Nothing helps beat the winter-blues more than a European getaway. Pity everyone else tends to have the same idea.
This time of year the big European destinations tend to be packed with visitors on short breaks looking for some winter sun, a bit of culture or some retail therapy.
Here’s our guide to some European cities that are less-travelled, but still have a lot of incredible experiences to offer.
Zadar, Croatia
Zadar is a charming coastal city in Croatia with Roman ruins and a lively cafe scene. It sits on the Dalmatian archipelago, close to several national parks, so if your ideal holiday involves relaxing boat trips or trekking through untouched nature, this is a good bet.
Island-hopping is easy with excellent ferry connections, and Zadar is also just an hour by road from Tisno, which hosts two of Europe’s best summer music festivals, Garden and Soundwave.
Don’t Miss: The Sea Organ, designed by a local architect, is a system of tubes built under marble steps that makes sounds according to the movement of the waves. A unique musical experiment that’s especially fun whenever a ferry goes past. Check out The Sea Organ in action here: Youtube.com
Tromsø, Norway
For a city you may never have heard of, there’s a lot going on in Tromsø. Many people visit for the Northern Lights in the winter season or to cruise the fjords, but you can also try all manner of hardy Scandi-activities like snowshoeing, whale-watching, dog-sledding and snowmobiling.
For this latitude, the weather is surprisingly mild, thanks to the Gulf Stream. That may also explain the wild nightlife scene. Tromsø has a beast of a reputation as a party town, and staying up ‘til dawn is not unusual.
Don’t Miss: Tromsø is one of the best places to see the incredible Aurora Borealis, Northern Lights. Visit between September and April and if you can try to get out of town for a while, maybe on an organised tour, to watch a captivating natural spectacle. There are also a lot of other experiences in Norway.
Bucharest, Romania
It’s fair to say that Bucharest isn’t going to win any beauty contests, but there is still much to recommend the Romanian capital, from a cosmopolitan cultural scene, especially in the Lipscani district, to peaceful public parks and dramatic Communist architecture.
Don’t Miss: If you can, catch a performance of the symphony orchestra at the Romanian Athenaeum, the city’s most prestigious concert hall. The spectacular painted ceiling and pink marble columns are breathtaking, and the acoustics first-class.
Madeira, Portugal
Madeira is one of the world’s top island destinations, a few hours by air from Portugal. Whales, dolphins and seals populate the warm waters off the coast, with palm trees fringing sandy beaches. Madeira is an easygoing place, especially popular with nature-lovers drawn by its verdant landscapes.
Fresh seafood and excellent wines are a big part of the Madeira diet, so expect to eat very well. If you have the time, the newly-opened CR7 Museum in Funchal, the capital, documents the life and career of Madeira’s most-famous son, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Don’t Miss: Take a boat tour off the coast and keep your eyes peeled for all manner of marine life. Curious dolphins are often seen, as are migrating pilot whales. May to October tends to be the best time of year.
Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius, capital of Lithuania, is one of those deeply-romantic, almost magical cities that visitors fall in love with almost immediately. The Old Town, filled with Baroque architecture, cobbled streets and traditional workshops, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a joy to get lost in.
The city went through a turbulent and dark period during the 20th century but has come through it to become a thoroughly cosmopolitan destination, full of life especially in the evenings. Quirky walking-tours and offbeat activities like hot-air balloon trips abound.
Don’t Miss: The craft beer scene is big in Vilnius and you can find plenty of brew-pubs serving up strong ales both traditional and modern. Visit during the winter and you’ll find many of these places full to the ceiling with happy crowds of drinkers.
Experience travels in another way. Experience gifts by Tinggly: