Europe in February: hidden gems and seasonal highlights
Think winter means gray skies and staying indoors when visiting Europe? Think again. February in Europe is full of surprises from sunny coastlines to snow-dusted mountains and cities alive with culture.
Picture yourself wandering the pastel streets of Lisbon, savoring custard tarts under bright skies, or gliding through romantic canals in Venice during its iconic Carnival. Seek warmth on the lush shores of Madeira or Cyprus, or embrace alpine adventure in the Dolomites, where ski slopes sparkle under crisp blue skies. For culture lovers, Vienna enchants with elegant cafés and classical concerts, while Malta blends Mediterranean charm with centuries of history. Whether you crave sunshine, snow, or city sophistication, February in Europe is full of magic.
The best places to visit in Europe in February
European city escapes
Rome, Italy
Rome is one of those cities that offers a year-round good time. In recent years, the city has become infamous for huge crowds that spill over from peak season into shoulder season. Winter fortunately brings some relief, though there’s still plenty of visitors about. With cooler temperatures and fewer tourists, you can explore iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican Museums at a relaxed pace, though bookings are still essential.
Rome is also one of the most family-friendly cities I’ve visited and exploring Rome with a baby proved to be one of the easiest destinations visited with my infant daughter in tow. Even at the Vatican Museums and St Paul’s Basilica we didn’t need to wait in any lines because we had a baby with us.
Rome’s cobblestone streets are full of hidden piazzas and cozy trattorias – perfect for a warm up treat in between stops. February also brings cultural perks — from art exhibitions to classical concerts — and the chance to enjoy hearty Roman dishes like cacio e pepe in a warm, candlelit setting. Plus, hotel rates are lower than peak season, making it a great time for a budget-friendly city break filled with timeless charm.
Vienna, Austria
Vienna is one of the best cities to visit with family in February. The weather is cold but pleasant enough for walking around, and most attractions stay open and are easy to explore.
The highlight of the month is the Vienna Ice Dream (Wiener Eistraum), an outdoor skating event that takes over Rathausplatz, right in front of the City Hall. You can skate along winding ice paths under twinkling lights, while food stalls serve hot chocolate, pastries, and sausages. Kids can join short skating lessons, making it a fun activity for all ages.
February is also ball season in Vienna. While the formal evening balls may be for adults, you can still enjoy daytime concerts, family waltz workshops, and music events across the city.
When you need to warm up indoors, visit the ZOOM Children’s Museum, the House of Music, or the Natural History Museum, all of which have interactive exhibits perfect for children.
February gives you the best of both worlds, fun activities outdoors and cultural experiences indoors, making it one of the most rewarding months to explore Vienna as a family.
Contributed by Lavina from Continent Hop
Venice, Italy
One of the best places for families to visit in Europe in February is Venice, Italy.
Venice is a city located on the water in northern Italy. It absolutely oozes with endless beauty and Italian charm to take in. A visit in February is a great time to explore the canals on foot by connecting bridges, or by boat… Because a great way to visit a city that’s built on water is from the water! While it may be slightly touristy, consider going for a ride on a gondola. It’s a quintessential Venetian experience and something the city is known for!
Make sure to visit St Mark’s Square and St Mark’s Basilica. February is a great time for this as it’s the off season and crowds tend to be fewer and prices tend to be cheaper.
Perhaps the crown jewel of visiting Venice in February is Carnival. For about 10 days in the middle of the month the city celebrates this yearly tradition. Expect to see colorful costumes, masks, and performers. Note that this event does bring large crowds and it’s best to book all tickets and accommodations well in advance if you’ll be visiting then.
Contributed by Chelsea from Adventures of Chels
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is one of Europe’s most inviting winter destinations for families — a city where February days are bright, breezy, and comfortably mild, with temperatures around 15–18 °C (60–65 °F). The soft light glows across pastel-painted hills, tiled façades, and the wide sweep of the Tagus River, turning even an ordinary tram ride into something magical.
Because Lisbon is built on steep hills, getting around becomes part of the adventure. Families can hop aboard Tram 28 or the historic Glória Funicular, glide up long escalators, or zip through narrow streets on a tuk-tuk tour — a huge hit with kids. Along the way, pause at one of Lisbon’s famous miradouros — like São Pedro de Alcântara or Senhora do Monte — for sweeping city views and space for little ones to stretch their legs. Down by the waterfront, Praça do Comércio buzzes with buskers and street performers before leading to lively Rua Augusta, lined with cafés and shops.
Exploring Alfama is like stepping into a maze made for curious minds. Children love weaving through the narrow lanes and spotting painted tiles, bright laundry lines, and tiny shops tucked into doorways. You might hear a street musician tuning up for the evening or catch glimpses of the river between rooftops. Families can wander at their own pace, discovering hidden stairways, quiet courtyards, and lookout terraces that make this old quarter feel like a storybook come to life.
Food is half the fun. Little travelers love pastéis de nata, Lisbon’s warm custard tarts, or simple bifana pork sandwiches between sightseeing stops. Families often make a sweet detour to Pastéis de Belém, where the original recipe has delighted locals since the 1800s. It’s worth turning that stop into a half-day outing — ride the train or Tram 15 along the river, then explore the storybook Belém Tower, the graceful Jerónimos Monastery and neighboring Maritime Museum, the ornate Coach Museum with its gilded royal carriages, and the modern MAAT with its walkable rooftop views.
Lisbon also charms with playful indoor finds from the historic Hospital de Bonecas toy shop to It’s a Book, a cheerful children’s bookstore filled with creative workshops and multilingual picture books.
February brings a touch of celebration, when Lisbon’s Carnival season bursts into color with costumes, drumming, and family-friendly parades — lively enough to thrill kids, yet relaxed compared to the larger festivals elsewhere in Europe. As evening falls, locals and visitors alike take unhurried strolls along the Tagus, gelato or espresso in hand, watching the sunset glow fade over the 25 de Abril Bridge.
Cheerful, scenic, and easygoing, Lisbon in February proves that winter travel can still sparkle — with sunshine, imagination, and just enough adventure to keep every member of the family smiling.
Contributed by Alice from Panoramic Pathways
Sofia, Bulgaria
The capital of Bulgaria has been one of those nice surprises of my trips around Europe. I was travelling there in February a couple of years ago and whilst there was plenty of snow in the mountains, the city was completely fine for wandering around. And wandering it’s what is special here!
Sofia gained the nickname of “Little Vienna” after architects from all over Europe were commissioned to design the new capital in the late 1800s, so you can expect nowadays a beautiful mixture of classical buildings with more modern areas.
One of the icons of the city is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. I’m not religious myself but I really recommend you to go in as it’s a pretty cool building.
To warm up on a cold February day you can go hiking in Lakatnik which was one of my favourite things to do in Sofia, this is a fairly easy hike not far from the city and offers some beautiful views of the countryside.
Joining a Free Food Tour is also a great family activity as it was pretty cool for trying traditional food and also learning about the history of some historical spots in town.
Contributed by Juan from planetofadventures.com
Manchester, UK
Damp, cold Manchester in England might not be the first place you think of for a February trip, but the Chinese New Year celebrations and a range of family-friendly museums make it a great February break.
Manchester has the second-largest Chinatown in the UK and the third-largest in Europe, so Lunar New Year is a big deal here. In 2026 it falls on 17 February, marking the start of the Year of the Horse. Manchester usually celebrates with a full weekend of lanterns, food stalls and performances in Chinatown, along with a dragon parade.
If the weather is doing its Manchester thing, there are plenty of indoor activities. The Science and Industry Museum has plenty of hands-on displays and a newly reopened wing, while the John Rylands Library is stunning, with Hogwarts-like corridors and a magnificent reading room. The Manchester Museum was awarded European Museum of the Year for 2025, and kids love the dinosaur wing with Stan the giant T-Rex.
Food is easy too. There are loads of food courts for picky eaters, the Corn Exchange has reliable child-friendly options, and the Northern Quarter is good for relaxed cafés and quick meals.
Contributed by Helen from Helen on her Holidays
Porto, Portugal
Porto is a good February choice if you want a mix of gentle sightseeing, excellent food and easy day trips. Ideal for a weekend, or a week, you just need to choose how many days in Porto based on your hit list.
Temperatures are mild enough for walks along the Douro, climbing the Clérigos Tower or crossing to Gaia on foot, a particularly spectacular photo spot. If the weather closes in, there are plenty of indoor options. You can visit port lodges, beautiful tiled churches, browse Livraria Lello or spend a couple of hours in the city’s smaller museums without big queues.
Families get good value from February half term. World of Discoveries and SEA LIFE Porto both work well for children, and the old tram out to Foz do Douro or a short Douro river cruise are ideal when the sun is out. Film fans can also look out for the Fantasporto, the city’s long-running fantasy and horror festival, which usually falls around late February or early March and adds something different in the evenings.
Contributed by Chris from Global Trip Diaries
Winter wonderlands to explore
The Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites in Italy are not the first place you think of when considering family-friendly destinations in Europe, for sure. But there are so many things for kids of all ages that you can do!
When visiting in February, you’re for sure have loads of winter activities to choose from. You’ll everything from skiing, to tobogganing, to snow games, and even ziplining and tandem paragliding! And yes, even kids can enjoy all of these.
Imagine the joy of floating in the air with the snowy mountains all around you. Exhilarating!
What I love about skiing in the Dolomites, though, is that there are many kids-friendly slopes with “magic carpet” lifts, snow-parks for the first tricks, and such great ski schools with friendly instructors! Our daughter enjoyed both group-lessons and private lessons and loved them all. Since the Dolomites are multi-lingual, so are the instructors, which is not always the case in other places.
February is a great time to go for winter activities, because you can be sure that there will be snow, especially in the higher altitudes. And the days are getting longer, so – more time to enjoy everything!
If you go to Val Gardena in February, there are many events organized by the Val Gardena Active. Some of them are even free if your hotel is part of program.
All in all, if you’re looking for a truly family-friendly winter destination, the Dolomites is something that you should definitely look into.
Contributed by Kristine from Love Your Italy
Vik, Iceland
For a unique winter getaway in Europe, consider heading to Vik, a small fishing village along the southern coast of Iceland. Vik and the surrounding area offers some of the most stunning landscapes in the country, with dramatic volcanic cliffs, rugged beaches, and hulking glaciers.
Iceland in the colder months is definitely quieter, but there’s still plenty to do. For example, try your hand at glacier walking or, for adventurous travelers, even ice climbing at the nearby Sólheimajökull glacier, which sprawls for 44 kilometers into the Icelandic highlands.
February is also one of the best months to head into ice caves in the country, which become too unstable and dangerous to explore in the summer months. Vik is home to the Katla ice caves, with swirling walls of brilliant blue and black ice, thanks to the volcanic sediment from the neighboring volcano.
No stop to Vik is complete without stopping at the Reynisfjara, a black sand beach that’s become one of the most famous landmarks in Iceland, thanks to its columnar basalt cliff sides and rugged sea stacks. Additionally, this is an excellent place to spot the Northern Lights, which you’ll have a good chance of seeing, thanks to the long, dark nights in February.
Just be sure to include lots of warm layers on your Iceland packing list—the average daily lows in Vik dip below freezing temperatures, with snow and blustery windstorms being somewhat common occurrences.
Contributed by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler
Mild weather and sunny days
Valetta, Malta
The tiny country of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea is a great choice for milder temperatures and winter sun when visiting Europe in February. Though likely too cool to swim comfortably in the many beaches, the capital of Valetta and surrounding areas still offers balmy days and old-town charm. With daytime temperatures hovering around 15 °C (59 °F), it’s perfect for exploring without the summer crowds.
Families and culture lovers can wander through Valletta’s golden limestone streets, visit the historic Grand Harbour, and marvel at the ornate St. John’s Co-Cathedral which features one of Caravaggio’s most famous works: ‘The Beheading of St John the Baptist’.
For outdoor adventures, take a day trip from Valetta to the nearby island of Gozo for rugged coastal walks or explore the ancient temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra. February also brings a festive vibe with Carnival celebrations, adding bursts of color and music to the island’s tranquil winter pace. Plus, Malta’s compact size makes it easy to combine history, beaches, and local cuisine in one relaxing getaway.
Mallorca, Spain
The stunning Spanish island of Mallorca is a fabulous family-friendly destination for a February escape. In addition to its mild winter climate, Mallorca also offers families a variety of festivals to enjoy during the month of February.
First up is Son Servera, the island’s cherished almond blossom festival. This tantalizing event takes place in early February, ushering in Spanish spring via fields of blooming almost blossoms. Visitors can enjoy a fragrant fair of almond-based goodies underscored by a joyful soundtrack of Mallorqui music in Son Servera.
Another beloved February event to enjoy with the whole family is Sa Rua. Mallorca’s annual carnival, Sa Rua features a colorful parade with vibrant costumes prior to the start of Lent. This famous carnival actually kicks off with family-favorite Sa Rueta, the children’s parade, one day prior.
Beyond an impressive roster of festivals, February is also when the train from Palma to Soller gets up and running again after its winter hiatus. This unforgettable train ride through the Tramuntana mountains will transport you to a bygone age via vintage train.
Contributed by Elena from Carry On Chronicles
Gibraltar, British Overseas Territory
Gibraltar is a brilliant family destination year-round, not least because it’s home to the only wild monkeys in Europe. February is an especially lovely time to visit. Sitting at the very southern tip of the continent, it enjoys mild temperatures of around 16°C, perfect for wandering without the intense summer heat.
Because Gibraltar is so tiny, it can feel crowded in peak months. Cruise ships arrive throughout spring and summer, and the run-up to Christmas is busy too. February, by contrast, is calm and relaxed. You might even have the Rock’s small beaches to yourself, and you won’t be jostling with huge tour groups for a view of the famous Barbary macaques.
Clear winter days often bring spectacular visibility, with sweeping views across the Mediterranean towards Africa. February is also the cusp of spring. You’ll begin to notice the earliest wildflowers around the Rock – and some will be already in bloom around the cliffs, ledges and gardens, adding beautiful little pockets of colour.
Take the cable car or a taxi to the top of the Rock for easy access to the Skywalk, St Michael’s Cave (now with an immersive light show), and the Great Siege Tunnels, all fun and educational for families. Kids will also love a trip to the Alameda Wildlife Park, or a dolphin spotting boat trip. Read a full guide of all the top things to do in Gibraltar.
Just across the border, La Línea’s Carnival usually kicks off in mid-February, with colourful parades, music, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere – a brilliant cross-cultural family outing only a 10-minute walk away.
I spent several winter weeks based here and loved how compact, safe and manageable Gibraltar felt. Everything is walkable, yet you’re only a short hop from Andalusian towns like Estepona or Marbella if you fancy an easy day trip.
Contributed by Jamie from What’s Down That Street
Madeira, Portugal
For families looking for a sunny escape in February, Madeira is a fantastic choice – it’s warm, green, and bursting with colour even in the middle of winter. With daytime temperatures around 18-20°C, it’s perfect for sightseeing, light hikes, or relaxing by the sea without the summer crowds.
Funchal makes an ideal base for families, offering plenty of things to do and easy access to the rest of the island. Renting a car in Madeira is easy and very affordable, so you can visit most parts of the island on day trips from here.
For a relaxed family day, take the cable car up to Monte Palace Tropical Garden. The park is a great place for walking, feeding ducks and sweeping island views. Active families can also enjoy a gentle levada walk (flat hiking trails unique to Madeira) or a dolphin-watching tour along the coast.
In February, Funchal also hosts the Madeira Carnival, a lively and colourful event that kids will love, including samba parades, extravagant costumes, and music filling the streets.
Add in delicious food, including tropical fruits native to the island, friendly locals, and affordable accommodation rates of the winter season, and you’ve got a wonderful winter getaway that’s just as exciting for kids as it is for parents.
Contributed by Mal & Robin of Renting A Car In Europe 101
Limassol, Cyprus
I live in Limassol, Cyprus, and it has quickly become one of my favorite places in Europe to enjoy a family trip in February. The weather is mild and pleasant, with average daytime temperatures around 18–20°C, warm enough to explore comfortably without heavy winter layers. Because it’s the low season, hotel prices drop significantly, sometimes 50% lower than summer rates. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy high-end resorts with indoor heated pools at affordable prices.
I always recommend renting a car to make the most of Cyprus. Limassol is an ideal base for day trips into the surrounding mountain villages. One of my favorites is Lefkara, known for its traditional silverwork and handmade lace. If you’re looking for a winter experience, February is also when snow is most common in the Troodos Mountains, where you can even sled or play in the snow , just check road conditions on the official website before driving up.
But what truly makes February special is the Limassol Carnival, the biggest carnival celebration in Cyprus and one of the oldest traditions on the island, dating back more than 100 years. It’s part of Apokries, the festive period before Lent. The city becomes one big party, colourful costumes, music, confetti everywhere, street food stands, and two big parades (a kids’ parade along the seafront and the big main parade through the city center). Kids and adults absolutely love it, and it’s a fantastic local experience.
Limassol in February is perfect for families who want mild weather, culture, and a mix of beach and mountain activities, without the crowds.
Contributed by Nofar from Traveling outside the box
FAQs: Best European Destinations to Visit in February
Is February a good time to visit Europe?
Yes! February is ideal for travelers seeking fewer crowds, lower prices, and unique seasonal experiences — from sunny escapes in Malta and Madeira to snowy adventures in the Dolomites and Iceland.
Which European destinations are warm in February?
For mild weather and winter sun, head to Malta, Portugal, Cyprus, Spain or Gibraltar.
Where can I find snow and winter sports in Europe in February?
The Dolomites are perfect for skiing and snowboarding as well as kid-friendly snow activities, while Vik in Iceland offers dramatic winter landscapes and Northern Lights.
Are there any festivals or events in Europe in February?
Yes! Venice Carnival is world-famous, and Lisbon celebrates Carnival with colorful parades. Many cities also host winter concerts and cultural events.
Is February a good time for city breaks in Europe?
Absolutely. Cities like Rome, Vienna, Lisbon, and Sofia are less crowded, making it easier to explore museums, landmarks, and cozy cafés.
What should I pack for a February trip to Europe?
Pack layers! Even warmer destinations can be cool in the evenings. Include a waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes, and warm accessories for alpine or northern regions.
Are flights and hotels cheaper in February?
Generally, yes. February is off-season for most destinations, so you’ll find better deals compared to summer or Christmas holidays.
Is February a good time to travel to Europe with kids?
Yes! February often means fewer crowds, shorter lines at attractions, and lower prices on flights and hotels. Many destinations also offer family-friendly events like Carnival in Venice and Lisbon.
Which European destinations are best for families in February?
For mild weather and outdoor fun, try Malta, Madeira, or Cyprus. For cultural experiences, Rome, Vienna, and Lisbon are great with kids. If your family loves snow, the Dolomites or Vik in Iceland offer winter adventures.
Are there indoor activities for kids in February?
Absolutely! Cities like Vienna and Rome have interactive museums, while Lisbon offers toy shops and children’s bookstores. In colder destinations, look for aquariums, science centers, and cozy cafés with play areas.
What should families pack for a February trip to Europe?
Pack layers for changing temperatures, waterproof jackets for rainy days, and comfortable shoes for walking. If visiting snowy regions, include thermal wear, gloves, and boots.
Are February festivals family-friendly?
Yes! Venice Carnival and Lisbon Carnival feature colorful parades and costumes that kids love. Smaller towns often have local celebrations that are relaxed and welcoming for families.
Is it easy to get around with kids in winter?
Most cities have good public transport, and many offer stroller-friendly routes. In hilly cities like Lisbon, trams and funiculars make getting around fun for little ones.
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