As autumn settles in across the northern hemisphere, the days grow shorter, the skies darker, and the thought of sunshine will soon begin to feel like a distant memory. But according to The Times of London, all is not lost. In its latest roundup of “17 of the Best Places for Winter Sun in Europe,” the UK newspaper highlights two Greek favorites: the ever-romantic Santorini and the sun-soaked island of Crete.

For travelers from Europe’s more northerly climes – and beyond – these islands are close enough for a short hop, yet far enough south to promise mild weather, bright skies, and a refreshing change of scene. The message? Plan ahead now, and you’ll have something warm and sunny to look forward to when the winter blues start to bite.

Santorini: wine, walks, and quieter sunsets

Best known for its summer crowds and iconic caldera views, Santorini in winter is another story entirely. As The Times notes, Oia – the postcard-perfect village with blue-domed churches and sunset terraces – is far more peaceful from November on. With average daytime temperatures around 16°C, you can comfortably hike the cliffside trail from Fira to Oia, or take time exploring archaeological sites such as Akrotiri without the jostle of high-season tour groups.

Fewer visitors also mean easier access to the island’s outstanding food and wine. Many of Santorini’s tavernas and restaurants remain open, and a visit to one of its historic vineyards – among the oldest in Greece – makes for a memorable day out. Whether you’re sipping a cheeky glass of Assyrtiko on a sunlit terrace or wandering the winding lanes of Fira, winter lets you experience the island at a slower, more relaxed pace.

Crete: culture and sunshine combined

Crete, Greece’s largest island, offers one of the sunniest winter climates in Europe. Even as rain becomes more frequent later in the year, clear blue skies are common, and hardy swimmers may still take a dip in the sea. The real advantage of visiting in the cooler months is the chance to explore its world-class cultural sites in near solitude. The Minoan palace of Knossos and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum – normally thronged with summer tourists – can be almost empty in November.

At the same time, towns like Hania and Irakleio (Heraklion) remain lively, with bustling cafés, markets, and a year-round local vibe. In the countryside, citrus orchards and olive groves are at their most picturesque, while mountain trails invite hikers with crisp, clear air and dramatic scenery.

Who else made the cut?

Santorini and Crete are in excellent company on the list. Other winter-sun favorites include, in no particular order, Madeira, the Algarve, and Spain’s Tenerife and Mallorca, along with Malta, Sicily, Gibraltar, Cyprus, and the port town of Kas on Turkey’s “Turquoise coast.” Closer to home, cities such as Seville, Nice, Marbella, and Barcelona were praised for their mild climates and vibrant winter atmosphere.

From Dubrovnik on the Adriatic to Puglia in southern Italy, the message was clear: Europe has plenty of sunshine left to offer, even when the days grow short.