Winter Sun. With a twist

[Slowboathome]

I want to go somewhere warm in January/February. Don't want to fly more than 3 hours or so. I like mooching around cities/towns with a bit of history, but ideally I'd like somewhere close to the sea. Not into sporty stuff, just want to wander around, look at galleries, old churches, watch the world go by from a pavement cafe.

I'd also like a recommendations for top quality hotels.

Barcelona is the obvious choice but I hated the place. Apart from La Sagrada which was beautiful.

I'm thinking maybe Malta, Madeira, the Algarve but I don't know what the nicest locations/hotels are.

Don't fancy North Africa.