January is over, winter is digging its heels in and we’re starting to show signs of SAD. February is the month for weekend getaways, hopefully to a destination where we can replenish our vitamin D supplies and get out of the mid-winter rut.
Where to Go in February
Where to go in February? If you’re staying in Europe your best options are to head south for the best weather, an off-season visit to what is normally an overcrowded tourist destination or maybe something completely different with a trip to the extreme north.
Seville, Spain
Southern Spain and Seville in particular is one of the warmest and sunniest destinations in Europe. The forecast today is for clear skies and 22 degrees. That’s like England in the middle of summer (if you’re lucky)!
Seville has some spectacular sights, the Alcazar Palace, the incredible Plaza de Espana, the massive gothic cathedral and you can even watch a flamenco show.
Be sure to feast on all kinds of delicious tapas and local specialities like huevos a la flamenco (eggs baked with chorizo and tomato sauce), espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chick peas), solomillo al whiskey (pork cooked in whisky) and Andalusian ham.
Florence, Italy
Florence is one of the world’s most fascinating and beautiful cities and one of the most visited. The Tuscan city is busy all year round but February is fairly quiet so you can take in David, the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio in relative peace.
Take advantage of fewer crowds by spending your time at the Uffizi Gallery and the Accademia and eating all the best Tuscan food.
Lisbon, Portugal
Along with fresh seafood, flamed Portuguese chouriço, piri piri chicken and sweet pasteis de nata, Lisbon often has blue skies in winter.
Few tourists make their way to Portugal in February so there’s a chance you’ll have the Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower to yourself yet the popular Alfama district will still be busy enough to keep you entertained.
RELATED: Eating Your Way Around Lisbon
Nice, France
Sticking to the clear blue skies in winter theme, Nice has that plus all the delicious boulangeries and local specialities. Try the famous socca, daube Niçoise, farcis (stuffed vegetables) and the classic Niçoise salad, all of which you’d expect to find in the south of France.
Take relaxing coastal walks along the Promenade des Anglais and enjoy the gentle climb up to the Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill) for amazing views over Nice and the Baie des Anges (or take the Art Deco lift).
Nordic Europe – The Northern Lights
Photo
If you can put the cold out of your mind, February is a great time to see the mysterious aurora borealis, the northern lights.
You can spot them everywhere in Nordic Europe but the best locations are Iceland, Tromso in Norway, Abisko in Swedish Lapland or you can even see them in northern Scotland on the rare occasion you have clear skies.
Don’t forget to take a tripod so you can take photos.
Those are my suggestions for where to travel in February. Tweet me if you other ideas.
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