Whether you’re looking for the perfect spot to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in the snow or hoping to find some winter sun, the travel experts have you covered.
Lonely Planet has come up with a list of the top 14 best places in Europe to go this winter.
Introducing the list, the travel experts said: “It can be cold, sure – yet Europe in winter offers travelers countless choices for a perfect getaway.
“You can embrace the frigid air by setting out to view the Northern Lights over the snowy landscapes of Lapland.
“Or you can escape it altogether by chasing the sun to the beaches of Fuerteventura.
“The winter low season also offers the chance to explore some of Europe’s most popular places without the heaving summer crowds – ideal for any traveler who relishes a bit more personal space.
“Whatever your winter vacation dreams may be, our list of top travel destinations in Europe will surely satisfy them.”
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Best places to go in Europe this winter
The 14 best places to go in Europe this winter, according to Lonely Planet, are:
- Tallinn, Estonia
- Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
- Eryri (Snowdonia), Wales
- Madeira, Portugal
- Bilbao, Spain
- Côte d’Azur, France
- Bavarian Alps, Germany
- Santorini, Greece
- The Alentejo, Portugal
- Lyon, France
- Cinque Terre, Italy
- Cappadocia, Türkiye
- Budapest, Hungary
- Lapland, Finland
Why Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park is among the best places to visit this winter
For those looking for the perfect spot to visit this winter with minimal travel, you are in luck as Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park is featured on Lonely Planet’s list.
It was labelled the best spot in Europe for “winter adventure sports”.
Lonely Planet explained: “The clue’s in the name. Snowdonia, a varied national park in northern Wales consisting of a dramatic assemblage of mountains, glittering coastline, lakes, ancient woodland and roaring waterfalls, could well be covered in the white stuff in the winter.
“There will certainly be some weather. But that doesn’t need to stop thrill seekers who take the proper precautions.”
Eryri National Park has been labelled the best spot in Europe for winter adventure sports. (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) The travel experts continued: “Some companies specialize in winter walking, and will teach you skills such as basic mountain safety, navigation and using crampons before leading you out on crisp, crowd-less hikes.
“And Snowdonia’s dam-controlled National White Water Centre is open to rafters year-round (wetsuits compulsory).
“This area used to be a mining hotspot; now, such abandoned industrial sites are providing opportunities for subterranean exploration, including abseiling, zip-lining, boating, climbing and trampolining underground.”
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The best time to visit Eryri depends on what you are looking for, Lonely Planet added.
From November to March, it will be cold, while in April and May you can expect slightly warmer weather and wildflowers.
In September and October, Lonely Planet said you will see “warm, autumn colours”.
