Escape the cold
Swap grey skies for golden light with these European getaways
September 22, 2025 • 3 min read
Sunlit days may be shorter, but grey skies don’t have to win. Off-season travel is the sweet spot: fewer crowds, brighter skies and prices that make escaping the cold even easier. Imagine sipping coffee on a rooftop terrace in Athens, wandering through Jerez on a balmy 23°C afternoon, or discovering a historic city with room to breathe.
Córdoba | Spain
A city painted in light
Once the beating heart of Al-Andalus, Córdoba today feels like a sun-dappled time capsule. In winter, when the heat has eased, its treasures open up with a calm glow.
Step into the Mezquita, where striped arches stretch endlessly, or cross the Roman bridge as the Guadalquivir shimmers below. With average highs of 17°C, the days invite slow walks through flower-filled patios and quiet evenings in tapas bars that still buzz with locals.
💡 Insider tip
Time a visit with a city view for late afternoon — the golden light on Córdoba’s old town is pure magic.
Pamplona | Spain
Beyond the bull runs
Forget the crowds and adrenaline of San Fermín — winter in Pamplona is an entirely different story. The medieval old town glows under soft sunlight, cafés spill onto cobbled streets, and leafy parks invite you for unhurried walks. With temperatures between 12–15°C, it’s cosy jumper weather — cool enough to sip hot chocolate indoors, mild enough to spend whole afternoons outdoors.
🏔️ Tip from a local
Climb up the city walls for sweeping views of the Pyrenees dusted in snow.
Lecce | Italy
Baroque beauty in the heel of Italy
Known as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce is a perfect blend of art, food and southern dolce vita. Stroll past palaces carved from golden stone, linger over long lunches in sunlit piazzas, or take a short drive to sandy coves that stay swimmable well into autumn. Stay at Limehome Lecce Palazzo BN, a glamorous historic building once a bank, now masterfully redesigned — the perfect blend of old Italian charm and modern style.
Interested? Read more about Lecce and our Limehome here.
More inspiration needed?
Explore its rich history, stunning architecture and vibrant culture for the perfect weekend escape.
Hidden gems, scenic views, cosy wine bars and tips for exploring the city beyond the usual tourist spots.
Jerez de la Frontera | Spain
Where rhythm meets flavour
Jerez doesn’t just promise sunshine — it promises soul. This Andalusian city is the cradle of flamenco and the birthplace of sherry, two traditions that warm you from the inside out.
Picture yourself on a palm-lined square: a guitarist strikes the first chords, while you sip a glass of fino straight from a local bodega. Winter here feels like an endless autumn, with temperatures often reaching 20–23°C, perfect for exploring the Alcázar’s Moorish gardens or lingering in sunlit plazas.
✨ Winter highlight
A flamenco show in an intimate tablao, where every stomp and sturm seems to echo the heartbeat of Andalusia.
Bilbao | Spain
Art, food and northern charm
Bilbao proves that winter travel doesn’t always need palm trees. Here, culture does the warming. The Guggenheim’s bold curves shine brighter without queues and the Casco Viejo tempts with bars serving steaming pintxos and rich Rioja wines.
The weather? Mild enough for riverside strolls, crisp enough to make that first bite of warm tortilla taste unforgettable.
🌊 A must-do for Bilbao
Take a short train ride to Getxo for a coastal walk — fresh sea air and dramatic cliffs guaranteed.
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