Discover the best places to travel to in Europe and start your journey today! From historic landmarks to breathtaking landscapes, Europe offers an array of destinations waiting to be explored. Europe, with its rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes, is a traveler's paradise.
Best Places to Travel to in Europe
Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, an adventure-filled vacation, or a cultural immersion, Europe has something for everyone. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the top destinations across the continent, providing insights and recommendations to help you plan an unforgettable trip.
1. The Dolomites of Italy
With jagged mountain peaks, charming towns and picturesque lakes, Italy's Dolomites are among the most beautiful places in Europe.
During the summer months, it's a hiking paradise, attracting people of all ages and ability levels. The chair takes hikers to some of the highest peaks, so you can get some truly breathtaking views with very little effort.
During the winter months, skiers descend from this same mountain in a snow-covered winter wonderland.
Best experience: Tre Cime di Lavaredo is one of the most popular hikes in the Dolomites, but there are many more to choose from. Our favorite hike is the Puez-Odle Altopiano. And if hiking isn't your thing, we've got a guide to the best things to do in the Dolomites with little or no hiking.
How long to spend in the Dolomites? Visiting the Dolomites is possible on a day trip from Venice or Verona. For the best experience, plan to spend at least two to three days here. This gives you plenty of time to just ride the car, enjoy the scenery and go hiking in the summer months Read our Dolomites itinerary for advice on how to plan your visit.
2. Santorini, Greece
The island of Santorini is the remnant of an ancient volcano. What remains is the rim of the caldera and one of Europe's most luminous cities perched along this rim.
Oia is one of the most beautiful towns in Santorini. Cascades of whitewashed buildings dotted with blue-domed churches and windmills make a stunning backdrop for photographers. The place looks even more magical as the sun goes down, as the buildings glow pink and orange and yellow. It is definitely a sight to behold.
Best experience: Go on a sunset cruise, explore the towns of Oia, Imerovigli and Fira, see red, white and black sand beaches and get an aerial view of the island from Love Elias. And of course, watch the sunset in Oia.
How long should you spend in Santorini? Three days in Santorini is the perfect amount of time to explore the towns, visit the beaches and watch the sunset from a cruise and Oia.
3. THE FJORDS OF NORWAY
Southern Norway is decorated with fjords, waterfalls, mountains and the most exciting hiking trails in Europe. It is a beautiful place to visit and one of the best road trip destinations in Europe.
You can explore the fjord by boat, train, car and on foot. And there are ways to combine all these modes of transport into one epic Norwegian holiday.
Best Experience: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Geirangerfjord. Cruise the fjords by ferry or on a cruise ship. Hike to Pulpit Rock, Kjeragbolten, and Trolltunga. Norway in a Nutshell is a trip that combines a cruise on the fjords with a scenic drive and one of the world's most beautiful train journeys.
How long should you spend in Norway? We recommend spending at least 7 days in this area of Norway but more time is better. This gives you plenty of time to visit Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger as well as cruise the fjords and hike.
4. Paris, France
Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Grand boulevards, architecture, parks and gardens, street cafes and monuments combine to create one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Best experience: Take in the view from the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Visit the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and Notre Dame Cathedral. Walk along the Champs-Elysées and the Seine River. Visit Montmartre, have lunch at a street cafe and dine on French cuisine.
How long should you spend in Paris? For the best experience, plan to spend 3 days in Paris. This gives you enough time to experience the best and get to know this wonderful city.
5. Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve...is the gorgeous coastline of southern Portugal. Not only can you relax on the beach, but you can also visit coastal towns, go hiking, play golf, and explore limestone grottoes.
Best experiences: Relax on the beaches of Praia do Camilo, visit the cities of Faro, Lagos and Tavira, visit Ponta da Piade, hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail and visit the Benagil Caves.
How long should you spend in the Algarve, Portugal? Plan to spend at least three days here, which gives you enough time to visit a few beaches and small towns. For the best experience, spend a week in the Algarve and with so much to do, see and eat, you'll never run out of new experiences.
6. Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
The Wild Atlantic Way is a 1600 mile road that snakes along the west coast of Ireland. Driving the Wild Atlantic Way is an ambitious road trip. If you stopped at every viewpoint and explored every nook and cranny of the Wild Atlantic Way, it would take more than a month. With less time, you can focus on a small part of the drive or just hit the main highlights.
Best Experiences: The Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula and Cliffs of Moher are some of the attractions on the Wild Atlantic Way. But there are also plenty of lesser-known but dramatic sights worth seeing. In fact, there are 157 Discovery Points to visit on the drive.
How long should you spend on the Wild Atlantic way? Driving the Wild Atlantic Way takes at least three days, but that doesn't give you enough time to soak in the scenery. Plan to spend at least five days road tripping along the coastline for the best experience.
7. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is one of the most photogenic cities in Europe. It is the only large Eastern European city that survived World War II without being destroyed by bombs. With Gothic towers, ancient cathedrals and the world's largest castle, Prague is one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
Best experiences: Walk across the Charles Bridge, visit the old town square, climb the tower, see the Astronomical Clock, see Prague Castle and visit pubs and beer halls.
How long should you spend in Prague? Two to three days gives you enough time to see the highlights of Prague. With more time, you can take day trips to smaller towns nearby.
8. Mont Saint-Michel, France
Mont Saint-Michel is an island located in northern France. The island is surrounded by medieval walls and topped with an ancient village and abbey. Most of the time it is surrounded by sand but when the tide is high, Mont Saint-Michel looks like a floating island.
Best experience: Visit the abbey, wander the narrow streets, go shopping and take a picture of Mont Saint-Michel at high tide.
How long should you spend in Mont Saint-Michel? Mont Saint-Michel is possible on a day trip from Paris but for the best experience, plan an overnight stay in a nearby town. Learn more here.
9. Istria, Croatia and Slovenia
The Istrian Peninsula is a wedge-shaped peninsula located in northwestern Croatia and western Slovenia. Istria does not share the same popularity as southern Croatia, but this means that Istria is much less crowded. If you want to avoid the crowds that crowd Dubrovnik and Hvar and Split, but still enjoy stunning coastal scenery and charming towns, consider visiting the Istrian Peninsula.
Best experiences: Visit the seaside towns of Rovinj, Pula, Porec, Piran and Koper, go cliff jumping at Cape Camenza, see Roman ruins, eat fresh seafood and soak up the sun on the beach.
How long should you spend in Istria? You can zip through the best sights in three days. More time allows you to slow down and enjoy this unique part of Europe.
10. Keukenhof, Netherlands
In April and May, Keukenhof is a wonderland of flowering daffodils, tulips and hyacinths. If you plan to stay in Amsterdam during these months, it is worth a visit.
How long should you spend at Keukenhof? A visit to Keukenhof lasts about half a day, with convenient transportation from Amsterdam.
Learn more about how to get to Keukenhof and Amsterdam: 2-Day Amsterdam Itinerary
11. Rakotzbruck, Germany
Rakotzbrücke was built in 1860. The entire bridge is man-made, with jagged, rocky spiers at either end of the bridge and pointed rocks sitting in the lake.
How to get to Rakotzbrücke: Rakotzbrücke is located in Rhododendronpark Kromlau near Gablenz, Germany. You can get here in a day trip from Berlin or Dresden.
12. Madeira, Portugal
Madeira is a small Portuguese archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean west of Morocco. The scenery, hiking trails, beaches, food and Madeira wine attract more than a million tourists a year.
Best experiences: Explore the city of Funchal, swim in lava pools, visit black sand beaches and go hiking.
How long to spend in Madeira? For the best experience, plan to spend at least 7 days soaking up the sights, hiking the trails, and enjoying the spectacular views. Learn more here.
13. Isle of Skye, Scotland
With its dramatic coastal scenery, quaint towns and lush countryside, the Isle of Skye is one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
It is a great destination for people of all ages. This compact peninsula is easy to explore by car, with plenty of short but sweet hiking trails that allow you to really appreciate the beauty of this place.
Best Experiences: Hike the Quirang, visit the Old Man of Stores, sample some whiskey at Talisker Distillery, tour Dunvegan Castle, visit Fairy Pool and Fairy Glen and watch the sunset at Nest Point.
How long should you spend on the Isle of Skye? We recommend three days, to run the Trotternish loop, visit Dunvegan Castle and do some short walks.
14. Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
With cobblestone streets, old stone buildings, towers and minarets, Mostar looks like it's been lifted from the pages of a fairy tale. Starry Most, a unique stone bridge spanning the Neretva River, is the heart of the city.
Not only is it fun to wander the streets, but the shopping and cafes make this city a pleasure to visit.
Best experiences: Photograph Stari Most, walk around the old town, visit the Koski Mehmed-Pasha Mosque and go shopping in the old bazaar.
How long to spend in Mostar? Ideally, plan to spend two days and one night in the city. With an overnight stay, you can explore Mostar at sunset and early morning, when the streets are delightfully uncrowded.
15. Cinque Terre, Italy
Five colorful, sparkling cities descend into the Mediterranean under coastal hills. Not only is it a fantastic place to explore in Italy, it's also one of the best places to visit in Europe.
Best experience: Explore five towns: Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare, Manarola, and Corniglia. If you like hiking, you can hike between five cities in one day. The more you hike, the more gelato you get to eat. Finish in Monterosso and take a quick swim in the Mediterranean.
How long should you spend in Cinque Terre? For the best experience, plan to spend at least one night (two or three nights are ideal) in one of the five cities. With a full day, hop on or hop off by train to connect five cities. With more time, relax on the beach or take a day trip to Portofino.
16. Kirkjufell, Iceland
Kirkjufell is the most photographed mountain in Iceland. It's unique arch shape, coastal location and isolation from other mountains make it a very unique photography location. Throw in a series of waterfalls and you have a stunning photography location.
How to get to Kirkjufell: Kirkjufell is located on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. It's possible to visit Kirkjufell on a very long day trip from Reykjavik, but for the best experience, plan to spend one to two nights on the Snæfellsnes peninsula. This gives you enough time to capture Kirkjufell at sunset or sunrise, if you're a photographer, and explore the peninsula's other amazing sights (of which there are many).
17. Alsace region of France
The Alsace Wine Route, located in eastern France, is a wonderful mix of fairytale towns and picturesque vineyards.
The Alsace Wine Route is where France meets Germany. This mix of French and German culture is also reflected in the architecture and cuisine.
Colorful, half-timbered houses line cobblestone streets. Add in the floral decorations, whimsical decorations on the buildings, and charming street cafes, and it really does feel like you're walking around in a fairy tale.
Best Experiences: Check out the long list of Alsatian cities (Colmar, Ribeauville, Riquewihr and Eguisheim are some of the top cities), tour the Château du Haut-Koenigsberg, dine on Alsatian cuisine and visit the wineries.
How long should you spend in Alsace? 3 days on the Alsace Wine Route gives you enough time to visit a handful of these charming towns and explore the countryside.
18. Zydansk, Poland
Gdansk is a beautiful city on the shores of the Baltic Sea. It is often overlooked by many travelers to Poland in favor of popular destinations like Warsaw, Krakow and Wroclaw. However, its colorful streets, easy walkability and collection of historical sites make this city an underrated gem of Europe.
Best experiences: Walk the Royal Way, see the view from the Town Hall Tower, visit St. Mary's Church, stroll along the Motlawa River, see the gargoyles on Mariaka Street, see the European Solidarity Center and the Museum of Second World War, and a day trip to Malbork Castle.
How long should you spend in Gdansk? On the quickest itinerary, Gdansk can be zipped around in a day. However, if you want the best experience, plan to spend at least two to three days here. This gives you plenty of time to explore the old town, visit two of Poland's best museums, and eat your heart out at some amazing restaurants.
19. Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Towering mountains, alpine meadows, elevated cable cars, historic cogwheel trains, scenic walks, quaint villages and hamlets… the Swiss Alps top the list as one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
Best Experiences: Explore the Lauterbrunnen Valley, ride the cable car to Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn, visit Zermatt and take the train to Gornergrat for views of the Matterhorn, visit the alpine towns of Murren, Wengen and Gimmelwald. In the summer months, hike the trails and in the winter months, spend your time on the ski slopes.
How long should you spend in the Swiss Alps? As far as possible. 😊 In Switzerland it is possible to take day trips to the Alps from Lucerne, Zurich or Lausanne at the fastest times. Honestly, spend as much time as possible here. We spent ten days in the Swiss Alps on our recent trip and more time would have been nice.
20. Costa Brava, Spain
This rocky coastline in northeastern Spain is well known for its small towns and rugged coastal scenery. The Costa Brava stretches from the French border to the city of Blanes. With excellent weather and beautiful beaches, it is a top holiday destination for many Europeans.
Best Experiences: Take a wine tour, visit the city of Girona, relax on the beaches of Lloret de Mar, dine on Mediterranean cuisine, visit the Dalà Theater-Museum, and explore Cap de Creus Natural Park and Cadaqués.
How long should you spend on the Costa Brava? It is possible to take a day trip to the Costa Brava from Barcelona but a few more days gives you more time to sample the food and explore the small towns. Learn more here.
21. Hallstatt, Austria
This small town, with its picture-perfect surroundings, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
In recent years, Hallstatt has become one of the most popular places to visit in Austria. Expect big crowds in summer and early fall. However, with the right planning, it can be a magical place.
Best experiences: Wander the old town, take in the view from the World Heritage Skywalk, tour the salt mines and visit the Hallstatt Ossuary.
How long should you spend on Hallstatt? You only need a few hours to walk through the city. For the best experience, plan to stay overnight, so you can enjoy these beautiful roads once the day trippers have disappeared.
22. Lofoten Islands, Norway
Undoubtedly, the Lofoten Islands are one of our most visited destinations. With rugged coastlines, small harbors lined with red fishing cabins, winding roads through the mountains, thrilling hiking trails and beaches that feel like they're the Caribbean, northern Norway is a delight to explore.
Best Experience: Take your pick from amazing hiking trails (Reinbringen is the most famous but there are many more to choose from), explore white sandy beaches, stay in Rorbu, explore fishing villages, eat fresh fish and seafood, and during the winter months See the Northern Lights.
How long should you spend in the Lofoten Islands? At the bare minimum, you need two full days in the Lofoten Islands. Four days is better but each day you add to your itinerary gives you more time to explore the area and gives you some spare time, in case you get bad weather (which is a very real possibility here).
23. Bay of Kotor, Montenegro
The Bay of Kotor resembles the fjords of Norway or New Zealand, with green cliffs plunging into the blue waters of the bay. A two-lane road skirts the Bay of Kotor through small towns and villages.
Best Experiences: Visit Perast, take a boat ride to Our Lady of the Rocks, explore Kotor, hike the Kotor Stairs and climb the Kotor City Walls.
How long should you spend in the Bay of Kotor? Two days is enough time to see the highlights. Add a few more days to nearby coastal towns and day trips into Montenegro's interior.
24. Venice, Italy
Venice is romantic, historic and gorgeous. Canals, gondolas, architecture and the colorful towns of Murano and Burano make it one of the greatest cities in Europe.
Best experiences: Wander the streets of Venice, visit St. Mark's Basilica, climb the Campanile di San Marco for a bird's-eye view of Venice, walk across the Rialto Bridge, tour the Doge's Palace, take a day trip to Murano and Burano, and ride a gondola.
How long to spend in Venice? Two to three days are the perfect amount of time to explore Venice's highlights and venture off-the-beaten-path.
25. Faroe Islands, Denmark
An archipelago of rugged mountains and dramatic waterfalls in northwest Scotland. For photographers and outdoor adventurers, the Faroe Islands are a must-see destination.
Best Experiences: Visit the Mulafossur Falls, visit the fishing villages, see the puffins in Mykines, hike the Sorvagsavatan Lake and go kayaking or rock climbing.
How long should you spend in the Faroe Islands? You should spend a minimum of three days in the Faroe Islands. Five to seven days gives you enough time to see the highlights and day trips to smaller islands. Learn more here.
26. Plitvice Lakes, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes is one of the must-see places in Croatia. With easy walking trails, boardwalks suspended over turquoise waters, stunning views and photogenic waterfalls, these lakes are fun to visit for people of all ages.
Best Experience: Walk the boardwalk trail, enjoy the park's viewpoints, and explore the upper and lower lakes.
How long should you spend at Plitvice Lakes? It takes about a day to explore Plitvice Lakes. For the best experience, plan to spend a night near the lake, so you can visit the park early and/or late in the day, when it's least crowded.
27. Bavaria, Germany
Bavaria is located in southern Germany and is the land of fairytale castles, Oktoberfest and the Alps. With the Alps in the south and beautiful towns dotting the hillsides, Bavaria is a beautiful and romantic destination.
Best experiences: Visit Neuschwanstein, explore the salt mines of Berchtesgaden, see the Eagles Nest, take in the view from the Zugspitze, explore Bavarian towns and villages, visit Oktoberfest and travel to Munich.
How long will you spend in Bavaria? Seven to ten days gives you plenty of time to see the highlights of Bavaria and day trips to nearby places in Austria.
28. High Tatras, Slovakia
Slovakia's High Tatras are an outdoor paradise. Jagged mountains, emerald green lakes, rugged hiking trails and cable cars all combine to create the perfect adventure destination. Take short, easy walks around alpine lakes, take a cable car ride to one of Slovakia's highest peaks and climb Rysi, Poland's highest mountain. If you are an avid hiker, this is one of the best places to visit in Europe.
Best experiences: Hike one or all of the many epic hiking trails, ride the cable car on Lomniki Stit, explore Slovak Paradise, visit small Slovakian towns.
How long will you spend in the Tatras? Two days would be the minimum we would recommend but three or more days is ideal. This gives you plenty of time to hike, explore cities and visit the Slovak Paradise, if that sounds interesting to you.
29. Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Blade has all the ingredients for the perfect getaway...a castle high on the hillside, a beautiful little island to visit, hiking trails, secluded swimming spots, and a great sweet treat.
Best experiences: Visit Bled Island, hike to Mala Osojnica for the best view of the lake, go paddle boarding, have a slice of Bled cream cake, walk around the lake and visit the Vintgar Gorge.
How long should you spend in Lake Blade? You only need one day to see the highlights. Many people do it as a day trip from Ljubljana. But if you have the time, plan to spend several days here or at nearby Lake Bohinj to fully enjoy the area.
30. The Bastei, Germany
Bastei is one of Germany's most unique landscapes. The Elbe river and towering peaks of sandstone rock tower over green countryside. Spanning these peaks is a stone bridge, dramatic in its appearance, as it connects these stone towers and then seems to lead nowhere.
The term Bastei refers to the jagged group of sandstone rocks located in the Saxon Switzerland National Park. Neurathen Castle stood on this rock hundreds of years ago. Now, not much remains of that fort. It is the bridge, Basteibrücke (Bastion Bridge), that is the main attraction here.
How to get to Bastei: Bastei is located in the Saxon Switzerland National Park, 40 km east of Dresden, Germany. You can visit this place on a day trip from Dresden or Berlin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: What are the best times to visit Europe?
A: The best times to visit Europe are during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller.
Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Europe?
A: It depends on your nationality and the countries you plan to visit. Many European countries are part of the Schengen Area, allowing travelers to move freely within the region for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Q: What are some must-try dishes in Europe?
A: Some must-try dishes in Europe include paella in Spain, pasta carbonara in Italy, schnitzel in Austria, and moules-frites in Belgium.
Q: How can I travel between European countries?
A: Traveling between European countries is easy thanks to an extensive network of trains, buses, and budget airlines. Consider purchasing a Eurail pass for unlimited train travel within certain countries or regions.
Q: Is it safe to travel to Europe alone?
A: Europe is generally considered safe for solo travelers, but it's essential to take common-sense precautions such as staying aware of your surroundings, avoiding poorly lit areas at night, and keeping your belongings secure.
Q: What are some off-the-beaten-path destinations in Europe?
A: Some off-the-beaten-path destinations in Europe include the Faroe Islands, Transylvania in Romania, the Az
Conclusion
In conclusion, Europe captivates travelers with its unparalleled beauty, rich history, and diverse cultures. Whether you're exploring ancient ruins, savoring gourmet cuisine, or embarking on thrilling adventures, Europe promises an unforgettable journey of discovery and wonder.
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