5 Winter Getaways in Europe for Active Travellers

cycling in the Alentejo region of Portugal

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‘Tis almost the season and many of us are getting ready to hibernate for the months ahead. But you can be smarter than that and take the opportunity to experience Europe in another light, quite literally. It is a time of year when the sun shines in another way, when fireplaces are being lit up, when the landscape is transitioning, and when festive lights are switched on – a fantastic time of year for an active getaway in Europe. It doesn’t matter if you like cycling or walking, these five winter getaways my spark your travel interest.

Lapland

Dogsledding is one of the highlights of an Arctic adventure | <i>Kate Baker</i>

This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime winter activities that every serious traveller must have done. The price tag of this type of holiday is well worth it as a visit to Swedish Lapland in winter comes with a whole range of unique activities. Where else can you have an adventure that combines dogsledding, searching for northern lights, snowmobiling, a trip by hovercraft and staying in a treehouse? Get to know the cold, far North of Sweden and its warm-hearted inhabitants this winter.

Here's how to get away to Lapland this winter >>

Sardinia

The south-western corner of Sardinia is a fantastic part of the Italian island to explore by bicycle. There are for example the abandoned mines of Ingurtosu and Planusartu, the golden beaches of Portixeddu and the impressive Pan di Zucchero cliffs that can all be reached via scenic coastal paths. Combine this with ancient Phoenician ruins, pink flamingos, and the typical Sardinian winter fare and you’ve got yourself a completely new experience of the island.

Here's how to get away to Sardinia this winter >>

Winter Camino in Spain

Walking in the Ribeira Sacra wine growing region of Galicia | <i>Andreas Holland</i>

Did you know that it’s possible to have a Camino experience with relative peace along the trail and with far fewer walkers? Enter the Camino Invierno, for centuries used by pilgrims that are keen to avoid the mountains of O Cebreiro. Highlights are the Roman ruins and the Ribeira Sacra (a beautiful wine growing region – who wouldn’t say ‘yes’ to a cellar tour and wine tasting lunch for the day). We feel that this is a really pretty route, following the Sil River.

Here's how to get away doing a Camino this winter >>

La Gomera

La Gomera is one of those destinations that is always right for a pleasant winter walking experience. With flowers blooming year round, a mild climate that is excellent for walkers, welcoming islanders and typical whitewashed villages you can step in a world truly away from anywhere else in Europe. Summit the highest peak of the Alto de Garajonay at 1,450 metres, and on a clear day see four other islands.

Here's how to get away to La Gomera this winter >>

Alentejo & Algarve

The wonderful coastline of the western Algarve

There’s a lot to discover in this special pocket of Portugal. If it’s one of your first times to go on a cycling holiday or if you’d like to bring the family, this is a great cycling destination in Europe. Along the coast you can take in the rolling dunes, dramatic cliffs and colourful vegetation and in the hinterland there are widespread woods, typical Portuguese villages and quiet roads that will certainly help everyone in your company feel confident with the cycling.

Here's how to get away to Portugal this winter >>

Want to get a bit more of an idea of what you can do and where you can travel in Europe this winter? Speak to our teams around the world for some tailored travel advice.

What's your favourite winter destination in Europe? Share your story in the comments below.