To explore Europe like a local, escape the crowds and experience real hidden gems, the secret is swerving away from peak season — you know, that time of year when a place is apparently at its best, so everybody heads there? Well, do the opposite: Travel during the off-season, when you’re not “supposed” to, and see a whole new side of your destination.
Sure, during the off-season (also called low season) the weather might be cooler or hotter than ideal, or the flights not as frequent, but when you think outside the box, Europe hits differently. Expect fun festivals, fewer people and a wealth of authentic experiences in the off-season or shoulder season (the months between peak season and off-season).
Fancy experiencing the unexpected? Here’s where — and when — to find off-season bliss for yourself. As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
December – February
Canary Islands
Swap your winter blues for the Canary Islands blues — the sparkling sapphire ocean and sun-drenched turquoise pools, that is. While officially part of Spain, this tiny clutch of islands off the coast of West Africa is far closer to the Sahara than Seville. December is low season, but you can expect daytime temperatures of about 70°F.
Fuerteventura has all the wow-factor of a castaway isle but with great travel connections. Its golden, sugar-soft beaches stretch out for miles, tickled by the inky Atlantic and a constant sea breeze — ideal for windsurfing, kitesurfing or simply taking a refreshing dip in that sweet midday sun.
Spend your days lazing under the palm trees at Sheraton Fuerteventura Beach, Golf & Spa Resort, luxuriating in its Hespérides Thalasso Spa (try the detoxing aloe vera wrap, a local specialty) or perfecting your swing at the 18-hole Fuerteventura Golf Club just a 10-minute ride away.
And there’s another surprise: Some of the world’s top dolphin-watching and whale watching is just a few minutes offshore. On a boat tour, you can spot minke whales, humpback whales, and bottlenose and striped dolphins. Many marine animals are here year-round, but some migratory species are most prevalent in the winter — another reason to travel in the off-season.
March – May
Lisbon, Portugal
Shoulder-season spring is the sweet spot for Portugal: It’s T-shirt weather but not so hot that you flop. It’s the ideal time to get lost in Lisbon’s cobbled streets, mooching through the old quarters of Alfama and Mouraria, and scoffing custard tarts in cute little pastelarias before retreating to a sumptuous room or suite at The Ivens, Autograph Collection.
Whether as a quick spring trip or part of a longer beachy vacay, Portugal’s capital mixes intriguing history and great food with quirkier traditions, from its Insta-famous ceramics shops (try Cerâmicas na Linha for gorgeous handmade pieces) to the soulful singing of fado music that spills from its nightspots like O Faia and Sr Vinho.
Stockholm, Sweden
Meanwhile in the Nordic nations, the snows give way to wildflowers and warmer climes in the spring. In Sweden, Stockholm’s Kungsträdgården is filled with pink cherry blossoms, and adventurous types can kayak around the city. Courtyard by Marriott Stockholm Kungsholmen places you at the heart of the action, not far from City Hall — and even offers bike rentals so you can get around like a local.
Sweden’s festival calendar comes to life in April, too. On Stockholm Culture Night, the city’s theaters, galleries and concert venues open their doors for free, and Walpurgis Night celebrates spring with food markets, bonfires and live music.
June – August
Verbier, Switzerland
While famous for its stylish snow bunnies and glam après-ski scene, Verbier is a secret summertime star. Whisper it, but this trendy Swiss Alpine village is lovely between June and August, when its snow-covered peaks transform into lush forests and sun-kissed valleys — and you can leave those winter thermals behind.
While the weather isn’t quite hot enough to hit the sun loungers, Verbier’s summer vibe is wholesome and outdoorsy: Think wild hikes, outdoor yoga and whizzing between the peaks on Mont 4 Zipline at 81 miles per hour (no, you’re screaming). The ski lifts keep running, too, and they’re your ticket to epic sunrises from the summit of Mont Fort.
In the summer, W Verbier is just as bougie and buzzy as it is in the winter — and what’s that, a beach? Yes, the hotel brings a little Riviera chic to the Alps from June onward with its sandy La Plage terrace, resident DJs and a volleyball court. Order a frosty rosé frappé, sink into a deck chair and revel in that festival vibe.
September – November
Crete, Greece
Shoulder-season fall is divine in Greece, which basks in sunshine all October. For a fly-and-flop break, look to Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection on Crete. Luxuriate in your comfortable suite or villa, and take R&R to the max. And with views of Spinalonga island’s Venetian fortress, you can soak up the sights without leaving the pool.
Extra indulgence? Absolutely — you can book a villa in the Haute Living Selection, an exclusive hotel within a hotel, to score an elevated stay that comes with top-tier amenities like 24/7 concierge services.
The Hague, Netherlands
For a city break with a twist, look to the Hague, a city just south of Amsterdam. Each fall, the Hague’s parks are ablaze with crimson fall colors, and the crisp weather is perfect for ambling around the very walkable city.
Arts and culture enthusiasts should visit during the annual Museum Nacht (Museum Night), which usually takes place in October or November. On this exciting day, you can get one ticket to access dozens of institutions, which offer free art, culture and workshops all night long.
Keep the playful, party-loving vibe alive by staying at Moxy The Hague. Its prime location in the old city makes it a fantastic home base for sightseeing.
The Balkans, Albania
If you’re missing the heat, look to the Balkans, where temperatures in Tirana, Albania, can reach the 70s and 80s long into fall. The capital city is an underrated gem. It’s packed with museums and galleries — plus, every September, with movie premieres and red-carpet glitz at Tirana International Film Festival.
Soaring high above the city, Tirana Marriott is a work of art in itself, with views over the old city. Stretch your legs with a walk to see the fiery fall foliage and lake of Grand Park of Tirana, a popular spot located just a couple of blocks away. In the evening, you’ll find plenty to do in nearby in Blloku, a neighborhood known for its robust nightlife options ranging from pubs to cocktail bars to dance clubs.
Related Articles
