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Europe might be best known for its summer holidays, with “Eurosummer” a highlight of many travellers’ years, but winter brings a completely different kind of escape, from snowy adventures beneath the Northern Lights to sun-soaked island breaks.
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Now, a new guide to the best places to visit in Europe this winter has been released, with destinations for everything from avoiding the cold altogether to embracing it, and making the most of quieter, crowd-free city breaks.
Here are the top 10 best European destinations to visit this coming winter, according to Lonely Planet.
Cappadocia, Türkiye
While winter means less daylight to see the natural beauty of Cappadocia’s incredible natural rock formations and buildings cut out of the rock, there are some upsides to visiting off season.
Winter means lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds, ideal for exploring cave churches at the Göreme Open Air Museum or marvelling at the monastery at Keşlik.
While hot air balloon rides, one of Cappadocia’s biggest draws, are sometimes cancelled in non-ideal winter conditions, which sometimes include snow on the rocks, there are plenty of indoor activities for chillier weather inside the rocks, and hammams are a must for warming up after a day on the go.
Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, Spain
If you’re not quite ready to give up on summer, Fuerteventura is one of Europe’s best bets for winter sun.
While much of the continent yearns for warmth, the second-largest Canary Island sees average highs of 21C even in January. Spend your days on Playa del Matorral, among the dunes of Corralejo Natural Park or at the wild and remote Cofete.
As well as being home to some of the best beaches in Europe, wellness is a huge deal here, too, with al fresco yoga, meditation and tai chi all easily combined with plenty of fresh sea air.
Eryri (Snowdonia), Wales
Winter brings a wilder side to Eryri, also known as Snowdonia, in Wales where snow-dusted mountains, waterfalls and ancient woodland make for dramatic hiking.
Join a guided winter walk to learn mountain safety and navigation, or head underground to explore the region’s former mines by zip line, climbing route or even subterranean boat.
The National White Water Centre is also open year-round for anyone willing to brave the rapids.
Bilbao, Spain
Bilbao can be cool and rainy in winter, with highs of around 12C – but that’s no reason to overlook this lively Spanish city.
Lower off-season prices leave more money for pintxos, while the Guggenheim Museum, Museo de Bellas Artes and Azkuna Zentroa, which has a year-round rooftop pool, offer plenty to do indoors.
For a taste of local life, wander through the medieval Casco Viejo and stop at Plaza Nueva for a pintxos crawl, to sample some of the best Basque finger food.
Madeira, Portugal
Madeira is a great winter escape, with mild temperatures reaching around 20C in February and plenty of sunshine.
The cooler months are perfect for hiking the island’s famous levadas, trying a poncha – a cocktail made with sugarcane spirit – or exploring Funchal’s markets and gardens. More adventurous travellers can also try trail running, mountain biking and canyoning.
Don’t miss Funchal, Madeira’s historic capital, or a visit to the picturesque fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, a former favourite spot of the late Winston Churchill.
Côte d’Azur, France
The French Riviera might be synonymous with summer glamour, but winter offers a much quieter way to experience the Mediterranean coast.
With empty coves and quieter roads, it’s an ideal time to explore Nice’s Old Town, Monaco’s harbour and the dramatic coastline between Menton and Saint-Tropez, without the summer crowds.
The microclimate here also means winters are milder than elsewhere in France.
Bavarian Alps, Germany
The Bavarian Alps look even more magical in winter, when snow-covered mountains, frozen lakes and fairytale castles create a scene straight out of Frozen.
Visit the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle under a dusting of snow, explore the medieval town of Füssen and warm up in a traditional Bavarian tavern. When conditions allow, the surrounding trails are perfect for winter walks and snowshoeing, while frozen lakes can offer the chance to go skating.
Santorini, Greece
Santorini may be packed in summer, but winter reveals a much quieter side of the famous Greek island.
With far fewer cruise ships and visitors, winter is the ideal time for wandering the narrow streets of Oia and Fira without the crowds. Temperatures reach around 14C, so it’s not beach weather, but you can enjoy spectacular caldera views, famous sunsets and significantly cheaper hotel rates.
Do note that few international flights go to the island in the winter months, but it remains accessible via daily ferry from Athens. Some hotels are also closed for the season, too.
Alentejo, Portugal
Winter is a great time to explore Portugal’s Alentejo region, when clear skies, rolling hills and vineyards offer a peaceful escape from the crowds.
Base yourself in UNESCO-listed Évora to explore its historic old town, then follow the Alentejo Wine Route to wineries around Estremoz and Monsaraz.
Winter also brings lower accommodation prices, making it a good time to settle in for a few days of wine tasting and hearty local food.
Lyon, France
France’s second city is a dream for food lovers, with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional bouchons serving up hearty Lyonnais classics, with everything from St-Bonnet-le-Froid mushrooms to world-class cheeses.
Winter is a particularly good time to visit, when you can escape the chill inside the city’s atmospheric traboules, browse its food markets and settle into cosy restaurants.
Don’t miss the local charcuteries, fromageries, chocolatiers and boulangeries, either. It’s also a quick hop to the Alps, meaning it’s the ideal destination to combine with a ski trip.
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