Year round European Destinations

The common school of thought is that Europe is a summer destination. Well, by and large that’s correct, but there are many countries that still boast sun-soaked beaches, idyllic weather and enough daylight to ensure that SAD (seasonal adjustment disorder) never kicks in. Think the Iberian Peninsula or the islands in the Mediterranean. Then again, if a bit of chilly weather doesn’t deter you from venturing outdoors, or you appreciate that winter sometimes bring out phenomenal experiences that just can’t be had in summer (northern lights anyone?), then an active trip to Europe during their cooler months should still be on the cards. Here’s a calendar of ideas for those of you who are planning a trip to Europe between October and February. November is a great time to walk in Umbria OCTOBER | Discover Italy's Umbria region during the olive harvest season: Less known than neighbouring Tuscany, landlocked Umbria oozes with history and charm, ideal for anyone seeking a taste of rural Italy. November is the time for ‘Olio Nuovo’ (New Oil), adding a rather exclusive dimension to your trip, rarely experienced by most visitors. Check it out on our Florence to Rome by bike trip. Need more November ideas? Try our Lycian Way Coastal Walk in Turkey. Andalucia is a culturally rich region of Spain NOVEMBER | Spain's Sea & Sierra: Andalucía is the one place in Spain you can still enjoy free tapas at a bar. It’s also the home of flamenco and a rich heritage of traditions influenced by Islam and Christianity. Discovering the historical legacies scattered between the sea and the sierra during winter is a great way to also avoid the summer crowds. Check out our Granada and the Alpujarras trip.   Walking on the Canary Islands is a year round option DECEMBER | Beat the winter blues in the Canary Islands: Being on the same latitude as the Sahara desert, Tenerife is one of the best options to escape the plummeting continental temperatures. The so-called Island of Eternal Spring enjoys average day temperatures close to the mid-20s. View trips in the Canary Islands. Cyprus us another great January winter warmer. Get there on our Winter Walking in Cyprus self guided trip. Beautiful San Sebastian JANUARY | See Spain's mountainous Basque County: The Spanish island of La Gomera enjoys the warm weather all year round with average temperatures of 18 degrees Celsius during this time of the year. With beautiful lush valleys, awe-inspiring cliffs and stoic rock formations, this exotic island is the perfect place to escape the winter blues. View our Southern Trails of La Gomera trip.   Experience the Northern Lights in Iceland FEBRUARY | See the northern lights: The Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis are possibly one of the most magical  encounters, and what better place to tick this experience off your bucket list than in Iceland? With its landscapes blanketed in snow and more hours of darkness than light, it's an optimal time to see this natural phenomenon. View our Iceland Northern Lights trip. Imagine having the Puglia coastline all to yourself - you can in March MARCH | Have the Puglia for yourself before the crowds arrive: Few trips in Italy take in such a diverse combination of highlights. Puglia is a land forged in history with enriching walks through archeological and architectural treasures and stunning red earth landscapes and olive groves. See our Walking in Puglia trip.