By Megan Brown
Special to the Citizen
November in Europe means the start of real winter weather. Daylight hours are much shorter, and for sun-seekers, it’s a mad dash to book travel to a warm destination before it’s too late. By November, temperatures in Germany can be a bit too cold for an enjoyable outing, but there are a few countries in Europe that stay warm a little bit longer. Many Americans stationed in Stuttgart take advantage of the long Thanksgiving weekend and plan to getaway one last time before winter truly arrives. These destinations, for example, have direct-flight options that leave right from the Stuttgart airport, for an easier long weekend trip to sunnier weather temperatures.
Mallacora, Spain
Average temperature around Thanksgiving: 57 degrees Fahrenheit
Highlights:
Artestruz Mallorca
Take a tour of this park with an English speaking guide, and hand feed an ostrich if you are brave enough. For those not, an ostrich nursery is also available for a less up-close experience.
New Wine Fair Nov. 28-29
Visitors are introduced to local vineyards and can taste many different types of wines, including local wine.
Autumn Fair Nov 29-30
Markets with fresh produce and handcrafts, local rock bands, craftsmen demonstrations and wine tasting attract thousands of tourists each year. The fair also includes local rock bands, craftsmen demonstrations, and wine tastings.
Some of the major airlines fly to Palma De Mallorca airport frequently, nonstop.
Canary Islands
Average temperature around Thanksgiving: 70 degrees Fahrenheit
Highlights:
Volcan El Teide
Nicknamed the roof of Spain, the 3rd highest volcanic structure in the world can be visited on half day or full day tours with an English speaking guide. There is also a cable car option for guests who want an easier way to travel up the volcano.
Cueva de Viento
Cave Tour with an English guide, the tour is 2.5 hours, and a mini bus takes tourists to the lava tubes.
Maspalomas Sand Dunes
A national park that can only be crossed on foot or camel.
Some major airlines that fly to Canary Islands are Tuifly, Condor, and British Airways
Lisbon, Portugal
Average temperature around Thanksgiving: 65 degrees Fahrenheit
Highlights:
National Tile Museum
Displays show the evolution of ceramics along with the different types of tiles from different time periods. Visitors to the museum can also get a first-hand view of people working on old tiles and assembling the pieces. It is located outside the city center and the admission is free with a Lisboa Card.
Oceanario de Lisboa
The 2nd largest aquarium in the world with 4 aquariums representing the ecosystems of the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, and Artic Oceans. The center of the aquarium is dominated by the 5 million liter tank that represents the five oceans
Belem Tower
The Tower, built as a fortress to guard Lisbon’s harbor is now a monument of Portugals Age of Discovery. Free admission with the Lisboa Card.
Some airlines that fly direct to Lisbon are Lufthansa, German Wings, and Air France.
Sicily, Italy
Average temperature around Thanksgiving: 62 degrees Fahrenheit
Highlights:
Mount Etna
An active volcano where guests can walk on craters and see smoke coming up from the ground. A cable car and special takes you to the top but booking a jeep tour will get you even further up the volcano.
Caltagirone
Walk up the 142 steps featuring a different ceramic tile on each, and for an extra treat visit in the night to see the area glisten.
Airlines that fly direct from Stuttgart to Sicily are Germanwings and Alitalia.
Editor’s Note: Megan Brown is a Stuttgart High School career practicum intern for the USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs Office