Europe can get hot and crowded in summer. And we’ve all read about over-tourism in many European cities this year. So why not try a trip in winter?
Air fares and hotels will be less expensive than summer, spring or fall, often wildly so. And you won’t have the crowds. Which means more time to delve deep and really explore.
Here are seven great spots to try.
IRELAND
A bit cool, you say? Well, it’s not like summer in Ireland is a guaranteed heat furnace. So why not explore Dublin’s Temple Bar when you don’t need a reservation for the best bar stool? And why not try a night at a sumptuous spot like Ashford Castle in winter, when you can cozy up to the fire and enjoy the lobby? Galway is a great university town with marvellous pubs, while Belfast is a fascinating spot in Northern Ireland. If you can manage it, swing a night at the lovely Merchant Hotel in Belfast; one of Europe’s most elegant places to sleep.
LISBON AND THE AZORES
I fell in love with the hills and the winding, narrow streets and the rambling, rumbling streetcars/trams on the first day I arrive. The food is quite good, the wine exceptional, and the value tremendous. They’re on the Euro, but you can find good meals for less than $20 Canadian and good wine for less than $10. Super friendly people, too. Don’t miss a day trip to beautiful Sintra, with its hilltop castles and forts. If the weather’s nice, the beach is also close by. Bonus. pick: The Azores are part of Portugal but a good deal closer. The water is as deep blue as Hawaii, the pastures as green as Ireland, the red rooftops scream “Mediterranean.” Magical seafood, local cheese and marvelous steak, too. It’s a tremendous hiking destination, but also has lovely beaches.
SPLIT, CROATIA
You hear more about Dubrovnik, but I love the feel of Split. The ruins are spectacular, and there are white stone passageways leading into hidden laneways all over the centre of the city around Diocletian’s Palace. The area encompasses some 31,000 square metres, so there’s plenty of space. A photographer’s delight, and a great place to feel you’re miles away from North America.
SOUTHERN ITALY
It’s hard to beat the beauty of a coastal town like Taormina, Sicily. You might not find so many places open in winter, but the scenery will be that much prettier without the hordes of cruise ship passengers climbing the stairs of the Roman amphitheatre and wandering the main streets of town. Also worth checking out would be Sorrento, Naples and the Amalfi Coast. You can expect daytime highs in the mid-teens in winter; shirt-sleeves and shorts weather for us Canadians. If you’re looking for a quiet island getaway near Rome, try beautiful Ponza.
STOCKHOLM
You’ll have to be prepared for the weather, but it’s probably warmer here than most Canadian cities. I haven’t been for a long time, but I still remember the beautiful islands that dot the city’s harbour/waterfront area and the lovely shops and restaurants. It’s not a cheap destination, but you’ll find better deals now than in the heat of summer. I spotted a plenty of rooms at highly-rated hotels the other day for less than CAD$300 for a weeknight in November.
BORDEAUX
You don’t hear a lot about the city of Bordeaux, likely because of the famous wines that grow around here. But it’s a pretty city that’s been given a pretty serious facelift in parts. The old city is one of those typical older areas of Europe with tiny alleyways jammed with patios where you can sip local wine or a French beer or drink your coffee all morning long. Nearby St. Emilion is one of the most beautiful villages in France.
ZURICH
I’ve made many visits in December over the years when I was covering the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne. I always enjoyed the Christmas goodies for sale in and around the main train station; one of those old-style, super-solid beauties that somehow makes everything seem romantic and fanciful. They have 150 stalls at the main station selling all kinds of Christmas bits, plus a giant tree decorated with glowing Swarovski crystals. Stroll around the shops, then repair to a lovely café for a cup of coffee or some mulled wine.
