Andalucia is already warming up and the ancient port city of Cadiz is gearing up for carnival: over a week of colourful street celebrations.
Or escape the chill with a far-flung adventure in the Philippines. On the island of Palawan you’ll find glass-like lagoons and hidden beaches backed by dense rainforest.
Where’s hot in Europe in February
Cádiz, Spain
February high: 17°C
The Spanish cities of Valencia and Seville are always well-rated in our surveys, but Cádiz - a sunny 17°C in February - may have fallen under your radar.
Located on a spit of land, the Andalucian port city is almost entirely surrounded by water. The narrow, cobblestone streets of its old town wind to Playa de La Caleta, a golden cove flanked by two ancient fortresses and backed by a mock-Moorish boathouse.
The 19th-century Mercado Central de Abastos, Spain’s oldest covered market, is the best lunch spot - try the sushi, artfully prepared with the fresh catch of the day. A boat trip across the Bay of Cádiz to the pine-fringed beaches of El Puerto de Santa Maria - part of the sherry triangle - is also not to be missed. Order the local ‘fino’, a much lighter and drier alternative to the sweet tipple we’re more accustomed to.
Time your Cádiz visit to coincide with the carnival street parties (from 8 February this year); an 11-day riot of fancy dress, fireworks and colourful parades.
Nice, France
February high: 11°C
Take a stroll along the palm-lined Promenade des Anglais (named after the 18th century English aristocrats who paid for its construction) for uninterrupted views of the bay. The area isn’t just a magnet for chilly expats, but artists too.
Appreciate the best of them at the Musée Matisse and the Musée National Marc Chagall - a mile apart in the leafy Cimiez district. But Nice’s old town, Vieux Nice, is its showpiece - a warren of narrow, shaded streets crammed with pastel-hued buildings, baroque churches and market stalls.
If you’re looking for a party atmosphere, Nice’s carnival celebrations are the biggest in France (from 17 February) - featuring spectacular parades and flower battles; around 100,000 mimosas, lilies, daisies, carnations and roses are thrown to spectators.
| Accommodation | Food and drink | Cultural sights | Shopping | Ease of getting around | Lack of crowds | Value for money | City score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nice | ***** | *** | *** | *** | **** | ** | ** | 85% |
Where to see the Northern Lights in February
Tromsø, Norway
February high: -2°C
The Arctic capital, 350km north of the Arctic Circle, is beautiful anytime of year - surrounded by unspoilt fjords and wild mountain scenery. But in February it’s one of the best places in Europe to see the Northern Lights.
There are tours, husky rides and cruises to maximise your chances - but you may simply catch aurora dancing overhead as you sip a schnapps in a rooftop bar.
Take a pew at the Arctic Cathedral to enjoy a concert of folk and classical tunes; its modern triangular design is inspired by ice and snow. Sami week is also held in February: a celebration of the indigenous population. It brings with it a traditional Arctic market, lasso throwing and reindeer racing.
A ride up to the Storsteinen mountain ledge on the Fjellheisen cable car (or a 1,200 step climb) will also reward you with panoramic views over Tromso and its snowy surrounds. Just remember to pack your thermals; temperatures are sub zero this time of year, often plummeting to -10°C at night.
Long-haul destinations to visit in February
New Orleans
February high: 18°C
But music spills from practically every street corner of New Orleans, and no time more so than February - Mardi Gras season.
Nearly 70 parades cavort through the streets in the 12-day lead up to ‘Fat Tuesday’ (13 February); float riders traditionally wear elaborate masks - historically this allowed them to mingle with people from every class without risking their reputation. February is also one of the most temperate times to visit, with highs of 18°C.
Palawan, the Philippines
February high: 31°C
Dense rainforest, virgin beaches and jewel-toned sea that looks like it’s been photoshopped - simply put, Palawan is a paradise. And February is the driest time to visit, the mercury soaring to a balmy 31°C. The vertiginous limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons of El Nido and Coron are a must see; charter a boat between the two and you could just find yourself standing alone, Robinson Crusoe-like on a pristine sandbar.
The underground river of Puerto Princesa, hidden in one of the world’s most impressive cave systems - is an area of spectacular natural beauty and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
If Palawan’s five-star private resorts aren’t for you, the small fishing village of Port Barton is an idyllic spot to kick back and relax. For a classic Filipino dining experience, join a Boodle Fight: a shared feast laid out on banana leaves and eaten with bare hands. Waste no time swooping on the choicest coconut shrimp or you could miss out.
undefinedsource https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/where-to-go-in-february-aOzUl5X2RwFd