Snow Or Beach? Europe’s Top Winter Destinations According To Study

Europe offers a range of options when it comes to top winter destinations, as travelers can choose between chilly while sipping hot chocolate or mulled wine, or a warm beach paradise. The ferry company DFDS has studied Google search data to reveal the top European destinations in Europe in 2024.

Top trending cities in Europe for the winter of 2024

Whether seeking a snowy destination or a warm and idyllic beach location, these are the cities that came out tops in DFDS’s study as the best winter destinations in Europe.

1. Salzburg, Austria

Nestling on the border between Austria and Germany, Salzburg is one of Europe’s top snowy locations. The city’s snow-covered roofs add so much to its magical wonderland, plus in December, Salzburg hosts some of the best Christmas markets.

One is the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, which is one of Europe’s oldest and best Christmas markets. This year, travelers can experience the markets from November 21 to December 24, 2024. Meanwhile, the fairytale vibe extends to its beautiful Old Town, which is particularly gorgeous when covered in a blanket of clean, white snow.

2. Tromsø, Norway

Another destination for those who love a snowy vibe, Tromsø is located in northern Norway and is the largest city close to the Arctic Circle. Meanwhile, one of its best aspects is that you can travel out of the city to enjoy a snowy wilderness.

Travelers should bear in mind that winter starts early in Tromsø and lasts for a long time. However, despite this, visitors can enjoy stunning arctic scenes, the Northern Lights and icy polar nights. The best time to visit here is between September 15 and April 14.

3. Vienna, Austria

This second Austrian city has also made the list and it isn’t surprising, considering its beautiful Christmas markets, rich cultural history and seasonal concerts. Meanwhile, despite the chilly weather and snow, Vienna is exciting all year round for its beauty and welcoming atmosphere.

Among the best things to do in this beautiful city is ice skating on a rink in front of the Rathaus, or visiting the stunning Hofburg Palace.

4. Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain

For those seeking a warmer winter, the Canary Islands of Spain always come out tops with Lanzarote one of the best. Meanwhile, despite the winter, the island’s idyllic beaches are still open and less crowded than in the summer months. In fact, during the coldest winter months, travelers can expect temperatures of 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit).

Among the best beaches here are Famar, Papagayo and Quemada, perfect for a winter soak in the sun. Besides enjoying the beaches, a visit to the Timanfaya National Park is an exciting experience, with its alien-like volcanic landscape. All this makes Lanzarote one of the best winter destinations in Europe.

5. Krakow, Poland

Krakow offers a spectacular and walkable Old Town which makes it easy to enjoy the city without the need for public transport. This great city also offers an affordable stay and excellent restaurants, but there is much more to see.

Travelers should bear in mind that the winter months in Krakow can be bitterly cold. However, when it snows, the city is quickly transformed into a winter wonderland, where visitors can enjoy sleigh rides, ice skating and hikes.

For those who love winter sports, the Karkonosze Mountains located to the east of Krakow feature several ski resorts with affordable prices as compared to Austria or Switzerland.

6. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain

Heading back to the Canary Islands of Spain, one of the most famous is Gran Canaria, which offers white sand and volcanic black sand beaches. Those seeking a beach adventure, the Dunos de Maspalomas is the perfect destination, with seemingly unending sandy beaches.

Another major attraction on Gran Canaria is the beautiful rock paintings in the aptly named Painted Cave. Meanwhile, the Cueva Pintada Museum here and the Archeological Park are a fascinating visit.

Visitors should bear in mind that Gran Canaria is popular for cruise ships so cities like the capital, Las Palmas can get pretty crowded.

7. Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

Readers might notice that there is a trend among the warm locations as those in the top list are all in Spain’s Canary Islands. Known as the Island of Spring, Tenerife is an excellent place to enjoy warm winter weather and is popular all year round.