February is one of those slightly strange in-betweeny months for some of us. Winter is still hovering, new year’s resolutions are waning and yet the wider world is calling. Schools have sussed it in fact, taking a week off in February because they know that we are all in need of a winter pick-me-up. So do what the teacher says and don’t let February frazzle you. Let it refresh you instead, by seeking out one of the adventures in our list of best places to travel in February.
Hokkaido in the snow
Treat yourself to some beautiful Japanese novels and then immerse yourself not only in the country’s fine literature in the sleepy season, but also in its atmospheric landscapes. Hokkaido is Japan’s second largest island and also its northernmost, turning it into a winter adventure land at this time of year. Between January and March, this cultural adventure gives you an insight into the cultural heritage of the indigenous Ainu people, the natural heritage of Akan-Mashu and Shiretoko National Parks and also a chance to do some guided snowshoeing excursions. There will also be no shortage of steamy outside onsens so that you can sit back and breathe in all that beauty.
Finland is fab in Feb
February is a freezing and fun time in Finland when we offer a choice of two holidays: one takes you snowshoeing, cross-country skiing or dog sledding on our winter activities holiday. This is based in Kuhmo, in the east of Finland, which is gateway to Finland’s Wild Taiga region and looks wild and very white at this time of year. Or you can have a deeper immersion into the Wild Taiga on our Winter wildlife adventure, where you stay in luxury cabins in a Bear Centre and take part in guided tours to go tracking and observing wolverines, elk and much more. Temperatures get real here though, averaging between -5C and -10C from January to March, with lows as cold as -24C, which is why the sauna has become such an important part of Finnish culture. For more Finnish stories, read our co-founder, Peter Duncan’s stories about his winter Finnish adventure holiday here.
Rota Vicentina Trails, Portugal
A 400km colossal web of natural trails that have been crafted over the centuries by Portugal’s rural residents, the Rota Vicentina comes in two equally perfect packages. The Caminho Histórico or the Historical Way and the Trilho dos Pescadores or the Fishermen’s Trail. Both link Santiago do Cacém in the Alentejo region with the dramatic headland of Cabo de São Vicente on the southern Algarve coast. The Historical Way heads inland through ancient cork forests, remote villages and wildflower meadows, and the Fishermen’s Trail clings to cliffs, seduces you with sandy coves and beckons hikers on from one headland to the next. Average February temperatures of 15C also beckon big time.
Cross-country skiing in Norway
Given that cross-country skiing is also known as Nordic skiing, your compass should definitely point towards Norway at some point for a winter adventure. And February is the beginning of winter fun season in Norway’s Valdres region. Valdres is gateway to Jotunheimen National Park, one of our favourites with summer hikers, and home to Norway’s highest peaks, including Galdhøpiggen. It feels even more vast as it turns to white, and there are hundreds of set trails to explore here. Choose between holidays based in either Vaset, a small family-friendly skiing area at 1,000m, or Beitostølen (900m), which is 50km further north at the foot of Jotunheimen’s high mountain peaks. Both places open up Narnia-like Nordic landscapes, with traditional mountain lodge hotels, that have the obligatory saunas and stargazing to greet you at the end of the day.
Pootle around Provence
Take five days off in February on a cycling holiday in Provence that is sure to boost your serotonin. Cycling between Avignon and Arles, this holiday is also accessible by train from the UK, so you can get the year off to a green start by counting carbon savings this February. Staying in small local guesthouses, with your luggage transferred for you, daily cycle routes of around 50km take you through glorious spots such as The Camargue, the Montagnette Hills and the quiet trails of the Alpilles. Staying in wellness and spa hotels along the way. February en France? Hell yeah.
It’s never too early for Greece
Greece does tend to feel like a summer destination, but there are a few pockets that open up in winter, and hiking along the Peloponnese Peninsula’s inland Menalon Trail is one of them. With daytime temperatures averaging 15C during February, swap wellies for walking boots and spend a week hiking along this 75km long-distance walking trail, that follows the Western Menalon Massif into landscapes bedecked with walnut and olive groves, woodlands and scrublands of the Lousios Valley and Mylaon Valley. Also known as the Arcadia region, for good reason.
Winter walking in the Dolomites
Swap February doldrums for the Dolomites in February. While skiers hit the Alpine pistes en masse at half term, escape the crowds and walk through the snow-covered hills and valleys of Sesto and Braies and along the Plätzwiese plateau, at an elevation of 2,000m, in the shadow of the great Three Peaks. Don winter walking boots, grab your poles and explore the safe and well established routes on this Dolomites winter walking itinerary which, although it is self-guided, is suitable for people who might not already have winter walking experience.
We hope this has given you a few ideas for embracing natural adventures at the start of the year. To learn about other places to travel to in February, click here, and do not hesitate to contact us for more information. You may also enjoy reading our blog on Cross-country skiing in winter wonderlands, Safety tips for winter walking and A pannier packed with winter sun cycling holidays.
