Ready to escape winter but want to be in Europe? You can travel in Europe in February and still experience the warmth of the sun. Here are February vacation ideas in Europe with 5 warm countries in February. Needless to say that if you want sun holidays in February, you will need to head to the south of Europe, e.g., holidays to Andalucia in Spain and visiting Montpellier in France. The truly warm holiday destinations in February in Europe are so far south, they are off the coast of Africa. As part of Spain, holidays to the Canaries in February (or in Portugal’s case, Madeira), you will find warm places to travel in February.
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Holidays to Cyprus in February
Cyprus is generally the warmest place in Europe in February, unless you include holidays to the Canaries in February, which are located west of Africa. The temperatures will range from 10-20 degrees Centigrade (50-68 F), and the sun will be shining most of the days.
Some rain is expected during this period, but in general, Cyprus is a great place to escape the cold winter and the darkness of Northern Europe. Prices are also a lot cheaper during this period, and there are bargains to be made, both for flights and accommodation. Tours are also cheaper during this time of the year, and you won’t have to share the most popular places with the crowds that visit during the summer months.
Larnaca, Limassol, and Paphos will be in business as usual due to a large local population that lives there year-round. The resort towns of Ayia Napa and Protaras will be very calm, and although some hotels and restaurants will be closed, there will still be some that are open.
I typically recommend Larnaca for this period of the year since you’ll be close to everything, including the capital Nicosia as well as the beaches in Ayia Napa, and various historic sites.
All in all, holidays to Cyprus in February offers a lot of sunshine, pleasant temperatures and an escape from the cold.
– Alex Waltner of Swedish Nomad
A Natural Bridge in Cyprus, a great place for warm holidays in February (Image credit: Alex Waltner)
Holidays To France in February
When you are considering where to travel in Europe in February, consider France. The South of France will have the best weather whether you are looking at the traditionally popular area around the French Riviera or the less-touristy Languedoc-Rousillon region.
Warm holiday destinations in February in Europe include places like Marseille in the south of France
Average daytime temperatures in the South of France hover around the mid-fifties (Fahrenheit and mid-teens in Centigrade) along the coastal towns of Nice, Marseille and Montpellier. The average temperatures are marginally higher on the French island of Corsica.
Holidays in Marseille
Marseille, France’s second-biggest city, is chaotic, cosmopolitan, edgy and with many things to see and do. The capital of the region Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur in France is a perfect destination for warm holidays in February, with mild winters and many hours of sunshine. Indeed, Marseille is officially the sunniest major city in France with over 2.900 hours of sunshine!
What is there to do in Marseille? Visit the Old Port, Marseille’s beating heart, founded by the Phoenicians 2.600 years ago. On the Quai des Belges, there’s a fish market for the day’s catch.
Wander around the picturesque neighborhood of Le Panier and head up to Notre Dame de La Garde, located on the city’s highest point, and with great views over the city and the Mediterranean sea.
Visit the new MucEM, a museum devoted to the history of the Mediterranean with interesting exhibitions about Mediterranean civilizations.
Food lovers need to get a taste of Provençal cuisine, with many dishes based on fish. The bouillabaisse, for example, is typical of Marseille and it’s a kind of fish stew prepared with at least 3 different kinds of fishes of the region.
The aperitif is a big part of local culture in Marseille and Provence in general. Try a pastis (typical of Marseille) or a glass of one of the local wines (Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes-de-Provence, Rasteau, Bandol). This for sure will help to warm you up.
– Elisa at France Bucket List
If you travel to Europe in February, Marseille, France would be a good choice for warm holidays in February (Image credit: France Bucket List)
Holidays in Montpellier
If you are looking for February vacation ideas, Montpellier in the south of France is the ideal city.
Montpellier seems to have a winter micro-climate of its own with plenty of sunshine hours, and the temperature rarely below 6 degrees Celsius (43 F). So, to explore Montpellier, grab a coat and a scarf.
The pedestrian Place de la Comedie is the central gathering point of the city, especially near the Fountain of the Three Graces. Restaurants and cafes line the square on one side, while people catch the colourful trams on the other side.
Browse the nearby boutique shops of Rue De L’Argenterie as you make your way to the famous Port de Peyrou, an old rampart of the city. Through the ancient gate is the Promenade du Peyrou with the statue of Louis XIV on horseback, a popular park to see views of Montpellier, as well as the Saint-Clement Aqueduct.
The mild winter weather of Montpellier has diners seated outside, sometimes under awnings or under the lights of the square soaking up the ambiance. Montpellier has a cosmopolitan range of restaurants, but a delicious galette with a glass of red wine is always a favorite. It leaves more room for a French pastry with coffee.
If the day does get colder, you can always spend time at the impressive building of Musee Fabre, to see its 15th-20th-century collection of European painters.
But when the sun shines, take your feet for a walk along the modern River Lez Promenade.
– by Maura McKenna of Travel Kiwis
Port de Peyrou in Montpellier, France, one of the best places to travel in February in Europe (Image credit: Maura McKenna)
Travel to Italy in February
Travel to Italy in February for pleasant days of sightseeing and excellent food. February vacation ideas include Rome in February and further south. Holidays in Sicily in February are delightful.
Our favourite place in Sicily was the charming small town of Cefalu near Palermo – a great idea for warm holidays in February
The average daytime temperatures for Rome in February and Sicily in February are in the mid teens Centigrade (similar to what you can expect in the south of France in February).
Rome in February
If you are looking for the perfect city escape in February, then look no further than Rome, Italy.
February is the tail end of winter in the Eternal city and a wonderful time for visiting: during this month, the cold slowly starts to lose its grip, mild and sunny days return to the city and tourism is low, an absolute rarity in this exceptionally popular destination!
Low crowds make the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Vatican easy to visit in February and the same can be said about the Pantheon, one of the most charming yet popular sites in the whole city.
This is also a great time for leisurely strolls in Rome’s most famous piazzas: Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori are delightful at this time and the views from Piazza del Campidoglio outstanding.
Rome in February is also a great destination for food lovers. Traditional Rome dishes such as carbonara are perfect for winter nights and the city’s many restaurants are a great refuge for the occasional rainy day.
If you are looking for a romantic destination, Rome has you covered too: with cobbled streets, hidden corners and sunset views, what can beat Valentines’ day in Rome?
– Marta Correale from Mama Loves Rome
The Pantheon and Rome in February (Image credit: Marta Correale)
Sicily in February
As one of the most southerly destinations in the Mediterranean, Sicily is a great place for a mild winter break in Europe. The island is packed with history: ancient Greek temples overlook the shimmering sea and lavish Baroque cities reflect Sicily’s 18th century regeneration. Come to Sicily in February to enjoy the historic sites without the crowds or the intense summer heat.
Palermo, the island’s capital, is a gritty but characterful city, brimming with excellent restaurants and street markets and home to impressive Byzantine mosaics. Traverse the island and you’ll soon come across Mount Etna, a mighty volcano which continues to erupt today. Nearby is pretty Taormina, with its Greek amphitheatre clinging to the cliff top.
To the south you’ll find Syracuse with its incredible Piazza del Duomo where you can enjoy a morning coffee while admiring the city’s Baroque cathedral: which has Ancient Greek and Norman elements. Syracuse’s archaeological park will shine more light on the island’s ancient past. Don’t miss the Ear of Dionysius, a giant cave shaped like an ear where, legend has it, the emperor listened to his prisoners’ cries.
– Annabel Kirk from Smudged Postcard
Visiting Sicily in February you could hang out in the Piazza del Duomo in Syracuse (Image credit: Annabel Kirk)
Travel to Portugal in February
When you talk about sun holidays in February in Europe, Portugal has to have a mention. Travel to Lisbon in February for sightseeing and great food. Although the Algave in February isn’t beach weather, there are plenty of charming towns to explore in the area. Holidays in Madeira in February are perfect for people who like hiking.
Among the warm countries in February is Portugal, where you can visit the Pena National Palace in Sintra
Travel to Portugal in February to experience average daytime high temperatures around the mid-fifties in Fahrenheit (mid-teens in Centigrade). If you are considering holidays to Madeira in February, you will find it slightly warmer than mainland Portugal with an average daily high temperature of 18 degrees Centigrade (65 degrees Fahrenheit).
Algarve in February
– James Cave of Portugalist
The Algarve in February is full of charming towns to explore like Carvoeiro (Image credit: James Cave)
Travel to Lisbon in February
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal is a great destination to visit for winter sun in February. While nights are cool, the days are often pleasant and warm compared to many other capital cities in Europe.
Average day time temperatures are around 16C/61F, but they often reach 20C/68F or above, and it’s a reason why many people from Northern Europe make Portugal their home for the winter months.
The weather means visiting the city is a pleasant experience compared to the very hot summer months. While you might not get a suntan, beaches will be quiet and peaceful places, and are a pleasure to visit during February. The best beaches near Lisbon are found in Cascais and Estoril.
If it’s sightseeing that piques your interest, Lisbon has it all. From the Castelo de Sao Jorge to the famous Belem Tower and of course Tram 28, you won’t be short of ideas of things to do in Lisbon. If you are feeling adventurous, why not venture out of the city and explore Central Portugal where you’ll find places like Sintra with its many palaces, and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Tomar, Batalha and Alcobaça.
– by Catherine Jordan from Passports and Adventures
Portugal is great for warm holidays in February and be sure to check out lisbon, the country’s capitol. (Image credit: Cath Jordan)
Holidays in Madeira in February
There are not many places in Europe where you can find sun and mild climate in the winter months. Madeira is also called the island of eternal spring. It is true.
Even in February, you can expect sunny weather, pleasant temperatures and pretty flowers. This is thanks to Madeira’s subtropical climate.
Another advantage of visiting Madeira in the winter is that it is off-season. This means accommodation prices are lower and there are fewer tourists as well. A great time to explore without the crowds.
Despite its small size, there is a lot to do on this Portuguese island. You will be amazed by the dramatic landscape: gorgeous coastline, impressive mountain peaks, interesting fauna and flora, unique volcanic formations and countless of waterfalls.
Hiking in Madeira is a very popular activity. The trails are called levadas, which were originally built as the island’s irrigation system. They are nowadays also used for recreational purposes.
– by Eniko Krix of Travel Hacker Girl
Have you considered Madeira for where to travel in February Europe (Image credit: Eniko Krix)
Trips To Peneda Geres
Europe has some strong contenders if you’re after some sunny days during the winter months but I’m going to suggest one you’ve likely never heard of… Peneda-Géres in Northern Portugal. And, if you’re a hiker or outdoors lover you’re going to love it!
Peneda Geres National Park was the first designated national park in Portugal and covers more than 700-sq-km all the way up to the Spanish border. There are countless hiking trails that go across valleys, up mountain paths, traverse river ravines and take you all the way to stunning waterfalls – it really is a hiker’s dream.
It’s also a great place to spot wildlife and you’ll find snakes, bats, wolves, deer and even eagles so keep an eye out for some animal encounters!
If you’re not a hiker, there is also a range of other outdoor activities like climbing, canoeing and mountain biking. Does this all sound all a bit too tiring? You can lap up some of the local culture and history, with some of the relics and ancient communities date back to the Mesolithic period.
Why is this place so good to visit in February? You might not get sky-high temperatures but you will likely get beautifully bright days, with warming sunshine and clear skies – the perfect conditions to get onto the hiking trail. You’ll beat all of the crowds that come to hike the destination during the summer months but the weather is still likely to be excellent. With slightly higher rainfall in the winter months, this also means the many waterfalls in the park will be gushing and a real beauty to see.
Peneda-Geres is easily accessible from Porto by taking a train to Braga and then a bus. You’ll find the biggest selection of accommodation in Geres, Campo do Gerês, Villar da Veiga and towns around the Cavado River.
– Josh & Sara from Veggie Vagabonds
Among the best places to travel in February, Europe has great hiking opportunities, such as in the Peneda-Geres National Park in Portugal (Image credit: Veggie Vagabonds)
Travel to Spain in February
Travel to Spain in February for great sightseeing and food in mild weather. Holidays to The Canaries in February will get you warmer weather than mainland Spain. It should be no surprise that the best Europe travel in February is actually so far south it’s off the coast of Africa.
Gran Canaria holidays in February will be marginally warmer than holidays to Tenerife in February or even Lanzarote (averaging 20 degrees Centigrade as opposed to 18 degrees Centigrade).
Tenerife in the Spanish Canary Islands is one of the best places to travel in Europe in February
We’ve had holidays in Fuerteventura in February and our children were fine in the pool. Definitely look for a resort with a heated pool though. When we had holidays in Tenerife in February, my kids spent their time on the black sand beaches of Tenerife irrespective of any chill in the air.
Gran Canaria Holidays In February
Gran Canaria is one of the best places to visit for sunshine in February, and the southern part of the island offers pleasant temperatures that ranges from 20-25 degrees Celcius with little to no rain.
To be certain to get sunshine, avoid the northern part of the island, including the capital Las Palmas, and go for towns like Puerto Rico, Arguineguin, and Puerto de Mogan, which all have plenty of sun and warm days in February.
Gran Canaria is one of the few destinations that are a part of Europe (Spain) where you can soak up the sunshine at a beach and go for a dip in the ocean. Beaches like Playa de Amadores and Anfi del Mar are very nice this time of the year, and won’t be crowded.
Furthermore, hotels and flights are usually cheaper during this time of the year. The prices on tours are also better, and the same goes for rental cars.
– Christine Wedburg of Christine Abroad
The Canary Islands are among the best places to travel in Europe in February, such as Las Palmas in Gran Canaria (Image credit: Christine Wedburg)
Holidays to Ibiza
Ibiza is a small Spanish island located in the Mediterranean Sea, not far from Majorca. Ibiza is known for the best clubs and parties, and during the summer it is full of young people from all over the world.
We had a fantastic opportunity to visit Ibiza in February. Ibiza after the season is a sunny, quiet, and a bit sleepy place with almost empty streets. Ibiza is full of charming, hidden beaches. Although in February the sea is too cold for swimming, you can have a long walk on the beach or sit down and enjoy the views.
We recommend visiting small restaurants that serve delicious homemade food (including tapas and fresh seafood) and explore villages with charming white architecture. Don’t forget to visit the Ibiza Old Town and Castle, as well as Hippie Market, when you can buy some handmade souvenirs and clothes. Don’t miss the Cafe del Mar and watch the most beautiful sunset in this part of the world.
– by Marta and Milosz of Backpackerswro
For warm places to travel in February, check out Ibiza, Spain (Image credit: Backpackerswro)
Holidays to Lanzarote in February
For sun holidays in February check out Lanzarote in The Canary Islands (Image credit: Jenny Lynn)
Holidays to Andalucia Spain
Mojácar is the perfect place to find the sun in Southern Spain. With the best of both worlds Mojácar is located in Almeria in the golden heart of Andalucia. A stunning hilltop Pueblo with panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline and miles of golden sand beaches on the Playa.
Mojácar’s Pueblo clings to the cliff top and its beautiful winding cobblestone streets contain dozens of cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops. You can hang out in the main plaza and watch the sun go down while enjoying tapa and wine. Or head for the beach where literally hundreds of beach bars and chirinquitos with live music will keep you dancing until the early hours.
With 17 km of beaches, you will often find a stretch of sand to bask on with no one in sight. The waters are safe and the kids can play till their heart’s content. If you get bored with the sea and sand you can head out to activities such as karting, caving, scuba diving, and there’s golfing, and quads for a non-stop active holiday. There’s even the Tabernas Desert to hike and explore.
– by Faith Coates from XYU and Beyond
Holidays to Andalucia can mean beautiful places like Mojacer Beach in Spain (Image credit: Faith Coates)
Holidays To Seville, Spain
February is a wonderful time to visit Seville if you are looking for winter sun. You’ll be spoiled for choice on things to do in Seville no matter what time of year you visit, but in February, with daytime temperatures in the mid sixties Fahrenheit and many sunny days, you can really enjoy wandering the historic center.
Visit the historic Royal Alcazar and the Seville Cathedral. Fewer crowds make for a more enjoyable experience at these iconic Seville attractions, and you can admire the architecture and art in relative solitude. Walk to the top of La Giralda, the bell tower of the Cathedral, for great views over the city. Stroll around the huge Plaza of Spain, enjoying the beautiful tile work. Take in a flamenco show. Go on a tapas crawl: Seville is renowned for its tapas, and in February it’s still cool enough that you can enjoy hot stews and soups.
In February, you’ll also enjoy the benefit of lower prices for accommodation in Seville. So if you are planning a trip to enjoy some sun in winter, grab your camera and sunglasses and head to the Andalusian capital!
– Dhara of It’s Not About The Miles
On holidays to Seville be sure to visit Seville Cathedral (Image credit: It’s Not About The Miles)
Holidays to Tenerife in February
Holidays in Tenerife in February (Image credit: Paulina on the Road)
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February vacation ideas in Europe with 5 warm countries in Europe, e.g., Andalucia in Spain, Montpellier in France. Check out the best warm places to travel in February in Europe. #february #winterdestinations #warmdestinations Europe Travel Destinations | Family Friendly Vacation | Travel with Kids | Europe | Off the Beaten Path | Luxury Travel | Wanderlust #travel #familytravel #travelwithkids #vacation #offthebeatenpath #bucketlist #wanderlust #Europe #exploreEurope #visitEurope #seeEurope
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