Have you ever thought about visiting Georgia in winter? Ski slopes without a soul on them. Wine bars and restaurants across the country throwing open their doors, welcoming travellers with their hearty cuisine. A hibernating Black Sea coastline brimming with the promise of Spring. The first rays of sunlight reach the hills around Tbilisi, not […]
Author Archives: Claire Martin
20
Feb
Feb
Fancy going skiing in Mestia in Georgia’s Svaneti region? One of the most isolated regions of Georgia (and all of Europe), Svaneti is a truly unique place to ski. Fir trees line the brilliant white slopes, and guaranteed snow means that conditions are ripe from around mid-December to late March. I recently visited Mestia as […]
20
Feb
Feb
Interested in visiting Mestia in winter? Here’s everything you need to know about the largest town in Georgia’s Svaneti region! The Svan towers, constructed due to village feuds back in the medieval era, stand tall against the milky-coloured mountainous backdrop. On the streets, a distinct tongue is spoken. It’s not Georgian and certainly not Russian, […]
21
Jan
Jan
Are you off to the UK in February? While this winter month is far out of the peak season to explore the UK, there’s plenty going on! You’ll find end-of-winter festivals, Valentine’s Day events and Shrove Tuesday activities. There’s also the chance to enjoy cooler weather – especially in the Scottish Highlands – and there’s […]
03
Jan
Jan
When winter descends in Europe, travellers across the continent often flock to its most famous winter sun destinations (Malta, the Canary Islands and Southern Portugal to name a few!). But what about the other side of Europe in winter? The coldest side? If you’re keen on visiting the coldest cities in Europe – or are […]
02
Jan
Jan
Does it snow in Tallinn? Most certainly! However, climate change has affected snow patterns a little. It was very snowy when I was in Tallinn in December 2023, and I spent some time discussing snowfall in the city with a few locals. So, here’s all you need to know about snow in the capital of […]
02
Jan
Jan
Does it snow in Riga? You bet! The capital city of Latvia is no stranger to snow throughout the winter season. Climate change has made it slightly less snowsure, but you have a fairly high chance of seeing the white stuff on a winter break to Riga. When I visited in December 2023, the city […]
02
Jan
Jan
Does it snow in Vilnius? YES, but it’s not guaranteed. While Vilnius – and Lithuania in general – used to be snowsure for most of the winter, global warming means it’s nowadays less likely. That said, snow is still fairly common, and when I visited Vilnius in December 2023, it was very snowy indeed. Here’s […]
14
Dec
Dec
It’s certainly not Europe’s busiest Christmas market, but Tallinn’s is gloriously underrated. The square’s usually dusted with snow and sits in the shadow of the historic town hall – the oldest of its kind in Northern Europe. Purchase local souvenirs, try Estonian glogg and gorge on delicious Baltic cuisine – here’s all you need to […]
12
Dec
Dec
Are you planning a trip to the Riga Christmas Market? I recently went and sussed it out for you! The sun sets early in the capital city of Latvia in December. But, as soon as the sky turns inky black, soft Christmas lights turn on throughout the city as if all locals had come to […]