Winter Flea Markets in Southern Europe (islands & archipelagos)
Approximate Flight Time from London (direct): 4 to 5 hours
Located within a relatively “short” traveling distance from most European major cities, the islands of Cyprus (southeast in the Mediterranean, between the coast of Turkey and Lebanon) and Madeira (the Atlantic Ocean, north-west of the Canary Islands and a little further away from Africa) offer fantastic scenery and a nice alternative to escape mass tourism in Southern Europe. Both enjoy warm winters and balmy summers, which make them the ideal holiday destination all year round.
Winter Flea Market N°7: Las Palmas, GRAN CANARIA
Average daytime temperature November to March: 19 °C – 66 °F
Approximate Flight Time from London (direct): 4 hours 35 minutes | Flight Distance: 1,787 miles / 2,876 Km (more cities)
Because it is located on a nautical crossroads between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, Gran Canaria has been for many centuries, an important trading post which has long welcomed foreign influence. And remnants of this influence can nowadays be found in everything from local cuisines, to its rich selection of antiques sold in the island’s most promising vintage shops.
While Gran Canaria is home to a large variety of traditional markets, flea markets are not its strength. Nonetheless, Las Palmas has a few antique shops which are definitely worth the detour. From vintage clothing to retro furniture and good old-fashioned antiques, there are some things you just can’t find on Las Palma’s high-street. While there are a number of average second-hand shops around the city of Las Palmas, one of the most popular places to purchase antique treasure, like MASAP Anticuario y Colleccionista and Polonium 209, is along the Avenida de Canarias. READ: GRAN CANARIA: ANTIQUE SHOPPING IN THE WINTER SUN
About the weather: Often described as a “continent in miniature”, Gran Canaria is one of the Canary Islands and home to sandy beaches, a mild climate all year long, and a staggering diversity of landscapes with a broad range of ecosystems, ranging from red-earthed pine forests to dusty deserts. In fact, Gran Canaria is great for winter and summer sun, with Maspalomas, Playa del Ingles, and Puerto Rico is the most popular resorts.
Winter Flea Market N°7: Funchal, MADEIRA
Average daytime temperature November to March: 16 °C – 61 °F
Approximate Flight Time from London (direct): 3 hours, 52 minutes | Flight Distance: 1,548 miles / 2,491 km (more cities)
- Coastline Funchal, Madeira
Madeira’s traditional flea markets like the Feira da Lagartixa and the Madeira Flea Market have a vast array of items on display, ranging from local arts & crafts to Portuguese antiques and collectibles. Flea markets in Madeira may not be ranked as the most impressive flea market in the world, but it is sometimes worth paying them a visit if you have some spare time in Funchal; who knows, you might end up finding one hidden gem there. READ: LIST OF FLEA MARKETS IN FUNCHAL, MADEIRA
About the weather: Madeira is where many people go to flee winter thanks to its mild temperatures and as much as 10 hours of sunshine a day in January. The island is a gem worth discovering at any time of year and is especially great to visit during winter months due to the reduced numbers of visitors and the low cost of living which will make it a very affordable trip after your Christmas splurging. Madeira is classified as a Mediterranean climate: its islands are strongly influenced by the Gulf Stream and Canary Current, giving mild year-round temperatures and an average of 180 monthly sunshine hours between December (164 hours) and March (205 hours).
Winter Flea Market N°8: Nicosia, CYPRUS
Average daytime temperature November to March: 18 °C – 64 °F
Approximate Flight Time from London (direct): 5 hours | Flight Distance: 2,000 miles / 3,219 km (more cities)
- Port of Nicosia, Cyprus
Flea Markets in Cyprus have a bit of everything on display, like clothes, antiques, collectibles, traditional Cypriot foodstuff, and handicrafts. Some markets, like the Ayia Thekla flea market, are even located just by the beach! Visitors can sit at one of the seafront bars and restaurants to taste freshly smoked fish and delicious home baking at any time of year. READ: LIST OF FLEA MARKETS IN NICOSIA, CYPRUS
About the weather: A little further southeast in the Mediterranean and quite a bit warmer than Madeira, Cyprus is another island worth escaping to during winter. Cyprus has the warmest climate (and warmest winters) in the Mediterranean part of the European Union. Among all cities in the Mediterranean part of the European Union, Limassol has the warmest winters, in the period January–February average temperature is 18 °C (64 °F) during the day and 9 °C (48 °F) at night. Temperatures can be as warm as 20 degrees Celsius on the coast and having warmed up all summer, the sea is almost as warm too!
