In a press release issued today, MSC Cruises invited guests to extend their summer vacations into October, November and December with a wide range of Mediterranean sailings that feature warm, sunny weather all the way through Christmas.
The Caribbean, the Canary Islands and Madeira are already popular choices for sun seekers in the winter, but there are plenty of options in the Mediterranean. From the charm of Southern France to history-rich destinations in Greece, MSC Cruises reveals the Mediterranean’s most sun-drenched spots.
Weather data for the some of the cruise line’s Mediterranean destinations throughout October, November and December shows that guests can expect to enjoy temperatures up to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, with up to 295 hours of sunshine per month and little to no chance of rain.* It’s the perfect time to experience some of the region’s must-visit attractions with fewer people and a more relaxed atmosphere.
One of the highlights this winter is a new itinerary for MSC Sinfonia that includes Greece for the first time. The 7-night sailing calls at Bari (Italy), Piraeus (for Athens), Corfu (Greece), plus Izmir and Istanbul (Turkey).
Discover the top destinations in the Mediterranean to extend your summer:
The winner – with 295 hours of sunshine: Izmir, Turkey
Guests can keep their swimsuits and sunglasses on for the winter in this sunny Turkish destination, which offers 295 hours of sunshine in October and an average of 25 sunny days a month throughout the winter. Make the most of temperatures in the lower 80’s while wandering through cobbled streets, bustling bazaars and taking in Izmir’s centuries-old and UNESCO listed wonders.
Guests can experience Izmir aboard MSC Sinfonia, which calls at the port-city throughout winter with 7-night itineraries.
The runner up – with 275 hours of sunshine: Valencia, Spain
Guests can escape the winter blues for some Spanish sunshine in Valencia, a city that offers around 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and an impressive 275 hours of sunshine in October alone. In the same month, the average temperature sits at 77 degrees. In November and December, when the majority of Europe sees temperatures fall, the Spanish city maintains an average high of around 68 degrees and around 247 monthly hours of sun. Guests can discover stunning architecture, stroll through its historic old town and the taste of world-famous Valencian paella while enjoying the outdoors with sunshine on a terrace and an ice-cold drink.
MSC Fantasia, MSC Lirica and MSC Seaside all sail on itineraries that call at Valencia between October and December.
Third place – with 272 hours of sunshine: La Goulette/Tunis, Tunisa
Sun seekers looking for a reprieve from the cold can escape to the northernmost country in Africa—Tunisia. Boasting an impressive 272 hours of sun in October, an average high of 79 degrees (reaching up to 82 degrees) it’s the perfect weather to experience the abundance of natural beauty and exceptional archaeological sites. In November, with temperatures around 70 degrees and 218 hours of sunshine, there is 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.
MSC Cruises has two ships calling at 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.
Honorable mentions:
With an average of 265 hours of sun in October and around 220 monthly hours of sunshine during November and December, Athens, Greece, makes for the perfect respite from the winter cold and gray, meaning guests can enjoy mild weather and quieter sites as they visit the remains of the ancient Acropolis, the citadel perched on a rocky cliff, rising nearly 500 feet above the city. MSC Sinfonia is offering seven-night itineraries calling at Athens’ port Piraeus throughout the winter and MSC Splendida is offering 9-night itineraries from October to November this year.
History rich Valetta, Malta is one of the sunniest spots in Europe during the winter months and sees up to an impressive 263 hours of sunshine in October and over 209 sunny hours in November, closely followed Marseille, France, which boasts an average of 262 hours of sunshine in October and up to 239 hours per month during the remainder of the winter season. MSC World Europa calls at Valetta and Marseille this winter. MSC Fantasia, MSC Lirica also offer itineraries to Marseille.
