Mediterranean cities and islands without the crowds: readers’ favourite winter trips in southern Europe

It’s not only better weather that takes visitors south in winter, it’s also the quieter beaches, museums and restaurants. Our tipsters explore cities and towns from Porto to Athens

After some gentle winter sunshine to warm your skin and soothe your soul? Take a trip to Gozo, an island with wonderful coastal scenery a short ferry ride from Malta. Walk along the coast to admire the Azure Window; swim in untouched waters on secluded beaches and admire the neo-Romanesque architecture of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu. Spend the evenings eating freshly caught fish with a glass of Maltese wine, which rivals its Mediterranean neighbours in quality.
Laura B