Viral destination is more than a summer escape - 'winter is the best time to go'

Just because summer has come to a close, doesn't mean you should turn a cold shoulder to your favourite holiday hotspots. Some places double as a sunny escape and a winter wonderland, and a new list is highlighting a destination that is the best of both.

The car rental experts at SIXT have revealed the most stunning winter sun destinations across Europe. At the top of the list is Lake Bled, Slovenia, home to one of the continent’s bluest bodies of water.

SIXT analysed the bluest bodies of water in Europe to note the most picturesque winter destinations for Brits to visitduring the shoulder season and cold months. The group colour-picked high-resolution photographs of 100 of the most beautiful bodies of water across Europe before settling on Lake Bled as one of the top spots.

According to SIXT, Lake Bled is the highest ranking city break destination and third bluest in Europe. It also has a stunning mountainous landscape that makes it an even more surreal travel experience.

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Although ahotspot for tourists in the summer, this city break is also a hidden gem for those seeking a snowy few days away this winter. Not only does the blue water create an impressive backdrop, but Bled is the site of many fun winter activities.

Skating on the lake is not recommended, however there are plenty of indoor and outdoor rinks for travellers to enjoy in addition to skiing, snowboarding and sledging on nearby slopes like Straža Hill. Straža also happens to be considered the most beautiful viewpoint in the area that offers incredible vantages of the city of Bled, the lake, and surrounding mountains.

Just a few years ago, Slovenia was a relatively under the radar holiday destination, but 2023 and 2024 sawrecord-breaking growth. In the UK alone, searches for ‘flights to Ljubljana’ surged exponentially.

From December onward, a snowy backdrop sets in, creating a magical setting without the peak-season crowds, perfect for romantic getaways. It’s this combination of natural beauty, blue water and winter activities that makes Lake Bled Europe’s ultimate cold-weather city break this year.

Full list of the bluest waters in Europe

Bay of Kotor, Montenegro

The Blue Grotto, Malta

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Derwentwater, England

River Rhine, Germany

Bay of Biscay, Spain

Bay of Vigo, Spain

Kielder Water, England

Calanques de Cassis, France

Galway Bay, Ireland