13 best places in Europe for winter travel: Lonely Planet selection
Winter Europe offers a variety of vacation options — from Christmas markets to the warm beaches of the Canary Islands. Find out which destinations Lonely Planet has named the best and where Ukrainians should plan to travel this winter
Get Green Card insurance for traveling abroad by car online in 5 minutes!
BUY
Winter travel in Europe has long ceased to be limited to ski resorts or Christmas markets. Lonely Planet, the world's largest travel publisher, has named the top 13 places to visit this winter — from the snow-covered forests of Lapland to the volcanic landscapes of the Canary Islands. During the winter low season, many popular locations become quieter and more comfortable, and traveling becomes much more affordable. Below is an overview of all the destinations selected by Lonely Planet.Cappadocia, Turkey: winter balloons and Martian landscapesCappadocia looks even more magical in winter: stone “fairy chimneys” are covered with snow, and hot air balloons rise above the white valleys. Winter is the best time for hiking in underground cities, walking through gorges, and cheaper balloon tours.Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain: the warm beach season is in full swingIt's eternal summer in the Canary Islands, making Fuerteventura ideal for those who want to escape the cold. Beaches, surfing, volcanic landscapes, and temperatures around +22 °C make the island the most comfortable winter destination in Europe.Erieri (Snowdonia), Wales: for lovers of active winterErieri National Park is a great place for winter hiking, mountain trails, and picturesque panoramas. It is a less touristy but very colorful option for a mountain vacation.Bilbao, Spain: art, markets, and gastronomyIn winter, Bilbao attracts tourists with the Guggenheim Museum, atmospheric markets, and cozy cafes. With fewer crowds and lower accommodation prices, it is a great choice for a cultural vacation.Madeira, Portugal: the island where it's always springWith temperatures of +18...+20 °C, blooming garden terraces, hiking trails, and the ocean, Madeira remains one of the best places for an active and warm winter.Côte d'Azur, France: glamour without the summer crowdsIt is much quieter here in winter, but still sunny. Nice, Cannes, and Monaco offer comfortable weather, seaside promenades, and reasonable prices in the off-season.Tip: if you are planning a winter trip by car, don't forget about the Green Card — compulsory insurance for entry into the EU. At Visit Ukraine, you can apply for it online in a matter of minutes: the policy is immediately sent to your email and is valid in all EU countries.Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!Bavarian Alps, Germany: castles, mountains, and a fairytale atmosphereThis region is a paradise for lovers of snowy landscapes. In winter, Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles look especially magical, and skiing enthusiasts will find dozens of slopes.Santorini, Greece: the most popular island — without the crowdsWinter in Santorini is a unique opportunity to see the island without thousands of tourists. The weather is cooler, but the views of the caldera and volcanic beaches are the same.Alentejo, Portugal: tranquility, wine, and authenticityThis is a region for those who want a leisurely trip: wineries, mild winters, medieval towns, and peaceful nature.Lyon, France: the capital of world gastronomyIt is especially cozy here in winter: restaurants with traditional bouchons, festivals, and the low tourist season make for a comfortable trip.Cinque Terre, Italy: picturesque villages without crowdsIn summer, these locations are crowded, but in winter they open up for meditative walks along the sea and the narrow streets of Riomaggiore or Manarola.Budapest, Hungary: thermal baths and winter fairsWinter only makes Budapest better: the contrast between the cold air and warm thermal waters creates an incredible experience. Add to that the holiday markets, and you have the perfect winter weekend.Lapland, Finland: hunting for the northern lightsFinnish Lapland is the best place in Europe to see the northern lights. Here you can ride dog sleds, visit Santa Claus' residence, and walk through snow-covered coniferous forests.We remind you! The best tourist streets in the world combine atmosphere, gastronomy, culture, and unique local flavor. Read about which streets topped the Time Out ranking in 2025 and why they attract travelers from all over the world.Photo: Khunhua144/ShutterstockWant to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.All rights reserved.
Frequantly
asked questions
Which European countries are the warmest in winter for a beach vacation?
The most comfortable winter temperatures are in the Canary Islands (Spain), Madeira, and Cyprus. Here, in December–February, the temperature stays around +18...+22 °C, the sea is not too cold, and the weather is consistently sunny.
Which places in Europe are suitable for a budget winter trip?
The most affordable destinations are Budapest, Portugal (Alentejo), most cities in Spain, and some regions of Greece, where the winter season is considered low. Demand decreases in winter, so seasonal discounts apply to air tickets, accommodation, and excursions.
Where in Europe is the best place to see the northern lights?
The best locations are Finnish Lapland, Northern Norway, Iceland, and Sweden. The best time to observe them is from November to March, and the highest chances are in regions with minimal light pollution and clear weather.
Which European cities are best for experiencing the Christmas atmosphere?
The most popular destinations are Vienna, Munich, Nuremberg, Strasbourg, Prague, and Budapest. These cities host some of the most famous Christmas markets in the world, and the festive infrastructure is already in place from the end of November.
