Malta, Greece, or Morocco

[dreamcrisp1]

We’re trying to narrow down a trip to decide where to go in January. It’ll either be at the beginning of January or the end of January/early February as I may have a school trip to Shanghai in January and then I go to South Africa for the 3rd week of January.

I’d like to ideally go to all of them one day so no real preference for this trip. We will have maybe about a week?

In Greece, we are leaning more towards an island.

Any recommendations one way or the other?

[scout8]

I went to Greece in the off season (early Dec) and it was difficult to get between islands. We ended up spending most of our time in the Peloponnese (which I loved). We only went to one island--Hydra. It is close to Athens so the ferries were still running there, but a lot of the restaurants were closed for the season. If you want to go to an island, you may want to check if it will be feasible at that time of year.

[erbear]

Of those, I've only been to Greece (Athens, Naxos and Santorini) and it was awesome! But I'm dying to go to Morocco, so that gets my vote.

[Waffles]

At that time of year, Morocco.

It's not warm enough for Greece or Malta to really be enjoyable IMO.

[GilliC]

What part of Morocco? It will be a bit cool in most of the country, especially at night, and slightly warmer along the coast. The High Atlas is not unlikely to have snow if you head to the ski resorts. Farther inland it's going to be a bit colder in places like Chefchaouen or Merzouga. So if you're thinking of an overnight desert camp, be ready for near-freezing temps at night.

Although Malta won't be beach weather, I've heard that most places stay open through the winter. It's low season, but apparently it's enough of a year-round destination that they don't have as many seasonal closings as other Med. destinations.

[dreamcrisp1]

Sept 5, 2018 7:07:32 GMT -5 Waffles said:

At that time of year, Morocco.

It's not warm enough for Greece or Malta to really be enjoyable IMO.

Our winters are regularly -20 to -40 and the average in Malta is 9-16, which sounds pretty awesome plus not as much rain.

[dreamcrisp1]

Sept 5, 2018 9:07:21 GMT -5 GilliC said:

What part of Morocco? It will be a bit cool in most of the country, especially at night, and slightly warmer along the coast. The High Atlas is not unlikely to have snow if you head to the ski resorts. Farther inland it's going to be a bit colder in places like Chefchaouen or Merzouga. So if you're thinking of an overnight desert camp, be ready for near-freezing temps at night.

Although Malta won't be beach weather, I've heard that most places stay open through the winter. It's low season, but apparently it's enough of a year-round destination that they don't have as many seasonal closings as other Med. destinations.

No preference in Morocco. Will go wherever seems best. My in laws did Malta last December and they loved it plus it was warmer than we were. Noted on seasonal closings - I’ll have to look into that!

[mrsukyankee]

I really, really want to go to Morocco so I vote that.

[yaga]

I wouldn't do Greece in January if you want to do the islands. I studied abroad there during a mild January, but still needed a coat/heavy sweater most days. Some of the people on my trip wanted to go to Santorini, but due to weather the ferries were canceled. H and I went in early-mid September a few years ago and they were a few weeks away from shutting down a lot of the seasonal businesses for the winter. While it would be nice to be in a deserted town if you're into that sort of thing, there's always the risk of hotels or restaurants not being open either.

The beaches in Mykonos and Santorini were so, so nice. I wouldn't waste a winter vacation going there if you wanted to be on the beach. I imagine Malta's weather would be similar.

[Waffles]

Sept 5, 2018 9:22:38 GMT -5 dreamcrisp1 said:

Sept 5, 2018 7:07:32 GMT -5 Waffles said:

At that time of year, Morocco.

It's not warm enough for Greece or Malta to really be enjoyable IMO.

Our winters are regularly -20 to -40 and the average in Malta is 9-16, which sounds pretty awesome plus not as much rain.

Fair enough. I'd still prefer Morocco as it would be a pity to miss out on the beaches in Greece and Malta.

I'd look into Marrakech.

[mrsukyankee]

dreamcrisp1, having gone to Malta this summer, I can say that I didn't find it fabulous to visit. It was fine and there were some pretty stuff, but without the warmth and ability to go into the water, I think I would have wanted to spend no more than 3 days there.

[dreamcrisp1]

Sept 6, 2018 7:15:50 GMT -5 Waffles said:

Sept 5, 2018 9:22:38 GMT -5 dreamcrisp1 said:

Our winters are regularly -20 to -40 and the average in Malta is 9-16, which sounds pretty awesome plus not as much rain.

Fair enough. I'd still prefer Morocco as it would be a pity to miss out on the beaches in Greece and Malta.

I'd look into Marrakech.

I’m leaning towards Morocco too! Thanks everyone.