If you’re in Europe in February, what will you do? Will you spend a romantic weekend with your lover on Valentine’s Day? Celebrate Carnival or Candlemas? Or will you rather go skiing? Or travel to a more clement location?

To foster your wanderlust, here’s a bunch of European destinations to explore in February.

LUXEMBOURG

By Mei and Kerstin from Travel with Mei & Kerstin

Luxembourg can be visited throughout the whole year. But to experience a true winter wonderland, it’s best to come in early February when pastel-coloured houses and narrow cobblestone streets are gently covered in snow. Nothing could be more romantic than strolling along a frozen river or exploring fairy-tale castles with your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day!

Throughout February, there are many festive events in Luxembourg. The main attraction is the Cavalcade, a carnival parade taking place in several major Luxembourgish cities such as Diekirch, Schifflange, Remich or Differdange. You’ll see hundreds and thousands of people dressed up in colourful and wild costumes marching or riding on floats. The processions, always celebrated with national popular music, are organized by owners of local businesses and associations, and it’s a tradition that goes back to 1870.

On the first Sunday after Carnival, there’s another national spectacle that takes place in almost every Luxembourgish town, called Buergbrennen, which can be translated in “burn-burn”. During these local events, the villagers light up a huge bonfire made with dried tree trunks collected from the residents’ old Christmas trees. Buergbrennen is thus the Luxembourgish way to send off winter.

In February, we also celebrate Liichtmëssdag – or Candlemas. If you happen to see groups of children at dusk, carrying a paper lantern and going from doorstep to doorstep singing “Léiwer Härgottsblieschen”, then remember to offer them nuts, candies or money.

So, if you visit Luxembourg in February, make sure to attend one or several of these national events.

Are you looking for a hotel in Luxembourg?

VAL DI SOLE, ITALY

By Claudia from My Adventures Across The World

Val di Sole, in Trentino (northern Italy) is one of the best destinations to visit in Europe in February. A fantastic place to travel to throughout the year thanks to the beautiful mountains and great hiking trails, Val di Sole reaches perfection in the winter, when the abundant snowfall makes it a fantastic destination for skiing and other winter sports.

Val di Sole has an incredible web of slopes. The main ski areas are those of Folgarida – Marilleva, Madonna di Campiglio and Pinzolo. They are all linked to one another, for something like 150 km of slopes. The best part of it is that if you decide to ski in one area, you can actually reach the other while skiing.

The slopes are great: there’s something for just about anybody, with easy blue slopes for beginners and black ones for the best skiers out there. There even are ski schools and kindergarten schools for families traveling with children.

People who visit Val di Sole also enjoy a fairytale landscape, with easy walks that take to places such as Rabbi, where a beautiful waterfall freezes for special winter effects and where there’s also a hanging bridge. Adding to this, there is a multitude of lovely villages that are pleasant to visit. The prettiest one is Ossana, surmounted by a 12th century castle. Monclassico and its 50 sundials is another must see.

Last, but definitely not least, people who visit Val di Sole will have the pleasure to try all the local specialties in the many fantastic restaurants in the valley. And to learn the secrets of local cuisine with the cooking classes organized by Agritur Solasna.

LISBON, PORTUGAL

By Karolina from Lazy Travel Blog

The best European destination in February is Lisbon when the winter is halfway gone and the weather is a bit warmer with fewer chances of rain. Better yet, it is the off-peak season when all the prices drop. And everything is much cheaper and you can get a holiday bargain. As an added bonus, the locals celebrate winter’s farewell with a big carnival, giving you a good glimpse of one of the Portuguese’s biggest festivals.

Take advantage of the clear skies by traveling to Sintra by train. Only 30 to 40 minutes away from the centre of Lisbon, the historical city is the location of one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal, the colourful Pena Palace. Here, you will also find the foreboding structure of the Moor’s Castle and the grand Quinta de Regaleira. It’s like taking a trip into land from a fantasy novel.

You can also take advantage of the low prices of Lisbon’s off-peak season to go for a romantic cruise through the Tejo River and watch Lisbon’s landmarks glow as the sun sets. For a bargain price of 69.90 euros, you get a 2-hour boat cruise with drinks included. What a perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day!

SIBIU, ROMANIA

By Iuliana from Authentic Travels

The historic town of Sibiu is situated in the heart of Romania, in the province called Transylvania. At the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, Sibiu is a perfect location for visitors at any time of the year. If you go there in February, a range of museums welcome curious travelers to discover the history of the Saxon guilds (Museum of History), a gallery of paintings (Brukenthal Museum), or a display of old medicine containers (Museum of Pharmacy).

There are many other activities and places to see if you venture to face the cold. You will be rewarded and have the chance to see local traditions and other winter habits in rural areas. The Astra Museum is a Skansen museum on the outskirts of Sibiu and there you can walk throughout a village with traditional houses refurbished as small museums.

In addition, a day trip to the surrounding Romanian and Saxon villages is even more interesting in the winter season, when a white coat gently covers the roofs of the houses and a thin smoke comes out of each chimney.

The nearest Romanian villages you can explore are Sibiel (also stop at the Icon Museum there), Săliște (small town with a strong rural imprint) or Gura Râului (village at the foot of the Cindrel Mountains). If you want to discover something different, head to some of the Saxon villages. Cisnădie, Cristian, and Hosman are 15-20-minute drive from Sibiu and there you can see some of the most important fortified churches built by German settlers in the southeastern part of Transylvania.

So, you see, even if you go to Sibiu in the winter season, there are plenty of things to do and local traditions to witness in the town and its surroundings.

FUERTEVENTURA, SPAIN

By Greta from Gretas Travels

If you want to escape the European winter and spend some time in the sun in February, without flying half way around the globe, Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands is the perfect place to do so. Fuerteventura is the second biggest island in the Canary Islands and is located just 100km away from the coast of Africa. It’s blessed with sunshine and warm temperatures all year round.

I recommend going in February since the crowds won’t be as big as over summer or during the Christmas and New Years holidays, plus with the low season the prices for flights, accommodation and tours go down. Fuerteventura is a popular destination for fans of water sports, thanks to the prime wind and wave conditions that make it perfect for windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing and surfing. February is an especially good month to visit if you want to try some water sports since thanks to decreased storm activity around the equator the conditions are better in winter. This means smaller waves but more even, perfect for beginners.

If you’re not into water sports there are still loads of fun things you can do in Fuerteventura, ranging from quad bike tours on the sand dunes of Corralejo Natural Park, snorkelling trips to the island of Lobos, eating tapas and paella in a cute restaurant along the harbour, relaxing on a beach or even doing a day trip to the nearby island of Lanzarote.

When we visited Fuerteventura, we stayed at the beautiful Hotel Melia.

HOHENZOLLERN CASTLE, GERMANY

By Mei from Travel with Mei & Kerstin

Most people who visit Germany go to Neuschwanstein Castle. There are however many other charming castles in Germany. One of them is unquestionably the Hohenzollern Castle, located on the edge of the Swabian Jura in Baden-Württemberg. In February 2017, we went castle-hopping in southwestern Germany, visiting many lesser-known castles such as Lichtenstein, Sigmaringen, Meersburg, and the Hohenzollern Castle.

When we arrived in the little town of Hechingen, where we spent a night in the cute hotel Unsere Stadtvilla, it was already dark. But on the next morning, we were mesmerized by the breath-taking setting of the Hohenzollern Castle, perched on the top of a hill under a cerulean sky. The snow scenery made it look even more idyllic!

As soon as we walked into the central courtyard of the Hohenzollern Castle, we both wondered if it inspired the many fairy-tale stories we were told as kids, or if, on the contrary, it was inspired by them. Every little detail of this 19thcentury rebuilt castle looked picture-perfect.

Our recommendation: once you’ve visited the castle itself, don’t leave before taking a stroll all around the castle. The panoramic views of the countryside from this hilltop are absolutely mind-boggling, especially when covered with a snow blanket!

SLOVENIA

By Ee Sing from Traventures – The Story of My Life

Winter is not exactly to the best time to travel if you are afraid of the cold or try to get a good scenery view. However, if you pick the right place, you’ll find the weather bearable and you’ll get the best of both worlds. The best part about Slovenia in February is that there is not much crowd at that time of the year, since it isn’t the holiday season.

The most famous part of Slovenia is definitely Lake Bled. And if you go there during good weather, you’ll get a good view from the Bled Castle. My favourite place in Slovenia is the Postojna Cave. It was beautiful, and we had a guide giving us all the information we needed about stalagmites and stalactites. Of course, if you are there, you’ll visit the Predjama Castle, located on a cliff. Apart from that, you’ll definitely have to make your way to Piran, a Venetian architectural town and the beautiful Lake Bohinj. If you are looking for ski, Slovenia would also be your destination. I would definitely recommend you to stay there for about 3-4 days to fully explore the beauty of Slovenia.

There’s so much to do and I can’t think of a better place than Slovenia to visit in winter with bearable weather and beautiful scenic views.

THE AUSTRIAN TYROL

By Linda from Travel Tyrol

There’s no place like the Austrian Tyrol in February for a winter wonderland holiday. From the capital of Innsbruck to the Alpine villages in the Tyrolean valleys, snow in February is almost guaranteed. This is the best time for skiing, snowshoe hiking, tobogganing, and any other kind of fun winter activity.

There are no less than 9 ski resorts in and around Innsbruck, each with its own appeal. Even if you don’t ski, you will find toboggan runs and winter hiking trails. And if frolicking in the snow isn’t for you, how about curling up with a book and a glass of wine in front of a traditional “kachelofen” in a quaint hotel while enjoying the view of the winter wonderland outside? Or relaxing in a sauna or heated swimming pool?

Thanks to its central position, Innsbruck is easily reached by air, rail, and road from most major European cities. There are regular flights from London, Amsterdam, Vienna, or Frankfurt. The best train connections are via Munich in Germany, Vienna or Salzburg in Austria, Zurich in Switzerland or Verona in Italy.

SEVILLE, SPAIN

By Helen On Her Holidays

February is a wonderful time to visit Seville. The weather, which averages 36°C (97 °F) in July, is mercifully mild at this time of the year, but still sunny: perfect for exploring. And tourist numbers are relatively low compared to the peak months.

The highlights of a trip to Seville are all outdoor, which makes February such a great time to visit. It’s also a very walkable city, so pleasant temperatures make all the difference to your trip. Start at the huge wooden Metropol Parasol. Part sculpture, part viewing platform with stunning views over the city, the structure, nicknamed the “mushroom” by locals, is Seville’s newest attraction.

Step back a few centuries by visiting Seville’s Cathedral. A rooftop tour of the medieval cathedral is a great way to get up close with some of Seville’s fascinating history. You have to book the tour in advance. But with fewer tourists around than at other times of the year, you’ve got a much better chance of getting tickets.

Another sight where you’ll be glad you visited Seville in one of the quieter months is the Real Alcázar. This beautiful complex of palaces and gardens often gets really busy, with long queues at the gates. In February, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to walk straight in. The gardens are no less gorgeous at this time of year; fragrant with oranges, it’s incredibly beautiful and atmospheric.

BANSKO AND PIRIN, BULGARIA

By Krasen from Journey Beyond the Horizon 

Bulgaria is one of the most underrated destinations in Europe. Featuring high mountains, excellent seacoast, various kinds of nature, as well as a long history and rich culture, this country has a lot of gems to offer. One of these gems is Bansko, a beautiful old town and resort, located on the northern foot of the mighty Pirin mountain– one of the most beautiful mountains in the Balkans.

Bansko is also the largest ski resort in Bulgaria. It is located in Glazne valley, between Pirin, Rila and Rhodope mountains, on 950 m altitude. Its most attractive part is its old town, presenting the unique atmosphere of the Bulgarian Revival from the end of the 19thcentury. Being a resort, Bansko has a lot of hotels, restaurants and entertainments. Some of the hotels, like Lucky Bansko Apart Hotel, are really great, being not just a place for accommodation, but destinations to visit. For example Lucky Bansko Apart Hotel presents one of the most modern SPA complex in Europe.

And from Bansko to the south, the ski adventure zone of Pirin begins. Pirin Mountain is small in area, but very high. With its highest peak Vihren (2914 m altitude), it is the third highest mountain in the Balkans, only a few meters lower than Musala of Rila and Mitikas of Olympus. Rising straight over Bansko and Glazne valley, it offers excellent ski opportunities. There are a lot of ski lifts and a gondola, connecting Bansko with the highest starting points of the ski tracks, located on around 2600 m altitude, high above the forest zone, which is more than 1500 m altitude difference from Bansko.

Bansko and Pirin are a great place not only in winter, but also in summer. Pirin mountain is a National Park, and with its alpine peaks, deep coniferous forests, valleys and glacial lakes, it is full of hiking and mountaineering opportunities. But for the winter, all this diversity and combination of old town with the snowy mountain makes Bansko and Pirin something much more than just a resort.

PARIS, FRANCE

By Lena from Salut from Paris

True, February is one of the chilliest month to visit Paris. So chill that you might even get some snow! But get snuggled up in your winter coat and leave your heels at home. It’s Saint Valentine’s Day after all, and can you imagine anything more romantic than spending this special day in the city of love?

If it’s getting too cold, warm up while enjoying a hot chocolate at Angelina’s or plan for a museum day. If the Louvre is too mainstream, head over to the Picasso Museum. Or – matching the occasion of Saint Valentine’s Day – to the “Musée de la Vie Romantique” in Montmartre.

You also can roam through the covert galleries. The Galerie Vivienne is probably the most famous one, but there are more than 20 arcades that are hosting restaurants, shops and cafés. If you’re interested in fashion, you shouldn’t miss the Paris Fashion Week that starts in 2019 at the end of February. And if you time your visit wisely, you can even sneak in a bit of bargain hunting: it’s still winter sales time!

GRANADA, SPAIN

By Dhara from It’s Not About the Miles

Although Granada is a great destination during most of the year (barring peak summer), February is a wonderful time to visit this Southern Spanish city. Temperatures are mild, averaging a balmy 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. You will encounter fewer crowd at top attractions such as the Alhambra, making for a much more pleasant visit. Although flowers at the Generalife Gardens may not be in peak bloom, the gardens include beautiful formal fountains, architectural elements, and topiary. And these elements can be viewed and enjoyed in February, as are the panoramic views of the city from the windows.

February days are also perfect for most things to do in Granada, including wandering the historic neighborhoods of the Albaicin and Sacromonte. And you’ll find the majestic Sierra Nevada draped in snow when you visit the plaza of the Mirador de San Nicolas for the iconic photo of the Alhambra in front of the mountains. All around Granada, almond trees are in bloom in February. The clouds of white and pink almond blossoms make for a beautiful photo opportunity. So go for a drive in the countryside around Granada.

Andalusia celebrates many festivals through the year, and February is no exception. On February 2, the Fiesta de la Candelaria is celebrated all over Spain. In the Granada area, the day is celebrated with special festivities and bonfires at Alhama de Granada, a few miles from Granada. On February 28, Andalucia Day is celebrated all over the province. You’ll see the green and white flag of Andalusia everywhere on that day!

HALSTATT, AUSTRIA

By Bradley from Dream Big, Travel Far

Back in February 2018, when we were road tripping through Austria, we were lucky enough to stop off in Hallstatt. It was easily our favourite stop of the trip! Yes, there are so many amazing things to do in Hallstatt, and I will mention a few shortly. But what made it so awesome in February is that it is still covered in snow!

Hallstatt is one of Europe’s most picturesque and stunning locations at any time of the year. However, when covered in snow it is in a whole other league! You have the opportunity to relax in a cafe, overlooking the snowy mountains, sipping a nice hot drink. And when outside by the lake, you have the chance to capture some truly breathtaking photos.

Other great things include shopping for gifts and souvenirs in the array of small boutique stores. Or going for a boat ride on the lake, or heading up to the 5 Fingers viewing platform that overlooks the entire town. Just be sure to wrap up warm and get your camera ready!

ROME, ITALY

By Arzo from Arzo Travels – A Lifestyle and Travel Blog

Rome is definitely a great destination to visit in Europe. Probably it is one of the best cities in the world. However, you should know that it can be extremely crowded during peak-season. And by crowded, I mean you will not be able to walk straight without constantly knocking off other people, and it can be really hot in the summer months.

So, if you want to avoid both the crowd and the heat, then February is the perfect time to visit the Eternal City. Okay, places like the Trevi Fountain or the Spanish Steps will still be full of people. And you will need to buy tickets for Vatican City in advance if you don’t want to spend all your time in line. But it is bearable.

And because it is Bella Italia, it will not be as cold as in many other European capitals. So, wear your comfy but still stylish shoes because after all, you are in Italy. And discover places like the impressive Colosseum, the Roman Hill, and the Palatine Hill. Also, eat gelato near the Trevi Fountain. How can you not love a city where you can even have good ice cream in the winter months? And do as the others do it: Enjoy La Dolce Vita in Rome.

Rome is full of elegant hotels.

THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

By Suzanne from Meandering Wild

The Scottish Highlands are a winter wilderness and worth considering for a February adventure. The highlands are a mountainous area north of Glasgow and west of Inverness with hidden lochs and glens and high mountains.

Whilst this area is fantastic throughout the year, it is even more special in winter as the snowfall that usually arrives in the New Year turns it into an accessible British wonderland. In February the ski resort at Glencoe is open (if there is enough snow) and is just a short drive from Glasgow. This drive in itself is stunning following the shore of Loch Lomond before crossing the atmospheric Rannoch Moor. This main road route is kept open unless the snowfall is extremely heavy and so you can access the route through Glencoe to Fort William with planning and care.

As well as exploring the mountains and glens, the Scottish Highlands has romantic castles. Add to these a dusting of snow or heavy rain laden clouds and you can travel back in time, far away from the modern day. Stepping inside these castles, warm and cosy is a beautiful reward for braving the elements to reach their ancient doors. Cosy inns with a roaring fires become even more appealing and the traditional Scottish food is hearty, filling and warming, making the whole adventure something to be remembered.

GRAN CANARIA, SPAIN

By Joanna from Overhere

Gran Canaria is one of the best places in Europe to enjoy winter sun. The weather on this Spanish island is very pleasant in winter months. It never drops below fifteen degrees Celsius! The warmest part is south of the island – the temperature is about 20 degrees Celsius and there is no unbearable heat. It is also the sunniest part of Gran Canaria. It is simply perfect!

If you are a sun lover and beach goer, you might want to choose Maspalomas, Playa del Ingles, Puerto Rico, San Augustin or Puerto de Mogan as your holiday destination. Number one attraction in the south of Gran Canaria are Maspalomas Dunes. It is an ideal place for those who love long walks on the sand. One can really break a sweat walking on the high dunes! Close to the dunes there is the Faro lighthouse. It is Gran Canaria’s landmark – the lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses on Canary Islands.

Gran Canaria is also a great destination for hikers and adventure seekers. There are many interesting hiking trails. Some routes are perfect for beginners and families for children. Other trails are suitable for resilient hikers, and there are also via ferrata trails – best option for thrill seekers. One of the most popular mountainous places is Roque Nublo. This impressive 80-metre high rock is considered the most beautiful natural landmark of Gran Canaria.

VIK, ICELAND

By Alex from Swedish Nomad

Vik is a charming little town in Iceland that I think everyone should visit. Most tourists stay in Reykjavik, but the smaller towns are a good option as well. Especially for a night or two while going around the ring road. Vik is famous for its beautiful church and of course the black beach at Reynisfjara.

In February, Vik is less crowded than at other times as the shoulder season is approaching after December and January’s high season period. In Vik, there is also a higher probability to see the Northern Lights since the light pollution is less than in the Icelandic capital. From Vik, you also have the possibility of driving to a lot of places, including the ice lagoon, which is just 2.5 hours away from the town by car.

If you want a local experience, I recommend staying at Einarsstadir Homestay. If you’re looking for a hotel, then the Icelandair hotell Vik is a good option from about 140 Euro per night.

ANDORRA

By Julie from Why Not Ju

Trust me when I say that I won’t be surprised if this is the first time you hear of the country Andorra. It’s a small country with a population of fewer than 80 000 people and located in the Pyrenees mountains on the border between France and Spain. To get to Andorra there is a three hours journey from the busy streets of Barcelona. You can also go from Toulouse in France, which takes you about the same time. The country is so small they actually don’t have an airport.

February is the perfect month to visit Andorra, especially if you want to go skiing. There are several big skiing facilities for all kinds of levels and interests. Andorra usually gets their first bigger snowfalls during January together with the bigger crowds. That’s why, when you go in February you will avoid the worst crowds of the high season and can be almost certain of good conditions in and out of the slopes.

If skiing isn’t for you, there are plenty of hiking trails with the most beautiful views as well as trails for mountain biking. After a long day of hiking or skiing, you can head to one of the many after-ski parties. If you’re not looking to party there are various spas around Andorra. What about a couple of hours at the famous Caldea spa with thermal springs?

LEUVEN, BELGIUM

By Mei from Travel with Mei & Kerstin

It started snowing when we hit the road on a Friday afternoon in February 2018. It was a few days before Valentine’s Day and we wanted to spend a romantic weekend somewhere not too far away from our home in Luxembourg. Our initial plan was to head to Bruges, but because of the heavy snow, we decided on the way to stop somewhere near Brussels. About 25 km east of the capital of Belgium lies a charming small city called Leuven – or Louvain in French.

Home to the largest and oldest Catholic University still in existence, Leuven has many magnificent historical buildings that are as equally charming as those in Bruges. May it be the late-Gothic style Town Hall in the Grand Square, the picturesque buildings in the Old Market square, or the traditional brick and sandstone houses in the Grand Beguignage, each and every facade in Leuven’s historical centre looks marvellous. Especially when the roofs and streets are chiselled with snow. To enjoy a panoramic view of the city, we escaladed the tower of the University Library.

Leuven is also famous for its breweries. Around the central squares there are around 40 bars. So, if you’re a beer lover, just push the doors to any bar in town to enjoy a Leffe, Hoegaarden or Stella Artois. Most cafés and bars in Leuven also serve Flemish cuisine, such as a Flemish stew or mussels and fries.

So, which of these European destinations kindled your wanderlust?

If we still haven’t sparked your interest, why not check out the Best European destinations in January?

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