Winter Wonderland Or Beach Paradise? Europe’s Top 7 Winter Destinations Revealed  

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Last Updated 40 mins ago

Are you looking for a winter wonderland or a beach paradise? 

Despite its reputation as a cold, snow-covered destination, you’ll actually find both in Europe during the winter season.  

But where should you go? 

Ferry company DFDS has analyzed Google search data and found that these are the top 7 trending European destinations for this winter:

1. Salzburg

Salzburg sits in Austria but borders Germany, and when you picture a European snowy paradise in winter, this is probably the city that comes to mind!  

It’s a frost-tipped wonderland with romantic snow-covered roofs, and during December, the city hosts renowned Christmas markets.

In fact, the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt is one of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets, and in 2024, it will open from November 21 to December 24.  

Salzburg has a fairytale charm and its beautiful Old Town is especially pretty when covered in a blanket of snow, provided you wrap up warm.  

Must-visit attractions include the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress which sits above the rooftops of the historic district. Entrance costs 14.50 euros ($16).  

From here, why not warm up in the city’s Cafe Mozart (Salzburg is his birthplace) which is considered the best hot chocolate in the city.  

2. Trosmo

Located in northern Norway, Trosmo is the largest city so close to the Arctic Circle.

What makes visiting Trosmo so appealing is that you can step out of the city and into the snowy wilderness.  

Winter here starts early and lasts for a long time. But it isn’t a bleak winter. You can enjoy arctic colors and icy polar nights.

The main reason to visit Trosmo in the winter? Because this is the very best place to see the Northern Lights.  

A budget list dream for many (myself included!), anytime between September 15 and April 14 is considered the best time to see the Northern Lights in the city.  

And there really is no better place to see them. Even when light activity is low, because Tromsø is in the center of the northern lights’ oval, they tend to be visible.  

3. Vienna

Oh, Vienna!

The 2^nd Austrian city to make this list, and it’s easy to see why. Christmas markets, seasonal concerts, and a rich cultural history all make Vienna well worth exploring.

Despite the cold and the snow, Vienna is a city that thrives during the winter months. You’ll find everything is open and a busy, welcoming atmosphere.  

Some of the best things to do in the city in the winter months include ice skating on the huge rink in front of the Rathaus or visiting the Hofburg Palace. This used to be the winter vacation home of the Austrian royal family.  

4. Lanzarote

Not all European destinations are cold in the winter, thank goodness! And the first sunny destination is one of my favorites: The Canary Island of Lanzarote.  

The island’s beautiful beaches are much less crowded during the winter months, but the weather remains similar all year round thanks to its sub tropical climate. Even in the coldest winter months expect temperatures of at least 20 degrees centigrade ( F).  

To really experience the best of Lanzarote’s beach landscapes, I recommend visiting Papagayo, Famara, and Quemada.  

Away from the beaches you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained! Visit the Timanfaya National Park which is a huge park created by lava and has an almost otherworldly volcanic landscape.  

Entry is 20 euros ($22) per person.

5. Krakow

Krakow in Poland is a great city to visit on a budget, but it has so much more to offer than just cheap hotels and affordable restaurants!  

Krakow has a spectacularly beautiful Old Town, and this part of the city is very walkable. You’ll barely need public transportation as it’s so easy to explore the city on foot. 

Krakow can be bitterly cold in the winter months, but when it snows, the whole city is transformed into a wonderland, and locals embrace this fairytale feel. Think ice skating, winter hikes, and sleigh rides.  

If winter sports is your idea of a good time then to the east of Krakow you’ll find the Karkonosze Mountains which are home to several ski resorts, ideal if you don’t have the budget for skiing in Austria or Switzerland!  

6. Gran Canaria

Perhaps the most well-known of the Canary Islands, Gran Canaria has a beautiful mix of both white sand beaches and volcanic black sand beaches.  

Some of the best things to do here include exploring the golden sand dunes of Dunos de Maspalomas, or visiting the Painted Cave.

This is a cave with beautiful rock paintings (as the name suggests), and the Cueva Pintada Museum and Archaeological Park are fascinating places to learn about them.  

Entry costs just 6 euros ($6.50).  

Be aware that Gran Canaria is a popular spot for cruise ships, so it can become incredibly crowded, especially in the capital of Las Palmas. For this reason, Gran Canaria is my least favorite of the Canary Islands.  

7. Tenerife

The list finishes with yet another of the Canary Islands, and a great place to soak up some winter sun.

Tenerife is the largest of the Canary Islands as one of the most year-round popular.  

Like all of the Canary Islands the beaches here are truly exceptional, and it’s a great spot for some winter sun. If you like water sports then Tenerife is probably the best island to choose. The surf here is great, there are numerous SUP and kayak hire stores.  

Tenerife is home to Mount Tiede, which is the tallest mountain and volcano in Spain. If you don’t want to hike to the top, you can take a cable car. One way tickets up or down are 41 euros ($46).  

My favorite reason to visit Tenerife is Siam Park, which has repeatedly been named the world’s best water park. It is epic: I love the slides here almost as much as my kids do! General entry tickets are 42 euros ($47).  

Tor Brierley

Tor has been writing for more than 20 years and has visited 25 countries (and counting!) She specializes in European and family travel and never says no to new adventures.

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