National GeographicOct 6, 2026
These European Islands Are Open for Winter
Europe’s islands offer plenty of reasons to travel beyond summer, with year-round direct flights allowing travellers to experience vibrant carnivals, dark-sky stargazing and wildlife spotting. From ...
25 things in this story
- Laurisilva forestsSightUnesco-protected forests on Madeira, part of levada walks.
- Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Mountain trailTrailSix-mile trail connecting two of the island’s highest peaks.
- Jardim do MarSightSouthwest coast location known for point and reef breaks.
- Elsewhere
- Þingvellir National ParkSightIcelandPart of Golden Circle, features dramatic rift valley.
- Sky LagoonSightIcelandGeothermal pool with views of Snæfellsjökull Glacier.
- GullfossNature reserveIcelandTwo-tier waterfall on the Golden Circle route.
- Valletta Baroque FestivalFestivalValletta, MaltaSoloists and ensembles perform in historic venues in January.
- St John's Co-CathedralPlace of worshipValletta, MaltaIt was built by the Order of St.
- Roque de los Muchachos ObservatorySightLa Palma, SpainAt 2,400m, home to the world's largest optical-infrared telescope.
- St Paul’s CatacombsSightMaltaMalta’s largest Roman cemetery complex, earliest Christian evidence.
- Palazzo ParisioSightValletta, MaltaDiscover the extraordinary world of wildlife through the lens of acclaimed photographer Johan Siggesson at Luna.
- Il-Karnival ta’ MaltaFestivalValletta, MaltaMalta Carnival fills Valletta with floats, dances, and bands.
- Golden CircleTrailIcelandSightseeing route with waterfalls, rift valley, and geysers.
- Geysir Geothermal AreaSightIcelandPart of Golden Circle, features geysers.
- Larnaca Salt LakeSightLarnaca, CyprusWildlife-spotting area for migrating flamingos and waterbirds.
- Kato Paphos Archaeological ParkSightPaphos, CyprusThe Archaeological Park of Kato Pafos is one of the most important archaeological sites of Cyprus and has been included…
- Krasochoria of Lemesos Wine RouteTrailLemesos, CyprusRoute through Troodos foothills with winery stops.
- German Occupation MuseumMuseumGuernseyOffers insight into life under German rule.
- Fermain Bay to Havelet Bay clifftop trailTrailGuernsey1.5-mile clifftop walk ending at La Vallette Bathing Pools.
- La Vallette Bathing PoolsSightGuernseyThe home of Guernsey sea swimming.
- Hot HausRestaurantGuernseySauna near La Vallette Bathing Pools.
- St Peter Port’s Market SquareNeighborhoodGuernseyComes alive in December with choirs and Christmas lights.
- Silk MuseumMuseumSanta Cruz, SpainDiscover the city’s trading heritage.
- Seltjarnarnes PeninsulaSightReykjavík, Iceland
- Vatnajökull ice capSightIceland
