Although Europe is pretty small (as continents go), there’s a whole heap of beautiful, diverse and totally stunning countries that are just too amazing to miss. That being said, it can be tough to whittle down a manageable list of the best places to visit in Europe during your trip.
After all, you won’t be able to see each and every region in one go…
… Though, there’s no harm in trying! 😉
This is why I wanted to show a heap of the very best places to visit in Europe that are dotted all across the continent.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll be thinking of planning your next trip to Europe and thinking about all the logistics and spots that tickle your fancy. Thankfully, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
There’s a whole heap of best places to visit in Europe, some pretty popular, whilst others are a little more off the beaten track. Whatever the case, I’m hoping I can show you a good few spots that you’ll love.
Take a look, below, at some of the best places to visit in Europe this year. Have the best trip. ⭐️
1.) Cinque Terre, Italy
For me, Cinque Terre is one of the most gorgeous and best places to visit in Europe, especially if you love quaint little towns. Now, Cinque Terre is actually a region consisting of five coastal towns in Italy; Monterosso, Manarola, Vernazza, Corniglia and Riomaggiore.
All are beautiful and a perfect place to spend a few days.
Oh, and don’t forget to take the train between the 5 towns. It’s the fastest and most efficient way to see the region. You can buy your tickets at stations like La Spezia and hop on and off as much as you like.
The trains take only a few minutes between the towns (as they go underneath the mountains, which makes it the easiest way to navigate the region.
If you’re planning on visiting Cinque Terre, take a look at our full guide, right here.
Read more: Things to do in Cinque Terre
2.) Santorini, Greece
The beautiful island of Santorini is known the world over for its gorgeous hilltop towns, sunsets and beautiful waters. It’s one of those stunning Greek islands that you can’t miss when travelling in Greece.
Once you’re here, make sure to grab some of the best food on the island, wander through the clifftop towns and take a boat around the stunning Aegean Sea. It really is idyllic. Also, make sure to catch the sunset in Oia, when the village turns from a glowing white to beautiful orange hues.
For a great place to stay, in the cliffs themselves, check into the Elite Luxury Suites which has incredible views.
Read more: Best things to do in Santorini
3.) Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
The Canary Islands have long been a favourite for many travellers to enjoy a little sun, sea and plenty of sand. That being said, Fuerteventura is much more than a beach holiday. It’s easily up there as one of the best places to visit in Europe.
Once you’re here, head to the north of the island (and inland) for an authentic for a lesser explored areas of the island. Also, make sure to visit the Corralejo Dunes, chillout at Sotavento Beach and pop across to Lobos Island.
Visiting the Canary Islands? Check out our full guide
4.) The Cotswolds, England
An indulgent stay in the English countryside is an experience that every visitor should have at least once. And you know what, the Cotswolds is one of the best places to visit in Europe for that.
Once you’re here, Rent a car, enjoy the quaint little towns and basque in the beauty of the rolling hills. Some gorgeous spots to include are; Bibury (and Arlington Row), Castlecombe and the beautiful Slaughters.
The Cotswolds is an area of outstanding natural beauty in England and well worth spending a few days exploring. Plus, it’s only two hours from Central London, so it’s easy to go for a quick weekend trip.
Read more: Best places in the Cotswolds to visit
5.) Paris, France
Let’s be honest, there is very little need to introduce Paris, it’s a global city that’s great to visit. That being said, it can be tough to see all the sites in one visit alone.
Obviously, any visit has to include a gander at the Eiffel Tower and Mona Lisa but there are so many more places that are off the beaten track in Paris to see. Once you’ve arrived, make sure to see some of the unique spots in Paris, visit some of the cities beautiful markets and gorge on all that Parisian food.
Also, finding a good restaurant can be difficult, so make sure you plan ahead and book a table at popular spots. If you’re looking for some grub with a view, then take a look at our post on the best restaurants with a view.
For a great place to stay, check into the Hôtel Parister that’s near the Grevin Museum.
Read more: Best markets in Paris
6.) The Basque Country, Spain
Nestled on the northern coast of Spain, the Spanish Basque Country is one of the best places to visit in Europe.
Now, the whole region is incredible to explore, especially places like San Sebastian, the Guggenheim in Bilbao (with its massive spider) and the Bay of Biscay, there is just so much to see. Afterwards, you can even take a trip across the Rioja region of Spain, it’s only around 2-hours from Bilbao itself.
After arriving, make sure to enjoy pintxos that are yummy in the early evening. Enjoy with lots of friends and delicious wine!
Read more: Best things to do in Bilbao
7.) Ibiza, Balearic Islands
Ibiza isn’t just a party island, there’s a whole heap of amazing experiences that easily make this island one of the best places to visit in Europe.
Think of a gorgeous Yoga retreat or discover the breathtaking north of the island that is pristinely beautiful. Trust me when I say, there’s something for everyone.
Once you arrive, make sure to visit Ibiza Town, stroll through the Hippie Market and enjoy the islands beautiful beaches. You can even take a boat over to Formentera, too.
For one of the best sunsets, pop over to Es Vedra and lap up the amazing views across the Mediterranean.
Read more: The best things to do in Ibiza
8.) Bergamo, Italy
Italy has some incredible cities to explore, with the likes of Florence, Pisa and Venice, though there’s so much more to Italy than that. For instance, there’s a heap of beautiful Italian cities that often get overlooked or not considered in lieu of the more popular spots.
Bergamo in the north is one such city.
Known more so for its airport, the historic centre of Bergamo is beautiful to visit and a place that shouldn’t be overlooked when visiting the region. Once you’re here, make sure to see the; La Citta Alta, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and Piazza Vecchia.
For a tasty treat, head over to La Fiaschetteria that’s totally traditional and so tasty. Their pasta dishes are the best.
Also, it’s really easy to pair your visit to Bergamo with the likes of Milan, Lake Como or even Lake Garda too.
Read more: Best cities in Italy to visit
9.) Sintra, Portugal
Sintra is a gorgeous area of Portugal, just a stone’s throw from Lisbon itself. It’s easily one of the best places to visit in Europe and only around 30 minutes from the city itself.
Filled with castles, stately homes and lush mountains that are perfect to spend quite a few days exploring. It really is so beautiful, especially; Monserrate Palace, Well at Quinta da Regaleira, Pena Palace and the Morish Castle.
One thing to remember, be prepared for large crowds on weekends and midday. If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, visit first thing in the morning when there are fewer people visiting.
Read more: Best places to visit in Portugal
10.) Faroe Islands
Perched in the North Atlantic, between Iceland and Scotland is the incredibly beautiful Faroe Islands.
It’s much smaller (in size and population) from most other countries, but it’s certainly one of the best places to visit in Europe for a different type of trip.
Only a 90-minute flight from Edinburgh, the Faroe Islands the perfect country to visit if you’re looking for a less ‘touristy’ type of trip. There are so many amazing things to do in the Faroe Islands that you’ll be spoilt for choice, it’s a nature lovers’ dream spot.
Once you’re here, make sure to explore the tiny capital of Torshavn, go horseriding in the mountains, see the impressive Gasadalur waterfall, and the incredible Sørvágsvatn Lake that’s perched on the cliff edge.
Also, don’t forget to eat at Barbara’s (the oldest restaurant in the country). It’s so yummy and totally quaint.
Read more: Complete guide to visiting the Faroe Islands
11.) Alesund, Norway
On the wild, west coast of Norway, Alesund is a gorgeous town to begin your exploration of Norway. It has a totally lovely charm and it’s a great starting point before heading further inland to see the fjords themselves.
Discover the harbour area, ramble to the top of the town’s mountain and enjoy some of the delicious fresh fish that’s served in the town. One of the best things about Alesund is that you can partner it up with an exploration of the fjords too.
We’d definitely recommend renting a car and hopping on a few ferries to discover the natural beauty of this incredible region. It really is one of the best places to visit in Europe.
Read more: Our itinerary for what to see in Norway
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