If you’re on a budget, January to March is the best time to travel in Europe. Between these months, it’s low season for travel! Read along as we share the perks of traveling during this time and the best winter destinations in Europe on a budget, whether you’re after sunny beaches or cozy snowy towns.
First, check out our video Cheap Winter Destinations in Europe, if you’d rather watch along!
Why You Should Plan A Europe Trip On A Budget Now
January to March is usually low season, especially in January and February, but you can still score great deals in April too. Flights between European countries are much cheaper during these months compared to busy times like July. And if you’re flying from somewhere like New York, the savings can be massive—sometimes hundreds of dollars less!
This time of year is also much quieter. Most people are back to their routines after the holidays and aren’t traveling as much. That said, late March to April brings better weather for beach spots, but it does get busier as spring travel picks up. That doesn’t mean every place is empty in winter, but the crowds are nowhere near what you’ll see during peak season. It’s the perfect time to take advantage of free museum days—fewer people, no crowds blocking your view, and it’s free!
Best Cold Winter Destinations in Europe
Dolomite Alps or Dolomite Mountains, Italy
The Dolomite Alps in Italy are easily some of the most stunning mountains in Europe—if not the world. This mountain range is packed with natural parks and charming towns. It’s no surprise the Dolomites were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.
Places to visit in the Dolomites
Belluno. One of the main towns in the Dolomites, be sure to visit the Minor Basilica of San Martino and the Civic Museum of Belluno while you’re there.
Cortina d’Ampezzo. A favorite among skiers, Cortina d’Ampezzo is part of the massive Dolomiti Superski area—the largest ski area in the world. From here, you can easily drive to some incredible sights, like Monte Cristallo, Lake Misurina, Parco Naturale Tre Cime, Croda da Lago, and the stunning Cinque Torri hiking area.
Other Towns Worth a Stop: Don’t miss Pieve di Cadore, Misurina, Santa Maddalena, Ortisei, Castelrotto, and more.
How to get around the Dolomites
To explore the Dolomites properly, we highly recommend doing a road trip with your own car or rental—so factor that into your budget. However, it is totally possible to get around by public transport. Buses in this area are reliable and well connected.
If driving isn’t an option, booking a tour is a great alternative (below). Tours can be more cost-effective, but keep in mind that you’ll have less flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Poland Winter Holiday
You might think Poland is a brave choice to travel to in winter because of the temperature. A lot of people think that Poland in winter is super cold, which is true, in fact you can expect to see snow everywhere throughout January and February, but if you are after cheap places to visit in Europe and love the snow, Poland is a go-to winter destination.
Poland is known for its beautiful stacked colorful houses and these are the towns you need to visit to see them: Gdansk, Krakow, Warsaw, Wroclaw and Poznan. For a small snowy village, definitely visit Zakopane.
Winter food in Poland
Grzane Piwo: This is hot beer, often flavored with spices like cinnamon, clove, and honey. It’s a cozy drink, perfect for cold weather.
Pierogi: Dumplings stuffed with a variety of fillings, like potato and cheese, mushrooms, or even sweet fruits. They’re boiled or fried and super satisfying.
Kielbasa: A flavorful Polish sausage made from pork or a mix of meats, seasoned with garlic and spices. It’s often grilled, fried, or added to soups.
Oscypek: A smoked sheep’s milk cheese from the Tatra Mountains. It’s firm, salty, and often grilled for a warm, slightly melty treat. Typically served with jam.
Romania Winter Holiday
Transylvania Castles
Romania is a great option if you’re on a low budget and it’s also super beautiful. Everything from food to accommodation is much cheaper than other European countries. Which helps if you want to rent a car to explore Transylvania’s castles. Although you can also reach these by train and bus. We recommend seeing Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle), Corvin Castle and Pelea Castle.
And definitely explore the capital, too. Bucharest is perfect for a winter getaway! With its cozy cafés, amazing bookstores, hidden bars, and plenty to explore—just make sure to pack warm! It can be anything from -6 to 10 degrees throughout these months.
Finland in Winter
Now I know what you might be thinking, Finland is not exactly a budget location in Europe. But there is no reason you shouldn’t experience all the places on your bucket list because of your budget. Of all the Nordic countries, Finland is probably the most fair to your budget. Finland caters to a variety of budgets, with costs for accommodation, transportation, and food varying significantly based on your destination and travel plans. Choose budget hotels, eat at markets or street food and explore cities by bike for around 5 to 15 euros per day.
Where to see the Northern Lights
The reason I put Finland on the list is because it’s an ideal place to experience the Northern lights, which is a must-do winter activity, or just a must in life!
The best time to see the northern lights in Finland is between late August and early April, with peak visibility from September to March, especially on clear, dark nights between 10 PM and 2 AM. The top places to view them include Lapland destinations like the ones on the screen because there is no way I can pronounce these: Rovaniemi, Saariselkä, Kilpisjärvi, and Levi, as well as Urho Kekkonen and Pallas-Yllästunturi National Parks.
Black Forest, Germany
Why not travel to the home of Black Forest cake?
Here’s how we make trips like this more budget-friendly: First, we book affordable accommodations, like this cozy home we stayed at in Sankt Märgen, a really beautiful town we highly recommend. Second, we cook most of our meals ourselves, choosing one special meal out at a local restaurant. Preparing a big hearty meal in the kitchen not only saves money but also keeps us energized for a day of exploring.
Just remember, in winter, the opening hours for supermarkets, bakeries, and delis are often limited, depending on the town. To avoid any last-minute stress, plan your meals and shop for ingredients ahead of time—because last-minute grocery runs might not be an option.
Explore Triberg’s famous waterfalls and villages like Baden-Baden, known for its thermal baths.
Warm Winter Destinations in Europe
If you’ve had enough of the cold and wanna know where to go for winter sun in Europe, here is a list of some places with great weather during these months, especially towards the end of February and March, that are budget friendly.
Canary Islands, Spain
The Canary Islands offer many beautiful beaches and mild weather. With year-round sunshine and average winter temperatures of 18-24°C (68-75°F), the Canary Islands are ideal for escaping the winter chill.
Tenerife
Explore El Teide National Park. El Teide is the highest mountain in all of Spain. Visit vibrant coastal towns like La Laguna, and lush Anaga Mountains. Also, if you can, definitely try to go to Loro Park, one of the top zoos in the country.
Lanzarote
Famous for its volcanic landscapes, turquoise water and Timanfaya National Park. One of its best features is that as a rule, all houses must be painted white with either blue or green roofs. Making the contrast between the white houses, blue water and volcanic rock breathtaking. We highly recommend trying the restaurant EL DIABLO where there cook the food with the heat of the volcano. Also, try to visit the Cuevas de los Verdes caves and see the green lake called Charco verde, which means green puddle.
Gran Canaria
Offers both sandy beaches like Las Canteras, right in the heart of the city. While you’re in the city, definitely visit the most beautiful part called Vegueta, with traditional Canarian architecture.
In the north of the island, visit the stunning church in Arucas and Agaete, a stone beach by a port with white and blue houses.
And in the south, stroll through the Dunes in Maspalomas, visit coastal beach towns like Mogan, known for its charming houses surrounded by buganvilla and explore beaches like Anfi del Mar with an incredible beach resort and Amadores.
What to eat in the Canary Islands, Spain
Here’s a simple description for each Canary Islands dish:
1. Papas Arrugadas con Mojo: Small, wrinkly boiled potatoes cooked in salty water and served with mojo sauce—either green (herby) or red (spicy). A classic island favorite!
2. Ropa Vieja: A hearty stew made with shredded beef or chicken, chickpeas, potatoes, and spices. It’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor.
3. Sancocho Canario: A traditional fish “stew”, served cold, made with octopus, potatoes, vinegar and raw onion and peppers. It’s simple yet delicious and perfect for a coastal vibe.
4. Cerveza con Limón: Try Tropical Limón from Gran Canaria or Dorada Limón from Tenerife. This is beer mixed with lemon, a sweeter and citrusy version of beer. A better option for those who aren’t crazy about traditional beer.
A great restaurant to try? Our favourite is Allende, they have a few on the island with a modern take on traditional Canarian food.
Madeira, Portugal
Known as the “Island of Eternal Spring,” Madeira is an affordable island that enjoys mild winters. It’s not the warmest of these destinations, but expect anything between 16 to 18 degrees. What to do here? Whale watching is at its peak during this time of year. Hike the dramatic Levada trails for views of waterfalls and lush greenery. Explore Funchal’s markets and sample Madeira wine. Consider staying in local guesthouses for an authentic experience.
Balearic Islands, Spain
Moving on to another Spanish archipelago, the Balearic Islands or Islas Baleares. There are many islands, but the main ones are Mallorca (the largest island), Menorca, one that most of you have probably heard of, Ibiza and Formentera.
People come to these Mediterranean islands for the clear blue water and incredible summer vibes, but that just means these islands are full of tourists during the warmer months. Coming in March is your best best for cheap flights, good weather and less crowds.
There is an incredible restaurant and tapas bar scene here and while they do have local dishes predominantly seafood, of course, they also share typical Spanish cuisine for neighbouring places like Valencia and Cataluña.
There are incredible beaches and coastal areas to visit in all of these islands, so we highly recommend hiring a car and visiting as much as you can.
Porto, Portugal
Going back to Portugal, Porto is one of our favourite places to visit in this country, and maybe even Europe.
Check out Unique Things To Do in Porto, Portugal. Here we share a ton of activities you can do in Porto and useful info about each one!
Porto is a charming and affordable city that’s perfect for a getaway. From its stunning architecture, like the colorful streets of Ribeira and the famous Livraria Lello bookstore, said to have inspired the Harry Potter books, to delicious pasteis de nata or francesinha and world-famous port wine, there’s a lot to enjoy.
You can stroll along the Douro River, or even take a ferry. If that’s out of your budget, opt for taking the metro line D that goes outside over the Dom Luís I Bridge. Or walk over it. The bridge lets you cross on the top or bottom. Walk from Porto to the other side and then down the hill and back across on the bottom. The view is absolutely beautiful.
Tips For Travelling in Europe On a Budget (Winter Edition)
- Start looking for flights at least 6-8 weeks in advance to secure cheaper fares. Use flight comparison tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights, and set price alerts to catch deals.
- Consider getting a rail pass, such as the Eurail Pass, if you’re planning to travel extensively by train, for example to get to the Transylvania castles. It can save you money if you’re visiting multiple countries. Just always make sure to check if the train you’re planning on taking requires seat reservations.
- Many cities offer free walking tours, which are a great way to learn about the city without spending money. Be sure to tip the guide, but the tour itself is free.
- Many European museums offer free entry on certain days or times. And since this time of year is less crowded, it’s a win win.
- Post-Holiday Sales: After Christmas, many shops offer great discounts on winter clothing, souvenirs, and more.
- Instead of eating in tourist-heavy areas, explore local street food or visit local markets that serve affordable winter specialities you won’t find year round.
- If flying budget airlines like Ryanair or EasyJet, be mindful of hidden fees for things like seat selection or carry-on size. Pack carefully to avoid paying extra for luggage.
- If you can and it’s in your budget, consider getting travel insurance. Winter travel can sometimes lead to unexpected expenses and changes in plans due to weather, so investing in travel insurance is a wise idea.
- Shorter Hours: Many attractions, restaurants, and shops close earlier in winter, so make sure to check opening hours in advance. It’s also common for smaller towns and villages to be quieter in winter, with fewer things open in the evening. We experienced this first hand in Sankt Märgens during our Black Forest road trip. This isn’t necessarily a budget hack, but it’s always good to know!
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