January isn’t the most inspiring time to visit Europe. The sparkle of the Christmas lights and Christmas markets have gone and the long winter stretches ahead. An yet it can be a great time to visit. Winter sports fans are spoilt for choice at the alpine resorts, cities that are normally crowded with people are quieter, yet the museums are still open for business. And if you crave a little warmth then head south to the European islands off the coast of Africa for some winter sun. These are my picks of the best places to go in Europe in January.
Madeira in January
Closer to Morocco than Portugal the Island of Maderia is bathed in sunshine year round, but unlike its nearish neighbours of the Canary Islands it is a long way from being a dessert.
The climate, often described as year round spring, is perfect for sightseeing and hiking. Madeira is one of Europe’s best winter hiking destinations. Suitable for both experienced hikers and those in search of more gentle walks. The Levada walks are particularly popular with visitors.
Levadas are traditional narrow irrigations channel that were built to carry water from the wetter northern part of the island to the south for agricultural use. Alongside each channel is a path, originally used by maintenance workers, which make scenic routes across the stunning landscape. As it was important that the water didn’t run too fast along the channels the levadas have gradual slopes making them accessible to those that would find mountain trails too strenuous.
The best way to get around is to hire a car. Madeira has a good network of roads, given the topography they can be very steep but they offer endless breathtaking views of the lush tropical scenery.
If tropical gardens are your thing, then you are in for a treat in Monte. Perched high above the main town of Funchal, Monte can be reached by cable car. Here you will find the municipal gardens of Monte, also called Parc Leite Monteiro, notable particularly for its tree ferns, and the somewhat more impressive Monte Palace Tropical Garden. Laid out as a series of paths and viewpoints the gardens remain green and colourful year round. With both exotic and native plants the gardens are beautiful to walk around and make for particularly good photographs, especially if you are lucky enough to see a peacock displaying. The Japanese inspired gardens are particularly lovely.
Many travellers combine the trip to the gardens with a toboggan ride back down to Funchal, a wicker sledge on runners that, steered by two men, speeds down steep narrow streets. It makes for a good photo opportunity, but I think the cable car makes for a safer more practical mode of transport.
Where to stay in Madeira
I recommend staying on the south of the island for easy access to the best hiking routes, and for the most sunshine. 20 km from Funchal is the laid-back town of Ponta do Sol. With a small pebble beach and a cluster of pastel-coloured houses this is an authentic town rather than a tourist resort, particularly in the winter months. The colour continues in the vivid pink of 1905 Zino’s Palace a boutique hotel that dominates the hillside surrounded by banana plantations. The ocean view from the hotel terrace is breathtaking. It is a small hotel, beautifully decorated, with its own restaurant serving local produce.
Chamonix in January
One of the oldest ski stations in the world, Chamonix is a palace for winter sports. It held the first ever winter Olympics in 1924 and has remained popular with winter sports enthusiasts ever since.
But if, like me, you are not a skier is it worth going to Chamonix in winter?
Outside of the winter sports Chamonix has much to offer visitors. Mont blanc dominates the town, whether you are walking the streets or settling in for a coffee you cannot escape the white giant. The closest non-climbers can get to Mont Blanc is the Aiguille du midi (meaning midday needle). A cable car takes visitor up, in two stages, to the top station of piton Nord. The second section of this ride is made all the more impressive by its lack of supporting pillars.
At the top you are faced with a narrow bridge that links the Piton with the Aiguille. This is not a trip for those with vertigo.
The bridge is at an impressive 3842m (12604 feet) and as such is extremely windy and much colder than on the valley floor. You may not be skiing but you may want to dress as though you were. Sunglasses are essential.
From here you can take a lift to the summit, and if you are brave enough, go onto the “pas dans le vide” a 2.5m glass box suspended from the side of the aiguille. The views from here extend into Italy and Switzerland.
The top also holds an exhibition centre, showing an exhibition into the effects of altitude amongst other displays, and a restaurant Le 3842 which is the second highest restaurant in Europe. If you want to eat there make a reservation in advance. It in not to be confused with the cafeteria next door, Le 3842 is a real French restaurant with remarkable views.
Another impressive site from Chamonix is the Mer de glace. This is a glacier 7km into which a grotto is sculpted each year. The Montenvers cog railway takes you up to the grotto where mountain life has been carved into the ice for 70+ years. Impressive mountain views await you as you disembark the train. Depending on the amount of recent snow you may be able to see haw much the glacier has receded in recent years. This is one sight travellers may not get the chance to see in the future.
Where to stay in Chamonix
One thing visitors comment on in Chamonix is the apres-ski. The parties that can go on into the night. It can cause noise problems at some of the central hotels. This is not a problem at the rather lovely Chalet Hotel Hermitage. Just 6 minutes walk from the cable car and 10 minutes from the centre of town, this hotel is an oasis of peace. The perfect place to switch off and breath some mountain air.
Rome in January
January 6th in Rome marks the coming of La Befana. An old lady who comes on a broomstick to homes on the night of Epiphany to bring biscuits and candy to good children (and coal to the not so good). Epiphany is a national holiday in Italy, and it is celebrated across the country with parades and markets. One notable event takes place in Rome’s Piazza Navona.
Where elsewhere in Europe the Christmas markets have been put to bed for another year, in Rome they continue on to the 6th January. Piazza Navona is the setting for the traditional Epiphany Celebrations.
As this is a holiday many of the main tourist attractions are closed on the 6th, but open again on the 7th. January is the quietest time of year in the city so it is a good time to visit the museums and major tourist attractions without the crowds. Whilst La Befana adds a touch of tradition and frivolity to Rome, the real reason to visit is the city itself. And January is a time when the city can breathe.
Rome is a city to be explored on foot. Around every corner there is a statue or a church of note, a piazza or a fountain. In January Rome enjoys temperatures of between 7 and 13°C (44-55°F) making it perfect for walking around. Whilst the draw of the city are the big hitters of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and the Vatican the real magic happens in the smaller churches. Rarely truly crowded, in January you may even have them to yourself.
My particular favourite is the Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli which houses Michelangelo’s statue of Moses. Just as beautiful as the more famous statue of David, and it is just there, in a church. Added to that beneath the main alter live the chains believed to have bound St Peter during his imprisonment in Jerusalem. A relic of unimaginable importance, in a church with no entrance fee, and in January precious little in the way of visitors.
Where to stay in Rome
The small boutique hotel Artemide is a 4 star haven nestles in the historic centre of Rome. Premium amenities meet a passion for hospitality making this the perfect resting place in this historic city. Another advantage of visiting Europe in January is that great hotels like this are more affordable than at other times of the year.
Good places in Europe in January
I would hesitate to say that these are the best places in Europe in January as there is a huge choice, especially where mountain resorts are concerned. But they are my pick of good places to go in January 2026.
Each of these destinations offers something different to travellers, and after all we are all different. For travellers wanting to experience Europe at a quieter time, or those simply wanting to switch off for a while, January can be one of the most rewarding times to visit Europe.
If you are planning your first trip to Europe then make sure your read How to plan a trip to Europe: the 3 essential first steps
If you need help with planning your trip then check out our services
If you have any questions about travel itineraries in Europe then drop us a line. We are happy to help.
If you want more tips and ideas for visiting Europe then FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM