Category Archives: Southern Europe

Does it snow in Barcelona? Read on to find out! Barcelona’s most famous for its sunshine, architecture and Catalan culture. But as the winter sets in, the city dons a calmer persona, and the question begins to wander into the minds of those planning to visit: “Does it snow in Barcelona?”  It’s a question that […]

Are you planning on visiting Barcelona in December?  Barcelona: it’s known for its vibrant culture, Gaudi-created architecture, and rich Catalan cuisine. But did you know that it’s a fantastic Christmas destination? As December arrives, the festive markets open, welcoming tourists with their unique Catalan traditions. Of course, if you visit Barcelona in December you may […]

There’s a unique Christmas tradition in Catalonia (northeastern Spain): Caga Tió, or the “pooping log.”  At first glance, it looks like a simple Christmas decoration – a wooden log adorned with painted features and a bright red hat. You might see it in Christmas markets in Barcelona and around the region. But there’s actually much […]

With mild winters, staggeringly beautiful architecture and none of the summer crowds, Barcelona in winter is well worth considering.  Sure, you might not be spending much time on Barceloneta Beach (although a quick dip is definitely possible in November!), but twin Spanish Christmas traditions with Barcelona’s highlights, and you’ve got yourself a glorious winter break.  […]

Sitting in the heart of the Med, the islands of Malta are most famous for their winter sunshine.  With its historic honey-coloured stone buildings that glow under sunlight and a climate that leans heavily towards the warmer end of the spectrum, Malta’s a sanctuary for those fleeing the chill of winter months in Northern Europe.  […]

Does it snow in Turkey?  I’ve been to Turkey five times in the winter months, and have experienced different weather every single time.  Antalya basked in glorious sunny conditions, Istanbul had a mix of blustery and sunny spells, and Ankara was bone-chillingly cold.  And Cappadocia? Cappadocia was covered in brilliant white snow.  If you’re wondering […]

Crunchy snow underfoot and fairy chimneys looming high into the sky, which is often punctuated by colourful hot air balloons: Cappadocia in winter is real treat.  The rocky landscape looks ethereal most months of the year, but its incredible views are made even more epic by the white blanket of snow that usually descends on […]

Does it snow in Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey? What’s there to do when it has snowy weather? Read on for all my tips! Istanbul’s the city that straddles two continents, famous for its centuries of history and gorgeous mosques and minarets… And when it’s cloaked in a fresh, gentle layer of white snow, […]

Does it snow in Cappadocia in Turkey? What are the best snowy activities to in this Turkish region? Read all about Cappadocia in cooler weather in this full guide! Cappadocia is a world-famous landscape in the summer months, but in the winter, it’s all the more magnificent. In the summer, the landscape’s robed in warm […]