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This country is 2025’s top winter destination, according to Airbnb

Airbnb names Italy the season’s must-visit spot

By Amanda Teague Nov 6, 2025 4:00 AM

Italy — MikeDotta / Shutterstock

Move over, ski chalets in the Alps and cozy cabins in Canada. This winter, travelers have their eyes on Italy. According to Airbnb’s newly released winter travel report, Italy is officially the top-trending destination for winter 2025, as excitement builds ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.

Searches for Italian getaways are soaring, with the biggest spikes coming from the country’s northern regions of Trentino-South Tyrol, Lombardy, and Veneto – all key Olympic host areas. Lombardy, in particular, is seeing triple-digit year-over-year growth.

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The surge in interest isn’t just local, either. The top countries driving bookings to Italy this winter include Germany, Canada, Switzerland, and the United States, alongside domestic Italian travelers eager to experience their own Olympic-ready destinations.

Beyond the Olympics

While the upcoming Winter Olympics may be fueling Italy’s moment in the spotlight, Airbnb’s data shows that travelers are also branching out to lesser-known winter gems. This growing trend of “gateway travel” has guests combining the best of both worlds: vibrant city life and easy access to the outdoors.

In Australia’s Capital Territory, visitors can enjoy the perfect blend of urban buzz and bushland calm. Canberra’s lively dining scene, museums, and markets sit just minutes away from scenic hiking trails and wildlife encounters, making it ideal for travelers craving both comfort and connection to nature.

Across the Pacific, the Santiago Metropolitan Region in Chile is gaining traction. With the Andes Mountains towering on one side and coastal hills on the other, travelers can hit the slopes by morning and explore Santiago’s colorful neighborhoods, art galleries, and wine bars by night.

Meanwhile, Goslar, Germany, tucked away in the snowy Harz Mountains, offers a fairytale winter escape. Its UNESCO-listed medieval center, cobblestone streets, and charming Christmas markets deliver all the magic of a classic European holiday without the crowds.

Other trending winter hotspots include Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand, known for its laid-back coastal vibe; San José, Costa Rica, the lively gateway to volcanoes and rainforests; State of Goiás, Brazil, rich in colonial history and natural parks; and Córdoba, Colombia, where tropical warmth meets exciting culture.

Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and the written word… Read Full Bio

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