When you ask someone where to go in Europe in February, they’ll immediately ask why you’d want to visit Europe in February.
Well...
Carnival. Ski slopes. Spas. Cheap beds, empty streets. Same monuments, same eats.
Life is short, and so is February, so make the most of the month with a quick trip to one of these fantastic European destinations.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Andrea Comi. Image Location: Castel San Pietro, Verona, Italy
Europe in February: Weather or not to visit
If you’re already living in a winter wonderland (or tired of kicking around gray slush in the streets) you should shed a few layers and head south for the season.
The warmest place in Europe in February is technically Spain’s Canary Islands. Tenerife has highs hitting 70℉ and lows reaching just below 60℉… but Tenerife is also closer to the Western Sahara than España, so the Mediterranean Sea is your next best bet. Some of the other warmest places in Europe in February have averages such as:
- South District, Gibraltar: 57℉
- Tarifa, Spain: 56℉
- Ierapetra, Greece: 54℉
- Bengħajsa, Malta: 54℉
- Marina di Modica, Italy: 53℉
Still, luxury hotels in Spain, Italy, and along the French Riviera have amenities that’ll keep you warm no matter what the weather’s like outside.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: Bruges, Belgium
Best places to visit in Europe in February
For Valentine’s: Italy
Italy may not have been the most loving place for the real St. Valentine or the fictional Romeo & Juliet, but you and your beau will have a much better time in places like Rome and Verona. The lighter crowds will give you intimate strolls around the Colosseum or dance the night away during the Verona Carnival.
For Galentine’s Day: France
Yes, Paris will be overflowing with love birds, but the rest of France’s cities are single and ready to stay that way. Take an unforgettable girls trip and keep your glass full in Champagne, hit the slopes together in the French Alps, or do as one does when life gives them lemons around Valentine’s Day—make lemonade during the Menton Lemon Festival.
For the family: England
Predictable food. No language barriers. Free museums. Extensive transit lines. How much easier could a city like London or Manchester make a February family vacation? It’s easy to stay warm and keep the kids entertained for hours in England.
For the solo traveler: Belgium
With no one slowing your pace, you’ll become best friends with Belgium in a matter of days. Fewer tourists and lower prices help you explore cities like Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp. Plus, you won’t run into much snow, only rain.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Roberto Moiola/Sysaworld. Image Location: Bernina Express at Chapella, Graubunden canton, Engadine, Switzerland
Best European countries to visit in February
Hungary
Need some time in the thermal spa? Head to Hungary. Budapest is the spa capital of Europe. Eger holds its own when it comes to spa hotels; it only asks that you hold a glass of its renowned red wine.
Switzerland
Your coworkers will scratch their heads when you tell them you spent your Swiss vacation sitting on a train. That is, until you show them photos of the snow-covered Swiss landscape. Ride the rails taking in the beauty, stopping in destinations like Interlaken, Bern, and Geneva to warm up with as much cheese as you can stomach.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is one of the best European countries to visit in February for budget travelers. Amsterdam has a chill, making their coffee houses all the more inviting. The Hague doesn’t let winter weather stop their outdoor tours; walking tours like the Active Winter Warmers tour gives you a thorough visit without losing feeling in your toes.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Silvia Bianchini. Image Location: Grand Canal, Venice, Italy
Best European cities to visit in February during Carnival season
Venice, Italy
Closest station: Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia
If you can’t go to Rio, Venice is the next best destination for Carnival. The costumes are so elaborately detailed that you’ll want to stay as sober and well-rested as possible to appreciate every moment at the ball.
Cádiz, Spain
Closest station: Cádiz
Party as only the Spanish can in Cádiz during Carnival. With mild weather already making it one of the best places in Europe to visit in February, the Cádiz Carnival’s 11-day street party is a spectacular way to rid yourself of the post-holiday blues.
Düsseldorf, Germany
Closest station: Düsseldorf Hauptbahnhof
Germany doesn’t go into hibernation mode when Oktoberfest and the Christmas season are over. The fifth season in Düsseldorf is Carnival and it takes over the entire city.
Beat the February blues
February will be here—and be over—before you know it. Download the Trainline app now so you’re ready to purchase the cheapest train tickets available the moment you book your flight. Remember: all of Europe's train network is open to you.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Pilat666. Image Location: Ragusa, Sicily, Italy