February is certainly one of my favorite months to journey in Europe. Positive, the climate isn’t all the time dependable, however there’s a surplus of wonderful occasions scheduled throughout the continent. From the age-old traditions of February’s full of life carnival celebrations and the romantic name of Valentine’s Day overseas to ski slopes stacked with contemporary powder and northern lights adventures within the Arctic, narrowing down the listing of greatest locations to go to in February in Europe is considerably of a problem.
That stated, for those who do need to attempt to escape the chilly, gray, gloomy days at dwelling, there are a handful of heat locations to go to in Europe in February, too. The center of the month can also be a well-liked time to go to a few of Europe’s most family-friendly vacation locations in the course of the February half-term break. Plus, as an added bonus, there are additionally normally loads of offers to snap up within the low season away from these massive occasions.
That can assist you plan the place to go in Europe in February, I’ve cut up this text into 5 sections, overlaying ski and snow, winter solar, romantic escapes, cultured metropolis breaks, and offbeat celebrations. I’ve additionally averted generic suggestions like ‘go to London as a result of it’s much less busy’ and as a substitute centered on locations which have one thing particular occurring in February in an effort to make your well-timed go to significantly unforgettable.
Greatest European journey, snow and ski locations in February
For contemporary powder lovers, the very best European holidays in February happen on the pistes, however snowboarding isn’t the one exercise out there this month. Northern lights chasing, snowshoeing, and adventures within the Arctic all abound within the winter climates of the north.
The French Alps
Arguably essentially the most iconic ski vacation spot on the planet, France’s reign as the final word place for first-class pistes and après-ski is undisputed. The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpe, with its greater than 150 ski and winter sports activities resorts, has one thing for everybody — starting from essentially the most indulgent and luxe properties with direct entry to a few of Les 3 Vallées greatest ski runs to extra inexpensive ski passes in Le Semnoz.
France’s slopes are additionally a superb February half-term vacation spot as they’re fast and simple to succeed in, both on a brief flight to Chambéry, Grenoble or Lyon or by bundling everybody within the automotive and driving over on the Channel Tunnel. Household-friendly ski resorts are in no brief provide, with firms equivalent to Sno having devoted packages and lodges appropriate for kids of any age. Some chalets and resorts supply children’ golf equipment, teenagers’ ski faculties, and even creches and baby care.
One other of the very best occasions in February in Europe occurs across the upscale resort of Courchevel, the place the Pyrotechnic Arts Pageant brightens the skies with fireworks and torchlit evenings (weekly between fifteenth February and seventh March 2024).
Get cosy, or energetic, in Norway’s Nordland Area
Nordland, Norway
Norway’s least populated area, Nordland, is maybe greatest identified for the cinematic Lofoten Islands. Right here, the surroundings is spectacular in February, when snow coats the dramatic peaks, and Rorbu cabins (conventional fishing huts) add a splash of color. However there are a lot extra winter snow adventures to have within the north of the nation, with ski resorts round Narvik and snowshoeing within the Arctic — a part of Lapland can also be inside Nordland’s borders. Better of all, a few of Norway’s greatest long-distance practice journeys depart and arrive from right here, and the Nordland Journey Move will let you discover the entire area car-free.
However there are a few further the reason why Norland is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go to in Europe in Winter 2024. Firstly, the aurora borealis (northern lights) are predicted to be significantly spectacular this winter because the 12-year Photo voltaic Cycle is predicted to hit its peak in early 2024, which means so long as there’s a clear night, the sky ought to placed on a correct present fairly recurrently.
Secondly, the distant metropolis of Bodø has been topped one of many EU’s Capital of Tradition 2024 — the primary time any metropolis within the Arctic has been given the title — and the year-long programme of cultural occasions will launch on the third of February 2024. To have a good time, an out-of-this-world floating stage might be within the metropolis’s harbour to formally declare the beginning of Bodø2024.
Entering into the mountains and Karwendel Nature Park is simple from Innsbruck
Tyrol, Austria
The Austrian Alps are the place winter comes alive, and with snow adventures and snowboarding being two of the very best issues to do in Austria, February is a implausible time to go to this mountainous and scenic area. There’s a large array of ski resorts to select from on this nook of Austria, starting from well-known slopes round Ischgl and Serfaus to extra beginner-friendly runs at Kitzbühel. Cross-country snowboarding can also be attainable, whereas there are many sledging alternatives for the youthful ones.
February’s appeal isn’t simply contemporary snow, although; the Tyrol area is laden with historical past and custom. As with many different nations in Europe in February, carnival time provides a splash of color to the in any other case white landscapes. The Tirolean Carnival parades happen in most cities, and you’ll anticipate loads of conventional gown alongside costumes of witches and wood masks. A few of Tyrol’s greatest carnival occasions solely happen each 3 or 4 years. In 2024, it’s the flip of Imst Schemenlaufen (4th February 2024), one of many Alps’ most necessary masked parades, which is inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity listing. As this occasion solely occurs each 4 years, it’s value making an attempt to attend for those who’re in Austria in February.
In case you simply need a brief and fast getaway, take into account an extended weekend in Innsbruck. Among the finest cities in Europe to go to in February for a ski vacation, because of its proximity to the mountains, there are additionally sufficient museums and cultural sights to fill at the least sooner or later. From Innsbruck, you’re additionally well-placed for some intense snow-covered treks in Karwendel Nature Park.
Misty mornings throughout February’s Venice Carnival
The place to go in February in Europe for Valentine’s Day
With Valentine’s Day falling on a Wednesday in 2024, it’s somewhat more durable to plan a romantic midweek getaway. Nonetheless, you don’t have to have a good time your love on the commercialised day itself, and a metropolis break on one of many weekends is unquestionably higher than a bunch of roses. Positive, you may decide from any of the extra romanticised cities on the continent, equivalent to Paris, Florence or Prague. Or, you may plan the place to go in Europe in February for Valentine’s Day round certainly one of these superior annual occasions as a substitute.
Venice, Italy
Beginning with maybe the obvious alternative for a romantic metropolis break, Venice is actually among the best locations to go to for Valentine’s Day — however I’m enthusiastic about the magic of one of many world’s best carnivals (third – thirteenth February 2024) quite than charming if chilly gondola rides.
Courting again to the twelfth century (though some reviews consider it was informally established some 200 years earlier than), Venice Carnival has lengthy been one of many best festivals on the planet, full of color, glam, debauchery and secrets and techniques — usually hid behind these fabled Venetian masks, which additionally date again to the Center Ages. These days, it’s a mixture of grand and opulent ticket-only balls, road performers, competitions and parades. So why not whisk the one you love away for a go to to Venice in February to have a good time on this metropolis of romance?
In case you’d desire one other close by romantic various, then take into account Verona, the town of Romeo and Juliet, the place Valentine’s Day can also be an enormous celebration. With many romantic and memorable issues to do in Italy, there isn’t a scarcity of February metropolis breaks to select from.
Venice is without doubt one of the most romantic locations on this planet
Sitges, Spain
Sitges, certainly one of Europe’s most gay-friendly locations, hosts its large carnival celebration between the eighth and 14th of February 2024, making it a superb and secure place for the LGBTQ+ group to have a good time Valentine’s Day. One of many oldest carnivals in Catalonia, large parades, costumes and crowds descend on this seaside city, breaking its winter hibernation in essentially the most kaleidoscopic means.
There are two massive parades, with the second being on the thirteenth of February, 2024 — ideally for partying into Valentine’s Day correct — and the primary LGBTQ+ golf equipment and bars host their very own events all through the week.
Away from the celebrations (though it’s practically unattainable to keep away from them), you’ve acquired a few implausible museums, equivalent to Cau Ferrat, sea-view eating places, and a cute if small Previous City to go to. In fact, certainly one of Sitge’s most important attracts is the seashore, and whereas it isn’t one of many warmest locations to go to in February in Europe, you would possibly get fortunate with some sunny days to prime up your tan.
February may not be seashore climate in Good, nevertheless it’s nonetheless time to have a good time
Côte d’Azur, France
Paris could be France’s most evident alternative for a Valentine’s Day getaway, however if you wish to flip your romantic journey right into a week-long trip, then a luxurious go to to the French Riviera could be the proper reply.
Greatest identified for glamour, movie festivals, fairly pastel-hued properties and certainly one of Europe’s smallest nations, Monaco, there isn’t a scarcity of first-class eating places and romantic resorts to steal away alongside the shoreline. Nevertheless, there are a number of of France’s greatest occasions scheduled within the south throughout February, and I’d extremely suggest you make your go to to the Côte d’Azur much more particular by planning it round certainly one of these.
Maybe essentially the most well-known is Good Carnival, one of many world’s largest, the place this upscale seaside resort comes alive with parades (the illuminated nighttime procession is especially implausible), flower battles (yep, you learn that proper), and basic revelry. The ridiculously engaging city of Menton, nearer to the Italian border, additionally holds an enormous annual bash, the Fête du Citron, on the identical dates (each run between February Seventeenth and March third, 2024). The Lemon Pageant is a flamboyant and virtually fantasy competition the place the colors and flavours of citrus fruits set the stage for parades, artisan shops, and native produce tasting. Lastly, there’s additionally the brief however candy Fête du Mimosa (14th – 18th February 2024), which begins on Valentine’s Day itself and is anchored across the blossoming of the regionally beloved Mimosa bushes.
Journey by means of time at The Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily
Greatest European cities to go to in February
When placing collectively my picks of the very best cities in Europe to go to in February, I’ve centered on locations which have annual occasions scheduled, the meals and bar scene is powerful (for these colder nights), and sufficient museums or cultural sights to maintain you busy in case of some showers. In case you simply need inexpensive foods and drinks with higher possibilities of blue skies, then take into account Valletta (Malta), Lisbon (Portugal), or Chania (Crete, Greece).
Agrigento, Sicily, Italy
Sicily is all the time a good suggestion, and for those who’re visiting Europe in February, then the town of Agrigento, already an archaeological surprise, needs to be firmly in your sights for the beautiful almond tree blossoms that brighten the town. In addition to admiring the flowers, there’s an official Pageant of Almond Blossom (the 2024 dates are to be confirmed), which incorporates performances, parades and puppet exhibits. Later within the month, a grand feast to have a good time the town’s patron saint can also be held.
However even when blossoms aren’t your factor, Agrigento is maybe the very best purpose to go to Sicily year-round. It’s laden with historical past, and the Valle dei Templi, an unlimited archaeological and World Heritage Website consisting of historic Greek temples, will astound you as you stroll the ridge linking these historic wonders. And whereas the climate is way from assured at the moment of yr, Sicily’s southern place makes it one of many warmest locations to go to in Europe in February.
Get cosy alongside Copenhagen’s Nyhavn in February
Copenhagen, Denmark
Stylish Copenhagen is without doubt one of the greatest European metropolis breaks in February, because of the Vinterjazz competition (1st – twenty fifth February 2024) bringing one thing further to this already cultured metropolis. For over three weeks, a number of live shows may be appreciated in numerous venues, starting from chilly open-air performances to spectacular up to date live performance halls. There are only some free occasions, so that you’ll need to scan the schedule to guide tickets prematurely.
Alongside the jazz live shows, you possibly can nonetheless cram a lot right into a two-day weekend go to to Copenhagen. Some 50-odd wonderful museums supply loads of respite from any showers, with a number of, such because the standout SMK Artwork Museum, simply occupying half a day. If opulent halls and royal historical past are extra your factor, then the town’s handful of palaces and castles are positive to impress, whereas iconic sights equivalent to the colorful Seventeenth-century Nyhavn Canal and overrated Little Mermaid statues spherical off any go to.
In fact, one other bonus of visiting after Christmas and earlier than the favored summer season season is that lodging costs are normally decrease. Different methods to chop prices in Denmark are to think about hostels (there are many stylish, non-public room choices), take a Copenhagen free strolling tour (don’t neglect to tip), take into account the Copenhagen Card and take the Havnebussen quite than a canal tour. All extra inexpensive advantages of a February go to.
The long-lasting Grand Place within the coronary heart of Brussels
Brussels, Belgium
Extremely underrated, many individuals anticipate finding a sterile and bureaucratic Belgian capital once they first go to Brussels, however in actuality, it’s something however. There’s wonderful delicacies on practically each road nook with international gastronomy nicely represented; the nation’s penchant for first-class craft beers ensures that even on chilly winter nights, the bars are tempting; and the town’s assortment of celebrated cultural establishments, galleries and museums can fill numerous wet days. Plus, who doesn’t love Belgian chocolate?
As an added bonus for visiting this European metropolis in February, you’ll even be handled to the Vibrant Pageant of Lights, which runs from the fifteenth to 18th February 2024. Installations from native and worldwide artists carry unbelievable illuminations to a number of the metropolis’s most distinguished landmarks, giving a magical life to the in any other case chilly nights.
Take a tour of all of the carnival celebrations in Andalucia in February
Heat European locations in February for winter solar
In case you’re questioning the place to go in Europe in February for solar, then my ideas of the very best heat European locations in January — the Algarve, Malta and the Canary Islands — nonetheless apply. Nevertheless, February brings with it a number of extra wonderful selections, with large carnivals beneath (hopefully) blue skies being the primary purpose I’ve chosen them. And given how even the warmest winter locations in Europe can’t assure infinite blue days, at the least for those who get unfortunate with some worse-than-expected climate, you’ll have these unforgettable cultural experiences to cherish as a substitute.
Andalucia (or Tenerife), Spain
Spain’s southern Andalucia area is certainly one of mainland Europe’s warmest winter locations, with February temperatures within the metropolis of Seville usually reaching 17°C (62°F) within the daytime. Nonetheless, the odd bathe and chilly evenings are to be anticipated, however fortunately, by evening, you possibly can heat up with the area’s unbelievable space of carnival celebrations.
Regardless of the place you determine to go to on this passionate area, you’ll possible discover a occasion. Among the most well-known festivals are the large and infrequently humorous road occasion of Cadiz Carnival (eighth – 18th of February 2024), which lasts nicely over per week, the equally grand Málaga Carnival (third – Eleventh of February 2024), which dates again tons of of years, and the Carnaval Colombino in lesser-visited Huelva. It’s a good time to plan a street journey by means of Andalucia to take in the area’s tradition of tapas, flamenco, and Islamic structure, as costs and crowds may be skinny alongside the coast, stopping on the events alongside the way in which.
However if you wish to be part of the most important February festivities in Spain, you then’ll want to move to Tenerife, the most important of the Canary Islands, for the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Flamboyant in all methods, this fifteen-day occasion consumes the island’s capital, and it comes with an added bonus: the temperatures are even hotter down right here on account of being nearer to the Sahara than Spain correct. This yr, occasions begin in January and finish on the 18th of February, 2024.
Enjoyable with an area wine searching on Madeira at Quinta da Saraiva
Madeira, Portugal
With an virtually year-round spring local weather, the autonomous Portuguese archipelago of Madeira is certainly one of Europe’s warmest locations in February. Daytime temperatures round 16°C (61°F) are pretty frequent, although with the odd bathe right here and there and chilly evenings, an umbrella and jacket are nonetheless suggested. Whether or not your February intention is to attempt to catch some winter solar, swim in pure swimming pools shaped from lava, or hike a few of Portugal’s most spectacular mountain trails above the clouds, you’ll discover all of it right here.
Simply be warned, not like lots of Europe’s greatest seashore locations, the vast majority of the seashores on Madeira are pebbly or volcanic sands. If you would like the extra typical golden sands in your doorstep, you then’ll have to take the two-hour ferry to Porto Santo, Madeira’s little sister, the place a golden seashore stretches out so far as the attention can see. With little tourism on this secondary island within the offseason, the lodges that do stay open year-round usually supply nice worth offers.
Nevertheless, as with lots of the different locations on this listing, Madeira’s February spotlight is the island’s two-week-long carnival (seventh – 18th of February 2024). Normally beginning within the second week of the month, you possibly can anticipate loads of flower-themed costumes and vibrant dancers washed again with the native Madeira wine or poncha (a typical sugarcane rum drink) throughout the island, though the most important celebrations are in Funchal, the capital metropolis.
Madeira’s Carnival is certainly one of many annual celebrations
Cyprus
Technically positioned in Western Asia, the Mediterranean nation of Cyprus is nonetheless thought of one of many warmest locations to go to in Europe in February. With a light winter local weather — temperatures are sometimes round 15°C (59°F) with a mixture of sunny and cloudy days in February — it’s a reasonably dependable guess for a little bit of winter solar if not a full seashore vacation.
Throughout this lovely island, you’ll discover some spectacular shorelines, seashores and bays. And never solely are the island’s golden sands and turquoise waters fairly, if barely chilly, however there are many sights to maintain you entertained if rain showers do seem. From the traditional archaeological sights of Pahos — such because the 4th-century BC Tombs of the Kings — to the border-defining metropolis of Nicosia’s museums, Cyprus’ greatest sights are different and engaging.
February additionally has one other compelling purpose to go to Cyprus: the carnival. Commencing across the center of the month, you’ll discover celebrations in loads of cities and villages. Two of the most important are in Paphos, which culminates in a grand parade (in 2024, this may truly be on the ninth of March), and Limassol (eighth of February – Seventeenth of March 2024), famend for its consuming, dancing, and all-round revelry.
Pin it: Greatest locations to go to in Europe in February (High: Cyprus | Backside: Caretos costume /Canva)
Extra ‘offbeat’ locations to go in February in Europe
Ending on my favorite matter of visiting Europe’s most underrated cities and cities, listed below are a number of extra of my private suggestions of the place to go in Europe in February which might be usually criminally missed.
Podence, Portugal
One of the vital attention-grabbing locations to go to in February in Europe is the small northern Portuguese village of Podence. For a lot of the yr, this offbeat spot not removed from the Spanish border flies beneath the radar. However in February, that each one modifications when the Carnival of Podence (18th – twenty first February 2024) brings a flurry of exercise.
Nonetheless, although the occasion is UNESCO-listed on account of its lengthy historical past and distinctive costumes, most guests to Europe in February haven’t even heard of it. For those who do need to go to, advance planning is crucial, as whereas 1000’s of individuals do descend on the village for the mid-February occasion, the tourism infrastructure merely isn’t there to accommodate such a crowd. Hiring a automotive and staying in close by bigger cities equivalent to Braganca, Macedo de Cavaleiros, and even Vila Actual are, due to this fact, the very best methods to organise your go to.
However what makes this small random carnival so particular? Firstly, it’s the story behind the celebration and distinctive costumes of this distant area. The roots of the carnival had been as a ceremony of passage, paganism, fertility, and celebrating the winter’s finish. Secondly, the performances by the ‘Caretos’, who’re wearing conventional vibrant streamer costumes and masks, are virtually hypnotizing.
Over the 4 days, bonfires are lit, the sound of the gaita (a bagpipe instrument of Northern Portugal and Spain’s Galicia area) rings by means of the mountain air, and torches topped by flames are whipped round by the dancing Caretos. It’s a complicated, vibrant and generally virtually satanic feeling occasion, however if you wish to expertise Europe’s hidden gems, that is one place to search out them.
Structure in Sarajevo
Sarajevo stays certainly one of Europe’s most underrated cities
Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Like lots of the hottest locations to go to in Bosnia & Herzegovina, Sarajevo’s tourism is usually mentioned in conversations about battle. And whereas the nation’s capital actually has tales of horror to convey, I consider it’s necessary we don’t simply go to cities due to their previous, but additionally to see and be taught from their blossoming future — fashionable Sarajevo is each an interesting mixture of cultures, religions and traditions, but additionally a forward-looking metropolis of classy espresso homes, galleries and festivities.
What makes it among the best European cities to go to in February for an offbeat break is the Sarajevo Winter Pageant (the fortieth anniversary is that this yr, beginning on the seventh of February 2024), which has a packed programme from early February into mid-March. One of many annual cultural highlights in Bosnia & Herzegovina, you’ll discover artwork exhibitions, literary occasions, live shows, theatre and opera performances each inside the metropolis’s cultural establishments but additionally within the close by Olympic Mountains — the competition was truly first launched as a part of their flip internet hosting the winter video games. For an perception into the tradition of a rustic usually skipped by travellers, this February occasion makes for a perfect time to go to.
Exterior of the programmed occasions, you’ve acquired one of the engrossing cities in Europe to discover. Do take time to be taught in regards to the nation’s current and hard-to-process historical past on the Museum Of Crimes In opposition to Humanity And Genocide, and naturally, you’ll possible need to be taught extra in regards to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which triggered the beginning of World Battle One. However away from this haunted previous, delve into the town’s medley of structure — there are superb mosques and Islamic-style touches inside Vijećnica (City Corridor) — and discover the ever-growing cafe tradition, take all of it in from the Yellow Fortress excessive above, and get misplaced within the bazaar of Baščaršija. You possibly can even hit the slopes for a fraction of France’s costs within the resorts past the town limits.
In February half-term, Durham’s Beamish Museum places on particular occasions
Durham, England
In case you’re questioning the place to go in Europe in February with out flying overseas, why not plan a UK staycation a bit nearer to dwelling and head to Durham in the course of the half-term holidays? Stacked with necessary historic websites, equivalent to Durham Fort and Cathedral — each of which have main Harry Potter vibes — alongside a good power and number of inexpensive eating places because of the student-heavy inhabitants, it’s certainly one of my favorite locations in England.
However the prime two causes to go to Durham in February are for the annual Fireplace & Ice occasion (twenty third – twenty fourth February 2024), when the town is adorned by interactive shows, frozen statues, and nightfall fires blazing for a few days. Secondly, the spectacular open-air Beamish Museum, which exhibits bygone eras in reconstructed cities and homes with actors and real-life rattling trams, hosts a devoted February half-term programme for teenagers.
In case you’re up in Scotland and don’t fancy crossing the border, you would possibly need to plan a go to to Aberdeen as a substitute for the SPECTRA Pageant of Gentle (eighth -Eleventh February 2024), which illuminates the attractive cobbled streets and fashionable corners of this usually unsung Scottish metropolis.