11 Cheap Winter Getaways

From sunny escapes to snowy wonderlands, there’s every reason to look forward to a cheap winter break. Here are 11 great value destinations to get you through the months ahead.

Swap your brolly for a pool-side parasol in exotic Marrakech.  A relaxing stay in an insta-perfect riad is an excellent cure for winter blues and definitely won’t break the bank. While you’re there, plan a visit to the beautiful Jardin Majorelle, Yves Saint Laurent’s famous botanical garden. Shop for colourful trinkets in the medina and sample flavour-packed tagines. Cold, grey skies will be a distant memory.

Flights to Marrakech

For a cheap winter getaway that’s a lot closer to home, look no further than the French city of Nantes. Home to a giant mechanical elephant and France's buzzing alternative music scene, this budget friendly destination is the perfect winter pick me up. Fancy some festive cheer?  Jet in for Nantes' Christmas market which takes place in December on Place Royale and Place du Commerce.  

Flights to Nantes

As one of Europe’s best value destinations, a trip to cool, creative Berlin is always a good idea.  Whether you’re following the history trail or heading to the city’s hipster haunts, Berlin’s cultural scene delivers plenty over the winter months.

Flights to Berlin

For a budget winter break that’s bursting with good food and excellent shopping, choose the Italian city of Bologna.  With reasonable accommodation prices, warm welcomes and delicious cuisine on the menu, there’s every reason to look forward to a getaway in ‘La Grassa’.

Flights to Bologna

Located in west Ukraine, Lviv is a gem of a city – and in winter, when its streets are dusted with snow, it becomes a true wonderland. Visiting in December? Check out the Christmas markets or catch a festive ballet performance at Lviv Theatre of Opera and Ballet. This is the perfect destination for anyone looking to explore an up and coming destination where your spending money goes a lot further.

Flights to Lviv

For a cheap city break in fairy-tale surroundings, fly to Wroclaw in Poland this winter. Filled with trendy bars, restaurants and cafés, this young and vibrant Polish city is sure to put a smile on your face.

P.S. While you’re there, don’t miss out on discovering the local gnomes - pick up a map from the tourist office and discover the cheeky little scamps scattered throughout the city.

Flights to Wroclaw

Mild temperatures and budget-friendly prices make Malta a winning destination for a cheap winter holiday. Stroll the honey-coloured streets of Valetta, browse the market stalls of Marsaxlokk and explore ancient historic sites and the spectacular film set locations in Mdina. Who needs central heating when you’ve got this toasty Mediterranean gem?

Flights to Malta

The cheap-as-chips Estonian capital is pretty as a picture no matter what time off year you visit, but in the winter months it most definitely dials up its cosy charm. Wrap up warm and shop for festive goodies in the Christmas market on the medieval Town Hall Square – it’s not unusual to find Tallinn covered in snow in December, making it one of Europe’s most magical winter city break destinations.

Flights to Tallinn

A relative newcomer to the European city break scene, Kosice in Slovakia is a great value option if you’re looking to try somewhere new (and wallet-friendly) this winter. Watch an ice-hockey game, catch a performance by the philharmonic orchestra or shop for gingerbread and artisan gifts in the Christmas market which takes place in the Old Town from early December.

Flights to Kosice

For a budget ski break, hit the slopes of Borovets in Bulgaria. Located just 90 minutes from Sofia, the resort of Borovets offers 58km of blue and red runs on Bulgaria’s highest peak, Mount Musala. What you save on ski passes and accommodation adds up to plenty of beer money to spend in the resort’s aprés ski bars and clubs.

Flights to Sofia

Lanzarote has long been the destination of choice for cheap winter sun and for good reason. Whether you choose to relax and rewind by the pool, try a yoga retreat or challenge yourself to a fitness camp, this Canary Island offers something for everyone.

Flights to Lanzarote

Planning to try somewhere new this winter? Share pics of your cheap winter getaways on Instagram using the hashtag #ryanairstories for a chance to be featured in our feed.