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Many destinations in Europe are world-class destinations at any time of the year, but did you know that there are some that are even better winter destinations?
There are four European capitals you’ll definitely want to add to your winter travel list.
A winter trip to these capitals packed with culture and history brings decent weather, lower prices and of course fewer crowds.
Not only are these capitals connected by multiple direct flights from many US airports, but they are also popular spots and planning a trip there is easy.
The European capitals of Athens, Rome, Madrid and Lisbon are all great to visit at any time of year, but winter is the best.
If you’ve read anything about summer travel this year, you may already know that these cities have also seen record numbers of visitors lately.
For example, this past summer, Europe and especially the cities of Athens and Rome saw overcrowded tourist sites, not to mention tourists engaging in misbehaves such as climbing statues and damaging old properties.
So for those of you who skipped a trip to these cities this summer, well done.
Why not enjoy it in the winter, when you’re much less likely to be interacting elbow-to-elbow with others?
Remark: Christmas and New Year will be busy in all these cities, but the endless festivities and beautiful decorations may lure you here anyway. Apart from the holiday itself, don’t forget Europe’s famous Christmas markets, which are busy in these cities throughout December.
If you don’t mind crowds and higher prices, then the holiday season may be for you, but if you’re looking for quieter and cheaper times, skip this time frame and head to these cities after New Year’s.
This is why winter is the best time to visit these 4 European capitals:
Athens
As the most popular tourist destination in Greece, Athens attracts millions of visitors every year. Although summer is hot and unbearably busy, once the weather starts to cool it becomes one of the best places to visit in the country.
Please note that the weather can be unpredictable: in December the average daily temperature is 54 degrees. As long as you plan accordingly, you can visit the large number of important artifacts and sites here and warm up with a steaming helping of Greek food when you’re done. Winter here is mainly locals, and apart from Christmas there are few other visitors.
And if you’re looking for a great day trip, take the train about 4 hours north to experience the beautiful Meteora, where the monasteries sit on rocks that rise into the sky.
@sandiaworldwide Why Athens is the perfect winter weekend getaway. #Greece #exploreregreece #Athens #acropolis #nomadlife #lovelife #To be happy #do what you love #Greeklife #worldisbeautiful #worldismmyhouse #locationindependent #greekexperience ♬ Zorba The Greek – Kostas Papadopoulos
Rome
Italy’s capital, Rome, is located in the center of the country, but the climate is often more representative of the south than the north. With a climate that is generally mild, winter is often sunny and clear, and although it can be a little chilly, you’ll find that walking around visiting all the sights will warm you up in no time.
Apart from Christmas week, Rome is pretty quiet in winter. Typically crowded places like the Vatican, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Colosseum see far fewer visitors in winter, giving you much more space to spread out and explore.
Visiting Rome in winter is fun, and once the winter sun has disappeared over the horizon, settle down in a beautiful restaurant to enjoy heart-warming pastas and pizzas and warm up with some wine.
@dorinatiba Your daily reminder to book that ticket 🌞✈️ #Rome #travelstick #winter #digitalnomad #solotravel #Italy #visitareroma #discoveritaly #igersroma #igersitalia #italytiktok #roma #italia #italytravel #ig_italia ♬ original sound – Gabriele Rossi 🎹
Lisbon
Portugal’s trendy capital, Lisbon, is another city that is a great place to visit in the colder winter months. While there may be a little rain, it’s best to bring a cute umbrella and treat it as an accessory. The city’s coldest temperatures arrive in January, but even then it’s a pleasant average of 55 degrees.
In winter the activities here are much more fun, even if it rains a little. There’s a fraction of other tourists competing for the best spot for everything, so popular choices like Tram 28 are much more fun this time of year.
Lisbon also has loads of indoor activists to take advantage of, including museums like Fado, the National Azulejo Museum and the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT). Don’t forget a day trip to the charming town of Sintra, another place that is packed in summer and much quieter in winter.
@marysherb I am absolutely in love with Portugal and the people here #Lisbon #Portugal #trip #Lisbon, Portugal ♬ Golden – Harry Styles
Madrid
First of all: in winter you can find other destinations in Spain with much better weather than Madrid.
Since the city is the highest capital on the continent, winter weather tends to be cold, cloudy and possibly a little snowy. So as long as you are prepared for the potential of seeing such a beautiful city with some snow and an average temperature of around 46 degrees, you will have a great time.
That said, you’re likely to have clear blue skies and plenty of sunny days on a winter trip to Madrid, giving you beautiful weather to explore the city’s many cultural highlights, and of course without the record crowds to contend with.
Take a winter stroll in the city’s Retiro Park, enjoy the Botanical Gardens, or wander the famous food markets (Mercado San Miguel is a favorite) and sit in the endless tavernas and enjoy tapas and vermouth.
@homeandawaywithus Part 1 of our winter city trip to Madrid #citytrip #cityguide #travelvlog #Spain ♬ Evergreen – Richy Mitch and the Miners
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
