Most people think Europe is only worth visiting in summer. We couldn’t disagree more.
Imagine landing in Sicily in December. You spend your mornings wandering the ancient streets of Syracuse, your afternoons on the dramatic slopes of Mount Etna, and your evenings lingering over fresh seafood and local wine in Taormina, all in comfortable temperatures and without a summer crowd in sight.
Then head across to Puglia, where whitewashed villages, centuries-old olive groves and quiet coastal towns invite you to slow down. Stroll among the trulli of Alberobello, get lost in the winding lanes of Ostuni, and enjoy long, unhurried lunches in piazzas where life carries on at a wonderfully relaxed pace.
This is the side of Italy most visitors never see, and it’s part of a bigger shift we’re noticing: more and more of our travellers are choosing Europe for their winter getaway. Mild weather, incredible food, rich history and authentic local experiences, without the crowds, the queues or the peak-season prices.
The question is which winter you want. Because Europe offers two.
Option One: Embrace the Magic of Winter
If you’ve always dreamed of a real European Christmas, this is the trip. Picture cobblestone streets lined with twinkling lights, a cup of mulled wine warming your hands, stalls of handcrafted ornaments, and the smell of roasted chestnuts and gingerbread in the cold air.
Some of our favourite places to find it:
- Germany’s Christmas markets, from Nuremberg and Dresden to the smaller towns in between
- Strasbourg, France, often called the “Capital of Christmas”
- Vienna, where the markets sit in front of imperial palaces
- Prague, with its Old Town Square lit up beneath the spires
- Budapest, pairing markets with steaming thermal baths
It is everything the Christmas movies promised, and in Italy you can add the presepi (nativity scenes) of Naples, the markets of Bolzano and the Dolomites, and a Christmas Eve feast of seven fishes.
Option Two: Escape Winter Without Going Tropical
Not everyone wants snow. We’re based in Canada, so we understand completely.
One of Europe’s best-kept secrets is just how mild many of its southern destinations stay through winter. Imagine lunch outside in December, hiking a coastal trail in a light jacket, exploring historic towns without a line in sight, and paying a fraction of what the same trip costs in July.
Some of the winter escapes we love:
- Sicily — Greek temples, baroque towns, Etna and some of Italy’s best food
- Southern Spain (Andalusia) — Seville, Granada, Córdoba and the white villages
- The Canary Islands — the warmest corner of Europe in January
- Southern France — the Riviera and Provence at their calmest
- Portugal’s Algarve — golden cliffs, empty beaches and grilled fish
Think sunshine, fresh seafood, local markets and relaxed travel, not crowded beaches and scorching heat.
Why We Love Winter Travel in Europe
- Smaller crowds at the places you most want to see
- Better availability at the hotels and villas we love
- More authentic local experiences, because you’re there when the locals are
- Lower prices on many hotels and flights
- Comfortable sightseeing weather, especially in the south
- A completely different side of destinations you thought you knew
Winter lets you experience Europe the way the people who live there do.
Thinking About Europe This Winter?
Whether you’re drawn to Christmas magic or Mediterranean sunshine, we’ll design a journey that fits exactly how you want to travel. One thing to know: the best accommodations for the holiday season book up earlier than most people realize, so winter trips are worth planning well ahead.
Start planning your winter escape, or explore our destinations beyond Italy at Savour Europe.
Con sogni d’Italia,
The Savour Italy Team