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An adventure seeker’s guide to winter in Europe

 

Fancy yourself as a bit of an adventurer? Don’t feel restricted to the summer – here are some suggestions for a winter to remember.

So many of our destinations are geared up for epic exploration. Sure, we know it can be easier to take on exciting new challenges in summer, but why stop there? Winter’s just as good for expeditions, voyages, sports and activities. Whether you’d rather stick to dry land or snow-covered terrain, we’ve got you well and truly sorted if you enjoy nothing more than a good old-fashioned adventure.

Between France, Majorca, the Algarve and more, we’ve got some winter winners in the mix. Like to sort out flights and then do the rest yourself? That’s fine by us. Prefer everything wrapped up in one easy package? We’ve got that box ticked too. Come and see for yourself…

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Skiing in France

Nothing screams ‘winter’ more than skiing in France. You can set your sights on Geneva or Grenoble – both are great gateways to some of Europe’s top pistes and the Swiss and French Alps.

Chocolate-box chalets and slopes suitable for all levels of skier await in almost equal measure in Geneva. While vibrant Verbier is known for its lively après-ski scene, Tignes is well-equipped for families with youngsters just starting out on the pistes. Over in gorgeous Grenoble, where mountains and rivers have forged the winter sports wilderness, you can make a beeline for iconic Chamonix. This skiing giant is one of the highest areas in the region for carving up the snow.

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Ice caves in Iceland

There’s more to Iceland than just the Northern Lights. As much as the colourful phenomenon is well worth crossing off your bucket list, the ice caves in the country will make your jaw drop too.

Formed by water running through or underneath a glacier, Iceland’s incredible ice caves are quite something. It’s worth finding a tour to go on yourself, so that you can really get the most out of a cave experience. Typically, these massive and mesmerising networks show off turquoise colours and are even said to cover about 8% of Iceland’s surface! The natural cave of Vatnajökull glacier and man-made one within the Langjökull glacier are two of the most popular.

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Cycling in Majorca

It’s a cyclist’s paradise in Majorca. Famed for its medley of flat coastal roads, winding mountainous paths and rugged inland tracks, the island is as varied as it gets. Its warm year-round climate means it’s still nice and mild for a winter ride.

Put those calves to the test and head towards the Tramuntana Mountains in the north. You’ll be greeted by charming towns around Deià and Sóller, while Alcudia and Puerto Pollensa act as great bases for exploring even more. Sure, saving time to explore Palma is essential, but the city is also the key to many nearby routes too. Another bonus of pedalling in these parts is the sumptuous Spanish cuisine that you can sample out of the saddle.

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Walking in Madeira

Make your way to Madeira and you’ll be in for wonderful winter walks. Keen hikers and casual leg-stretchers can take the Monte cable car to kick things off or take things up a notch by marching up and down the levadas. These dense mini-canals can stretch on for miles through hills, forests and even villages.

Levada Nova in Calheta is one of the most well-known and cuts through areas that show off all kinds of different flora and fauna. Meanwhile, Levada do Norte is one of the island’s largest water channels. Its location even means you can enjoy a pit stop at the breathtaking Cabo Girão viewing platform.

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Golf in the Algarve

And in case those suggestions haven’t swayed you, there’s still golf. Why not choose to tee off this winter on one of Europe’s top-rated courses? With Vilamoura wearing the crown for golfing prowess, the Algarve is a firm favourite for practising your swing.

Many of the courses face the Atlantic Ocean, so you can expect pretty pitches when you rock up. Immaculate fairways and sculpted greens make up the 18-hole championship courses in this part of Portugal. If they’re good enough for the Portuguese Masters, they’ve got to be doing something right, after all.

Think you’ve got somewhere in mind for an adventurous winter getaway? Whether you’re in search of something sporty in the sun or on the snow, or just want to experience something totally new altogether, our flights and holidays are ideal.

Posted: 26th Sept 2019. Updated: 12th Sept 2023.

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