Winter destinations

Winter offers two wonderful options: you can either enjoy the season in its full splendor with trips to a true winter paradise such as Norway or Finland and look forward to the magical Northern Lights, snowy landscapes, winter sports and cozy hours by the fireplace,

or else you can escape the cold and soak up the sun at destinations where temperatures remain pleasantly warm even in winter, guaranteeing many hours of sunshine. To help you spend your winter months exactly to your taste, we’ve put together our top destinations for winter fans and sun worshipers.

The best winter escapes

As days get shorter and temperatures drop, there’s nothing more tempting than a trip to warmer climates. These destinations offer sun, beach and a pleasant climate: perfect for escaping winter and recharging your batteries.

Winter destinations in Africa

In Windhoek, summer starts just as it turns frosty at home: with its warm temperatures, impressive landscapes and endless horizons, Namibia is the ideal base for safaris, desert tours and nature experiences.

A vacation in Zanzibar is equally enticing. Whether you’re snorkeling, sunbathing or strolling through historic Stone Town, Zanzibar’s tropical temperatures, dreamy beaches and exotic island flair provide pure relaxation.

For those looking for a blend of beach, culture and warm weather, Mombasa in Kenya is the perfect winter retreat: palm-fringed coastlines, vibrant traditions and its proximity to safari areas make this city a haven for beach lovers and explorers alike.

A rhino in a national park in Namibia

Winter destinations in the Caribbean and Central America

Enjoy the spirit of the Caribbean during a vacation in Punta Cana, with dreamy beaches, palm trees, warm weather and perfect conditions for relaxing days by the sea, water sports or all-inclusive delights.

If you want to combine sunshine with cultural highlights, a trip to Cancún offers the ideal blend of white sandy beaches, turquoise water and exciting excursion options, from fascinating Mayan ruins to a vibrant dining scene and nightlife. Both destinations offer the perfect winter escape for those seeking warmth and variety.

Sunset in Punta Cana

Winter destinations in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are the ideal retreat for those who want to escape winter without traveling far. The mild, almost spring-like climate ensures that visitors will enjoy sunshine, warmth and comfortable temperatures all year round. Each of the islands has its own character.

Book your flight to Lanzarote ,and be fascinated by volcanic landscapes, black lava rock and harmonious architecture that is perfectly integrated into nature. Fuerteventura offers endless golden sandy beaches and ideal conditions for water sports. Gran Canaria boasts a wide variety of landscapes, with lush mountains, green valleys, dunelands and lively coastal towns to ensure a varied stay. A vacation to Tenerife, the largest island, combines spectacular nature with variety: from the majestic Teide National Park to black and golden beaches, charming towns and reliably sunny coasts  a, also called “La Isla Bonita,” is a true jewel for nature lovers: lush vegetation, deep laurel forests, volcanic craters and spectacular starry skies make the island particularly attractive to hikers and those seeking peace and quiet.

Black volcanic beach on Lanzarote

Winter magic in the far north

In Northern Europe, there are regions where snow, silence and the Northern Lights create a unique atmosphere, and you can feel winter in all its magic.

Winter destinations in Norway

A trip to the Lofoten in the cold season feels like a winter dream: dramatic mountain scenery, deep blue fjords and small fishing villages that seem especially atmospheric under a blanket of snow. Here, you can experience the rugged beauty of the North on secluded coastal walks, ski tours or in atmospheric snowstorms, and with a bit of luck, the Northern Lights will dance across the sky at night.

Further north, Bodø, gateway to the Arctic, invites you to enjoy a diverse blend of nature, culture and winter adventures. During snowshoe hikes and boat tours along the imposing coastline, you can see the region’s wild Arctic side. As darkness falls, you’ll also have a good chance at catching the impressive Northern Lights here as well.

On a vacation to Alta, one of the world’s best places to watch the Northern Lights, the dry winter air often results in clear skies. Besides the Northern Lights, additional highlights include dog sledding and snowmobile adventures in the pristine wilderness, a stay at the famous ice Hotel and fascinating insights into the traditional Sámi culture that is vibrantly preserved here.

Northern Lights above a glacier in Norway

Winter destinations in Finland

Kittilä and the surrounding Levi region are a real winter wonderland. Here, winter is at its most fairytale-like: endless snowy landscapes, sparkling forests and absolute tranquility. Winter sports enthusiasts can go skiing, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, while adventurers can enjoy reindeer safaris, husky tours or snowmobiling at night. And, of course, a glimpse into the clear Arctic sky is a must, with the Northern Lights dancing particularly frequently and intensely in this location.

A vacation in Ivalo, the gateway to northern Lapland, transports travelers to an even wilder, more primal winter world. The region around Saariselkä is known for its wide tundra areas, snowy hills and perfect conditions for the Northern Lights. Here, you will experience the stillness and magic of the Arctic winter especially intensely, whether you are cross-country skiing, in a glass-roofed Aurora cabin, on a snowshoe tour through the primeval taiga or on a traditional safari with reindeer and huskies.

Snowy landscape at sunset in Kittilä, Finland