A lot of Europe appears to shine brightest within the summertime, not less than in response to the vacationers who flock there in the course of the warmest months. However true vacationers know sunshine is way from the one indicator of a very good time. Typically a misty rain or moody fog could make a vacation spot much more magical. Additionally they know that visiting a spot in the course of the off-season can unlock a deeper connection to its native scene.
You might also wish to keep away from the crowds in search of heavy snowfall at Europe’s common ski resorts. As an alternative, contemplate these European locations the place the winter climate is decidedly gentle, however no much less lovely. Actually, chances are you’ll discover them much more charming at this chilly however picturesque time.
Venice, Italy
Venice’s atmosphere within the winter is like that of a romance novel with loads of fog, wind and rain. (Keep in mind to pack waterproof layers.) Whereas that often deters the crowds that descend on town within the summertime, there could also be extra guests passing by means of La Serenissima in the course of the Olympics, which can happen from Feb. 6-22 in close by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The Winter Video games additionally coincide with the enduring Venice Carnival, which in 2026 is themed “Olympus — On the Origins of the Sport” and stretches from Jan. 31 to Feb. 17, with the majority of the occasions concentrated within the second week.
Nonetheless, there will definitely be lulls earlier than and after these main occasions. With fewer individuals round, you may savor landmarks just like the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica and town’s iconic bridges. When it’s too chilly, peruse the artwork on the Peggy Guggenheim Assortment or San Marco Artwork Centre. Day journeys are far quieter to locations like Murano and Burano, the place you may see the enduring glass-blowing and lace-making workshops. The identical goes for the opera home, the place it’s simpler to get tickets.
TPG tip: In any season, it’s arduous to beat the magnificence of The St. Regis Venice, with its smooth, seductive visitor rooms and suites adorned with authentic Murano glass artworks by Berengo Studios. You should definitely take within the Grand Canal views on the Arts Bar, which serves drinks in idiosyncratic customized glassware. Charges begin at $950 or 101,500 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time this winter.
Athens, Greece
With gentle temperatures (assume highs within the mid-50s) and much fewer sightseers, winter is the best time to benefit from the Acropolis, hikes as much as Mount Lycabettus and all the opposite historic scorching spots of Athens. There’s a relaxed feeling to town presently of 12 months, unburdened by excessive warmth and vacationers, however nonetheless loads of tradition and plenty of splendidly quiet museums.
It might not be seaside climate on the Athens Riviera. Nonetheless, you may nonetheless get pleasure from this common native trip spot within the winter with seaside strolls and even peaceable swimming within the constantly heat thermal waters of Lake Vouliagmeni.
TPG tip: It might appear counterintuitive to guide a seaside resort when it’s not sunbathing season, however the sprawling 4 Seasons Astir Palace Resort Athens is a beautiful seaside retreat that provides divine spa remedies and indulgent delicacies year-round. Charges begin at $670 per night time this winter, or guide by means of American Categorical Effective Accommodations + Resorts to obtain perks resembling complimentary each day breakfast for 2 and a assured 4 p.m. checkout.
Edinburgh
Fog, frost and a light-weight dusting of snow is perhaps within the playing cards throughout winter in Edinburgh, the place you’ll undoubtedly want a coat and hat however ought to nonetheless keep lots cozy. The town feels very celebratory presently of 12 months, particularly across the holidays, with the Christmas market and the multiday New 12 months’s pageant known as Hogmanay, which includes 1000’s of individuals carrying torches by means of town on Dec. 29.
Reward your inbox with the TPG Every day e-newsletter
Be a part of over 700,000 readers for breaking information, in-depth guides and unique offers from TPG’s consultants
Cozy winter actions embrace watching a conventional Scottish folks dancing present, ice skating on George Road, happening a ghost tour, or just sipping Scotch in a neighborhood pub. At night time, try Edinburgh Fort’s winter gentle path, and by day, discover the Nationwide Museum of Scotland for a dose of historical past. Jan. 25 is a very vigorous day in Edinburgh, because it marks the birthday of Robert Burns, a serious event for particular conventional dinners and poetry readings.
TPG tip: The latest and most lovely keep within the capital is 100 Princes Road, a luxurious townhouse resort with 30 rooms providing clear views of Edinburgh Fort, a wonderful fire, and all of the tartan your coronary heart wishes. Charges begin at $224 per night time this winter, or guide by means of American Categorical Effective Accommodations + Resorts to obtain perks resembling complimentary each day breakfast for 2 and a assured 4 p.m. checkout.
The Algarve, Portugal
Although winter is when the Algarve will get most of its rain, there’s additionally ample sunshine and temperatures within the low 60s. And, for surfers, it’s prime time for the salty sport. Kayaking can be an possibility for many who want to not get too moist, and there are quite a few mountain climbing trails for many who wish to keep on land and watch migratory birds go by means of.
Much less energetic varieties can nonetheless get pleasure from southern Portugal’s broad, lengthy stretches of sand licked by turquoise waves by taking windswept seaside walks with a beanie on and maybe a cuddly fleece. Within the cities and villages that stretch alongside the coast, there’s historical past, contemporary seafood and conventional Portuguese fado performances to get pleasure from indoors.
TPG tip: Immerse your self in bucolic wilderness on the Praia do Canal Nature Retreat, an SLH resort that has a spa with saunas and a Turkish tub for warming up on chilly days. Charges begin at $240 or 60,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time this winter.
Sicily, Italy
Nice temperatures starting from 50-60 levels Fahrenheit all through the day and night time are one of many many interesting points of a Sicilian winter. There are additionally fewer individuals round and loads of issues to do, together with festivities resembling Christmas markets in Palermo and the Feast of St. Agatha in Catania in February.
Within the UNESCO World Heritage web site of Agrigento, go to the traditional Greek temples devoted to Concordia and Heracles within the late afternoon earlier than the solar units. For some tradition, attend a efficiency on the Teatro Massimo, or take a therapeutic pause on the pure mud baths or scorching springs in Vulcano and Segesta. And maybe go snowboarding on Europe’s largest energetic volcano, Mount Etna, whose north and south slopes each have groomed ski and snowboard slopes.
TPG tip: E-book a keep throughout the Archaeological Park of the Valley of Temples at Villa Athena Resort, an SLH resort, positioned in a 300-year-old former villa. Charges begin at $130 or 51,000 Hilton Honors factors per night time this winter.
Burgundy, France
You don’t go to Burgundy within the winter for the outside actions, except you depend strolling by means of a winery. You go to get tremendous cozy whereas ingesting wine. There may very well be rain and a few snow, which makes the shorter days and darker nights snuggled up in a wine cellar much more hygge and seductive.
There are museums to discover in locations like Dijon (the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon) and historic châteaux to daydream in, in addition to alternatives to heat up throughout a cooking class, in a captivating bistro, or throughout a decadent spa remedy. However the through-line within the coldest months is totally wine, so don’t miss any alternative to sip pinot noir, gamay and the opposite reds signature to the misty, peaceable area.
TPG tip: Slumber in Côte de Beaune amid naked vineyards on the elegant COMO Le Montrachet retreat in a set of Nineteenth-century buildings that now maintain 28 deluxe rooms and suites, plus an acclaimed restaurant serving native Burgundian delicacies. (You can too go on guided tastings in a classic automobile.) Charges begin at $364 per night time this winter, or guide by means of Amex’s The Resort Assortment for perks like $100 property credit score to spend on qualifying eating, spa, and resort actions for stays of two nights or extra.
Barcelona
One of many greatest causes to go to Barcelona within the winter is the accessibility to Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, which is lastly set to be accomplished in 2026. Along with fewer crowds, daytime temperatures hovering round 60 levels Fahrenheit additionally make it simpler to go to. It’s by no means extraordinarily chilly within the metropolis, the place fascinating native occasions embrace January’s Three Kings Parade and February’s Santa Eulàlia pageant.
It’s a very good time to find hidden gems in a brisk but sunny ambiance, wander within the Gothic Quarter whereas it’s almost empty, and ice skate at seasonal outside rinks. There’s snowboarding within the close by Pyrenees if you happen to actually crave snow, too, however in any other case a Barcelona winter journey is all about arts, tradition and structure, with tour teams appealingly smaller and extra intimate and museums resembling Museo Picasso and Museum of Up to date Artwork of Barcelona a bit much less busy.
TPG tip: This winter, the inventive beachfront Resort Arts Barcelona welcomes company into reworked rooms and customary areas redesigned by Meyer Davis, that includes both a heat, earthy mountain–impressed palette or an array of blues referencing the Mediterranean. Charges begin at $401 or 82,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time this winter.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Winter in Dubrovnik is a time when town is marked by only a few vacationers, permitting for a extra sensible image of what life is like within the well-known “Pearl of the Adriatic.”
Come Christmastime, there are markets and loads of lights to seduce vacationers, and all the things is way cheaper than within the over-touristed summer season season. The power is extra laid again with regards to wandering in Outdated City or strolling the Sixteenth-century partitions. Some issues could also be closed, however there are nonetheless loads of cafes and eating places open, to not point out a serious vacation on Feb. 3, generally known as the Feast of St. Blaise, the patron saint of Dubrovnik. It’s as price witnessing because the vivid annual Carnival pageant annually earlier than Lent.
TPG tip: Benefit from the distinction of heated indoor pool swims and rocky seaside walks whereas staying at Resort Excelsior Dubrovnik, overlooking Outdated City. Charges begin at $263 or 20,000 World of Hyatt factors through Mr & Mrs Smith per night time this winter.
Associated studying:
