Planning a vacation to Europe but not sure where to go? With so many amazing countries and cities to choose from, it can be tough to decide. In this article I share my top 10 recommended places to consider for your next fabulous European adventure!
1. Ireland
No list of Europe’s top destinations is complete without the Emerald Isle. From the lively capital of Dublin to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, Ireland packs in plenty of incredible sights. Don’t miss:
Sipping Guinness at the original Dublin brewery and wandering the cobbled streets of Temple Bar
Exploring medieval castles like Blarney Castle and kissing the famous Blarney Stone
Hiking along the rugged sea cliffs and mountains of the Wild Atlantic Way
Getting a taste of old Ireland at the Rock of Cashel ruins and the medieval town of Kilkenny
Experiencing Ireland’s Celtic roots at the Book of Kells in Dublin and Bru na Boinne tombs
With its warm Irish welcome, fun pub culture, castles galore, and stunning natural scenery from the Causeway Coast to Killarney National Park, Ireland deserves a spot near the top of your Europe itinerary.
2. Italy
Home to some of Europe’s most iconic cities and landscape, Italy tops many travel blog’s wishlists. You could spend months here and still barely scratch the surface. Must-sees include:
Exploring the art and culture of crowded, chaotic Rome – the Colosseum, the Vatican, Roman Forum ruins, plus pasta and gelato!
Seeing Renaissance masterpieces and climbing the iconic Duomo in beautiful Florence
Eating pizza in Naples and admiring the Amalfi Coast’s clifftop villages and pastel buildings from a boat
Wandering the canals and Piazza San Marco in ridiculously romantic Venice
Discovering Milan’s fashion and financial power, and da Vinci’s Last Supper painting
With so much history, cuisine, art, architecture, and scenery on offer, Italy really does have it all. Go and make your own Italian holidays dreams come true!
3. France
The most visited country in the world, France dazzles with its diversity from the bustling boulevards of Paris to the glamour of the French Riviera. Top experiences include:
Seeing the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, cafes and boutiques in Paris, the City of Light
Wandering cobblestoned streets and soaking up medieval history in Carcassonne
Exploring Roman ruins like the Pont du Gard aqueduct and the Arena in Arles
Basking under blue skies and palm trees in glitzy Nice and glamorous Cannes
Walking lavender fields and exploring rustic hilltop villages in Provence
With its culture, cuisine, history and joie de vivre, France has long captured the imaginations of travelers worldwide. It truly offers the best of Europe all in one place.
4. England
The eclectic country of England packs countless treasures into a small area. London alone could keep you busy for weeks, but don’t overlook other highlights like:
Taking in London’s sights – Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, double-decker buses and West End shows
Visiting Shakespeare’s home of Stratford-upon-Avon and admiring Stonehenge’s ancient mystery
Exploring Oxford’s prestigious university and Cambridge’s stately colleges
Seeing Manchester’s gritty yet creative side and Liverpool’s Beatles history
Hiking the moors and tors of the Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks
Enjoying afternoon tea and pub culture – Yorkshire pudding, fish & chips and real ale
With its royal heritage, unique culture and globally iconic sights, England will always be a perennial favorite for European vacations.
5. Spain
Vibrant Spain tempts with its passionate flamenco dancing, world-class art and architecture, fantastic food, white villages, and lively festivals. Must-visit places include:
Joining the non-stop fun in Barcelona – Gaudi architecture, La Rambla street life and Catalan culture
Marveling at Madrid’s Prado Museum treasures and royal palace before enjoying tapas and flamenco shows at night
Exploring Moorish palaces and fortresses in Granada and Cordoba
Relaxing on the beaches of the Costa del Sol, Costa Brava or Balearic Islands
Seeing whitewashed villages and sherry bodegas in Andalucia
Wandering the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route
With so much diversity across its regions, a trip to Spain promises fantastic experiences for all interests and senses. ¡Vamos!
6. Greece
With its azure waters and sun-bleached ruins, Greece has been enticing visitors for millennia. Must-see ancient sites include:
The mighty Acropolis towering over Athens
Oracle sites like Delphi and the Temple of Poseidon at Sounio
Ancient theaters at Epidaurus and Sparta
Mythical islands like Santorini, Delos and Mykonos
Beyond its ancient wonders, Greece also tempts with:
Vibrant modern cities like Athens and Thessaloniki
Stunning island-hopping through the Cyclades and Ionian chains
Mountain villages and monasteries in Meteora and Mount Athos
Attending an Orthodox Easter ritual for an unforgettable cultural experience
With so much coastline and island diversity, Greece is a dream destination whether you seek authentic culture or pure relaxation.
7. Portugal
Often overshadowed by its neighbor Spain, Portugal deserves a place on your Europe itinerary too. The highlights include:
Exploring cobblestoned medieval towns like Sintra, Obidos, Evora and Porto
Seeing ornate cathedrals, castles and monasteries across the country
Indulging in port wine in Porto and seafood delicacies in Lisbon
Soaking up sun and surf on The Algarve’s stunning beaches
Island-hopping to Madeira, the Azores and Cape Verde for dramatic volcanic landscapes
Hearing soulful fado music and experiencing the melancholic saudade culture
Portugal may be small, but it packs a huge travel punch from north to south. Its friendly people, affordable costs and trove of historical treasures make it a must-visit.
8. Prague, Czechia
The bohemian beauty of Prague entices with medieval squares, romantic spires, and stunning architecture. Top experiences include:
Exploring Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, the Jewish Quarter and Astronomical Clock
Discovering alchemy history in Old Town Square and legends like Golem
Sampling beers in brewery basements and classic pubs
Seeing Gothic cathedrals, Art Nouveau buildings, and Cubist architecture
Joining the lively cafe culture on Wenceslas Square
Perfectly preserved Prague offers an entrancing glimpse into a medieval European past. Its mysterious allure makes it one of the continent’s most romantic capitals.
9. Trogir, Croatia
Nestled along the stunning Adriatic coastline, Trogir is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered in Croatia. This charming town offers a glimpse into Croatia’s rich history Exploring the UNESCO-listed Old Town, where medieval streets wind through historic buildings, elegant palaces, and beautiful churches.
Visiting the magnificent St. Lawrence Cathedral, a stunning example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture, and climbing its bell tower for panoramic views of the town and the sea.
Strolling along the picturesque waterfront promenade, where you can dine at cozy seafood restaurants, sip on Croatian wine, and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
Discovering Kamerlengo Castle and its fortress, which provides insight into the town’s defensive past and offers fantastic vistas of the Adriatic.
Exploring nearby islands and beaches, such as Čiovo, where you can bask in the sun and swim in crystal-clear waters. Sail from Trogir to explore the enchanting Adriatic islands further.
Trogir may not be as well-known as some of Europe’s major cities, but its historical charm, coastal beauty, and warm hospitality make it a delightful addition to any European travel itinerary. Embrace the allure of this Croatian gem and create unforgettable memories along the Adriatic coast. Enjoy your voyage across Europe!
10. Bulgaria
Eastern Europe’s undiscovered gem, Bulgaria dazzles with ancient monasteries, Black Sea beaches, and stunning mountain landscapes. Top experiences include:
Exploring the medieval Rila Monastery and hiking the Rila Mountains
Stepping back in time at ancient Plovdiv’s Roman theater and Bulgarian Revival architecture
Encountering Eastern Orthodox customs at festivals and sacred sites
Sampling meats, yogurts, wines and herbal brandies across the country’s diverse regions
Relaxing on the white sand beaches of the Black Sea Coast
Mysterious and surprisingly affordable, Bulgaria provides all the charms of the Mediterranean with fewer crowds. It’s the perfect way to complete your European travel wish list!
With so many amazing European destinations, creating an itinerary can be a fun challenge. Hopefully these suggestions give you some inspiration to start planning your next memorable trip! No matter where you roam, embrace those travel dreams and make every day an adventure. Enjoy voyaging across Europe!