As the northern hemisphere braces for winter, the Mediterranean has plenty of destinations where travellers can bask in the sun during October, November and December.
MSC Cruises revealed that travellers can extend their holiday season and experience warm sunny weather even on the approach to Christmas.
These sailings are also perfect for South African travellers looking to experience the Mediterranean during the festive.
According to MSC Cruises, weather data for Mediterranean destinations the cruise line calls in October, November and December shows that guests can expect to enjoy temperatures up to 28°C, with 295 hours of sunshine a month, little to no chance of rain making this the perfect time to experience some of the must-visit attractions with fewer people and a more relaxed atmosphere.
So if you’re looking to explore the Mediterranean, here are some sailings to look forward during these months.
Izmir, Türkiye
According to MSC Cruises, guests can keep their swimsuits and sunglasses on for the winter when it comes to this sunny destination in Türkiye which offers 295 hours of sunshine in October and an average of 25 sunny days a month throughout the winter months.
“Make the most of temperatures in their mid-twenties while wandering through cobbled streets, bustling bazaars and taking in Izmir’s centuries-old and UNESCO listed wonders.
“Guests can experience Izmir as MSC Sinfonia calls to the port-city throughout winter, offering seven-night itineraries,” said the cruise line.
Valencia, Spain
“Guests can escape the winter blues for some Spanish sunshine in Valencia, a city that offers up to up to 3 000 hours of sunshine per year and an impressive 272 hours of sunshine in October alone.
In the same month the average temperature is still sitting at around 25°C,” said MSC Cruises.
The cruise line also said that in November and December when the majority of Europe sees temperatures fall the Spanish city maintains an average high of around 20°C and around 247 hours of sun.
“Guests can discover stunning architecture, stroll through its historic old town and the taste of the world-famous Valencian paella whilst sat outdoors enjoying the sunshine on a terrace with an iced drink.
“MSC Fantasia, MSC Lirica and MSC Seaside all sail on itineraries that call Valencia between October and December,” said the cruise line.
La Goulette/Tunis, Tunisa
The cruise line said that sun seekers looking for a reprieve from the cold can escape to the northernmost country in Africa, Tunisia that boasts an impressive 272 hours of sun in October, an average high of 26°C, reaching up to 28°C.
“It’s the perfect weather to experience the abundance of natural beauty and exceptional archaeological sites.
“In November, with an average temperature of 21°C and 218 hours of sunshine, there’s an average of 27 sunny days a month all winter. With a wealth of attractions, from the UNESCO-listed Medina with its mausoleums and palaces to the remains of ancient Carthage, opt to see the sights or simply bathe in the glory of summer-like sun,” it said.
MSC Cruises also has two ships calling to La Goulette, Tunis between October and December this year, MSC Grandiosa and MSC Fantasia, with a range of easy embarkation ports in Europe across Spain, France and Italy.
Athens, Greece
According to MSC, with an average of 265 hours of sun in October and around 220 hours of sunshine during November and December, Athens, Greece, makes for the perfect respite from the winter cold and grey, meaning guests can enjoy the milder weather and quieter sites as they visit the remains of the ancient Acropolis, the citadel perched on a rocky cliff, rising 150-metres above the city.
“MSC Sinfonia is offering seven-night itineraries calling to Athens’ port Piraeus through all of winter and MSC Splendida is offering 9-night itineraries from October to November this year,” said the cruise line.