It’s February, things are dull, cold and wet. Luckily for us, next week marks the first big getaway of the year – February Half Term – with Manchester Airport expecting almost one million passengers to pass through its terminals, and the good news, if you’ve not booked a holiday yet, is that it’s not too late to be among them – yes, you can still get some February sun yet.
If you’re tempted by a beach break, holiday favourites like Cyprus and the Canary Islands are warming up – but if you want a more cultural experience, it’s also a great time of year for a city break, with lower prices and smaller crowds at some of Europe’s most iconic sights.
The cheapest February half term flights from Manchester Airport
Milan
Fly direct with easyJet from £89pp return
Milan is a global centre for fashion, and its iconic cathedral and the neighbouring square are the main draw for tourists. This February, there’s an additional draw – the city is hosting the Winter Olympics, and tickets remain available for events including curling and ice hockey for under 50 Euros per person (at the time of writing). Mini‑breakers can also use the city as a base to explore the Italian Lakes – Garda, Como and Lugano are all easily accessed by public transport.
Faro
Fly direct with Ryanair from £101pp return
It might be a bit too early in the year for a beach holiday on the Algarve, with temperatures ranging from around 16ºC–18ºC, but sunny weather is forecast for next week and conditions will be perfect for outdoor activities. The Via Algarviana is one of Portugal’s most popular hiking trails and will take you through quaint traditional villages, along coastal footpaths past scenic, secluded beaches, and through orchards of almond and orange trees in bloom.
The Loulé Carnival, a colourful cultural festival marking the start of Lent which has echoes of Rio de Janeiro, takes place over three days from 15–17 February in the town of Loulé, 15 minutes by car from Faro.
Poznan
Fly direct with Ryanair from £139pp return
Perhaps best known in Manchester for its football team, whose fans’ iconic goal celebrations have been emulated by Man City supporters, the Polish city of Poznan is packed with cultural interests, making it an ideal budget city break this February Half Term.
Highlights include the eye‑catching Mural Śródka, a mural on the side of a five‑storey building in the hipster Śródka neighbourhood packed with optical illusions, the daunting Imperial Castle and its surrounding gardens, and for lovers of artisanal pastries, there’s a Croissant Museum as well.
Bratislava
Fly direct with Ryanair from only £142pp return
Slovakia’s bohemian capital is awash with unique street art installations, like the iconic bronze statue of Cumil the Sewer Worker peeping up at passers‑by from a manhole on a busy city centre street. Other quirky attractions in Bratislava include the UFO tower, a flying‑saucer‑shaped observation deck on one of the main city bridges, and there’s a burgeoning microbrewery scene here reminiscent of neighbouring Czechia, with taprooms scattered throughout the city, plus nearby Devin Castle offers panoramic views over the Danube.
Barcelona
Fly direct with Ryanair from only £144pp return
2026 is a big year for Barcelona – it’s the year that’ll see the completion of two of its most iconic landmarks. An overhaul of Barcelona’s Nou Camp stadium is due for completion in June, and that will be followed by the completion of La Sagrada Familia – Antoni Gaudí’s UNESCO‑listed cathedral which has been under construction for over 100 years. Museums are open to visitors at both locations, and city breakers can also enjoy shopping and tapas on La Rambla in pleasant spring temperatures.
Paris
Fly direct with easyJet from £145pp return
February Half Term coincides with Paris Fashion Week, one of the biggest events in the fashion calendar – and although the event itself is invitation‑only, expect to see pop‑up public exhibitions and displays in the windows of high‑end retailers on the Champs‑Élysées. It’s a great time of year to enjoy Paris’ most popular attractions too – they’ll be much less busy than they are in the summer.
Paphos
Fly direct with Ryanair from £191pp return
Temperatures start to climb in the southern Mediterranean by February and in Paphos, the mercury often tips 20°C by the middle of the month. That means the beach is an option – but avoiding the heat of summer makes for a much more comfortable experience in enjoying the city’s famous archaeological sites like Nea Paphos and the Tombs of the Kings.
Tenerife
Fly direct with Ryanair from £194pp return
A great option for a family break at any time of year, Tenerife boasts one of the world’s largest water parks – Siam Park – along with a plethora of other family‑friendly attractions. Better still, next week’s weather forecast is for clear skies and daytime temperatures between 22°C and 24°C – ideal for the beach.