_____ 00:00 - Our Winter Trip in Europe 01:00 - Paris 02:16 - Florence and Rome 04:29 - Prague . Enjoying the different local beers across the citys many bars is enjoyable no matter the season. Here, famous architect Gaudi created unique works of contemporary architecture, the majority of which are distributed across Barcelona. Its just as good to escape the cold weather for somewhere warmer and get a break from shivering. Where do I even begin, Maui is known for its beautiful beaches, sunsets, snorkeling, parks, the famous Road to Hana, and so much more. Vienna is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and that's a fact no matter the season. So if you take warm clothes and an umbrella, you can still explore Lisbon. But, why do I recommend visiting in Winter? Cond Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. One market is located in front of the cathedral, while another is located in the streets around the citys Central Market. Spending some time in the citys world class museums and art galleries is clearly one way to beat the cold. 2. With a walk or drive along the lakefront you can reach Bled Castle or Mala Osojnica for some spectacular views. The New Years Eve celebrations with fireworks over the Tagus River are worth braving the cold for. Otherwise, do the opposite and embrace the cold with fun activities like ice skating with Vajdahunyad Castle in the background. Its also only a two-hour ferry ride away from Helsinki! A 10-minute walk from Megve the Les Fermes de Marie is located. The location of Malaga makes the weather around December a bit warmer than in other parts of the country. For a different, but equally special experience, consider visiting Dubrovnik during the holiday season. Its a much more enjoyable experience when youre able to relax a little and take in the sights of Paris without crowds or the pickpockets big cities can have. After all, its Norway, you expect it to be cold and snowy. Max Temperature: 15 degrees. Malta. Paths and trails make the island a perfect destination for those who love to take mild exercise in the open and still avoid the scorching temperatures typical of Corfu during the summer. Milan has the reputation of being an expensive city, but as a matter of fact, there are plenty ofplaces to visit in Milan for free. (Seriously, how good does a warm mug of real hot chocolate in a riverside Belgian caf sound?). The Clarion HotelPragueOld Town is a great place to stay. Off-piste riding is a significant draw for Narvikfjellet as their brand new gondola provides access to some big terrain with views of the fjord down below. It is also the birthplace of traditional Fado music, which can be heard throughout the areas bars and restaurants. Gibraltar is a fantastic alternative for a winter break as the temperature seldom dips below 10C between November and February. after several visits, we still love Venice. Part of what makes the Hungarian capital so endearing is the way that it takes winter in its stride. Embarking on a skiing adventure when it's winter in Europe is almost a no-brainer. It houses the Royal Palace as well as a number of other must-see attractions. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Because of the high iron concentration, the water from the thermal springs is a rusty orange/brown color. Locally known as Kerkyra, Corfu is one of the most popular Greek Islands for parties and summer vacations. Our favorite thing to do in Amsterdam is to simply sit canal-side in a quiet neighborhood, like Jordaan, and enjoy a cold Amstel. Eight islands make up "The Canaries" as they are fondly known, with the four largest Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria and Lanzarote being most favoured by holidaymakers.. You can be assured that when visiting the islands in the winter months the temperature . Cordoba, Spain. The city erupts with yuletide cheer during its annual Advent in Zagreb festival, complete with 25 Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, and glittering lights galore. Milan also has some amazing restaurants from all over Italy and beyond. Any trip to Iceland will start and end in the capital city of Reykjavik. 34 Best Warm Places in Europe in February Warmest Places in Europe in February - Nature 34. See Related: 11 Most Famous Hotels in Paris, France. All seasons are tremendous, and Edinburgh is a unique winter European destination. Faro, in the Algarve area of southern Portugal, is one of the hottest towns in Portugal, if not Europe. Made up of small alleys that work their way between traditional wooden houses, Hallstatt is wedged between the lakefront and the steep hillslopes behind. The Amsterdam Light Festival probably has a part in that, creating an even greater spectacle from this famous destination. Couples skating hand-in-hand, . In the summer, Athens is a paradise, but its also pretty attractive in the winter. It is tucked away on a quiet side street, only a five-minute walk to Dlouh Street. Zermatt in the wintertime can only be described as a magical winter wonderland. Its the only city where you can ski, explore a grand palace, window shop, and savor a strudel all in one day. This ever-popular destination in the Netherlands always impresses with its picturesque canals, but winter somehow makes this city even more painfully beautiful. We do need to stress the fact that, although warm and temperate, even the warmest regions of mainland Europe still feel and are colder than certain tropical destinations at this time of year. We spent our evening window shopping while checking out 19th-century architecture with a cappuccino in hand. When visiting Tallinn, youll need to make sure you take a good quality coat, as well as a hat, gloves, and winter boots. Whether its skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing or ice-climbing, the mountains and glaciers surrounding Innsbruck are there at your leisure. 1. Visit during December to see the Baroque architecture surrounded by Christmas lights; or dodge the crowds and book a trip after the holidays, when youll have tons of room to stroll the pedestrian-only Old Town and sip coffee by the riverside cafs. Another well-known sight is the Piazza del Plebiscito. Even though Austria and Innsbruck are quite popular during the winter months, the sheer number of winter resorts in and around Innsbruck means you shouldnt have trouble finding somewhere to stay for your winter getaway. Up above the city, you can take advantage of the ample snowfall with both downhill and cross-country skiing. Embrace an authentic Sicilian experience at the popular resort towns of Taormina or Cefal, with its laidback lifestyle, seasonal culinary delights and sparkling seascapes; take advantage of the shorter (if any) wait times in Rome and claim the mighty Colosseum and the nearby ancient ruins of Pompeii for yourself; or discover Da Vincis Last Supper in Santa Maria delle Grazie church and go on a shopping spree in the capital of fashion and design (Milan). Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Whats not to love? You wont find mega hotels or foreign investments in this former farming village. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Blue skies and sunshine are still plentiful, and the relative lack of tourists makes this a great time to visit. Loved so many of these cities. We went to Malta for Christmas for about 5 days and did a great road trip visiting Gozo (another island of Malta) and the Blue . However, Maltas remarkable architectural heritage, abundant history, and captivating local culture easily make it one of my most recommended places to visit for a warm winter holiday, packed with authentic experiences minus the crowds! High above Grindelwald lies the Bernese Alps and a famous mountain face. The action centers on Calle Larios, a prominent pedestrian thoroughfare lined with stores, restaurants, and cafs. If youre looking for a textbook winter holiday with winter sports and an alpine backdrop, look no further than Innsbruck. Discover new locations to visit while sipping sangria and listening to some fantastic music! This gorgeous island country is located close to Africa, so the temperatures aren't that low and it's generally very sunny in Malta in winter. The city is renowned for its light, which reflects the vast Tagus River and the limestone-cobbled paving. Not only are the accommodation rates lower, but the absence of swarms of tourists make some destinations so much more relaxing and easier to explore, allowing you to make the most out of your time abroad while enjoying a more authentic local experience. During the holidays, youll find world-class Christmas markets and plenty of Glhwein to go around! On our grand tour of the Alps, we visited Austria and Switzerland, so it only allowed us to stop by the country sandwiched right in between the two. Whether youre traveling to escape the cold temperatures in your home town, are celebrating a special occasion, or simply have the urge to travel during a quieter time of year, there are several great places to visit in Europe during the winter months. 1. Big . The cologne carnival or the " fifth season " as locally known, officially begins on November 11th at 11:11 am (11/11 at 11/11) but is briefly paused during the Advent and Christmas seasons. In fact, it still holds on to its claim to fame as the summer vacation spot of Austrian Royalty and Princess Sissi. Visitors come to Malta to soak up the sun and swim in the warm seas that surround the archipelago, but there is so much more to Malta than the sand and sea that it is known for. The fabled Charles Bridge is shrouded in the mist rising from the Vltava, and the city skyline takes on a mysterious air in the milky light so beloved by painters through the centuries. The highlights include admiring the magnificent Baroque architecture of St. Johns Co-Cathedral, wandering through the picturesque ruins of Royal Opera House, and taking a relaxing stroll around the majestic Upper Barrakka Gardens. Within five minutes,the funicular will take you to the top. A tiny village in Swedish Lapland, Abisko sits north of the Arctic Circle, so you can bet its going to be frightfully cold if you visit in winter. Indeed, without all of the summer swimmers, sunbathers, and families, the beaches become much more pleasurable to be in. Its brimming with class, tourist sights, and character, and I assure you there is no shortage of things to do in Edinburgh. Outside of Christmas, ice skating is possible at the winter festival, and the museums, quieter than other times of the year, beckon visitors out of the cold. 1. If youre not into hiking, you can take the cable car or visit St. Michaels Cave to see the rock on lower grounds. Whether you choose to swim or stay on shore, you may visit some of the most beautiful beaches in Algarve without having to deal with throngs of tourists during the summer months. The region is one of Europe's greatest winter sun destinations, with temperatures dropping to a comfortable 13C at night. The town is a beautiful little gem set at the base of the Dolomites and has all the charm of a mountain town. This charm is what continues to draw regulars from around the world year after year. Due to its volcanic nature, the archipelago is also blessed with soothing sights, lush green hills, magical waterfalls, endless vineyards, gorgeous turquoise crater lakes, and relaxing hot springs that will melt your stress away and leave you revitalized for your next adventures. The best place to stay in Lisbon is George Hotel, ideally located for shopping, sightseeing, nightlife, and views. Winter also heralds the start of the rainy season, although the precipitation is not an issue as it is quite light even in October, the wettest month. Benidorm, Costa Blanca, Alicante, Spain Costa Blanca, Spain Best Places to Stay Costa Blanca offers endless winter sunshine and opportunities to explore castle ruins, rocky gorges, and olive groves on foot. It hosts 14 Austrian Christmas markets and adds the snow, a special atmosphere to the rather old, traditional, and sleepy city. My tip Dont forget to pack mittens! AVOID FRUSTRATIONS. In 1999, Graz was added to the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites which is not surprising. In the winter, you can see the Aurora Borealis, a spectacular show and a sight everyone should see in their lifetime. Crdoba, Spain 10. European cities are usually last on the list of places to go to for warm winter destinations. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The canals of Venice are notorious for harboring a lot of waste, and in the summer, the smell can get pretty bad; however, in the cooler months, there are fewer tourists, less waste, and the scent is at bay. Warsaw, Poland. Fez and Marrakech are two of the most recommended cities, as the life of its souks and the beauty of the medinas will surprise you. On New Years Eve, spectacular nativity displays are shown in the towns. Set at the foot of Switzerland's Matterhorn mountain, it's one of the best cities to visit in Europe in winter. Seville, Spain. Walking through town doesnt take all that long, but youre sure to find yourself stopping every few steps to admire the view in front of you. Winter also means fewer visitors in Naples while airline and lodging rates are significantly lower. Any information published by Cond Nast Traveler is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Cadiz is one of the liveliest cities in the South of Spain. Some of the best places for winter beach vacation here are Maspalomas, Playa de Las Americas and Costa Calma. Any time is a good time to visit the city of Amsterdam, so why not make a winter visit. See Related: 10 Best Car Museums in Italy. The short days and the snow provide the opportunity to enjoy winter sports or activities like searching for the northern lights. Budapest. There aren't many cities in Europe quite like Innsbruck, so that's why it tops this list of places to spend winter in Europe. It brings a pleasant expatriate vibe to vibe to the town and adds to its character. Most amount of rain: December. Our first visit was just after Thanksgiving when the Christmas markets were set up throughout the city. The capital of Germany's southern state of Bavaria, Munich, has long held a place as one of Europe's top winter destinations. In town, there are various yearly celebrations during January. The temperature is usually 12C and seldom drops below 5C at night. Mellieha Bay Hotel/Oyster. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Lisbon, Portugal 3. The Alps in Europe are an amazing destination for mountain lovers. Athletes from all over the world go to the Canary Islands to take advantage of the warm temperature and practice at any time of year. Ive also included the best accommodation options for various budgets, so you know where to spend the night! But its not all about heart-pumping adventures and heavenly scenery. Two historic churches, as well as an exquisite Immaculate Virgin spire, can be seen in this area. It is also an excellent resort for families visiting Zermatt, although it does come with a hefty price tag. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Its a marvelous city that delighted us with plenty of things to do in Helsinki in the winter. See Related: How To Travel Full Time (And Make Money). Gran Canaria Spain - Hottest place in Europe for soaking in the winter sun Nicosia Cyprus - Warm place in Europe for winter sun Valletta Malta - 300 days of sunshine in a year Tenerife Spain - Warm weather and diverse landscape Nice France - Relaxed winter sun destination Sicily Italy - Winter sun in Europe minus the crowds Average Rainy Days in January: 9 days. Although you dont need a good excuse to visit the city of Copenhagen, the festive season is probably as good as any. Especially the more north you head. Alternatively, stay warm and cosy inside, munching on pepperkaker gingerbread with a nice mug of cocoa. If you feel temperatures between 55F - 65F are just perfect for your warm winter holiday, this is where you should go. Charming wooden homes line the streets at the foot of the Dolomites. The Canary Islands, Spain. Its all distinctly Austrian, with restaurants, hotels, bars, chalets, and B&Bs run by local families. Truth be told, if warmth is what youre looking for, a trip to the tropics sounds more sensible. Nightlife still spills out onto the streets in winter, except on rainy evenings, although there are plenty of warm, cozy drinking and eating spots if its too chilly for you. Besides Tivoli, other places in Copenhagen that will charm you with festive cheer include the ever-brilliant Nyhavn and the ice skating rink at Frederiksberg Runddel. Toledo, Spain 12. A good Greek travel guidebook will help you narrow down the seemingly limitless destination options based on your time and interest. The chance to go ice skating in a place like this is another reason to brave the temperatures outdoors. The idea of going to Iceland in winter may scare many however, Reykjavik is one of the best cities to visit in Europe in winter and for more than one reason. How to Get There: Flight time - 6 hrs 59 mins. Not every destination is suited to winter, but for those that are, theres unlikely to be a better time to visit. Here are the 10 best winter destinations in Europe. Interested in my top recommendations for embracing the cold weather, visiting Christmas markets, and diving into winter sports? Madeira, Portugal. Equipped with your own itinerary, youll see more by visiting sites during less crowded times, youll know which museums are best explored independently and which are enriched by visiting with a guide, and youll avoid getting lured into a tourist trap restaurant that will cost you more and be less authentic than the restaurant Ill point you towards just down the street that caters mostly to locals. Of course, there is also beauty in the season itself: James Joyces short story The Dead even pays tribute to the citys snow-covered graveyards. By subscribing to our newsletter(s) you agree to our User Agreement and Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement. It features recently renovated interiors with impeccable service. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Narvik is also where you can visit Narvikfjellet, one of Norways most famous ski resorts. 22 Best Winter Destinations In Europe 2022. Known as the island of eternal springtime, you can relax in black lava pools formed by volcanoes, discover exotic plants, and indulge in sweet island treats. EveryFriday, they meet at the Wunderland Christmas market. Another spectacle worth catching is the Sinterklaas parade, where Santa sails into town among a flotilla of boats. Some other popular Christmas markets are Advent Magic in Hellbrunn and the Christmas Market on Mirabell Square. Snowfall will muffle your footsteps as you explore the Old Town and Castle Districts. Maybe the only downside is that you wont be able to experience a canal cruise during winter, but a trip along the cobblestones in a horse carriage is a nice alternative. This is the jewel of the ski scene in the Trentino region and is a must-visit place while spending winter in Europe. Could it get any better? Christmas also brings a cycle of concerts to the city, some in the squares, others in theatres and churches. It is a nice time to visit this part of Istanbul since there are hardly any visitors compared to the rest of the year, allowing you to appreciate all of the citys landmarks and museums in solitude. 11 Best Warm Places in December to Travel. Palermo, Sicilys sun-kissed capital, is one of the best winter destinations Europe has to offer. 2022 Cond Nast. 1. And while Prague is certainly a place of culture, its love for beer and partying means Prague is a fun destination as well. Your email address will not be published. The south of Gran Canaria is probably the hottest place in Europe from December, to January and February. Madeira, Portugal (Madeira and Porto Santo); 3. The weather is ideal for touring and seeing the areas stunning volcanic scenery. Its the second-largest city in Austria and the capital of Styria. Combine the never-ending sun with a little rain here and there and you have one of the worlds best climates. Hallstatt, Austria. Just because its the coldest time of year doesnt mean its not a good time to travel Europe. But for us, Annecy in winter is extra-special. Other exciting and authentic activities encompass discovering the walled city of Mdina and the historic Cittadella in Gozo, marveling at prehistoric architectural masterpieces the Megalithic Temples built around 3600 BC and 700 BC, or exploring St Pauls Catacombs in Rabat. But the city also has some of Europes best Christmas marketsoutside of Germany, at leastwhere even the most jaded traveler will succumb to the trdelnk (fried dough) and mulled wine sold in festive stalls. 1. One of the highlights of this city is the Old Town, which is in the center of the city. Plus, coming in winter means youll avoid the high tourist numbers that have led to Barcelonas overtourism problems. Bathed in sunshine throughout the year and averaging temperatures of 22 degrees in the winter months, the Canary Islands are a wonderful place for golf. In Winter, with the swarms of tourists gone, youll find yourself with plenty of room to breathe and freedom to explore. Corfu is home to a network of different trails and hiking paths that extend alongside the islands coast and the islands interior areas. hard to be bored in a place like Barcelona, 3 Days in Kuala Lumpur: The Perfect Kuala Lumpur Itinerary, 15 Most Beautiful Bookstores in the World, 3 Days in Madrid: The Perfect Madrid Itinerary. Taormina (Sicily), Italy. The Azores enjoys a subtropical climate throughout the year, allowing visitors to fully savor all the breathtaking natural beauty and thrilling outdoor activities it has to offer, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, snorkeling, sailing and even whale and dolphin watching! Kl Ali Paa Hamam was built in 1590 and is located in the neighborhood of Tophane. Winter Vacations for Nature and Wellness Devotees: Belize, Panama and Costa Rica. Still, it does provide fantastic access to the Swiss mountains excellent for skiers and those after a solid European winter holiday. Freakishly cold (so bring a good down jacket), but magical nevertheless. There are so many things to do in Northern Ireland it, Are you looking for the best things to do in Galway, Ireland? We were lucky enough to visit during the Christmas season, catch one of the seasons first snowfalls, and even take part in Luxembourgs fabulous Christmas markets. The rest of your visit can focus on sightseeing, with typical Alsatian scenery found in the small quarter of Petit France, the citys most photogenic area. There are few tourist destinations in the world more popular than the floating city of Venice. For most people, visiting Italy during the prime summer vacation months means outsmarting crowds and contending with the summer heat. Unlike other seasons, winter can completely transform a place and create a visiting experience that you just cant get at other times of the year. Looking for the most beautiful winter destination in Europe? The 11th edition of the festival will launch on December 1, with the theme Imagine Beyond promising more creative pieces of art than ever. With well over one hundred stalls to visit, you can shop and eat until your hearts content. Its aprs-ski scene (which, lets be honest, is just as important as the slopes) is also the best around: Enjoy a lemondrop martini at the Grand Hotel Zermatterhofs Star Bar, refuel with some alpine cuisine at Brasserie Lusi, and take in a spa treatment or two at Hotel Firefly. A trip to Venice in winter means not having to struggle past wave after wave of cruise tour groups as you wander along the citys charming canals. The city does get cold but the good thing is that you can go skiing about an hour away! Theres no question that the city of Prague is one of Europes most grand. You may not be inspired to jump in the hotel pool, but you will be able to leave your winter jacket behind as you enjoy some sunshine and fresh air. Cassies Tip: Try exploring beyond Athens and into the Peloponnese to discover more historic Greek sites or set off for the gorgeous Greek Islands. Whether youre into history, architecture, partying, food, shopping, art, or cafes, there is something here for everyone. If youre really looking for a taste of the tropics, the Parque Natural da Ria Formosas lagoons and neighboring beaches, (notably the islands of Ilha de Faro to the southwest and Ilha da Barreta to the south) lie right outside Faros door. Seville might not be the first city youll think of when talking about the best warm winter destinations in Europe, but more and more visitors are traveling to the city during the colder months. While Northern Italy in winter is quite a bit cooler than the South (average temps in the 40s), it will be worth your while to make your way to the floating city of Venice as it bursts to life for Carnevale. The town turns into something seen in Christmas movies during the holiday season, with a beautiful tree and Italian cheer all around. On the 5th, for example, the Cavalcada dels Reis takes place: a magnificent procession filled with clowns, elves, and acrobats. Take the Estonian capital of Tallinn, for example. Yet with all the refurbishing and development, it still has that quaint village charm that you can enjoy at any time of the year. You can visit many churches, and museums on the first Sunday of each month and there are even some Christmas markets my favorite is the one near Navigli. How else can you hold a mug of mulled wine outside in the cold? Amsterdam certainly isnt a destination that shuts down when winter rolls into town, canal boat rides continue even as the mercury drops. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Saint Petersburg is an excellent winter destination in Europe. All of which are topped with average winter highs of 19C. We found a fantastic winter home in Narvik where we could spot the Northern Lights and go snowboard on powder all in one day. Youll also be close to Spain and Morocco, allowing you to quickly jump to other warm places for your itinerary.

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