What are the best options for beach vacations in Europe in January and February?

French polynesia!

I doubt you can swim anywhere in Europe that time of year. But, if there were to be a chance I'm thinking the Southern Coast of Crete or the Canary Islands?

You want to go to a beach in Europe in the Northern Hemisphere Winter?

Yes, I've heard the Canary Islands are nice. I was checking to see what other options might also be nice.

The Canary Islands are of the coast of Africa - not really near Europe. No place in Europe will be warm/beachy in the depth of winter.

You need to head much farther south . . . . .

Sometimes, the coasts in Southern Spain in winter are warm enough for sunbathing, but the water is probably too cold for a swim.
But for reliable beach weather, the Canary Isles, esp the southern coasts of Tenerife or Gran Canaria, are the best. Temperatures average 70-72F through winter. They are very popular winter sun destinations.

I agree with the suggestion for the Canary islands although they are not in mailand Europe. I'm curious about something: If you want a beach vacation in the winter, why are you looking at Europe? There are so many nice places in other parts of the world where warm weather is a sure thing.

I would also add that there are much cheaper places than Europe for a beach vacation 8-)

I don't know if Crete would work - I was in Greece Arpil, May and June and the water was still super chilly in mid June.

Good Travels,

Murphy

Crete will not work for a swimming vacation during January and February unless you like your water cold.

As per http://www.theculturedtraveler.com/A...004/Greece.htm
(of course I don't know how reliable they are)
"From here, you have two options: The first is to drive south and explore southern Crete. See Frangocastelo and Sphakia, and hike through the gorge of Samaria, where you will see flora found nowhere elsewhere in the world. You might even be able to swim on the south coast in mid-winter where the warm air from Libya often makes the sea pleasurable."

To give you an idea...

"South Crete is generally a couple of Celsius warmer than the North (but water temperatures are roughly similar)." This site lists the average water temp for Crete in January as 16 degrees and February 15 degrees.

http://www.west-crete.com/climate-weather-crete.htm

I don't know if that is ideal for swimming, but Crete has a lot to offer regardless.

Good Travels,

Murphy

I'm sticking with somewhere in Europe, as I will be following up the beach vacation with some skiing in the French Alps.

Have we looked at a globe recently?

From the sounds of things, I getting the impression that a beach vacation isn't realistic for this time of year, even in the Canary Islands. Perhaps I should stick with a culture rich destination instead.

In reponse to....starrsville: "Have we looked at a globe recently?"

I just looked at one. The Canary Islands are relatively close to the Equator, on the same path as Florida.