February is one of those months that gets forgotten about when it comes to traveling. All the fun of Christmas and New Year’s is far behind, but the warm, sunshine-filled days of spring have yet to arrive. Because it’s not typically a popular month for traveling, you’ll find excellent deals if you decide to jet away to Europe in February.

As well as the great prices on accommodation and transport, another excellent reason to travel in February is the lack of crowds. As a lot of Europe can be pretty chilly at this time of year, many of the most beautiful, historic, and captivating cities throughout the continent are practically empty. This means you can explore the most impressive sights without the hustle and bustle of unwanted crowds. 

Don’t let the idea of a little chill in the air put you off. Not all of Europe experiences low temperatures in February. There are plenty of sun-kissed resorts and countries where you can go sunbathing, swimming, and dining al fresco at this time of year without having to wrap up.

Whether you’re dreaming of walking along gorgeous coastlines with the sun beating down on you or soaking up some culture and admiring breathtaking artwork in a gallery where it’s just you and no one else, February is a wonderful time to travel in Europe. To help you organize the ultimate winter escape, we’ve created a collection of cool cities, warm resorts, and exciting towns that come into their own at this time of year! 

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 15 Best Places to Travel in Europe in February (2024)

The 15 Best Places to Visit in Europe in February

1. Cape Roca in Portugal

Cape Roca, also known as Cabo da Roca, is one of the most captivating places to visit in Europe in February – or at any time of year! 

It’s perched on the most western point of continental Europe and rewards all visitors with spectacular vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. At this time of year, the sky can get pretty cloudy and moody. But this only enhances the magical, mystical feeling that surrounds the area.

If you’re traveling with your partner, a romantic picnic in this one-of-a-kind location is a wonderful way to spend a memorable Valentine’s Day. If you’re traveling alone or with a group of friends, there are still plenty of things to do in this part of the world.

Cape Roca is located in the historic city of Sintra, where temperatures are blissfully mild in February. The pleasant temperatures and delicate sunshine provide the perfect conditions to explore the city’s winding streets and check out its amazing architecture. If you plan your trip just right, you’ll even get to take part in Sintra’s carnival. 

2. Lake Bled, Slovenia

Sintra isn’t the only place that celebrates in February. Lake Bled in Slovenia throws an amazing Mardi Gras at this time of year that you’ve absolutely got to check out if you’re looking for where to go in Europe in February. 

Known locally as Kurentovanje, the Slovenian celebrations include two weeks of colorful parades, spectacular music concerts, huge dance parties, loads of yummy food, and amazing performances that are always fun to watch – even if you don’t speak the language.

If you’d prefer something a little more low-key, February also marks the end of the winter season in Lake Bled. This means the stunning resort town nestled at the base of the Julian Alps is an excellent place for all kinds of winter sports without the crowds.

Straza is one of the most popular local skiing resorts. Most of the runs are dedicated to beginners, making it a great place to learn. But there are still plenty of options if you’re a more experienced skier or snowboarder. 

When you need to warm up, you’ll be spoiled for choice with indulgent spas that offer day passes. Essence Spa & Wellness is one of our favorites. This major chain has a number of different spots throughout the town that offer Thai spa experiences and all kinds of saunas from around the world.

3. Les Arcs in Savoie

Like the idea of a ski vacation, but want something a little different? Make plans to travel to Les Arcs in Savoie. This beautiful part of the world is perched on the French-Italian border and is usually covered in a layer of snow, perfect for winter sports at this time of year.

Les Arcs has all the ingredients for a trip you’ll never forget. While it may be one single spot, it includes five incredible ski resorts that are open all year round. This huge skiing hotspot offers all kinds of unique experiences you’ll struggle to find elsewhere, including night skiing and luge tracks. There’s even a ski waterslide you’ll be telling everyone about for the rest of your life!

If that sounds a bit extreme for you, consider checking out La Rosière instead. This ski resort is more family-friendly and gives you the chance to ski border-free between France and Italy. 

There are dramatic 360° views from the slopes, and there’s an amazing spa for when you need to warm up. When it comes to the best places to travel in Europe in February for a snow-filled vacation, Les Arcs is tough to beat.

4. Nice, France

Escape to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nice in France if you’re in the mood for some winter sunshine. This graceful city is a hugely popular destination throughout the year. But the crowds that tend to descend on the place in spring and summer will be nowhere to be seen in February, giving you plenty of space to explore on your own.

The Marché Aux Fleurs Cours Saleya is a superb place to visit at this time of year. This dreamy outdoor market is located in Vieux Nice and boasts a huge number of colorful stalls selling all kinds of wonderful local products, from fresh flowers to home-baked goods. 

If you time your trip right, you’ll be able to experience Nice’s carnival celebrations, too. As well as the usual parades, music concerts, and street parties that make up European carnivals, Nice’s festival also features pop-up markets that specialize in lavender in every possible form you could ever imagine.

From fresh lavender bushes and dried lavender flowers to lavender-infused olive oil and artisan jewelry made out of lavender, you’ll find loads of cool gifts and trinkets here. 

5. Kyrenia, Cyprus

Kyrenia in Cyprus is another one of the best cities to visit in Europe in February if you’re seeking some winter sunshine. This cute resort town enjoys temperatures in the 60s at this time of year, making it a great month to soak up the sun without getting too hot.

Alagadi Beach is a must-visit. This place is also known as Turtle Beach because it’s where turtles go to lay their eggs in summer. But it’s still worth checking out in February when the golden sand is blissfully peaceful, and you’ll find plenty of small rock pools to dip your toes in. 

Escape Beach is a great choice if you prefer a little more atmosphere. Here you’ll find buzzing beach clubs, in-sea water parks, and loads of water sports. 

When you’ve had enough of the sun, sea, and sand of Kyrenia, you’ll find plenty of things to do inland. Located on the northern side of the island, this resort is home to the magnificent Kyrenia Castle and the Shipwreck Museum, where you’ll find a shipwreck dating back more than two millennia. 

6. Bright Brussels

Brussels boasts one of Europe’s most spectacular February festivals – Bright Brussels. Although it only takes place over a few days in the month (you’ve got to be very well organized to plan your trip just right!), it’s made up of 30+ magical light installations that are scattered throughout the city.

The weather in Brussels is pretty rainy and dark in February, which would usually be a deal-breaker if you were looking for somewhere to travel. But this dreary weather makes the spectacular light installations look even more enchanting and beautiful. Checking out the different displays is also an excellent way of getting your bearings.

As well as the light displays, Bright Brussels also features a jam-packed program of events and activities, including night-time museum visits and exclusive guided tours.

Locations throughout the Royal Quarter, the European Quarter, and the Sainte-Marie – Lehon Quarter are transformed into glittering temporary art festivals for the event. So make sure you check the official website before you go to see exactly where and when the installations will pop up.

7. Tuscany, Italy

Carnivals big and small take place throughout Europe in February, but none is better than the festival in Tuscany, Italy. This astounding event stands out from the crowd thanks to its phenomenal parade floats, some of which are a whopping 20 feet high, making Tuscany one of the best places to travel in Europe in February. 

Get a good spot along the parade route, and you’ll get to see all kinds of grand floats that pay homage to famous figures, raise awareness about important issues, and portray various political opinions. There are plenty of other typical floats, too, extravagantly decorated with a rainbow of flowers, feathers, and glitter. 

A lot of the floats and decorations are made out of papier-mache. But they look so good that you’d never know it! If you feel like getting creative, you can sign up for a papier-mache workshop and make your own mini version of your favorite carnival float. 

There are six parades each year, giving you plenty of opportunities to catch at least one. If you can spare some time, make sure you’re available for the final day when the carnival comes to a close with an awards ceremony for the best float and an amazing fireworks display.

8. Tenerife, Spain

It may sound a little cliche, but Tenerife is one of those places that really does have it all. Although it’s technically Spanish, Tenerife is actually closer to Morocco than it is to mainland Spain. This means it enjoys wonderfully warm and sunny weather throughout the year, February included.

Mount Teide is a giant volcano that rises out of the center of the island. In February, the volcano is often dusted with a layer of snow. It looks absolutely fabulous from the coastline, but if you take the time to travel to the peak, you’ll find it looks even better close up. 

While you can’t go skiing or snowboarding, you can ride a cable car to the top of the mountain and enjoy the amazing views while playing in the fluffy white snow.

When you’ve had enough of the snow, head back down to the coast for an afternoon at the beach. It may be a little on the cool side, but the sea is still warm enough for swimming at this time of year. There’s also plenty of sunshine, so you can go home with a golden tan. 

9. Lipno nad Vltavou, Czech Republic

If your Christmas was a little disappointing and you’re craving a real winter wonderland, look no further than Lipno nad Vltavou. This enchanting town is hidden away in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic and looks truly spellbinding at this time of year.

A huge lake lies in the center of town and is always coated in an incredibly thick layer of ice in February, making it ideal for ice skating. The mountains that surround the town are also blanketed in dense snow, creating the perfect conditions for skiing, snowboarding, and tobogganing. If you’re feeling particularly energetic, you can even have a go at snowshoeing. 

For an extra-special experience you’ll remember forever, follow the treetop walkway. This unique trek is more than 130 feet high and allows you to walk through the snow-speckled trees, high above the ground below. If you don’t mind towering heights, it’s a great place to snap some fantastic pictures.

There are two ways to get down from the walkway. You can simply walk down or (the much more fun option!) go sledding to the bottom. 

10. Oia, Santorini

Santorini is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world, so why not celebrate Valentine’s Day there? The island is famous for its dramatic sunsets that will never leave your memory.

Most of the time, it’s almost impossible to get a spot at the best sunset locations because they’re always packed with people. But because February is so quiet, you’ll have your pick of the top locations.

Oia, in the north of Santorini, is the best place to watch the sun dip into the horizon. There’s a special place close to the old castle in the west of the village that rewards everyone who makes the effort to get there with magnificent views. The iconic blue domes of the Agios Spyridonas provide the perfect foreground for the burning orange sky and dazzling sun. 

When the natural show is over, find a charming restaurant on the coast and treat yourself to an indulgent dish of local fish, seafood, and wine. If you’re looking to avoid the summer crowds, Santorini is easily one of the best European destinations in February.

11. Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is an amazing place for hiking. Although the weather isn’t beach-worthy (temperatures stay in the mid to high 50s), it is perfect for getting out in nature and hiking without working up too much of a sweat. 

Another advantage of planning a hiking vacation in Sardinia in February is that the most beautiful places that are usually incredibly crowded are pretty much deserted. You’ll get some fantastic pictures during your trip!

There are so many amazing hikes in Sardinia that it’s difficult to choose the best ones. The Sella del Diavolo Hike in Cagliari is a great choice for beginners. It’s relatively short and takes just 2 hours from start to finish. Although, it could take you longer than that, as there are countless coastal viewpoints that will take your breath away. 

Hiking between Cala Cipolla and Tuerredda is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for something a little more challenging. This hike is 11 miles long and passes by an old lighthouse that’s been transformed into a quirky hotel. It’s a great place to rest and grab something to eat before continuing with your adventure.

12. Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany

Schwangau is a wonderful place to go if you’re looking for somewhere a little out of the ordinary to celebrate Valentine’s Day. While most castles are associated with battles and violence, Neuschwanstein Castle in Schwangau is a little different.

This iconic castle was created by Mad King Ludwig of Bavaria to honor the famous composer Richard Wagner. It was built in the 19th century when there was no need for defensive or strategic castles. Instead, Neuschwanstein Castle was designed as an elegant symbol of romance and beauty. 

Every inch of the castle will leave you speechless. The outside of the building is exactly what comes to mind when you think of a fairytale castle. But step inside, and you’ll be even more spellbound by the elegant chandeliers, ornate carvings, and spectacular paintings. 

You can only visit the castle as part of a guided tour. So if you are planning a Valentine’s Day visit, make sure you’re organized and book as early as possible. The hassle is more than worth it for the chance to explore the magical castle that inspired Disney’s enchanted logo! 

13. York, UK

Head to York in February for the chance to join in with the biggest celebration of Norse heritage in Europe. Held for one week in February each year, the JORVIK Viking Festival is as close as you’ll get to finding out what it was like to live in Viking times without using a time machine.

Traditional bars pop up throughout the city, selling the type of drinks that were sold way back then, and realistic sword fights take place between knights. It’s a real family-friendly event, with plenty of workshops and events for the little ones, too. 

While most of the events are free, there are some ticketed events you have to pay for. The Banquet of the Voyagers is definitely worth the extra money. It takes place in the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall and is a lavish dinner full of authentic food the Vikings ate and free-flowing drinks. 

Loads of people are dressed in clothing from the time, and the atmosphere is incomparable to anything else in the world. If you’re obsessed with all things Viking, and you’re wondering where to go in Europe in February, why not pay a visit to York?

14. Vienna, Austria

Vienna is well-known for its elegant and formal ballroom dancing season. But the LGBTQ+ community is shaking things up with its own colorful version of the iconic event. Known as the Rainbow Ball, this unique festival takes place for only one night every year, so make sure you snap up tickets as early as you can.

The Rainbow Ball takes place in a lavish ballroom, just like all the other dances, but it’s a lot less stuffy and a lot more fun. There are the typical ballroom dances with everyone dressed in black and white, but rainbow fans make it extra colorful and fun. And while you’ll hear traditional polka and waltz music, there’s also a spectacular playlist with songs from the 1920s, 1940s, and 1980s thrown into the mix.

The price of entry goes toward the Homosexual Initiative and the Pride Parade, so not only are you sure of an excellent night out, but you can also know that you’re supporting a great cause.

15. Reykjavik, Iceland

Start planning an incredible adventure you’ll never forget, and make arrangements to visit Iceland in February. At this time of year, the whole country is in the depth of winter and almost completely shrouded in darkness. While it may sound a bit bleak, these are the best possible conditions to spot the mesmerizing Northern Lights.

Most people avoid Iceland in the winter because of the icy temperatures. It can get as low as 15°F, which is bitingly cold if you’ve never experienced it before. But if you don’t mind wrapping up in super-warm clothes, you’ll have the chance to do all sorts of cool things in Reykjavik without the crowds.

Not only will the Northern Light tours be mostly empty at this time of year (smaller tours almost always offer a better experience than larger tours), but the whale-watching tours won’t be crowded, the ice caves will be empty, and you’ll be able to go glacier hiking without bumping into people. 

If you are really worried about the cold, make plans to visit Iceland’s many hot springs and geothermal pools to warm up. 

There you have it! The 15 best places to travel in Europe in February. What’s your favorite European destination to visit in February?

SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST