Five Affordable Winter European Destinations Just a Short Flight Away
Discover five affordable European capitals within a three-hour flight from Israel, featuring budget winter getaways, ski resorts, thermal baths, and cultural highlights.
Winter is the season when short flights to Europe become exceptionally affordable. Between November and February, ticket prices for certain routes drop by about 30 to 50 percent compared to peak season, according to Kayak data. In the five capitals listed below, the rest of the trip is also inexpensive: accommodation, food, and entertainment generally cost less than in other Western European destinations.
Flight times to all of them range from about two and a half to three hours, and each is served by at least two airlines operating direct flights from Ben Gurion Airport.
1. Tbilisi, Georgia
Flight time from Ben Gurion: Approx. 2 hours and 35 minutes.
Airlines: El Al, Arkia, Israir.
Cost: Around $150–$300 per person round trip.
Winter in Tbilisi is relatively mild. In January, the coldest month, average temperatures range from about -2°C to 4°C, and snow in the city itself is a rare occurrence. However, the Caucasus Mountains nearby are snow-covered, making a winter trip to Tbilisi a combination of the old city with its sulfur baths and a day or two in the mountains. In the heart of the Old Town lies the Abanotubani sulfur bath district, where warm, sulfur-rich mineral springs fill pools beneath brick domes.
The Gudauri ski resort is located about 120 km from Tbilisi, roughly a two-hour drive. Lifts operate from 10:00 to 17:00, and illuminated night-skiing slopes open on weekends. Visitors in early January can also catch Georgian Christmas on January 7, featuring the Alilo procession.
2. Sofia, Bulgaria
Flight time from Ben Gurion: Approx. 2 hours and 50 minutes.
Airlines: Wizz Air, El Al, Arkia, Bulgaria Air, Israir, Blue Bird.
Cost: Around $80–$240 per person round trip.
In January, the average temperature in Sofia hovers around 0°C, with nights dropping to -4°C. The city's winter advantage is the mountain: Mount Vitosha rises directly above it, and the Aleko ski resort sits at an altitude of about 1,800 meters, just 12 km from the city center. Since January 2026, Bulgaria has adopted the euro, eliminating currency exchange hassle.
3. Bucharest, Romania
Flight time from Ben Gurion: Approx. 2 hours and 50 minutes.
Airlines: Wizz Air, El Al, Tarom.
Cost: Around $80–$250 per person round trip.
Winter in Bucharest offers two main draws: the massive Christmas market in Constitution Square and the Therme București thermal pool and spa complex in Balotești. Snow seekers can also take a fast train to Sinaia, a ski resort 124 km away featuring Peleș Castle.
4. Belgrade, Serbia
Flight time from Ben Gurion: Approx. 3 hours.
Airlines: El Al, Arkia.
Cost: Around $100–$300 per person round trip.
Belgrade has fewer direct weekly flights, so early booking is recommended. January daytime temperatures hover around freezing, with mornings dipping significantly. Key attractions include the Kalemegdan Fortress, the bohemian Skadarlija quarter, and the massive Saint Sava Church, where traditional Orthodox Christmas Eve bonfires take place.
5. Chișinău, Moldova
Flight time from Ben Gurion: Approx. 2 hours and 55 minutes.
Airlines: HiSky, FlyOne, El Al.
Cost: Around $120–$300 per person round trip.
While January temperatures in Chișinău range from -5°C to 0°C, the main attractions are underground. The Cricova and Mileștii Mici wineries feature vast subterranean galleries and massive wine collections, offering a unique winter escape.
