Top 5 Places for Winter Travel Destinations

Citizens from countries with cold, long, and harsh winters are often ready to leave their homeland for several months to avoid freezing temperatures and dull gray landscapes.

Some leave as early as September when the first cold sets in, spending the winter in warm climates until May. Others seek a cozy retreat specifically for the winter months. And some simply wish to enjoy holidays and New Year celebrations in warmer lands.

Specialists from the licensed agency GARANT.in have prepared a comprehensive "warm" review for those searching for the ideal location to spend the winter. We analyzed the top 5 destinations, their advantages, and legal ways to stay long-term in these countries.

Turkey

The hospitable Turkey is a great destination year-round, but winter offers a quieter, less tourist-filled experience. Many visit to enjoy peaceful and comfortable winter months.

Leisure

Turkey offers as many activities in winter as in the warmer months. One of the key attractions is skiing. The country’s ski resorts attract thrill-seekers from around the world, eager to conquer dizzying slopes and snowboard trails. Winter is also an ideal time for exploring Turkey’s numerous historical landmarks and museums. The ancient ruins and cultural treasures found in almost every province can be admired at a leisurely pace, free from the scorching 40°C summer heat.
Additionally, visitors can enjoy exhibitions, indoor water parks, aquariums, and cable cars. For relaxation and health improvement, Turkey boasts numerous thermal resorts, far less crowded in winter. In the southern regions, winters are mild enough that you can even sunbathe on the beach.

Food

Turkey offers fresh vegetables and fruits year-round, with a changing seasonal variety. Winter is the season for pomegranates, avocados, and citrus fruits, as well as freshly caught seafood like dorado, sea bass, and anchovies.

Festivals and Holidays

Celebrating New Year’s in Turkey promises a mix of Turkish flair, European elegance, and Slavic grandeur. The nation’s multicultural traditions create a unique holiday atmosphere, lasting from early December to mid-January. Expect stunning decorations, festive lights, and unforgettable celebrations.

Health Tourism

Turkey is a global leader in health tourism, with winter being a particularly attractive time to visit. Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and world-class healthcare at a fraction of the cost in the U.S. or Europe make it a popular destination. From surgery and dentistry to cardiovascular treatments and plastic surgery, Turkey offers a broad range of high-quality medical services. Even if you’re healthy, visiting for a check-up or preventative care is worthwhile.

Real Estate

For those interested in living in Turkey permanently or investing in valuable property, winter is a great time. Developers often offer New Year discounts and bonuses. Cooler weather makes it easier to tour multiple properties in one day, and fewer clients mean quicker processing of documents.

Residency and Citizenship

You can stay in Turkey visa-free for 90 days within a 180-day period. If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for a residence permit or Turkish citizenship.
In 2024, there are 13 ways to obtain a Turkish residence permit, including long-term property rentals, tourism, employment, entrepreneurship, property purchases over $200,000, language courses, internships, research, medical treatments, and more. Short-term permits range from 2 to 5 years.
Citizenship can be obtained through naturalization, marriage, special merits, or investments. The latter is the fastest option and includes:

• Investment in funds, government bonds, or bank deposits: $500,000+
• Establishing a business with 50 jobs or significant capital contributions: $500,000+
• Purchasing real estate: $400,000+

The real estate option is the most popular, chosen by over 80% of applicants. Turkish passports through investment take 6–8 months to obtain.

Cyprus

The welcoming Mediterranean island of Cyprus is enjoyable year-round. Winter brings fewer crowds but just as much charm.

Leisure

Winter visitors can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. The ski season starts in January and lasts nearly three months, with the most famous slopes on Mount Olympus. Windsurfing and golf schools also remain open during the colder months.
With fewer tourists, it’s easier to visit historical sites and architectural wonders in a relaxed setting. Must-see spots include the Kykkos Monastery, perched over 1,000 meters above sea level, and the UNESCO-listed Paphos Archaeological Park with ruins of Nea Paphos. Nature enthusiasts can explore Cape Greco near Ayia Napa, featuring Cyclops Cave, ancient temple ruins, and other stunning locations.

Food

Winter is a delight for food lovers. Cooler weather allows for indulgence in Cyprus’s rich culinary offerings, like meze—a spread of small portions of fish, meat, seafood, and vegetables served generously. Highlights include grilled octopus, the famous halloumi cheese, and local wine like Commandaria.

Festivals and Celebrations

Christmas and New Year’s in Cyprus are a spectacle of lights, decorations, and joy. Preparations begin in mid-November, with festive markets, mulled wine, and special menus in cafes and restaurants. A local tradition is the Vasilopita pie: finding a coin inside your slice promises good fortune for the year.

Residency and Citizenship

Russian citizens can enter Cyprus with a tourist visa or Schengen visa, but stays are limited. To settle long-term, you can participate in the investment program.
Permanent residency can be obtained within a relatively short time by investing €300,000+ in:

• Residential or commercial property
• Shares in Cypriot companies
• Bonds or securities of investment funds

Most applicants choose real estate, accounting for over 87% of applications.

Italy

Italy remains an all-time favorite destination for winter enthusiasts, offering a mix of picturesque alpine slopes, vibrant culture, and world-class gastronomy.

Leisure

Winter sports lovers flock to Italy for its breathtaking ski resorts, especially in the Alps and Dolomites. Destinations like Cortina d’Ampezzo and Val Gardena offer thrilling skiing experiences, cozy chalets, and incredible mountain views.

Apart from skiing, winter is the perfect season to enjoy Italy’s iconic landmarks without the summer crowds. Rome’s Colosseum, Venice’s canals, and Florence’s Uffizi Gallery are quieter, allowing for a more intimate exploration. You can also attend local winter festivals, like Venice’s world-famous Carnival in February, featuring extravagant costumes and lively parades.

Food

Italy’s winter cuisine is all about warmth and comfort. Seasonal dishes include risotto al tartufo bianco (white truffle risotto), hearty stews like ossobuco alla Milanese, and polenta served with rich sauces. Desserts like panettone and pandoro add a festive touch during Christmas. Pair your meals with robust winter wines such as Barolo or Amarone.

Festivals and Holidays

Italy comes alive during the Christmas and New Year season with stunning decorations and holiday markets. Major cities like Milan, Florence, and Naples transform into winter wonderlands. Naples, in particular, is famous for its handcrafted Nativity scenes displayed in local shops.

In February, the Venice Carnival dazzles with its elaborate masks, concerts, and traditional dances, making it a must-visit event.

Residency and Citizenship

Italy allows tourists to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period under the Schengen visa. For longer stays, options include:

• Elective Residence Visa: Ideal for retirees or individuals with sufficient financial means, granting a renewable one-year residency.
• Work and Study Visas: Available for professionals or students.
• Investor Visa: Grants residency for significant investments, such as €250,000+ in startups, €500,000+ in an Italian company, or €2 million in government bonds.

Italian citizenship can be obtained after 10 years of legal residency. However, individuals of Italian descent may qualify for faster processing through "jure sanguinis" (right of blood).

Vanuatu

For those dreaming of escaping winter entirely, the tropical paradise of Vanuatu offers lush landscapes, warm beaches, and vibrant island culture.

Leisure

Vanuatu is famous for its year-round warm climate, making it ideal for beachgoers and adventurers alike. Popular activities include snorkeling in coral reefs, exploring the Yasur Volcano on Tanna Island, and soaking in the natural blue lagoons. For a cultural experience, visitors can participate in traditional ceremonies and dances hosted by local tribes.

Food

The cuisine of Vanuatu reflects its Pacific heritage. Fresh seafood is a staple, alongside dishes like laplap (a baked yam pudding) and coconut-based stews. Local markets abound with tropical fruits, including pineapples, papayas, and bananas.

Festivals and Celebrations

Vanuatu celebrates its independence in December with lively parades, music, and dancing. The nation also observes Christmas and New Year in a relaxed, tropical style, often celebrated with family feasts and beach parties.

Residency and Citizenship

Vanuatu offers an attractive Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, one of the fastest in the world. Applicants can obtain citizenship within 2–3 months by donating $130,000+ to the government development fund.

Benefits include:

• Visa-free travel to over 130 countries, including the EU, UK, and Russia.
• Zero income, inheritance, or capital gains taxes.

The program is especially popular among those seeking a tropical retreat with significant financial and travel advantages.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The UAE has long been a favorite for winter escapes, offering sunny weather, luxury, and unparalleled modern attractions.

Leisure

The UAE is synonymous with opulence and grandeur. Winter is the best time to explore Dubai’s world-famous landmarks, such as the Burj Khalifa, Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Mall. Desert safaris and dune-bashing adventures are especially popular during this season, as temperatures are cooler and more comfortable.

For cultural experiences, visitors can tour the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi or visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Shopping festivals, including the Dubai Shopping Festival in January, attract visitors with massive discounts, fireworks, and concerts.

Food

The UAE offers a blend of traditional Middle Eastern cuisine and international fine dining. Highlights include shawarma, knafeh (a sweet cheese pastry), and Arabic coffee. High-end restaurants in Dubai and Abu Dhabi serve global cuisines ranging from Italian to Japanese, making the UAE a food lover’s paradise.

Festivals and Celebrations

The New Year’s Eve fireworks in Dubai are among the world’s most spectacular displays, attracting visitors from across the globe. Additionally, the UAE celebrates its National Day on December 2 with parades, cultural shows, and illuminated landmarks.

Residency and Citizenship

Tourists can stay in the UAE for up to 90 days with a visa. Long-term residency options include:

• Golden Visa: Granted to investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals.
• Property Investor Visa: Available to those who invest AED 750,000+ (around $204,000) in real estate.
• Retirement Visa: For retirees over 55 who meet financial criteria.

While citizenship is rarely granted, the UAE’s long-term visa programs make it an attractive destination for expats.