12 Winter Destinations in Europe You’ll Want To Visit Every Year

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Europe has some of the world’s most exciting places to visit when the snow falls and the temperatures drop. These winter destinations in Europe are some of the most magical places you can imagine.

Are you looking for world-class skiing, historical sights covered in snow, or romantic warm-weather getaways this winter? If so, Europe is a continent filled with enchantment, history, and unlimited winter beauty.

From Bavaria’s festive towns to the islands of Portugal, you’ll find a winter destination perfect for you. Below are the top 12 winter destinations in Europe.

Tallinn, Estonia

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Tallinn is a world-class winter destination full of medieval buildings and beautiful sights. It’s also home to some of the best Christmas markets in Europe.

Start your winter vacation off in the city’s walled medieval center. You’ll pass preserved buildings unchanged through the centuries. Places such as Katariina käik, the Masters’ Courtyard, and the Tallinn Town Hall look magical while covered in snow.

The city transforms into a colorful light show from the beginning of December. You can ice skate near centuries-old courtyards, museum hop, or shop for gifts at one of Europe’s best Christmas markets. For a romantic getaway for history lovers, very few cities are better in winter.

Madeira, Portugal

Madeira is an island off the coast of Portugal that is world-famous for its wine, dramatic landscapes, and romantic countryside. It’s one of Europe’s warmest and most beautiful destinations in winter.

Winter brings heavy rain to the island. Its lush forests and mountains turn into a giant garden of sub-tropical plants. Its terrain and plant life are so striking that it’s often called the Hawaii of Europe.

If you visit the island in winter, you’ll enjoy mild weather and sunshine between the storms. You can drive along the mountainous coastline before sampling the famous Madeira wine in the island’s capital, Funchal.

Snowdonia, Wales

Snowdonia is one of the UK’s premier winter sports and hiking destinations. It’s also one of the most beautiful places to spend winter in Europe, with its rolling mountains,

Snow covers the 900-meter-high mountains, giving skiers and snowboarders plenty of incredible powder to enjoy. Cross-country skiers will also have endless trails that traverse valleys, natural areas, and historical sights, including old castles.

Winter hiking is also a popular activity in the region. Make sure to time the weather to catch sunny skies and a dusting of snow. Then, head back to a country cottage or inn for a nice fire and homemade food. If this doesn’t satisfy your winter dreams, nothing will.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini is beautiful any time of the year, but as the crowds disperse in winter, you’ll get to experience the island from a local perspective. Although the temperatures will likely be pretty chilly, you’ll get to enjoy the same world-famous sunsets and sunrises with nobody around.

Stay in the capital of Fira and enjoy incredible seafood next to the whitewashed buildings downtown. Then, drive to the Imerovigli Viewpoint for unbeatable sea views and architecture. Just keep in mind that many places will be closed because it’s out of season.

At night, cozy up to a warm fire and enjoy local wine and delicious cheeses. In the morning, throw on your jacket and hit the road to explore more of the island’s historical sights, free from summer crowds.

Bilbao, Spain

Bilbao is a winter destination full of amazing food, beautiful countryside, and historical places. It’s also not far from world-class skiing and surfing.

Winter storms bring some of the best snow on the continent to the nearby mountains. They also send amazing waves to the bays and reefs near the city. For adventure sports enthusiasts, few places in the world are more thrilling.

In town, you’ll enjoy must-see sights such as the Museo de Bellas Artes and Siete Calles historical streets. At night, check out the city’s popular tapas bars to sample the local pintxos and wine.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is Scotland’s beautiful capital city. In winter, the city becomes one of the UK’s most romantic destinations.

Start your winter vacation at the Scott Monument and walk the historical George Street. Then, check out the 11th-century Edinburgh Castle and Royal Palace at night to see the popular Castle of Light event from December to January.

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Check out the East Princes Street Gardens winter market for amazing artisanal products and food. If you come during New Year’s, don’t miss the fantastic Hogmanay Street Party for all-night celebrations and endless fun.

Munich, Germany

Munich is a city made for winter. It has everything that makes the perfect winter destination, from Christmas markets to charming alpine villages nearby.

First, don’t miss iconic landmarks such as the Nymphenburg Palace, which is covered in snow. Then, see the Munich Christkindlmarkt, one of Europe’s largest holiday markets.

Outside the city, you can see towns full of traditional architecture and cities like Freising. Or, head south to the Alps to see the world-renowned Neuschwanstein Castle covered in snow.

If you love skiing, Munich is ground zero for visiting some of the continent’s best ski resorts. In just a short drive, you’ll be surrounded by alpine vistas and soaring down the mountain before cozying up to hot chocolate by the fire.

Porto, Portugal

Porto is a city in northern Portugal famous for its Port wine, gothic architecture, and delicious cuisine. In winter, the city’s cobblestone streets become the perfect setting for photographers and anyone who loves gorgeous city walks.

Start your trip on the famous Cais da Ribeira street. Stop into the Port cellars to sample the delicious wine before walking along the edge of the Douro River. Then, make your way up the hilly streets to visit landmarks such as the Porto Cathedral and the Fernandina Walls.

If you have time, take the train or drive up the Douro River to visit the vineyards and villages inland. Here, you can enjoy the vineyards and charming communities free from tourists. Just don’t forget your raincoat!

Kraków, Poland

Kraków is one of Europe’s most stunning cities in winter. You’ll get to see incredible medieval architecture covered in snow and take part in fun festivities and local events.

Start off in the old walled city of Stare Miasto. Grab a hot drink and walk through the historic cobblestone streets and gothic architecture.

Outside the city, you can enjoy cross-country skiing and beautiful winter views from Józef Piłsudski’s Mound. If you have time, consider renting a car and driving through the surrounding countryside. Enjoy the thermal baths of Chochołów or visit the somber historical site of Auschwitz to learn about the region’s WWII history.

Rovaniemi, Finland

Rovaniemi is a beautiful city in Finland’s Lapland region. At 66° latitude, Rovaniemi is located on the Arctic Circle and is one of the oldest cities in Europe.

In winter, the city is the perfect place to view the Northern lights. Don’t miss the popular Arktikum Science Museum to learn about the colorful atmospheric show before enjoying the restaurants and events at Lordi’s Square.

Outside of the city, book a snowmobile adventure through the countryside. After your adventure, head out for a private Northern Lights viewing outside the city. You can even stay the night at one of the countryside inns that specialize in winter luxury and outdoor activities.

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin is Ireland’s capital city and home to more than just the Guinness Brewery. Don’t miss touring the city’s monuments, including St Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle. Then, head to Temple Bar to see live music and winter events.

You can tour the famous brewery and sample the renowned beer straight from the tap at the Guinness Brewery Diageo. After sipping on Guinness, head to the city’s Christmas markets to shop for artisanal products.

If you have time, consider renting a car and touring the Irish countryside in winter. Head south to the Wicklow Mountains National Park for incredible winter scenery and countryside charm.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is Austria’s beautiful capital city and one of Europe’s best winter destinations. When the weather gets cold, you’ll experience its striking architecture, historical streets, and snow-covered natural surroundings.

Head to Schönbrunn Palace and visit the Christmas market before touring the palace grounds. Then, go downtown to see St. Charles’s Church, Hofburg, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral covered in snow.

Once you’ve gotten your fill of wintertime fun in the city, head to the nearby town of Hallstatt for incredible views of the snow-covered Alps. Nearby, you’ll have world-class skiing and some of Europe’s most stunning wintertime views.