If you’re here, we’re pretty sure there’s a big chance for you to spend this winter in Europe. We totally get you, as winter in Europe is truly something else. Some people visit the continent during this time of the year for its festive Christmas markets, while others simply want to have an exhilarating ski adventure. However, choosing the ideal winter destination in Europe depends on your preferences. Thankfully, it has something for everyone, and we’re here to show you the best places to go in Europe in winter. Europe in general is already a fantastic destination. But with fewer crowds and often more affordable prices, it becomes even more appealing. Keep reading to discover the continent’s winter wonders!
Table of contents
- Cinque Terre, Italy
- Comporta, Portugal
- Lapland, Finland
- Alsace, France
- Cappadocia, Turkey
- Lampedusa, Italy
- Costa Brava, Spain
- Austrian Alps, Austria
- Tenerife, Spain
- Madeira, Portugal
- Antiparos, Greece
- Our Verdict!
- Is it worth going to Europe in winter?
- Is it cheaper to go to Europe in winter?
- How can I enjoy Europe in winter?
Cinque Terre, Italy
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Kicking off this list is Cinque Terre, a popular travel destination in Italy. This area is especially crowded in the summer months. Some people might say that it’s not worth it to visit Cinque Terre in the winter due to some establishments being closed, but we think otherwise. Winter is the perfect time to explore every corner of Cinque Terre minus the crowd. During our visit in early December a while back, the hiking paths were almost empty. We also had the chance to witness the world’s biggest nativity scene. With 15,000 lights, it was a sight to behold.
Another thing that you should note is that during winter, the sun sets way earlier in Cinque Terre. So, you don’t have to wait extra hours for the perfect sunset picture. Speaking of pictures, you can take as many as you want without worrying about them being photobombed by tourists since there are fewer people.
Where to Stay
There are so many hotels set along the Cinque Terre, but in the end, we chose Hotel Porto Roca. From the beautiful terrace restaurant to the amazing pool with a view of the sea, this hotel checked all of our boxes. We slept in the suite, and it was the best accommodation we could ever ask for. With a private balcony and a sea view, we were always in awe. You can also rent a boat through the reception to see the gorgeous views of the coastline better.
Looking for huge, private accommodations for your group? Check out these top villas in Italy to rent!
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Comporta, Portugal
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The best time of the year to visit Portugal, at least for us, is during winter. As one of the best best places to go in Europe in winter, there are fewer crowds during this time of the year. But if you want to spend your winter somewhere even more secluded, consider Comporta. This is a hidden beach town in the Alentejo region that offers various landscapes. From stunning cliffs to tranquil olive groves, we had so much to explore during our visit. And don’t get us started with the local dishes.
For an unforgettable experience, we recommend taking a horseback ride across the expansive plains of Comporta. Journey through beautiful meadows, pine forests, and rice fields while feeling the refreshing ocean breeze. It’s priceless!
Where to Stay
Only a few can compare to Sublime Comporta Country Retreat & SPA. With a refreshing swimming pool, a bar, and a wellness center, this hotel has everything it needs to be a favorite. We also loved the local cuisine served at the in-house restaurant. Our favorite part, though, was our Big Pool Suite. We not only had a view of the pool, but direct access to it. Aside from that, the suite also gave us a fireplace and private entrance.
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Lapland, Finland
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Best for the Northern Lights. Want to feel the magic of winter? Lapland, Finland, is one of the best places in Europe to feel it. The Arctic Circle turns into a dazzling wonderland, covered in snow and featuring frozen lakes. Winter is also the best time of the year to witness the beauty of the northern lights, especially in certain months like February to April as well as September to October. We were in Lapland’s capital, Rovaniemi, in December, and we loved the festivity it brought.
In addition to the breathtaking landscapes, winter in Lapland is packed with thrilling outdoor activities. Although the chilly weather may seem intimidating, you’ll want to try exhilarating husky sledding and skiing. Want to keep yourself toasty when the temperature drops? You can never go wrong with a traditional Finnish sauna.
Where to Stay
When we were in Rovaniemi, Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara was our home. Located right beside Ounasvaara Winter Sports Center, this lavish hotel is great for outdoor enthusiasts. And if you’re lucky enough, you can witness the aurora from the terrace. Despite the boujee amenities it offered (including an award-winning restaurant), the highlight of our stay was the time we spent in our Arctic Junior Suite, as it came with an in-room sauna. How could we leave our suite when it was that warm and cozy?
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Alsace, France
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Best for Families. We’re truly grateful we had the chance to experience Alsace in winter. It was enchanting, and we’re sure you’ll love it as much as we do, especially if you’re planning to travel with your families. In winter, this region is covered in snow, and charming towns like Colmar and Riquewihr will be decked out in festive decorations. The many Christmas markets scattered throughout Alsace also showcase a wonderful selection of local crafts, tasty treats, and festive entertainment, ensuring a memorable holiday experience.
In addition to the holiday spirit, visiting Alsace in winter gives families a chance to dive into the region’s rich culture. Some of our favorites are the choucroute garnie and tarte flambée. You can even join in local festivities, like carol singing and parades.
“If you’re planning to visit Europe in winter with your loved ones, you can’t go wrong with Alsace. It has all the right ingredients for the perfect family trip.”
WOW Travel
Where to Stay
The last time we visited Alsace, we were in Colmar, and we spent our nights at Hotel Le Maréchal. This historic boutique hotel is properly located in Colmar’s Little Venice. Thanks to this, we were able to walk to Colmar Christmas Market easily. Our Classic Double Room was exactly as we pictured – clean, big, and well-equipped. The highlight, though, was the on-site restaurant, A l’Echevin. We truly enjoyed the scallops!
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Cappadocia, Turkey
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Of course, Cappadocia is one of the best places to go in Europe in winter. Our team was there a few years ago during winter, and we were in awe as the region’s stunning landscapes transformed into a serene wonderland covered in snow. During winter months, Cappadocia has fewer visitors, which can be great if you’re looking for a more intimate exploration of the area’s historical and natural attractions.
If we had an unlimited budget, we wouldn’t mind visiting Cappadocia every winter! Some of our favorite winter activities include hot air balloon rides over the snow-dusted terrain and delving into the underground cities and cave churches. For something more relaxing, you can treat yourself to a traditional Turkish bath to keep yourself warm.
Read also: 11 Biggest Caves in Europe
Where to Stay
As Turkey’s crown jewel, Cappadocia has a myriad of fantastic hotels, but the Museum Hotel is a standout. We loved the luxury of the heated pool, which was great during winter. Our room even had free wine taps, making our stay even more perfect. We also didn’t have to venture out to keep ourselves busy, as the hotel offered us a cooking class as well.
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Lampedusa, Italy
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Lampedusa, a small island off the coast of Africa, provides a distinctive and memorable winter getaway. The beaches, while not suitable for swimming during the colder months, are still stunning. One of our favorite places in Lampedusa is Spiaggia dei Conigli, known for its nesting turtles. The scenery here is breathtaking. However, we think the real magic of the island in winter is its serenity. The last time we were there, we were able to hike along the rugged coastline, uncover hidden coves, and enjoy the calm that comes with fewer visitors.
Even with the cooler weather, winter in Lampedusa presents a different viewpoint. The clear skies offer stunning views, and we particularly enjoyed the fresh seafood. We should let you know that some services may operate on reduced hours, though.
Where to Stay
Among all of the hotels in Lampedusa, our favorite is Hotel O’scià. It’s conveniently located in the center of the island, putting us only a 15-minute walk away from the beach. Our stay was super enjoyable as we got plenty of complimentary, including breakfast, airport shuttle, and beach towels. Our room, though not huge, was cozy and clean. We were even treated with a bottle of champagne upon arrival.
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Costa Brava, Spain
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Costa Brava, a breathtaking stretch of coastline in Catalonia, Spain, remains captivating even in the winter months. With the summer crowds gone, we were able to savor a more peaceful experience while diving into the rich Spanish culture. From the area’s historical charm to the vibrant tastes of Catalan cuisine, Costa Brava presents a unique mix of experiences. We loved treating ourselves to local specialties like paella and gazpacho, as well as taking a stroll through the enchanting gardens of Sainte Clotilde.
Even in winter, Costa Brava continues to charm with its natural beauty. We discovered the dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and quaint fishing villages at our own pace.
Where to Stay
For the ultimate Costa Brava experience, stay at the luxurious Hostal de la Gavina. This 5-star hotel has everything you need. Location? It’s steps away from S’Agaro Beach. Fine dining? Head to Candlelight by Romain Fornell. The food at this gastronomic restaurant is amazing, and reservations are required. We spent our nights in the Suite Deluxe, and it was breathtaking. The wow factor was definitely the sea views, but we also appreciated the instant access to the spa center.
For more accommodations, here are the top villas in Spain to rent!
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Austrian Alps, Austria
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Best for Skiing. Winter is truly Austria’s favorite season, with skiing being almost a way of life. The country features an impressive 435 ski resorts nestled in the stunning Alps, catering to all levels of skiers. The ski season generally spans from mid-December to late March or early April, depending on the snowfall. Based on our experience, visiting the Alps in January offers a quieter experience, as many locals take vacations during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
There are many famous ski resorts, like St. Anton, Ischgl, Saalbach-Hinterglemm, and Sölden. Whenever we had the chance to visit Austria, we’d visit one of its famous thermal baths. Places like Aqua Dome in Oetztal, Tyrol, and Hohe Tauern Spa in Kaprun, Salzburg, provide luxurious relaxation and are the perfect way to relax after spending the whole day on the slopes.
Where to Stay
One of our favorite hotels in Austria is Trofana Royal. This 5-star Ischgl hotel offered us picture-perfect Alpine views from our suite. Throughout our stay, we were pampered by its world-class amenities, which included a wine cellar, a Michelin-star restaurant, and a superb spa.
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Tenerife, Spain
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Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is a fantastic winter getaway. Dominated by Mount Teide, the highest peak in Spain, the island features an impressive array of volcanic landscapes. For hiking lovers like us, Tenerife is always a great destination. During our latest stay, we thoroughly explored the island’s natural wonders, wandering through the lush Anaga and Teno Rural Parks, as well as the surreal Teide National Park. In addition to its breathtaking landscapes, Tenerife is home to beautiful beaches, natural pools, and charming towns, ensuring a memorable winter escape.
Although winter brings cooler weather (it was around 61°F to 64°F when we were there), it also means fewer tourists and the chance to experience the island’s unique microclimates. From the snow-covered summit of Mount Teide to the subtropical north, Tenerife offers a fascinating and varied experience for those traveling in winter.
Where to Stay
Sparkling ocean views, massive private terraces, tranquil location – you can get all of that in Royal Hideaway Corales Beach. Set in the village of La Caleta, this is the hotel in Spain with the most Michelin-star restaurants. We never ran out of dining options. We also loved the spa center, which had seven spa suites. And for the room, we got the Junior Suite with an outdoor hot tub. Sweet!
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Madeira, Portugal
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Best for Warm Winter. Madeira is a stunning island in Portugal that offers beyond the usual European winter experience. Its natural beauty is second to none, and everyone can enjoy it year-round, even in winter. We were able to survive with just a T-shirt in the winter, and we weren’t even shivering. The temperature at that time was around 63°F.
There’s a lot to do in Madeira during winter. One of our favorites is exploring the Christmas markets. You can also take in the gorgeous coastal views and if you’re lucky, you may even spot a dolphin or two. Though not a beach paradise, Madeira still offers plenty of swimming opportunities. Take a dip in one of the many natural pools in Porto Moniz.
Where to Stay
For a true experience of Madeira’s natural beauty, consider staying at the lovely Hotel Quinta Do Furão in Santana. Surrounded by majestic mountains and overlooking the coastline, we couldn’t get enough of the views. Breakfast and parking are both free, and the hotel boasts swimming pools, a gym, a spa center, and a bar. Our suite was incredibly spacious and came with a private balcony.
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Antiparos, Greece
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Best Weather. Yes, your guess is correct! Antiparos is a smaller and often quieter island a stone’s throw away from Paros (hence, the name). It’s a delightful winter destination that provides a unique experience compared to the lively summer season. Although the weather is cooler, ranging from around 50°F to 61°F, the island maintains a pleasant climate. That said, during our time there, we still wore some warm winter clothing to face the occasional freezing winds.
While we were there, we loved strolling around the deserted beaches, admiring the small, white local houses, and cycling through the beautiful countryside. If you want something more challenging, feel free to explore the trails.
Where to Stay
When in Antiparos, you’ll want to stay at Kouros Village. As the name suggests, this hotel feels like an entire village thanks to its arches and alleys. With plenty of cafes nearby, a seafront restaurant with stunning views of the beaches, and a lovely outdoor pool, we felt pampered. We booked the Studio, which came with a private balcony overlooking the sea. It also featured a private kitchen and a private entrance.
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Our Verdict!
Home to 44 countries, it can be hard to pick your winter destination in Europe. Lucky for you, we’ve narrowed down the options even more with the following categories:
- Best Weather: Antiparos, Greece
- Best for Warm Winter: Madeira, Portugal
- Best for Skiing: Austrian Alps, Austria
- Best for Families: Alsace, France
- Best for the Northern Lights: Lapland, Finland
Is it worth going to Europe in winter?
Yes, it is. Visiting Europe in winter truly provides a unique and enchanting experience. You can enjoy smaller crowds, delightful Christmas markets, and breathtaking snow-covered scenery.
Is it cheaper to go to Europe in winter?
Yes, it’s cheaper to visit Europe in winter. With off-season pricing, you don’t have to spend as much.
How can I enjoy Europe in winter?
There are many ways to enjoy Europe in winter. You can immerse yourself in the festive spirit of Christmas markets, snuggle up in delightful cafes with hot beverages, or partake in winter sports in the Alps.
