Best places to visit in Europe by month

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.

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. Make sure to browse Celebrity’s cruises to Europe and book your dream holiday today.

Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

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. If you’re 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.

Athens, Greece

Picture the scene: the gleaming 2,500-year-old Acropolis of Athens, dazzling beneath winter sunshine and hardly any other travellers 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 neighbourhood with boutiques, galleries, and high-end restaurants.

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 archaeological sites almost to yourself.

Currently, around 20 percent of Ephesus’ remains have been uncovered by archaeologists, including the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Hadrian.

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.

Bruges, Belgium

Bruges is an enchanting, walkable city in northwest Belgium with a mild May temperature. The historic centre is laced with cute canals flanked by medieval buildings, cobblestone streets, and attractive squares.

Imbibe on beers that Belgium is known for at the long-running Brewery Bourgogne des Flandres. This handsome brewhouse offers tours and tastings, right by the canal.

Norway

If witnessing sensational fjords is on your bucket list, one of the best places to visit in Europe is Norway, especially in June.

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.

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.

French Riviera

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.

Kotor, 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.

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 harbour. The waterfront strip, with watercolour 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.

Malaga, Spain

At the heart of the Costa del Sol, Malaga is a vibrant city in southern Spain with highs in November of 20°C.

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.

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, jewellery, roasted chestnuts, churros, and traditional roast lamb.

From Tenerife’s winter sunshine to Norway’s magical fjords, we’ll help you plan the perfect European adventure at exactly the right time. Get in touch with us, your local travel experts, today!