Choosing the finest locations to visit in Europe may be challenging since there are so many incredible possibilities. From city breaks completely with intriguing history and culture to escapes in nature amid magnificent landscapes and unique national parks.
The towns of Riga, Florence, and Vienna thrill with their rich histories and impressive artistic traditions. Venice, Paris, and Verona are some of the most attractive for a romantic getaway. Beautiful landscapes may be found in Iceland and the Faroe Islands. At the same time, the islands of Croatia and the Greek Islands are known for their untouched beaches and transparent waters.
Some of Europe’s top football-viewing towns include Manchester and Barcelona. At the same time, those looking to get some exercise may go to Andorra for skiing, the Azores for surfing, or Norway for some breathtaking hiking.
Europe is also a delight for foodies, with its remarkable and varied cuisine, from Spanish paella and Italian pasta to the Ukrainian borsch. Ready to start planning your next trip?
1. Canary Islands, Spain
Eight individual islands make up the Spanish archipelago of the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. A paradise for nature lovers, with pleasant temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and few manmade distractions.
Tenerife is the largest island in the archipelago and home to Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak (also one of the highest volcanoes in the world). Swim with turtles, see the animals at Loro Park and go on a stroll in Teide National Park (or a stargazing tour).
Take in the stunning scenery of Timanfaya National Park in Fuerteventura, a Spanish island designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. Check out the volcanic grapes of La Geria and the underground passages of Jameos del Agua and Cueva de Los Verdes.
Vegueta, the historic town on Gran Canaria, and its golden sand beaches are well worth a visit. La Gomera, with its one-of-a-kind Garajonay National Park, and El Hierro, with its more than 40 diving locations, are two of the other islands well worth a day trip from Tenerife. The national park of La Caldera de Taburiente on La Palma is a must-see, as are the beaches of Fuerteventura and the marine life off La Graciosa.
2. Monaco
In addition to being an innovative and elegant city-state along the French Riviera, Monaco also boasts pleasant weather throughout the year and more millionaires per square mile than any other place in the world.
Visit the sharks at the Oceanographic Museum, tour the picturesque Old Town, or enjoy a concert at the world-renowned Opéra de Monte-Carlo. Take a spin in a Ferrari or Lamborghini if you’re a car fanatic.
Planning your vacation around the Formula One Grand Prix will allow you to see one of the world’s most exciting and prestigious events and, of course, give you the chance to try your luck at some of the world’s finest casinos, most notably the one in Monte-Carlo.
3. Oxford, Great Britain
The Ashmolean Museum and the Museum of Natural History, located in Oxford, are among the city’s many historical landmarks.
With attractions like Alice’s Store and Alice’s Window at Christ Church, Oxford is one of the top European destinations for academics, writers, and film buffs.
Oxford University is home to the likes of Lewis Carroll (Alice in Wonderland), J. R. R. Tolkien (The Lord of the Rings), and C. S. Lewis (The Chronicles of Narnia). It’s just an hour away from Stratford-upon-Avon, where Shakespeare was born.
Tours of Harry Potter and Downton Abbey will take you to iconic spots like the Divinity School and Bodleian Library and lesser-known spots like Cogges Manor Farm and St. Mary’s Church.
4. Pompeii, Italy
Just 30 minutes outside of Naples, one of the top European destinations for history buffs is the city of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most visited archeological sites.
The Roman city was buried quickly after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which led to its preservation throughout the years and the discovery of invaluable insights into ancient life.
You may take a trip to see the ruins of Pompeii from places like the towns along the Amalfi Coast, and it would be a good idea to do so. As an added bonus, you may pair it with a visit to Mount Vesuvius if you want.
There are several must-see attractions in Pompeii, including the Basilica, the Forum, the House of the Faun, and the Amphitheatre, the oldest surviving Roman amphitheater. Pay for a ticket that allows you to bypass the lines and start exploring straight away!
5. Krakow, Poland
There are many reasons to go to Krakow, Poland, one of the country’s oldest and second most significant cities. The historic district is a great place to start your exploration of this enchanting city, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Go sightseeing at Rynek, Europe’s most significant medieval plaza, and Kazimierz, Poland’s historic Jewish Quarter.
Just outside of Krakow is the concentration camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, a visit to which, despite the potential for emotional exhaustion, would be well worth it for the fascinating tales it contains.
6. Capri, Italy
Located in the Gulf of Naples, with excellent scenery and fantastic food, Capri has a lot to experience. Visit the Piazzetta di Capri, the heart of the island and its busiest section, and dine on some delicious ravioli Caprese at one of the local eateries.
Capri’s seas are a sight to see, so book a boat excursion and explore the island while gazing at the Blue Gotto and Arco Naturale. Take some time to unwind and enjoy the scenery near the Gardens of Augustus.
Capri is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, including the swimmable Marina Grande and the world-renowned Bagni di Tiberio.
7. Belgrade, Serbia
Belgrade is well-known for its lively nightlife and celebrations, and for a good reason. The city has world-class art museums, historic buildings, lively streets, and the most excellent European pubs.
Check to see Kalemegdan, Belgrade’s biggest park, and the Belgrade Fortress, where the city’s historic fortress formerly stood. Visit the Nikola Tesla Museum and the Church of Saint Sava, the two most important Orthodox churches in Serbia.
After learning about the city’s tumultuous past, you may enjoy its lively nightlife, which has excellent clubs and pubs year-round (indoors and outside during the summer).
