Which European coastal resorts are just as much fun in winter as in summer? For those who do like to be beside the seaside, all year, check out our pick of Europe’s seaside hotspots even when the weather’s not so hot.

For those who love the sea, no day is complete without a stroll along the prom or pier. The benefits of cold weather swimming are well known too, and nothing quite beats the drama of an autumn or winter storm.

But many seaside resorts virtually close down outside the summer months, including the local airports, leaving holiday homeowners and retirees high and dry.

So where can you buy a home on the coast that’s as much fun in winter as in summer?

Here are five of our favourites in Europe, each with good out-of-season flights and a glorious lifestyle whatever the weather.

Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain

Setting the benchmark for Mediterranean resort cities, the capital of the Balearics packs a magnificent old town, chic marina and waterfront district, top-notch shopping and restaurants and world-class amenities into a charming and accessible package.

Even off season, Palma de Mallorca has a beautiful seaside (Joan Llado / Shutterstock.com)

There was a time when tourists stayed in the resorts and the Mallorquins kept the capital largely to themselves. But the secret is out and these days come the winter months, you can swap days on the local beaches for the fun of strolling, roller-blading or cycling along the Paseo Maritimo promenade.

It’s a city that loves food, culture and shopping. So you’ll be choosing food shopping at the Mercat de l’Olivar or Santa Catalina markets, browsing the fashion boutiques in Paseo del Borne or enjoying a drink and tapas in the many bars.

Within a short drive into the island’s interior are golf courses, pretty walking trails, ancient towns, orange groves, vineyards and plentiful spas.

Property: Budget from €500,000 to €600,000 for a small apartment within walking distance of the centre. For larger properties in the most desirable districts, a typical spend is €1million-€2million.

Fly to: Palma’s own airport, around 20 minutes’ transfer from the city-centre.

Biarritz and Bayonne, France

The seaboard of the French Basque region is a snug world of old-world charm and unspoilt Atlantic coastline. All tucked beneath the Pyrenees in France’s south-west corner.

Neighbouring Biarritz and Bayonne are the go-to destinations. Once a fishing village, the former grew into a chic period spa resort that attracted Napoleon III and other European nobles. Today, it’s not only its diverse period architecture, quality lifestyle and chic entertainment that attract foreigners – the beaches at the suburb of Anglet draw surfers from around the world, and there are some excellent golf courses on the edge of town too.

Port and cafes in the centre of Biarritz

In winter you will thrill to the Atlantic rollers that crash onto the beaches and tricks in the very centre of town.

A short bus ride away, historic Bayonne is a fortified port city on the confluence of two rivers, 10 minutes from the sea. It’s a microcosm of French Basque culture, with a citadel, cathedral, beautifully preserved riverside architecture. You can keep out the winter chill with its famous chocolate and ham too.

Property: For a small apartment around central Biarritz or Bayonne, budget from €500,000. Prime properties nearer the sea in Biarritz are upwards of €1milllion.

Fly to: Biarritz’s own airport, or via Bordeaux or even Bilbao

Silver Coast, Portugal

Portugal’s western Atlantic seaboard, starting an hour north of Lisbon and running for around 150 kilometres, offers a more rustic, Portuguese lifestyle compared to the more developed Algarve further south.

Big waves in November at Nazare (aleksey snezhinskij / Shutterstock.com)

Life here is defined by a seasonal climate, dramatic scenery and traditional communities. Notable spots along its coastline of cliff-lined beaches are the historic fishing towns of Peniche and Nazaré – famous for its monster waves and surfing. Aso worth considering, the bay town of São Martinho do Porto, beach resort Foz do Arelho and pretty Aveiro built around canals.

Just inland are the spa town of Caldas da Rainha and enchanting medieval Óbidos. Dotted around are plentiful villages. Golfers have a choice of half a dozen quality courses, including Bom Sucesso, Prai d’El Rey and Royal Obidos.

Property: You will pay 20 to 30% less than for a similar property on the Algarve. Detached villas near the beach start at around €300,000 (resale) or €450,000 (new-build), or modern resale apartments from €225,000. Inland, do-upper houses can be comfortably under €100,000.

Fly to: typical transfers from Lisbon are easy and between an hour and 90 minutes. Flights to Porto are an option for the northern Silver Coast.

Rethymnon, Crete, Greece

 Greece’s largest and most southerly island is an established favourite with expats, attracted by the traditional fishing villages and laid-back, affordable lifestyle. But it’s also home to some coastal cities, with thriving populations servicing a lively Cretan lifestyle whatever the season.

Cue Rethymnon, a beautifully preserved Venetian city (and capital of the eponymous region) in the middle of Crete’s northern coast. It ticks so many boxes for year-round enjoyment, including a pretty old town and castle, bustling food markets, picturesque harbour lined with fish tavernas and 12-kilometre beach stretching eastwards from its centre.

For less urban surroundings, you could choose a home in one of the small villages in the countryside near the city, such as Pigi or Atsipopoulo.

Property: Upmarket apartments and new-build properties near the centre and beach, expect prices of €500,000 to €800,000. Half that much will get you a detached villa in a nearby village. Character homes in Rethymnon old town are available from around €250,000 for small properties rising to €500,000-plus for larger well renovated ones.

Fly to: Worried about flights to Crete out of season? Currently, there are limited direct flights to the island’s two main airports at Heraklion (just over an hour to Rethymnon) and Chania, otherwise travel via Athens is an option. Good news though – Crete is building a new airport at Kastelli, set to be the second largest in Greece when it opens in 2027 and likely to trigger more year-round flights to the island.

 Paphos, Cyprus

 The fourth largest city in Cyprus, coastal hub Paphos is much more than a beach destination like much of the surrounding coastline. Its modern seafront with beach and promenade, traditional old quarter, modern commercial district and residential areas, like Universal, Paleo Paphos and Pano Paphos, cater very well for expats and local Cypriots.

You’ll meet plenty of expat business owners and recognise British high-street brands. Of course, come summer, the holidaymakers arrive, most staying in Kato Paphos.

Bundles of history, culture and year-round entertainment keep out-of-season residents entertained. Its ancient harbour and ruins are a designated UNESCO Heritage Site, while the Paphos Archaeological Park and Tombs of the Kings are nearby too. Meanwhile, a short drive inland takes you into green foothills dotted with some wonderful, unspoilt villages. These include Peyia, Tsada, Kathikas, Stroumpi, Kallepia or Polemi. Golf is available too at Aphrodite Hills, Secret Valley, Elea and Minthis Hills.

Property: Budget from €200,000 to €300,000 for a resale two-bedroom apartment near the centre; from €300,000-€400,000 for a good choice of new-build – more for luxury. New townhouses or small villas, expect to pay from €450,000.

 Fly to: Paphos’s own airport, 20-25 minutes transfer to the city-centre.