Don’t leave Europe out in the cold when you plan your winter vacation. While the crowds head for warmer climes and ski resorts this winter, Europe will have lower vacation rental rates and no long lines for travelers who choose to enjoy a holiday here. Check out these vacation home rental destinations for the best winter vacation in Europe:
Amsterdam is a great winter getaway. It’s a good idea to start out with a brisk walk around the city center or a boat tour of the canals, where light installations and sculptures will be on display during the Amsterdam Light Festival in December and January. Ice skating is another favorite winter activity. So, here’s a recommendation: check out Ice Amsterdam a rink on the Museumplein beside the stoic Rijksmuseum, the Dutch national museum. Afterwards, check out the city’s brown cafes, which are local pubs renowned for their wood interiors.Check out our collection of Amsterdam vacation rentals, starting at $94/night.
If you love Italy, then Sicily is the country’s best kept secret. Enjoy a temperate Mediterranean climate with temperatures in the 50s and 60s. This is the best time of the year for hiking the path from Taormina to the little town of Castelmola via the ancient Saracens path, which offers views of Mount Etna, Saracen castle, and the sea en route. Otherwise, check out Catania’s cobblestone streets and enjoy a frothy café with your arancini. Just be aware that some of the restaurants may be closed and there can be chilly or rainy days. This beautiful vacation home in Sicily has 2 spacious bedrooms and breathtaking ocean views.
With 340 days of sun per year and comfortable winter temperatures, Cyprus is a good bet for off-season rejuvenation. The number of tourists is five to six times higher from May to September than other times of year, which means that the best deals are for those intrepid winter travelers. Check out the islands incredible archaeological ruins, such as the ancient Greco-Roman city of Kourion and the entire UNESCO-protected town of Paphos. Alternatively, the more active will enjoy biking, hiking, or skiing in the Troodos Mountains, the highest peak being Mount Olympus – as trails are nearly empty. These Cyprus vacation rentals will help you save money on your trip.
Hardly any winter travel destination would be complete without the mention of Barcelona. Teeming with cultural activity and charm, the air will be chilly but the sky will likely be clear and blue, making it ideal for strolling the quiet or even empty streets. Enjoy heapings of crème catalana ( a crème brulee-like custard) to warm up with in between stops at Gaudi pieces like La Sagrada Familia and the paths of Park Guell.
Are you a fan of pretty sunsets? Well, Iceland will take your pleasure one step further with the Great Northern Lights, one of nature’s most beautiful light shows. Second, streams of water running through glacial caves freeze, resulting in ‘crystal caves’. Flights from the east coast are remarkable affordable, and if your happen to be in Reykjavik (the country’s capital) you can enjoy a spectacular fireworks display on New Year’s Eve.
