather than in more western regions
• Infrastructure partially outdated
• Complicated ferry connections in the off-season

Approximate costs for 3 months (per person):

• Holiday apartment: 1,800-3,900 €
• Food: 1,500-2,400 €
• Activities/excursions: 450-1,100 €
• Total: approx. 3,750-7,400 €

Turkey: Affordable Alternative

Most popular regions: Turkish Riviera (Antalya, Alanya, Side)

Advantages:

• Very low price level for accommodation and food
• Well-developed hotel infrastructure
• Mild winter temperatures on the south coast
• Excellent value for money for long-term rentals

Disadvantages:

• More complex entry requirements (visa)
• Larger cultural differences may require adjustment
• Language barrier outside tourist areas
• Political situation partially uncertain

Approximate costs for 3 months (per person):

• Holiday apartment: 1,500-3,300 €
• Food: 1,050-1,950 €
• Activities/excursions: 400-1,000 €
• Total: approx. 2,950-6,250 €

The Insider Tip: Cyprus as the Ideal Destination for Wintering

While the countries mentioned so far are classics for wintering in Southern Europe, Cyprus has developed into a real insider tip in recent years. The third-largest Mediterranean island combines numerous advantages that make it particularly attractive for long-term vacationers.

Unbeatable Climate: 340 Days of Sunshine Per Year

Cyprus scores with one of the best winter climates in all of Europe:

• Mild temperatures: In winter, average temperatures are at a pleasant 16-20°C, ideal for outdoor activities.
• Minimal precipitation: Even in the winter months, rainy days remain rare and of short duration.
• Warm sea: The water temperature rarely drops below 16°C even in January, making swimming possible for the hardy.
• Long days: With significantly more daylight than in Germany, you can make optimal use of the days.

In direct comparison, Cyprus thus surpasses classic winter destinations such as Spain's Costa del Sol or the Algarve in Portugal.

The Unique Situation: Northern and Southern Cyprus

The island's special geopolitical situation – divided into a Greek-influenced south (Republic of Cyprus) and a Turkish-influenced north (Northern Cyprus) – offers winter visitors an unexpected advantage:

Northern Cyprus: Affordable Paradise

• Significantly lower prices: Accommodations, restaurants, and everyday costs are about 20-30% below the level of Southern Cyprus.
• Fewer tourists: More authentic experience and less crowded attractions.
• Turkish influences: Ideal for those who appreciate Turkish culture but want to experience it in a more stable environment.
• Untouched nature: Especially the Karpaz Peninsula impresses with lonely beaches and protected nature.

Southern Cyprus: EU Standard with Mediterranean Flair

• EU standard: As part of the European Union, the south offers familiar standards in infrastructure and services.
• International atmosphere: More expat communities and cosmopolitan flair.
• Larger leisure activities: More shopping opportunities and cultural events.
• Easier arrival: Direct flights from Germany to Larnaca and Paphos airports.

The Optimal Combination: Living in Northern Cyprus, Exploring the Entire Island

The key to affordable wintering in the south lies in the clever combination of both parts of the island. Resourceful providers have recognized that accommodation in the more affordable north combined with excursions throughout the entire island represents an optimal solution:

• Cost savings: Significant sums can be saved through accommodation in the north.
• Versatility: Excursions to the south allow experiencing the entire island.
• Best beaches: Access to the most beautiful beaches of both parts of the island.
• Cultural diversity: Experiencing Greek and Turkish influences in an authentic environment.

This combination enables wintering in Southern Europe at costs significantly below those in Spain or Italy, without having to sacrifice comfort or experiential diversity.

Unbeatable Advantages of Cyprus Compared to Other Winter Destinations

In direct comparison with other popular destinations for wintering in the south, Cyprus offers some unique advantages:

1. Manageable Size and Short Distances

With an area of only about 9,250 km², Cyprus is significantly more compact than other popular winter destinations. This means:

• All attractions are reachable within a short time
• Maximum diversity in a small area
• Less time in transport, more time to enjoy
• Ideal for day trips without tiring long drives

2. Unique Cultural Diversity

Due to its eventful history, Cyprus offers a cultural diversity that is second to none:

• Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman influences
• Well-preserved ancient sites such as Salamis or Kourion
• Impressive medieval castles and monasteries
• Traditional villages with authentic character

3. Excursion Possibilities to Neighboring Countries

Thanks to its strategic location in the eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus enables something that other winter domiciles cannot offer:

• Short trips to Egypt with visits to the pyramids
• Excursions to the Holy Land (Israel/Palestine)
• Visits to Beirut (Lebanon)
• Trips to the Greek islands

This unique geographical location makes a long-term stay in Cyprus particularly varied.

4. Language Advantages

Due to the island's British past, English is widely spoken in Cyprus:

• Easier communication than in other southern countries
• Fewer language barriers for official business or doctor visits
• English-language media and events
• Additionally Turkish in the north, Greek in the south

Specialized Long-term Offers for Winter Visitors

For those seeking affordable wintering in the south, specialized tour operators in Cyprus offer tailor-made packages perfectly suited to the needs of long-term vacationers:

All-inclusive Arrangements with Remarkable Added Value

• Accommodation: Comfortable hotels or apartments in Northern Cyprus
• Meals: Half-board or full-board with local and international dishes
• Activities: Regular organized excursions throughout the entire island
• Foreign trips: Included travels to neighboring countries such as Egypt
• Support: German-speaking contacts on site
• Transport: Airport transfers and transport to all activities

The Special Added Value: Organized Excursions

A unique selling point of these packages are the included excursions, which often have to be booked at extra cost for comparable offers in other countries:

• Regular tours to the main attractions of both parts of the island
• Guided hikes in the Troodos Mountains or along the coast
• Wine tastings and culinary experiences
• Cultural events and local festivals
• One or multi-day excursions to Egypt, Israel, or Lebanon

Price Example for a 3-month Stay in Cyprus

An all-inclusive package for three months of wintering in Southern Europe could look like this:

• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Kyrenia (Northern Cyprus) with half-board
• Included services: 30 excursions throughout the entire island, 1 excursion to Cairo
• Extras: Airport transfers, WiFi, cleaning service, German-speaking support
• Total price: from 6,890 € per person for 90 days (approx. 76 € per day)

Compared to the other destinations mentioned, this package offers excellent value for money, especially considering the included excursions and activities.

Practical Tips for Wintering in Cyprus

To ensure your wintering in the south is a complete success, here are some practical tips specifically for Cyprus:

The Best Time to Travel

The ideal time for a long-term stay in Cyprus is from October to May:

• October to November: Still summery warm, perfect for beach days and swimming
• December to February: Mild with daytime temperatures around 16-18°C, ideal for activities
• March to May: Spring-like weather with blossoms and increasing warmth

Arrival

The easiest way to arrive is by plane:

• Direct flights from various German airports to Larnaca or Paphos (southern part)
• Arrival to the north usually occurs via transfer from the south or via Turkey
• Flight duration from Germany: approx. 3.5-4 hours
• Best flight prices in the off-season (November to March)

Entry Requirements

The following regulations apply to German citizens:

• Republic of Cyprus (South): As an EU country, an ID card is sufficient
• Northern Cyprus: Officially a passport is required, but in practice, an ID card is often accepted
• Duration of stay: Unlimited in the south (EU), up to 90 days without a visa in the north

Healthcare

Medical care in Cyprus is good:

• Southern Cyprus: EU standard, European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid
• Northern Cyprus: Good private clinics at moderate prices
• Recommendation: Additional international health insurance for longer stays
• Pharmacies: Well-stocked, many medications available without prescription

Accommodation Options

Depending on budget and preferences, various accommodation options are available:

• Hotels with long-term offers: Many hotels offer special monthly rates with substantial discounts
• Holiday apartments and houses: Flexible self-catering option with more privacy
• All-inclusive packages: Worry-free package with accommodation, meals, and activities
• Shared accommodations: Budget-friendly option for solo travelers seeking social contacts

Conclusion: Cyprus as the Optimal Choice for Affordable Wintering in the South

While Spain, Portugal, and other classic winter domiciles remain popular, Cyprus has established itself as an outstanding alternative. With its unbeatable climate, fascinating cultural diversity, and excellent value for money – especially in Northern Cyprus – the island offers ideal conditions for those wanting to escape the German winter.

Particularly the combination of affordable accommodation in the north and the possibility to explore the entire island as well as neighboring countries makes Cyprus an insider tip for wintering in Southern Europe. The all-inclusive packages of specialized providers offer a carefree package that leaves hardly any wishes unfulfilled.

Those who have once experienced the advantages of a Cypriot winter – from the warm winter sun to the heartfelt hospitality to the varied landscape – often return as regular guests. Not without reason, Cyprus is considered the best-kept secret among connoisseurs for affordable wintering in the south.

Free Report: All About Wintering in Cyprus

Would you like to learn more about the possibilities of a long-term stay in Cyprus? In our free report "Wintering in the South: The Ultimate Cyprus Guide," you will find all the important information:

• Detailed cost comparisons between Cyprus and other winter destinations
• The 10 best regions for winter visitors in Cyprus
• Insider tips on combining Northern and Southern Cyprus
• Practical checklist for preparing your long-term stay
• Experience reports from winter visitors who have been returning to Cyprus for years