While some people love winter with its array of activities on offer, others simply dread it.
If your wish is to escape winter, Athens is a great choice. In winter, there are fewer crowds and summer prices are gone, which means you can enjoy the city without breaking your budget or pushing through crowds of tourists to take a decent photo of the Akropolis.
Even though January is still the coldest month of the year in Athens like everywhere else in Europe, compared to central and northern European cities, the temperatures are quite mild, averaging 10-15 degrees.
Only one place in the world can claim to be the home of Santa. If that isn´t a draw-card, we don´t know what is! Located right on the Arctic circle in Lapland, Finland, you can find the city of Rovaniemi – the official residence of Santa Claus. Surrounded by the Arctic wilderness, Santa Claus Village is a fairytale come true with shops, restaurants and cafés, husky and reindeer rides, snowmobile tours, and more. And don´t worry - even though Christmas has passed, Santa Claus Village is open all year round (though winter is when it is at its most spectacular).
At this time of year, the Canary Islands really do feel like a world away. If you´re trying to escape the cold, there is no better option than there is no better option than the Spanish archipelago. Take, for example, Tenerife, which averages a high of 21 degrees in January! In the Canaries, you will find long, white sands, cliffs and dunes with activities including deep sea swimming, surfing, kayaking, and water skiing. Yes, all in winter!
When it comes to picture-perfect snow-capped cities, Tallinn is up there with the best in Europe.
Start with a stroll through the stunning medieval Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the towers, churches, walls, and cobbled streets. The Old Town Square (Raekoja plats) is particularly striking. Now add some snowfall and candlelit windows and you have one of the most beautiful cities you´re likely to see.
If you´re feeling brave, why not take a dip in an in an ice hole after you´ve relaxed in one of the city´s many saunas? Or perhaps put on some skates and visit the ice-skating rink on Harju Street.
Along with fantastic restaurants, cosy cafes, and many great museums, Tallinn is a perfect winter escape.