PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
February might be one of the most underrated months to travel to Europe — between smaller crowds and great deals on flights and hotels, this can be one of the best times to head across the pond. Maybe you want to visit Paris for a romantic Valentine's Day getaway, or maybe you want to plan an active vacation in the beautiful Swiss Alps (complete with skiing and fondue). With so many culturally-rich cities and picture-perfect small towns, there's a European destination for every kind of traveler this winter.
These are the best places to travel in Europe in February to take advantage of great deals and fewer crowds.
Advertisement
Madeira, Portugal
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES/LONELY PLANET IMAGES
If you want to avoid the cold and wet weather that hits much of Europe in February, visit the island of Madeira, which sits in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa.
This environment makes Madeira the perfect place for outdoor activities, even during the winter months. Try hiking Ponta de São Lourenço, which is a nature reserve filled with red-streaked volcanic rocks that offers majestic views of the ocean. Or, if you don't want to hike, but still want amazing views, visit the Cabo Girão Skywalk, which is a clear platform that hangs off of Europe's highest cliff— definitely not for those afraid of heights. Be sure to sample some of the area's wine while you're here, too. Head to Blandy's Wine Lodge, where you can take a tour and find out how this region's wine is made.
You can also try paragliding, or even the famous street tobogganing. Plus, if you visit at the end of February, you can take part in the Carnival festivities.