Winter holidays are a great time to travel. If you don’t want to stay at home for a week, but you can’t figure out where to go for the January holidays, we have options. As many as ten options!
In this article you will find ideas on where to fly to the sea in January, where to relax with an excellent excursion program and, most importantly, how to get there. We will tell you about the rules of entry and the possibilities of obtaining visas, offer accommodation options in different cities and help you finally find the answer to the question of where to go for the New Year.
Italy
A European country beloved by many Russians, which is one of the first to come to mind when you think about where to go for the New Year or holidays. Italy is a fairly large country, and in January you can find quite warm regions there (for example, in Sicily or Naples the temperature during the day is around +15 °C), and cities where it is slightly warmer than the Russian south (in Milan it will be about +5 °C, and in Florence – +10 °C). But we’re not going to Italy for the weather, right? The country attracts tourists with an amazing excursion program: you can admire the cathedrals of Milan and Florence, study the rich exhibitions in the Vatican Museums and walk around the Colosseum and the ruins of the Forum in Rome while wearing a warm coat.
New Year holidays in Italy begin on Christmas Day and end with Epiphany (January 6). During this period, large beautiful Christmas trees are installed in all the main squares of the cities, cozy fairs are held, and the streets are decorated with illuminations.
How to get there
There are currently no direct flights from Russia to Italy; getting to any chosen city, from Milan to Palermo, will require a transfer, or even more than one. In general, it is most profitable to fly through Istanbul or Abu Dhabi, but it all depends on the destination.
Entry rules
Russians can freely enter Italy if they have a foreign passport valid for at least 6 months with a Schengen visa issued by Italy itself or another Schengen country. A tourist visa can be freely obtained at the Russian visa center. Also don’t forget to take out medical insurance.
All Covid entry restrictions have been lifted, a PCR test or vaccination certificate is no longer needed.
Where to stay
Rome: iQ Hotel Roma, rating 9.6 out of 10, cost from 8,000 rubles* per night for two. Four-star hotel with excellent ratings in the heart of the city, close to the Repubblica metro station.
Milan: Camperio House Suites & Apartments, rating 9.0 out of 10, from 15,500 rubles* per night for two. Pleasant apartment hotel near the Sforzesco Castle in Sempione Park. The main attractions are easily accessible on foot.
Florence: Rodo Hotel Fashion Delight, rating 9.2 out of 10, from 6,500 rubles* per night for two. Nice three-star hotel in the city center, on the next street from the famous Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.
Spain
Sunny Spain attracts Russians at any time of the year – and the winter holidays are no exception. Many people are looking for opportunities to celebrate the New Year in Barcelona, soak up the warm sun of Valencia or explore the museums of Madrid. Overall, if you are looking for where to go in January, Spain is a great option, because there are many leisure options, as well as delicious cuisine and a rich excursion program.
New Year in Spain, unlike Christmas, is celebrated not with family, but noisily and cheerfully, in the squares and streets of the city. The most famous tradition is to eat one grape with each chime and make a wish. And on January 6, the Day of Magicians, or Epiphany, is celebrated throughout the country – costume processions are held in large cities, and gifts are given to children.
How to get there
To Barcelona, Madrid and other Spanish cities from Russia you now need to fly with transfers, for example, in Istanbul, Dubai or Abu Dhabi. The fastest flight will be through Turkey, but it will also take about a day (including connections).
Entry rules
The country’s borders are open to foreign tourists, including Russian ones. To enter, you will need a passport valid for at least 3 months from the date of the planned end of the trip, a Schengen visa and medical insurance.
Covid restrictions have been lifted, a vaccination certificate or PCR test result is no longer required.
Where to stay
Madrid: Axel Hotel Madrid, rating 9.0 out of 10, cost from 13,000 rubles* per night for two. Four-star hotel in the very center, only accepts guests over 16 years of age. The main attractions of the city are within walking distance.
Barcelona: Hotel Casa Luz, rating 9.7 out of 10, cost from 9,500 rubles* per night for two. Three-star hotel near Plaza Catalunya and Rambla, a stone’s throw from the Universidad metro station.
Valencia: Cosmo Hotel Boutique, rating 9.4 out of 10, cost from 9,200 rubles* per night for two. A cozy three-star hotel in the very center of the city – most popular attractions can be reached on foot in 10-15 minutes.
Montenegro
If you are thinking about where to go in Europe in January to have a great time, consider Montenegro. At this time, the weather here is changeable, but on average you can expect +15 °C during the day. Ideal weather for walking along the sea and exploring old towns: visit Kotor, Budva and Herceg Novi. Even in clear weather, you can go on a short hike, for example, climb the Kotor Fortress (it will take about an hour and a half) and take a beautiful panorama of the city from there. And of course, no one has canceled gastronomic pleasures: be sure to try the freshest fish and seafood.
And if you miss winter, you can always go to the mountains: Montenegro has several excellent resorts for skiers and snowboarders, for example, Kolasin 1450. Beginners will be comfortable here: the elevation differences are small and the slopes are not difficult. Experienced riders will be pleased with the excellent freeride and some virgin terrain.
How to get there
From Moscow you can fly to Podgorica with a transfer in Istanbul or Belgrade, the journey will take about 6 hours including connections.
Entry rules
Citizens of the Russian Federation only need a valid passport; without a visa, you can stay in Montenegro for up to 30 days – enough for the entire New Year holidays.
Proof of coronavirus vaccination or PCR test results are no longer required: all restrictions have been lifted.
Where to stay
Podgorica: Hotel Ziya, rating 9.3 out of 10, cost from 8,600 rubles* per night for two. Five-star hotel in the city center with the optimal combination of price and quality and excellent guest reviews.
Budva: Hotel Moskva, rating 9.1 out of 10, cost from 6,400 rubles* per night for two. Four stars and location almost in the very center of the city.
Tivat: Boutique Hotel La Roche, rating 9.5 out of 10, cost from 9,900 rubles* per night for two. Five-star hotel on the first line, with a gorgeous view of the bay and a private beach.
Serbia
This country doesn’t seem like an obvious destination when you think about where else to go on vacation in January? But in vain! Firstly, the weather here is suitable for excursions and exploring the museums of Belgrade and tasting local cuisine: čvarci (fried pork lard), pljeskavica (cutlets) and biscuits (not what you think, but a pig on a spit) – ideal food for the winter season .
And secondly, Serbia has excellent skiing. It’s not for nothing that Kopaonik was nicknamed the sunny mountain: the sun shines here 200 days a year, and there are tracks for everyone – there are green and black (there are already 7 of them), and a freeride area. It’s also very beautiful here: you’ll be skiing on slopes covered with oak and spruce forests.
How to get there
Direct flights from Air Serbia fly to Belgrade from Moscow; the flight lasts just over three hours. But it is more profitable to fly with a transfer in Istanbul (however, in this case the journey will take twice as long).
Entry rules
Russians only need a valid passport, and you can stay in Serbia for up to 30 days without a visa.
No additional medical documents are required for coronavirus, entry into the country is free.
Where to stay
Belgrade: 7 Rooms Suites, rating 9.5 out of 10, cost from 5,900 rubles* per night for two. Cozy and small three-star hotel in the very center of the city.
Belgrade: Jump INN, rating 9.2 out of 10, cost from 8,900 rubles* per night for two. Four-star designer hotel a few steps from Republic Square and the Cathedral.
Belgrade: Prezident Palace Belgrade, rating 9.8 out of 10, cost from 20,000 rubles* per night for two. A luxury five-star hotel for those who want to live in luxury: the rooms are decorated like a king, the breakfasts deserve the highest ratings, and in the summer there is a swimming pool on the roof.
Croatia
This country in January is cold to tourists in the literal sense of the word – the temperature here is around zero, plus or minus a couple of degrees (the warmest place is in Dubrovnik, it can be +12 °C). This means that anyone who is looking for a place to relax and have an interesting time should stock up on warm clothes – and still fly, because when else will you see Croatia without crowds of tourists? Besides, in winter the prices for tours to Croatia are much lower than in other seasons.
What to do? If excursions don’t appeal to you, the obvious answer is ski resorts and outdoor recreation. Those who travel with children or are not very confident in their skills will like Ravna Gora: there are many gentle slopes with smooth turns, and if you wish, you can go sledding or just walk around the surrounding area. For beautiful views, go to Platak: the trails pass through a picturesque forest, and from the top you can see the sea.
How to get there
From Russia you can fly to Zagreb or Split with a transfer in Istanbul, Abu Dhabi or Dubai – there are currently no direct flights from Moscow. Ticket prices depend on the destination and airline. The fastest way to get to Zagreb is through Turkey – the travel time will be a little more than 8 hours, including connections.
Entry rules
To get to Croatia, you will need a passport valid for at least 3 months, as well as a visa: the country has resumed issuing national tourist visas to Russians. Multishengen is also suitable.
All Covid restrictions have been lifted, vaccination certificates and PCR tests are no longer required.
Where to stay
Zagreb: Best Western Premier Hotel Astoria, rating 9.0 out of 10, cost from 10,100 rubles* per night for two. Four stars, the very center of the city – King Tomislav Square is just around the corner, and all the main attractions can be reached on foot.
Zagreb: Hotel Jägerhorn, rating 9.2 out of 10, cost from 7,300 rubles* per night for two. A very stylish three-star hotel near the station, on a quiet street.
Split: Hotel Vestibul Palace & Villa, rating 9.4 out of 10, cost from 9,400 rubles* per night for two. An excellent option for those who want to live in a building that has seen history. The hotel is located right in the center of Diocletian’s Palace, within the boundaries of the ancient Roman walls.
Hungary
January in Hungary is the coldest month. It’s about zero outside, and it seems like there’s nothing to do here… But that’s just what it seems. For example, in our opinion, in such weather it is ideal to visit the thermal baths – and Budapest is ideal for this type of vacation. There are a huge number of baths in the city: the beautiful Szechenyi, the pretentious Gellert, the ancient Lukacs or the Turkish Kiraly – why choose if you can go around them all.
And during breaks, we still recommend taking a walk around the city, because it is incredibly photogenic. You can go to museums to warm up, and we also highly recommend visiting the local opera – if not a performance, then at least a tour; the luxurious interiors are worth it. In the evening, take a tour of the famous ruin pubs – they appeared and became popular in Budapest.
How to get there
You can get from Moscow to Budapest via Turkey: a flight with a transfer in Istanbul will take from 8 hours. There are other connection options, for example, in Dubai or Doha, but the ticket will cost more.
Entry rules
Russian tourists will need a passport valid for at least 3 months and a Schengen visa. Hungary visa centers in Russia are operating as usual.
But no medical documents related to coronavirus are required anymore.
Where to stay
Budapest: The Loft Budapest, rating 9.1 out of 10, cost from 5,500 rubles* per night for two. Budget design hotel in the very center of Budapest near the Parliament building.
Budapest: Buda Castle Fashion Hotel Budapest, rating 9.1 out of 10, cost from 9,700 rubles* per night for two. Four-star hotel on the left bank of the river next to the Buda Castle.
Budapest: Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest, rating 9.6 out of 10, cost from 32,000 rubles* per night for two. An option for those who want to spend a luxurious holiday. You will definitely remember your stay in this five-star hotel with excellent service and excellent guest ratings.
Greece
Greece has everything – and in January too. Before you run off to look at prices for tours, we’ll quickly tell you which options in winter are best suited for holidays with and without children. Of course, Athens: at this time of year it is very comfortable to walk through the ruins and look at various antiquities on excursions, of which the city is full: you will definitely feel like you are in a history textbook. In addition, in January, the city usually hosts various music festivals, and an ice skating rink opens in the National Garden.
Another city that tourists from Russia love is Thessaloniki. Look here for the most unusual “Christmas tree”: instead of a tree, the Greeks decorate a ship. The weather is favorable for walks along the embankment: here you can admire the sea and see the sights. In the Byzantine Museum you will get acquainted with the history of the city and the country, and take beautiful photos from the height of the White Tower.
How to get there
You can fly to the capital of Greece from Moscow with a transfer in Serbia, Egypt or Turkey. The fastest and most profitable flight would be via Belgrade: you will spend about 7 hours on the way.
Entry rules
Russian citizens to travel to Greece need a passport valid for at least 6 months and a Schengen visa (from the country itself or from other Schengen countries). Greek visa centers operate in Russia as usual. In addition, you may be required to provide medical insurance upon entry.
But you no longer need to present a vaccination certificate, take a PCR test before traveling, and undergo express testing upon arrival.
Where to stay
Athens: Kubic Athens Smart Hotel, rating 9.0 out of 10, cost from 5,000 rubles* per night for two. Minimalistic hotel in the city center with spacious rooms and excellent breakfasts.
Athens: 360Degrees Pop Art Hotel, rating 9.4 out of 10, cost from 11,500 rubles* per night for two. Design hotel located close to major attractions: most can be reached on foot in 5-10 minutes.
Thessaloniki: Mediterranean Palace, rating 9.1 out of 10, cost from 15,400 rubles* per night for two. A wonderful five-star hotel on the embankment for those who want to admire the sea even in winter.
France
Winter France means, of course, ski resorts. The huge Alpe d’Huez with a 16 km long track, the old but beautiful Montgenevre and, of course, the elite Courchevel… But if skiing does not appeal to you, France will still be an excellent choice for those who choose where to spend the New Year holidays or last weeks January.
For example, Paris. Every name of a museum or street here sounds like music, a real feast awaits you in every restaurant, and croissants bought at any bakery on the corner will leave an indelible impression. The weather in January is not always conducive to walking – the average here is +5 °C – but you most likely won’t notice it, the city center is so beautiful and atmospheric.
How to get there
You can get to Paris in January by flights with transfers via Yerevan, Istanbul and Abu Dhabi. The shortest route, taking into account the connecting time, passes through Turkey (about 9 hours on the road), and the most profitable way is to fly through Armenia.
Entry rules
Russians wishing to get to France will need a passport valid for at least 6 months, a Schengen visa (just keep in mind that visa centers for France itself in Moscow have suspended accepting applications for now, but you can get a Schengen visa from another country) and medical insurance.
Vaccination certificates and PCR test results are no longer required for entry.
Where to stay
Paris: Hôtel Duo, rating 8.6 out of 10, cost from 21,700 rubles* per night for two. Stylish four-star hotel in the Marais quarter, a stone’s throw from Rue Rivoli.
Paris: 9Confidentiel, rating 8.1 out of 10, cost from 20,000 rubles* per night for two. Another great housing option in the center, close to the Picasso Museum.
Paris: Hotel Minerve, rating 8.1 out of 10, cost from 11,800 rubles* per night for two. A cozy and relatively inexpensive three-star hotel for the capital of France in January
Netherlands
It seems that Amsterdam in January is not the best holiday destination, but let me convince you. At the beginning of winter, it is especially pleasant to walk through museums: look at the paintings of Van Gogh and Rembrandt, study the history of the country and the city, and take pictures with wax figures. And most importantly, all these entertainments are available in any weather: if it’s drizzling outside, it will only become more comfortable inside.
And if the weather is favorable – this, by the way, happens quite often; in fact, in January in Amsterdam during the day it’s about +7 °C – go to one of the most beautiful European skating rinks. It is poured on the main Museum Square right in front of the art museum. You can just ride around admiring the buildings, or you can take part in master classes (right on the ice!) and play hockey.
How to get there
Flights fly from Moscow to Amsterdam via Istanbul, Cairo, Dubai and Doha. The fastest and most profitable way to get there is through Turkey: travel time can be from 9 hours.
Entry rules
Russian tourists need a passport valid for at least 6 months, as well as a Schengen visa. The Embassy, Consulate General of the Netherlands in Russia and visa centers have temporarily suspended the issuance of visas, but it is possible to obtain a Schengen visa from another country. In addition, you will need medical insurance.
All Covid entry restrictions have been lifted, a vaccination certificate and PCR test are no longer needed.
Where to stay
Amsterdam: Hotel The Exchange, rating 8.1 out of 10, cost from 9,800 rubles* per night for two. An excellent choice if you want to live in a classic house next to a canal near Dam Square.
Amsterdam: De Ware Jacob Boutique Hotel, rating 9.8 out of 10, cost from 8,500 rubles* per night for two. A small four-star hotel in the very center of the city. The staff speaks Russian.
Amstredam: Zaan Hotel Amsterdam, rating 8.7 out of 10, cost from 5,500 rubles* per night for two. Inexpensive hotel in the suburbs near the railway station, so it is very convenient to travel to the center.
Bulgaria
If you are interested in an inexpensive but high-quality holiday, welcome to Bulgaria. Prices here are lower than in many European countries, but the service is at the same level. At the same time, there is a lot to see and do in the country. Bulgaria has ancient castles, beautiful resort towns with golden beaches (of course, you won’t be able to swim in winter, but taking a sunbath and breathing in the sea air is fine), and caves (the most famous is Prohodna, and the most beautiful is Syeva Dupka ), and, of course, mountains.
Yes, yes, in Bulgaria there are places to ride in January. Picturesque Bansko is located in one of the most beautiful places in the Pirin Mountains. They say the skiing here is no worse than in the Alps, and is noticeably cheaper. There are tracks for every taste, and for snowboarders there is a half-pipe and a fan park.
How to get there
The flight to the capital of Bulgaria will take at least 7 hours – that’s how long the flight with a transfer in Belgrade lasts. You can also fly via Istanbul and Cairo.
Entry rules
If you want to vacation in Bulgaria in January, you need a passport valid for at least 3 months after the end of the trip, as well as a national visa, which can be obtained at the country’s visa center.
Vaccination certificate or PCR test result is no longer required.
Where to stay
Sofia: Sense Hotel Sofia, rating 9.0 out of 10, cost from 13,500 rubles* per night for two. A modern five-star hotel with a wonderful view of the city center.
Burgas: Hotel Prestige, rating 8.4 out of 10, cost from 3,200 rubles* per night for two. Three-star hotel with good breakfasts, located close to the city center and the sea.
Bansko: Lucky Bansko Aparthotel SPA & Relax, rating 9.2 out of 10, cost from 13,500 rubles* per night for two. Four-star spa hotel in the heart of a popular ski resort.
Conclusion
We hope that thanks to our article, you have decided on a vacation destination and decided where to go on vacation in January at the sea, in the mountains, or explore cities and visit museums. And as always, look for tickets and hotels at great prices on OneTwoTrip.
*Prices valid at time of publication.
