So much of Europe seems to shine brightest in the summertime, at least according to the tourists who flock there during the warmest months. But true travelers know sunshine is far from the only indicator of a good time. Sometimes a misty rain or moody fog can make a destination even more magical. They also know that visiting a place during the low season can unlock a deeper connection to its local scene.
You may also want to avoid the crowds seeking heavy snowfall at Europe’s popular ski resorts. Instead, consider these European destinations where the winter weather is decidedly mild, but no less beautiful. In fact, you may find them even more charming at this chilly but picturesque time.
Venice, Italy
Venice’s ambience in the winter is like that of a romance novel with plenty of fog, wind and rain. (Remember to pack waterproof layers.) While that usually deters the crowds that descend on the city in the summertime, there may be more visitors passing through La Serenissima during the Olympics, which will take place from Feb. 6-22 in nearby Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. The Winter Games also coincide with the iconic Venice Carnival, which in 2026 is themed “Olympus — At the Origins of the Game” and stretches from Jan. 31 to Feb. 17, with the bulk of the events concentrated in the second week.
However, there will certainly be lulls before and after those major events. With fewer people around, you can savor landmarks like the Doge’s Palace, St. Mark’s Basilica and the city’s iconic bridges. When it is too chilly, peruse the art at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or San Marco Art Centre. Day trips are far quieter to places like Murano and Burano, where you can see the iconic glass-blowing and lace-making workshops. The same goes for the opera house, where it’s easier to get tickets.
TPG tip: In any season, it’s hard to beat the magnificence of The St. Regis Venice, with its soft, seductive guest rooms and suites decorated with original Murano glass artworks by Berengo Studios. Be sure to take in the Grand Canal views at the Arts Bar, which serves drinks in idiosyncratic custom glassware. Rates start at $950 or 101,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night this winter.
Athens, Greece
With mild temperatures (think highs in the mid-50s) and far fewer sightseers, winter is the ideal time to enjoy the Acropolis, hikes up to Mount Lycabettus and all the other ancient hot spots of Athens. There’s a relaxed feeling to the city at this time of year, unburdened by extreme heat and tourists, but still plenty of culture and many wonderfully quiet museums.
It may not be beach weather on the Athens Riviera. However, you can still enjoy this popular local vacation spot in the winter with seaside strolls and even peaceful swimming in the consistently warm thermal waters of Lake Vouliagmeni.
TPG tip: It may seem counterintuitive to book a beach resort when it’s not sunbathing season, but the sprawling Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens is a lovely seaside retreat that offers divine spa treatments and indulgent cuisine year-round. Rates start at $670 per night this winter, or book through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts to receive perks such as complimentary daily breakfast for two and a guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout.
Edinburgh
Fog, frost and a light dusting of snow might be in the cards during winter in Edinburgh, where you’ll definitely need a coat and hat but should still stay plenty cozy. The city feels very celebratory at this time of year, especially around the holidays, with the Christmas market and the multiday New Year’s festival called Hogmanay, which involves thousands of people carrying torches through the city on Dec. 29.
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Cozy winter activities include watching a traditional Scottish folk dancing show, ice skating on George Street, going on a ghost tour, or simply sipping Scotch in a local pub. At night, check out Edinburgh Castle’s winter light trail, and by day, explore the National Museum of Scotland for a dose of history. Jan. 25 is a particularly lively day in Edinburgh, as it marks the birthday of Robert Burns, a major occasion for special traditional dinners and poetry readings.
TPG tip: The newest and most fabulous stay in the capital is 100 Princes Street, a sumptuous townhouse hotel with 30 rooms offering clear views of Edinburgh Castle, a fabulous fireplace, and all the tartan your heart desires. Rates start at $224 per night this winter, or book through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts to receive perks such as complimentary daily breakfast for two and a guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout.
The Algarve, Portugal
Though winter is when the Algarve gets most of its rain, there’s also abundant sunshine and temperatures in the low 60s. And, for surfers, it’s prime time for the salty sport. Kayaking is also an option for those who prefer not to get too wet, and there are numerous hiking trails for those who want to stay on land and watch migratory birds pass through.
Less active types can still enjoy southern Portugal’s wide, long stretches of sand licked by turquoise waves by taking windswept beach walks with a beanie on and perhaps a cuddly fleece. In the towns and villages that stretch along the coast, there’s history, fresh seafood and traditional Portuguese fado performances to enjoy indoors.
TPG tip: Immerse yourself in bucolic wilderness at the Praia do Canal Nature Retreat, an SLH hotel that has a spa with saunas and a Turkish bath for warming up on chilly days. Rates start at $240 or 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night this winter.
Sicily, Italy
Pleasant temperatures ranging from 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the day and night are one of the many appealing aspects of a Sicilian winter. There are also fewer people around and plenty of things to do, including festivities such as Christmas markets in Palermo and the Feast of St. Agatha in Catania in February.
In the UNESCO World Heritage site of Agrigento, visit the ancient Greek temples dedicated to Concordia and Heracles in the late afternoon before the sun sets. For some culture, attend a performance at the Teatro Massimo, or take a therapeutic pause at the natural mud baths or hot springs in Vulcano and Segesta. And perhaps go skiing on Europe’s largest active volcano, Mount Etna, whose north and south slopes both have groomed ski and snowboard slopes.
TPG tip: Book a stay within the Archaeological Park of the Valley of Temples at Villa Athena Resort, an SLH hotel, located in a 300-year-old former villa. Rates start at $130 or 51,000 Hilton Honors points per night this winter.
Burgundy, France
You don’t go to Burgundy in the winter for the outdoor activities, unless you count walking through a vineyard. You go to get super cozy while drinking wine. There could be rain and some snow, which makes the shorter days and darker nights snuggled up in a wine cellar even more hygge and seductive.
There are museums to explore in places like Dijon (the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon) and historic châteaux to daydream in, as well as opportunities to warm up during a cooking class, in a charming bistro, or during a decadent spa treatment. But the through-line in the coldest months is absolutely wine, so don’t miss any opportunity to sip pinot noir, gamay and the other reds signature to the misty, peaceful region.
TPG tip: Slumber in Côte de Beaune amid bare vineyards at the sublime COMO Le Montrachet retreat in a set of 19th-century buildings that now hold 28 deluxe rooms and suites, plus an acclaimed restaurant serving local Burgundian cuisine. (You can also go on guided tastings in a vintage car.) Rates start at $364 per night this winter, or book through Amex’s The Hotel Collection for perks like $100 property credit to spend on qualifying dining, spa, and resort activities for stays of two nights or more.
Barcelona
One of the biggest reasons to visit Barcelona in the winter is the accessibility to Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, which is finally set to be completed in 2026. In addition to fewer crowds, daytime temperatures hovering around 60 degrees Fahrenheit also make it easier to visit. It’s never extremely cold in the city, where captivating local events include January’s Three Kings Parade and February’s Santa Eulàlia festival.
It’s a good time to discover hidden gems in a brisk yet sunny atmosphere, wander in the Gothic Quarter while it’s nearly empty, and ice skate at seasonal outdoor rinks. There’s skiing in the nearby Pyrenees if you really crave snow, too, but otherwise a Barcelona winter trip is all about arts, culture and architecture, with tour groups appealingly smaller and more intimate and museums such as Museo Picasso and Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona a bit less busy.
TPG tip: This winter, the artistic beachfront Hotel Arts Barcelona welcomes guests into transformed rooms and common areas redesigned by Meyer Davis, featuring either a warm, earthy mountain–inspired palette or an array of blues referencing the Mediterranean. Rates start at $401 or 82,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night this winter.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Winter in Dubrovnik is a time when the city is marked by very few tourists, allowing for a more realistic picture of what life is like in the famous “Pearl of the Adriatic.”
Come Christmastime, there are markets and plenty of lights to seduce travelers, and everything is far cheaper than in the over-touristed summer season. The energy is more laid back when it comes to wandering in Old Town or walking the 16th-century walls. Some things may be closed, but there are still plenty of cafes and restaurants open, not to mention a major holiday on Feb. 3, known as the Feast of St. Blaise, the patron saint of Dubrovnik. It’s as worth witnessing as the vivid annual Carnival festival each year before Lent.
TPG tip: Enjoy the contrast of heated indoor pool swims and rocky beach walks while staying at Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik, overlooking Old Town. Rates start at $263 or 20,000 World of Hyatt points via Mr & Mrs Smith per night this winter.
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