You’re in Europe. You’re on vacation. You love Europe. You’re going to see some of the most beautiful places in Europe. But what are those beautiful places? Why are they so special? And how do you get there? Fear not, traveller! We’ve got your back.
We’ve compiled a list of the top 25 most beautiful places in Europe, and we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about them, including what makes them so unique, where they are located, how to get there and even some tips on where to stay once you arrive at your destination.
So set your sights on these enchanting sites and go out into the world—you never know what wonders await!
The history of Europe stretches back thousands of years, and its cities contain monuments from every period in its formative years. Human intellectual and artistic achievements have been concentrated in Europe for millennia. But it also has some of the most spectacular natural environments on Earth.
Santorini is a beautiful island located in the Aegean Sea, about 150 km (93 mi) south of Greece’s mainland. It is known for its stunning sunsets and white-washed buildings perched on the edge of a high cliff overlooking the ocean.
The island’s main town, Oia, is particularly famous for its picturesque setting and beautiful views. In addition to its beautiful scenery, Santorini is also known for its delicious food and wine, making it a popular destination for travellers.
The name Santorini means “Saint Irene” or “Saint Irene Island” after a Greek Orthodox monastery located on it – perhaps because the monks named it after their patron saint.
Santorini is a volcanic island in the Aegean Sea, one of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations. The island is famous for its white-washed houses, blue domes and red-tiled roofs. Santorini has over 10,000 people and has been inhabited since at least 1700 BC.
2. Venice, Italy
Venice is a city in northeastern Italy situated on a group of 118 small islands separated by canals and linked by bridges. It is located in the marshy Venetian Lagoon, which stretches along the shoreline between the mouths of the Po and the Piave Rivers. In a luxury tone: You don’t want to miss out on this one!
Venice is known for its beauty, its unique architecture and its canals. The city has an ancient history, dating back to the 4th century BC. Venice has been renowned for the beauty and art of its buildings, palaces, bridges and works of art that have been created over the centuries.
3. Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a beautiful city. It’s home to many great restaurants, cafes and bars. It can be explored in the summertime while enjoying many outdoor activities, such as swimming in thermal baths or visiting museums. Budapest is also known for its nightlife, offering clubs that play excellent music and some of the best cocktails you’ll ever taste.
The best part about Budapest is that it’s affordable compared to European cities like Paris or Rome, which means you can get a lot more out of your money when staying there!
Budapest is the capital and the largest city in Hungary. It is located on the Danube River and is a popular tourist destination with many attractions, including Parliament Buildings and St. Stephen’s Basilica. The Hungarian National Museum resides here as well. With a population of 1.7 million, Budapest is ideal for travellers to explore all that it has to offer!
4. Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is a beautiful city with a great history that dates back to the 12th century. It’s the capital of the Czech Republic and one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, with countless attractions and activities to choose from.
You can enjoy sightseeing tours through this historic city, which include stops at iconic landmarks like St. Vitus Cathedral and Charles Bridge. You can also visit one of Prague’s many museums, such as The National Museum or The Municipal House Art Gallery. Or you can take in some culture by going on an opera tour or attending a performance at one of its many theatres or symphony halls–or maybe even both!
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. It is known for its history as a center of art, education, and culture. Prague has a population density of 2200 people per square kilometre. The city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 and is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations.
5. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Plitvice Lakes National Park is the oldest national park in Southeast Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park comprises 16 lakes connected by waterfalls, caves, and capillaries. Plitvice Lakes National Park is home to over 200 species of birds, including rare ones like a black stork and white-tailed eagle. You can explore this beautiful place with your family or friends on foot or by boat.
The park is open year-round and offers a variety of activities, including hiking and biking trails, boating on the lakes, and cave exploration. You can also visit the visitor center for information about the park’s history, flora and fauna.
6. Santander, Spain
You may have already heard about Santander, Spain. It’s a great city for people who like to swim, sunbathe and walk along the coast.
The historic city of Santander has been around since 1497 when King Ferdinand II of Aragon founded it. The Spanish king named San Esteban de Aparicio after his son died during an expedition in which he tried to conquer land from Muslims in northern Africa.
Today you can visit Santander’s beautiful beaches and enjoy activities like swimming or surfing. You can also go on hikes through the mountains that surround the coastline!
7. Braga, Portugal
Braga is a city in the north of Portugal. It is the capital city of the District of Braga and its largest municipality. The urban area of Braga extends beyond it, with two other municipalities being part of it: Barcelos and Póvoa de Lanhoso. The town is known for its many churches, monasteries and convents built after the Reconquista period ended in 1249.
The Gothic Cathedral (Sé) was built between 1170 and 1514 by order of Bishop Francisco Mendes. In 2014 it was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list as part of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Iberian Peninsula.”
Outside the cathedral, there are several squares which are worth visiting during your stay here: Praça da República (Republic Square) – where you’ll find St Peter’s Church; Praça de Santa Clara – with statues depicting various saints; Praça does Giraldo – home to a statue dating back over 300 years called ‘Cristo do Beato’; Avenida Alexandre Herculano under which there used to be dungeons from medieval times; Rua do Crucifixo also known as Calçada dos Clerigos (Clergymen Street).
8. Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled is a beautiful place, but it’s also one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations. Just look at that view! It’s hard to believe how crowded it gets. The lake itself is small and surrounded by mountains which create breathtaking panoramas. Lake Bled is a stunning location in Slovenia, with a gorgeous lake and an island with a church. It’s a great place to visit in summer or winter when the temperatures are at their highest or lowest.
You can walk around the lake or rent a boat to get out on the water. You can also hike up to Bled Castle, built in 1040 and looks down over the town of Bled below it. The castle was used as a fortress, a prison, and even as a hotel for Napoleon Bonaparte during his time as emperor of France (1804-1815).
The island in the middle of Lake Bled is called Otok Mljet and is covered in trees; it’s best known for its 11th-century Benedictine monastery on top of it. This is where you’ll find one of Slovenia’s most well-known landmarks—the Church of Our Lady of the Lake (Slovene: Cerkev Marije Bistrica), built in 1018 by Count Ulric Iberico from Carinthia (now southern Austria).
9. Hallstatt, Austria
Located in the Austrian Alps, Hallstatt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most picturesque places in Europe. The village sits on top of a mountain with three lakes below it. The town itself has less than 1000 inhabitants. The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, but it got its name from being a salt mining area in medieval times.
Today, you can still see remnants of these ancient mines and salt shacks where people used to collect their daily needs from this precious commodity. This place is ideal for hiking and exploring by foot or bike while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and lakes!
10. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a city in Croatia on the Adriatic coast. It is one of the most beautiful European cities and has a long history. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has many medieval buildings, including the famous Dubrovnik Cathedral. In 1992, for its beauty and importance to world culture, UNESCO added the old part of Dubrovnik to its list of World Heritage Sites.
The first thing that you should do when visiting Dubrovnik has visited their Old Town. The Old Town is full of beautiful architecture from the 14th century and offers excellent sea views. If you want to learn more about the history of Dubrovnik, you should go to their Museum of History, which houses many artifacts from ancient times.
Go on a boat tour around the city – This is a great way to see some sights from above, like Lokrum Island or Fort Lovrijenac.
Visit Fort Lovrijenac – The Austrians built this fort on top of a hill overlooking the city in 1805, and it offers spectacular views of Dubrovnik and its surroundings.
Have lunch at Konoba Komin Škalica – This restaurant serves traditional Croatian cuisine with local ingredients (and they even have vegetarian options!).
11. The canals of Venice
The canals of Venice are the most beautiful and famous feature of the city. They were first built in the 6th century as a defence against invaders. It’s widely believed that you can’t truly appreciate Venice without taking a boat ride in its majestic waterways.
But Venice isn’t just about being on the water; it’s also about what’s on either side: beautiful buildings lining every inch of land available to build upon—including many centuries-old churches, palaces and museums—giving you an incredible view no matter where you’re going or what time of day it is (and yes, there are plenty of places to get out onto dry land).
12. The beaches of Bora Bora
The beaches of Bora Bora are a paradise for sun lovers. The beaches are surrounded by coconut palms and tropical flowers, which make them very picturesque. The water is crystal clear, and the sand is powder soft, making it perfect for swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. The beaches of Bora Bora are some of the most beautiful in the world. The sand is white, the water is crystal clear and inviting, and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your stay.
If you’re looking for something to do on The beaches of Bora Bora, look no further than swimming! With warm water and a gentle current, it’s easy to get lost in the beauty of nature here. You can also go scuba diving or snorkelling, allowing you to see some incredible underwater wildlife up close. For those who prefer dry land activities, plenty of volleyball courts are available for use at no cost.
The beaches of Bora Bora are also home to many kinds of water sports. If you’re feeling adventurous, try parasailing or jet skiing—both are sure to be memorable experiences! If you’re more interested in staying close to shore, try renting kayaks and exploring the area from a different perspective.
13. The Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
The Eiffel Tower is a symbol of Paris, one of the world’s most recognizable structures. It was built for the 1889 World’s Fair, where it served as a decorative tower that could be seen from far away. The tower was built by Gustave Eiffel and stood over 300 meters tall (984 feet!). Today, you can take an elevator to the top or walk up a series of stairs if you want to feel like Rocky Balboa on his way up to meet Apollo Creed!
Paris is also known for being one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The city’s architecture has changed over time but retains many old-world charms.
The Eiffel Tower also hosts an annual fireworks show called “Fete de la Musique,” which takes place every year on June 21st (France’s Independence Day). During this event, there are concerts around Paris with thousands of people playing instruments together for one big celebration!
14. Cinque Terre, Italy
Cinque Terre is a destination that offers travellers an opportunity to relax, enjoy the natural beauty of the area and its history, and experience what it’s like to live in an authentic Italian fishing village.
The best way to explore Cinque Terre is by foot. The towns are connected by hiking paths that weave through olive groves and vineyards. You’ll find many shops and restaurants along the way, as well as hidden surprises—like a tiny chapel tucked away in the mountainside or a quiet beach where you can swim in crystal clear water with views of the sea below.
Cinque Terre offers many opportunities for outdoor adventure as well. Hire a guide for a boat tour around the area, try your hand at windsurfing, or rent bikes and ride through the hillsides on one of Italy’s most picturesque roads.
After exploring all day, spend an evening at one of the local restaurants or cafes enjoying fresh seafood caught by local fishermen—or take advantage of one of the many cooking classes offered throughout Cinque Terre so you can learn how to make some Italian favourites yourself!
15. Marrakesh, Morocco
Marrakesh is an exotic and vibrant city in Morocco. It is known for its markets, mosques and palaces. The city has many landmarks you shouldn’t miss out on seeing during your trip to Marrakesh. One of the most famous landmarks in Marrakesh is the Ben Youssef Madrasa, built-in 1284 by Sultan Yacoub el Mansour Ben Youssef.
This madrassa has beautiful architecture, and it also houses gorgeous gardens. If you’re looking to shop while visiting Morocco, then Marrakech Souk is where you can find great deals on clothes, jewelry and souvenirs from around the world!
Marrakesh is a city of endless possibilities.
The winding streets and exotic architecture make it an exciting place to explore—and the food, oh my! The city is home to some of the most delicious cuisines in Morocco, from tagine to couscous.
But Marrakesh isn’t just about eating; it’s also one of the best places in the world for shopping and getting lost in a maze of alleyways. If you’re looking for something specific, you can find it here—whether it’s handmade leather purses or traditional Berber jewelry. And if you’re not sure what else to do while in town, don’t worry: plenty of museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks will keep you busy until your flight leaves tomorrow morning!
16. Lake Como, Italy
Located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, Lake Como is one of the most beautiful and peaceful lakes you’ll ever see. The lake is known for its lush scenery, pristine waters and charming villages. Located on the west coast of Italy, it offers opulent hotels, villas, and exquisite restaurants serving traditional Italian cuisine.
The largest town around Lake Como is Como, with a population of about 50 thousand. It also has several notable landmarks, including Villa Carlotta (also referred to as Villa Carabelli), Villa Melzi d’Eril and Villa Olmo, that date back to the 18th century when Napoleon Bonaparte ruled over this part of Europe.
17. The Swiss Alps, Switzerland
The Swiss Alps are a range of mountains located in Switzerland. They are known for their breathtaking mountain landscapes and are a popular winter destination for skiing and snowboarding. The Swiss Alps are also home to many beautiful lakes and forests, which provide a stunning backdrop for hiking and other outdoor activities in the summer. In addition to their natural beauty, the Swiss Alps are also home to many charming villages known for their traditional architecture and friendly locals.
18. The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
The Cliffs of Moher are located on the west coast of Ireland and are known for their stunning ocean views. The cliffs rise to over 200 meters and offer breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding countryside.
The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most iconic natural landmarks. Located on the west coast of Ireland, they’re home to a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean and its surrounding landscape.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing or something more adventurous activity, there are plenty of things to do at The Cliffs of Moher. Here are some ideas:
-Take a walk along the cliffs: Hiking along these dramatic cliffs is a great way to see Ireland’s natural beauty up close. You’ll be able to spot sea birds and wildflowers in bloom as you make your way along paths that wind through grassy fields and up steep trails with stunning views all around you.
-Take a boat tour: If you don’t feel like hiking (or if it’s raining), take a boat tour instead! There are several companies that offer tours that allow you to explore the coastline from a different perspective by sea. You’ll be able to see dolphins swimming alongside their boats as they glide across the ocean’s surface and get up close with nearby islands, as well as experience wildlife like seals and puffins without getting wet feet!
19. The Italian Lakes, Italy
The Italian Lakes are a group of beautiful lakes located in northern Italy. The most famous lakes are Lake Como, Lake Garda, and Lake Maggiore, known for their stunning scenery and picturesque towns. The Italian Lakes are a popular destination for travellers, and many people visit to enjoy the beautiful views, relax by the water, and explore the surrounding countryside. In addition to their natural beauty, the Italian Lakes is also home to many historical and cultural attractions, making them a must-see destination for anyone visiting Italy.
The region is full of small towns and villages, often surrounded by beautiful lakes, giving the area its name. In addition to being beautiful, the part is also home to many excellent restaurants, hotels, and shops.
There are many fun things to do in The Italian Lakes. One popular activity is visiting one of the many museums in town. Some exhibit exhibits about local history or art, while others focus on more general topics like science or nature. If you’re travelling with children, you can also check out some of the parks around town where they can let off some steam before bedtime!
20. The Cinque Terre, Italy
The Cinque Terre is a group of five colourful villages on the Italian Riviera. These villages are known for their beautiful coastal views and their brightly coloured houses, which are built into the cliffs overlooking the sea. The Cinque Terre is a popular destination for travellers, and many people visit to enjoy the beautiful scenery, taste the local cuisine, and explore the charming villages. In addition to their natural beauty, the Cinque Terre is also home to many historical and cultural attractions, making them a must-see destination for anyone visiting Italy.
21. The Scottish Highlands, Scotland
The Scottish Highlands is a beautiful region located in the northern part of Scotland. They are known for their rugged landscapes and stunning views and are a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Scottish Highlands are home to many beautiful lochs (lakes) and mountains and are a great place to go hiking, camping, and fishing. In addition to their natural beauty, the Scottish Highlands is also home to many charming villages known for their traditional architecture and friendly locals.
22. The Northern Lights, Norway
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a natural phenomenon known for their incredible colours and movement in the night sky. They can be seen in the northern latitudes and are a popular destination for travellers who want to see this fantastic sight. The Northern Lights are caused by the interaction of the Earth’s magnetic field and solar particles and can be seen in a variety of colours, including green
23. The Faroe Islands, Denmark
The Faroe Islands are a group of 18 beautiful islands in the North Atlantic Ocean. They are known for their rugged coastlines and stunning landscapes and are a popular destination for travellers who want to experience a unique and unspoiled natural environment. The Faroe Islands are home to many beautiful mountains, lakes, and waterfalls and are a great place to go hiking, birdwatching, and whale watching. In addition to their natural beauty, the Faroe Islands are also home to many charming villages known for their friendly locals and traditional architecture.
24. The Palace of Versailles, France
The Palace of Versailles is beautiful just outside Paris, France. It was once the residence of the kings of France and is now a popular tourist attraction. The court is known for its stunning architecture, and beautiful gardens, considered some of the finest in Europe. Visitors to the court can explore the grand hallways and rooms, which are filled with beautiful artwork and furnishings, and take a stroll through the gardens, which are filled with fountains, sculptures, and other works of art.
25. The Isle of Skye, Scotland
The Isle of Skye is the largest of the Inner Hebrides islands located off the west coast of Scotland. It is known for its dramatic landscapes and picturesque coastal views and is a popular destination for travellers who want to experience the natural beauty of Scotland. The Isle of Skye is home to many beautiful mountains, lochs, and forests and is a great place to go hiking, birdwatching, and fishing. In addition to its natural beauty, the Isle of Skye is also home to many charming villages known for their traditional architecture and friendly locals.
What makes the above locations beautiful?
Each of the locations listed above has its unique beauty. For example, Santorini is known for its stunning sunsets and white-washed buildings, the Swiss Alps are renowned for their breathtaking mountain landscapes, and the Cliffs of Moher are famous for their towering cliffs and spectacular ocean views. The Italian Lakes are known for their picturesque lakes and surrounding scenery, and the Cinque Terre is known for its colourful houses and beautiful coastal views.
The Scottish Highlands are famous for their rugged landscapes and stunning views, and the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon known for their incredible colours and movement in the night sky. The Faroe Islands are known for their rugged coastlines and stunning landscapes, and the Palace of Versailles is known for its grand architecture and beautiful gardens. Finally, the Isle of Skye is known for its dramatic landscapes and picturesque coastal views.
Europe is a fascinating place to visit.
Europe is a fascinating place to visit, with many interesting places to see and things to do. The continent has some of the most beautiful cities and landscapes in the world, so it’s no wonder that this list has been growing for years!
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed our list of the top 20 most beautiful places in Europe. We think it’s an incredible place to visit, and we can’t wait to return! If you have any questions or comments about any of the destinations we mentioned above, please leave us a comment below!
In summary, the 20 locations listed above are considered some of Europe’s most beautiful places. Each site has its unique beauty, whether it be stunning sunsets, breathtaking mountain landscapes, picturesque lakes, colourful villages, or dramatic coastlines. These places are popular destinations for travellers who want to experience Europe’s natural beauty and cultural attractions.