The best places to visit in Europe by month range from the sun-baked Canary Islands in January to the tranquil Norwegian fjords in June.
Europe is vast and diverse, stretching from Iceland in the north, Portugal in the west, Malta in the south, and Turkey in the east. This beautiful continent has a rainbow of cultures, religions, climates, and landscapes, with everything from picture-perfect old towns to soaring volcanoes and sapphire-blue glaciers.
From delightful Bruges in Belgium to the enchanting Portuguese capital, Lisbon, discover the best places to visit in Europe by month.
January
Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
Timanfaya National Park in Lanzarote, Canary Islands
With the average daily maximum temperature of 72°F, Lanzarote is a failsafe January destination, offering the perfect climate for exploring the island’s breathtaking Timanfaya National Park.
This ochre-hued landscape can be explored via two trails or by coach. You could also dine at El Diablo, a restaurant in Montaña del Fuego where dishes are cooked using geothermal heat.
Lanzarote has some of the best beaches in the Canary Islands, including Playa del Reducto in the capital, Arricife. This Blue Flag stretch has it all—golden sand, shallow water, palm trees, lounge chairs, and beach bars.
Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
Teide National Park in Tenerife, Canary Islands
Dominated by Mount Teide, Tenerife also offers plenty of winter sunshine. At 12,188 feet, it’s the highest point in Spain and is the third–highest volcano in the world.
Teide National Park offers some of the best hikes in Europe, with views stretching beyond the island to the hazy horizon of the Atlantic Ocean.
If you’re more into beaches, there are some cracking options in sun-soaked Tenerife, including the white-sand Playa de Las Teresitas near the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and the black-sand beaches of Puerto de la Cruz, on the north coast.
Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
Maspalomas in Gran Canaria, Canary Islands
If you’re still wondering about the best places to visit in Europe by month for January, look to Gran Canaria for its blissfully warm weather and delicious beaches.
Sink your toes into the velvety-soft sand on Playa de Maspalomas on the south coast. This four-mile swathe wraps around the tip of the island, flanked by the 998-acre Maspalomas Dunes Nature Reserve, with its brackish lagoon and leafy palm grove.
For Canarian culture, stay in the capital, Las Palmas, and visit Casa de Colon, or Columbus’ House. This museum charts Christopher Colombus’ voyages to the Americas from the Canary Islands.
February
Athens, Greece
Acropolis in Athens, Greece
Picture the scene: the gleaming 2,500-year-old Acropolis of Athens, dazzling beneath winter sunshine and hardly any other travelers around. While the sun might not be guaranteed, fewer crowds certainly are in February.
Athens in winter experiences cool weather so you’ll want to wrap up. A scarf and hat will keep you cozy while shopping for gifts in Kolonaki, the city’s upscale neighborhood with boutiques, galleries, and high-end restaurants.
Another reason to visit Athens in February is that you’ll get a much better view of the Changing of the Guard, taking place hourly at the Presidential Mansion and at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
March
Limassol, Cyprus
Old Town of Limassol, Cyprus
Limassol is charming in March, when Cyprus is beginning to warm up, with average daily highs of 66°F.
The best thing to do is stroll Limassol’s enchanting Old Town, set around a centuries-old castle that’s home to the Cyprus Medieval Museum. The existing castle was built by the Ottomans in 1590, though the original was built centuries earlier.
At Kourion Archeological Site, a short drive from Limassol, wander among the well-preserved remains, including the second century BC semicircular amphitheater. There’s a pebbly beach below the archeological site with a lovely taverna that offers sea views.
Ephesus, Turkey
Library of Celsus in Ephesus, Turkey
History enthusiasts should plan a trip to Ephesus, Turkey, in March. Not only is the temperature slowly warming up, but you’ll have some of Europe’s best archeological sites almost to yourself.
Currently, around 20 percent of Ephesus’ remains have been uncovered by archeologists, including the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Theater, and the Temple of Hadrian.
Discover the second-century Baths of Varius, once a public bath house, and the extraordinary facade of the Library of Celsus that once held around 12,000 scrolls.
April
Madeira, Portugal
Funchal in Madeira, Portugal
Owing to its balmy subtropical climate, sitting atop an underwater volcano, Madeira’s weather is pleasant in April and remains warm for much of the year. Madeira offers a rugged coastline and some of the world’s best black-sand beaches and natural swimming pools.
In the capital, Funchal, browse the fruits at Mercado dos Lavradores. Try a sweet and creamy pineapple banana, also known as banana-ananás, which tastes like a cross between the two fruits.
Take the cable car to the hilltop village of Monte before taking a toboggan—a wicker sledge on wheels steered by two smartly-dressed carreiros—down. After, sip on the island’s famous fortified sweet wine, Madeira, at Blandy’s Wine Lodge.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam, Netherlands
This postcard city is positively blooming in April, the best time to see vibrant tulips in shades of yellow, red, pink, and orange.
Plan your trip around a visit to Keukenhof Gardens, home to 79 acres of beautiful flowers, making it one of the world’s largest flower gardens, around 40 minutes from Amsterdam.
Keukenhof is open to the public from mid March to mid May, with tulips roses, crocuses, daffodils, hyacinths, and irises among the seven million types of flowers on display. There are boat rides, guided walking tours, and cycle routes to follow.
May
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is an enchanting, walkable city in northwest Belgium with a mild May temperature. The historic center is laced with cute canals flanked by medieval buildings, cobblestone streets, and attractive squares.
Join a canal boat tour and climb the 13th-century Belfry in Market Square. The Basilica of the Holy Blood is one of the best churches in Europe, home to a phial that’s said to carry a cloth containing the blood of Christ.
Imbibe on Belgian beers at the long-running Brewery Bourgogne des Flandres. This handsome brewhouse offers tours and tastings, right by the canal.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Old Town Dubrovnik, Croatia
This sweet sun-trap is a delight in May when the temperature is perfect for completing the loop of Dubrovnik city walls for views of the Old Town’s terracotta rooftops, churches, and palaces.
Inside, walk from Pile Gate, the main entrance, to the 14th Franciscan Church and Monastery, then onto the 13th-century Dominican Monastery. Wander from the oatmeal Sponza Palace to the Venetian St. Blaise’s Church, and to the gleaming Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
There are wine bars, galleries, shops, and museums. Alternatively, take a boat trip to idyllic Lokrum Island for its sheltered beaches, luscious Botanical Gardens, and 12th-century Benedictine Monastery.
June
Tallinn, Estonia
Old Town Tallinn, Estonia
For one of the best places to visit in Europe in June, consider gorgeous Tallinn. The capital of Estonia has a storybook Old Town, with medieval towers and churches, and winding cobbled lanes such as St Catherine’s Passage.
Admire Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, an Eastern Orthodox church completed in 1900, known for its black, onion-shaped domes. St. Olaf’s Church is Tallinn’s largest medieval building, offering some of the best views of the city from its sky-piercing tower, almost 200 feet above the Old Town.
Norway
Flam, Norway
If witnessing sensational fjords is on your bucket list, one of the best places to visit in Europe is Norway, especially in June.
Some mountains are still snow-capped, forests are emerald green, and waterfalls are at their most powerful, with hiking and kayaking the best way to take it all in.
In picture-book Flam, ride the scenic Flam Railway to the mountain town of Myrdal. The two-hour return journey passes emerald-green meadows and travels through 20 mountain tunnels. A highlight is Kjosfossen Waterfall, which tumbles 305 feet right besides the train track.
Mykonos Town, Mykonos
Mykonos Town, Mykonos
In June, beat the high-summer throngs for a prime seat in Mykonos Town’s glamorous Little Venice below the town’s famous grain windmills. Wander among the whitewashed houses and browse the boutiques and galleries.
There are some beautiful beaches within easy reach of Mykonos Town, too, including Psarou, with white sand and aquamarine water. Thatched parasols line the beach and laid-back tavernas line the shore.
July
Cadiz, Spain
Playa de La Caleta in Cadiz, Spain
If you’re looking for sizzling sunshine in one of Spain’s more under-the-radar cities, Cadiz is one of the best places to visit in Europe in July.
The best thing to do in Cadiz is divide your time between the enchanting Old Town before cooling off on a golden shore, such as the central Playa de La Caleta.
Visit the cathedral, a masterpiece of baroque, rococo, and neoclassical architecture that took 116 years to complete. After, sip sherry and dine on some of Andalucia’s tastiest tapas at Mercado Central de Abastos, Spain’s oldest covered market.
Positano, Italy
Positano, Italy
Snuggled on Italy’s Amalfi coast, just south of Sorrento, few destinations beat Positano for a glamorous summer getaway.
Admire the pastel buildings hugging the coastline and soak in the vibrant bougainvillea as you wander Positano’s winding streets to pick up local souvenirs of ceramics, limoncello, and olive oil.
Pack your swimwear and a towel to enjoy a cooling dip in the sun-warmed water. Boat trips and kayak hire are also available from Positano Spiaggia’s black-sand beach.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Gullfoss, Iceland
July presents the best time of year to visit Reykjavik, Iceland’s dynamic capital, packed with independent shops, bars, and restaurants.
Climb Reykjavik’s famous Hallgrimskirkja, a concrete and granite church designed to mimic Iceland’s basalt rock columns, offering panoramic views from an eighth-floor viewing platform.
There are some fantastic day trips from Reykjavik in July, including black-sand beaches, thundering waterfalls, and awe-inspiring glaciers. Join a whale-watching trip from the harbor, with humpback and killer whales plying Iceland’s frigid waters.
August
French Riviera
Nice, France
Also known as the Côte d’Azur, the sparkling French Riviera is as naturally beautiful as it is glamorous, with sun-dappled coves, scented pine forests, and upmarket resorts.
Weather in August is hot and dry, perfect for sun worshippers. Take your pick from one of Nice’s best beaches, browse the fragrant flower market, Cours Saleya, and wander around the captivating Old Town, with its bistros, boutiques, and ancient churches.
In the hills above Nice, soak in the sweet summer scents of Èze, a medieval village famed for its succulent-filled Jardin Exotique, winding, cobbled lanes, and serene sea views.
Scotland
Urquhart Castle, Scotland
With pristine lochs, bonny beaches, and heather-covered glens, Scotland in August is delightful. The world’s largest performing arts festival, Edinburgh Fringe, takes place over three weeks in August, with comedy and theater shows taking place across the city.
August also presents the best time of year to explore the storied Loch Ness, a 23-mile freshwater lake in the Scottish Highlands, near Inverness. In quaint Drumnadrochit, join a boat trip to go in search of Nessie, the loch’s mythical monster, and explore the ruins of the 15th-century Urquhart Castle as you hike a section of the 80-mile Loch Ness Trail.
September
Kotor, Montenegro
Kotor Old Town, Montenegro
September is the perfect time to visit Kotor, Montenegro, when the days are warm and filled with sunshine.
Pack water and wear comfortable hiking shoes to climb the zigzagging Ladder of Kotor to the remains of San Giovanni fortress for dazzling views of Kotor Bay and the terracotta rooftops of Kotor Old Town.
Another one of the best things to do in Kotor is to wander the fortified Old Town. Built by the Venetians between the 12th and 14th centuries, its narrow winding streets open up to ancient churches and characterful squares with wine bars and pizzerias.
Valletta, Malta
Valletta, Malta
The honey-colored city of Valletta in the southern Mediterranean remains gloriously warm in September. Stroll the Old Town, enclosed within the UNESCO-listed City Walls to visit St John’s Co-Cathedral, famed for its opulent Baroque interior, priceless art, and marble floors.
Visit St. George’s Square, the Grand Master’s Palace, and the National Museum of Archaeology. A highlight is simply walking the city’s characterful streets, including Old Mint Street and Merchants Street, to gaze at the charming balconied buildings.
October
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal’s colorful capital, is one of the oldest in Europe and boasts a pleasant temperature throughout October.
Dedicate time to the early 16th-century Belém Tower by the waterfront. The nearby Jerónimos Monastery, constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries—originally to mark Vasco da Gama’s return from India— is spectacular.
Feeling hungry? Pick up pastel de natas from Pastéis de Belém, a bakery that has been making these sublime custard tarts since 1837.
Crete, Greece
Chania in Crete, Greece
Catch the end of Crete’s long summer in October, when the weather is warm and the crowds are reduced on the largest Greek island.
Crete’s capital, Chania, is set around a 14th-century Venetian harbor. The waterfront strip, with watercolor buildings and buzzy restaurants, is one of the prettiest in Greece. Marvel at the crumbling Byzantine Walls Of Chania, delve into the town’s rich history at the Maritime Museum, and pick up gourmet treats at the covered Old Chania Market.
There are some fabulous beaches near Chania, too, including Balos, which is backed by a turquoise lagoon, and the soft, blond Stavros Beach.
November
Malaga, Spain
Malaga, Spain
At the heart of the Costa del Sol, Malaga is a vibrant city in southern Spain with highs in November of 68°F.
Things to do in Malaga include visiting the higgledy-piggledy Centro Histórico, home to a 16th-century Baroque cathedral and the Museo Picasso Málaga. Housed in a former palace, the museum celebrates the life and work of the Malaga-born artist.
Walk to the Alcazaba, a hilltop fortress that overlooks the city’s first-century AD Roman Theatre of Malaga. For delicious tapas, including tasty fried fish, try Mercado de Atarazanas.
December
Gibraltar, UK
Gibraltar, UK
Gibraltar lies on the southeast tip of the Iberian Peninsula, making it one of the warmest places to visit in Europe in December.
For a 2.6-square-mile patch, Gibraltar offers plenty to see and do, including beaches, museums, and castles. For views that stretch across the Strait of Gibraltar to North Africa, hike one of the several trails or take the cable car to the Rock of Gibraltar.
At the top of this limestone peak, you’ll be greeted by some of the nature reserve’s free-roaming Barbary macaques and a viewing platform with a partial glass floor.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is mild in December, which is a great time to experience the city’s festive markets, including Fira de Santa Llúcia, held on Av. de la Catedral in the Gothic Quarter.
This central location means you can go from the 13th-century Barcelona Cathedral, La Rambla, and the Picasso Museum to soaking in the cinnamon scents of the market. Around 300 stalls line the strip selling nativity-themed crafts, Christmas tree ornaments, jewelry, roasted chestnuts, churros, and traditional roast lamb.
At the Sagrada Família, there’s an annual program of festive activities, from concerts to family workshops, and a traditional nativity facade.
Barcelona, Spain
Whether it’s a new destination or a classic spot you could visit time and again, Europe has a place to visit for every month. Browse Celebrity’s cruises to Europe and book your dream vacation.
