At the same time, experts advise planning winter trips for the low season (January–February).
Although winter is still three months away, seasoned tourists start preparing for winter trips in advance, especially if they are planning their vacation during the holiday period.
Experts from the world’s largest travel publishing company Lonely Planet have already named the best places in Europe to travel this coming winter.
“Of course, it can be cold in most parts of the continent, but winter in Europe offers travelers countless opportunities for the perfect holiday. Feel the frost by going to watch the northern lights over the snow‑covered landscapes of Lapland. Or escape from it by heading to the beaches of Fuerteventura to bask in the sun,” the authors of the selection say.
At the same time, they recommend paying attention to traveling during the low winter season (January–February), which offers the opportunity to explore some of Europe’s most popular destinations without crowds of tourists.
13 best places in Europe to visit in winter
- Cappadocia, Turkey: for snowy landscapes and dungeon exploration.
- Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain: for a winter beach holiday.
- Eryri (Snowdonia), Wales: for winter sports.
- Bilbao, Spain: for art and fresh produce.
- Madeira, Portugal: for outdoor activities in warm weather.
- The French Riviera, France: for a glamorous holiday during the off‑season.
- Bavarian Alps, Germany: for visiting snow‑covered fairy‑tale castles.
- Santorini, Greece: for a holiday on a Greek island without crowds of tourists.
- Alentejo, Portugal: for wine lovers.
- Lyon, France: for gourmets.
- Cinque Terre, Italy: for an unforgettable Italian holiday without the crowds of tourists.
- Budapest, Hungary: for relaxation in hot springs and thermal baths.
- Lapland, Finland: for observing the northern lights.
Planning winter trips in Europe? See Lonely Planet’s ultimate winter escapes and places in Europe with long-lasting autumn colors. Official planning starts at Visit Europe.
Frequently asked questions
Which winter trips in Europe does Lonely Planet recommend?
Cappadocia, Fuerteventura, Eryri, Bilbao, Madeira, the French Riviera, the Bavarian Alps and Santorini, among others.
When is the low winter season?
January to February, when popular destinations have fewer crowds.
Where can you find winter sun?
Fuerteventura for a beach holiday and Madeira for outdoor activities in warm weather.
Konstantin is an acclaimed travel writer, celebrated for transforming ordinary journeys into extraordinary narratives. With years of experience exploring diverse destinations across the globe, his work blends vivid storytelling, cultural insights, and practical advice to inspire wanderlust and guide readers toward unforgettable adventures.
As a key contributor to enjoythetrip.org website, Konstantin has built a loyal readership through their expertise in uncovering both iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path treasures. He specializes in providing travelers with honest, actionable tips, whether it’s finding the best resorts in Maldives, exploring cultural hubs like Paris, or diving into the natural wonders of Croatia.