#1 Brindisi, Italy
The Italian port city in Puglia is worth a visit even in winter, especially if you have a passion for history. In Roman times, the port of Brindisi marked the end of the Via Appia and was one of the most important trading centres for the empire. At the northern end of the inner harbour stands the Italian Sailor Monument – a 54-metre-high memorial to the Italian marines who fell in the First World War. From the top of the monument, you have a complete view of the city and the harbour. At sunset, it becomes particularly magical: the sky is ablaze with the most beautiful colours, which are reflected in the lights of the passing ships on the water. An ideal winter destination for anyone who wants to experience Puglia's history and Mediterranean flair away from the high season.

Restaurant recommendations

Diecimiglia Hosteria Contemporanea
Via Thaon De Revel Paolo, 5, 72100, Brindisi (This Restaurant is in one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Brindisi, specialising in Italian cuisine since 2018)

Putea - Sapore di sud
Piazza Mercato, 29, 72100, Brindisi (The restaurant specialises in schiacciate, a type of stuffed focaccia)

Hotels

Grande Albergo Internazionale (from 104 Swiss francs per night)

Hotel Boutique Executive Inn (from 93 Swiss francs per night)

 

#2 Porto, Portugal
Porto has long been known as a city primarily associated with trade and related industries. However, Porto also knows how to enjoy life. The city surprises visitors with a lively gastronomic scene, ranging from traditional taverns to modern wine bars. If you want to combine food and discovery, it's worth taking a detour to the Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered the heart of the city, which delights visitors with its narrow streets and colourful houses on the banks of the Douro. The Ponte Dom Luís, the iconic bridge designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel, offers breathtaking views of the city.

Restaurant recommendations

Restaurante Terreirinho
Travessa Barredo 5 Travessa do Barredo 5, Porto (Regional Portuguese cuisine with a magnificent view of Cais da Ribeira)

Adega Do Carregal
Travessa do Carregal 102, Porto (Portuguese cuisine in a rustic setting)

Hotels

Moov Hotel Porto Centro (from 64 Swiss francs per night)

Torel Palace Porto (from 207 Swiss francs per night)

 

#3 Belgrade, Serbia
The Serbian capital Belgrade is worth a visit at any time of year, especially if you love history and dynamic city atmospheres. High above the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers towers the Belgrade Fortress, which offers sweeping views of the rivers and the historic old town. A stroll takes you to the charming bohemian quarter of Skadarlija with its cobbled streets, traditional pubs and live music. Not far away stands the imposing Church of Saint Sava – one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world and a landmark of Belgrade visible from afar. In the evening, the city lights are reflected in the rivers, while cafés and bars invite you to enjoy a pleasant end to the day.

Restaurant recommendations

MAMA'S Bistro
Topličin Venac 6, Belgrad (Small bistro with a menu featuring various regional specialities)

Nebojsa Traditional Restaurant 
Nebojšina 6, Belgrade (Restaurant serving modern interpretations of Serbian cuisine)

Hotels

Hotel Moskva (from 105 Swiss francs per night)

Mama Shelter Belgrade (from 120 Swiss francs per night)

 

#4 Palma, Spain
The capital of Mallorca is a special treat in December: festively decorated streets and traditional Christmas markets put visitors in a festive mood. In the historic centre, you can admire the magnificent La Seu Cathedral and stroll through the narrow streets, while the scent of "turrón" and other Mallorcan delicacies fills the air and creates a real Christmas atmosphere. On quiet beaches such as Cala d'Or or Cala Pi, golden sand and secluded coves invite you to take relaxing walks by the sea. The combination of culture, cuisine and winter tranquillity makes Palma a particularly atmospheric winter destination in December, away from the tourist high season.

Restaurant recommendations

Beatnik Retaurant & Bar
Carrer de Montenegro, 10 At Puro hotels, Palma de Mallorca (Restaurant with influences from around the world)

Bondo cocina
Carrer de Vallseca 16, 07012 Palma de Mallorca (Family-run restaurant in Palma's old town that prides itself on serving dishes from all over the country)

Hotels

Hotel Basilica (from 205 Swiss francs per night)

Posada Terra Santa (from 210 Swiss francs per night)

 

#5 Krakow, Poland
Krakow, the historic city in the heart of Poland, is particularly impressive with its 40,000 square metre market square: this is where architecture and tradition meet, from St. Mary's Basilica to the Cloth Hall. Between 27 November and 26 December, the square is aglow with festive Christmas cheer when the famous Christmas market fills its stalls with typical Polish food, handicrafts, traditional nativity scenes and many other treasures. Those who want to discover Polish culinary delights should also visit the Stary Kleplarz Market, which focuses on local specialities. Krakow in December combines history, culture and festive atmosphere in a particularly atmospheric way.

Restaurant recommendations

Gąska Restaurant
Limanowskiego 1 St, Krakau (Traditional Polish cuisine with a focus on goose)

Pierwszy Stopien
Ul. Krakowska 17, Krakau (Family-run restaurant specialising primarily in local cuisine and collaboration with farmers)

Hotels

Amber Design Residence (from 160 Swiss francs per night)

Venetian House Aparthotel (from 120 Swiss francs per night)

 

#6 Naples, Italy
The southern Italian city of Naples enchants visitors in December with its lively Christmas atmosphere and Mediterranean flair. In the old town, you can stroll through the famous Via San Gregorio Armeno, where entire streets are dedicated to traditional nativity scene art and artistically designed figures invite you to marvel at the stalls. During the Christmas season, a magnificently decorated Christmas tree shines in the wide Piazza del Plebiscito – a particularly atmospheric meeting place. Culinary delights await you in the form of typical Neapolitan specialities such as sweet "struffoli" and other delicacies that are in season in December. In the morning or evening, both the coastal promenade and the sea invite you to take a stroll in the mild winter climate. In winter, Naples is quiet, charming and has an authentic atmosphere.

Restaurant recommendations

Otto s.l.m.
Via Partenope, 38 Royal Continental Hotel, Naples (Traditional Italian cuisine)

La Locanda del Cerriglio
Via del Cerriglio 3, Naples (Traditional Italian cuisine and drinks, hosts also regular concerts)

Hotels

Via Toledo 156 | Napoli Cozy Rooms (from 157 Swiss francs per night)

Hotel Piazza Bellini & Apartments (from 115 Swiss francs per night)