Europe's Most Beautiful Destinations
From Scandinavia's striking snow-coated scenery to the Mediterranean's charming coastlines, Europe is full of diverse and dreamy landscapes. While its world-class capitals attract the most visitors, each of the continent's 44 countries has unique cities and attractions to explore. With so many sublime sights to see, here are 25 of Europe's most beautiful destinations:
Picos de Europa
Made up of three majestic massifs, the Picos de Europa is a beautiful mountain range in the far north of Spain. The surrounding national park boasts astonishing scenery, with high mountains, deep ravines, forests, oak groves, and rivers. The park is popular among hikers, offering a cable car ride with stunning views.
Seljalandsfoss
Seljalandsfoss is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Its unique feature is that visitors can walk behind its cascading water curtain. Seljalandsfoss offers a scenic setting and a unique cave viewpoint in the island's south.
Seven Rila Lakes
The Seven Rila Lakes is a picturesque place to visit in Bulgaria. Set in the country's southwest, the seven lakes sparkle in the sun and are connected by streams, cascades, and waterfalls. Each lake is named after its defining characteristic, and the surrounding mountains offer fantastic viewpoints.
Venice
Venice is one of the world's most romantic and glorious cities. Located in the northeast of Italy, the "floating city" is set across 118 small islands and is famous for its art, architecture, canals, and bridges. Exploring Venice's atmospheric alleys, piazzas, and islands is always a treat.
Scottish Highlands
The Scottish Highlands form a rugged and mountainous region of northern Scotland. It offers dramatic scenery, including Glencoe Valley, Ben Nevis (the highest mountain peak in the United Kingdom), and Loch Ness. Inverness, the largest city in the region, is also worth a visit.
Transfagarasan Highway
The Transfagarasan Highway is considered one of the world's most spectacular and scenic drives. It winds through the Carpathian Mountains in the center of Romania, offering hair-raising turns, steep descents, and stunning landscapes. It is popular with cycling and driving enthusiasts.
Madeira
Madeira is a subtropical archipelago surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, located off mainland Portugal. It is known as the "garden island" due to its unspoiled nature and offers breathtaking scenery with mountains, coastal cliffs, and hiking trails. Sailing, surfing, scuba diving, and exploring towns and beaches are popular activities.
Lapland
Lapland is a winter wonderland in the Arctic Circle, spanning Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Russia. It offers endless forests, glacial lakes, and ice fields, making it a magical destination for hiking, skiing, and dog sledding. Staying in a cozy cabin or one of the scenic, snow-covered towns is a unique experience. Don't miss the chance to see the Northern Lights.
Pulpit Rock
Pulpit Rock is one of the most famous sights in Norway. Located in the southwest of the country, it overlooks the beautiful Lysefjorden. The sheer cliff towers are 604 meters above their surroundings, offering breathtaking views. Pulpit Rock attracts many tourists every year.
The Dolomites
The Dolomites are a majestic mountain range in northeast Italy, known for their sweeping valleys, alpine meadows, and jaw-dropping peaks. The region offers excellent hiking paths and skiing pistes. Marmolada, standing at 3,343 meters, is the highest peak. The Dolomites are delightful to visit any time of the year.
Korcula Town
Korcula Town is set in a scenic spot on the eastern end of the island of Korcula. It boasts an attractive old town with exquisite Renaissance and Gothic architecture, centuries-old churches, palaces, and a charming waterfront. The city is also near beautiful beaches for swimming in the warm waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Kravica Waterfalls
Kravica Waterfalls are a gorgeous set of falls hidden away in the Karst landscape in
Explored by car along its winding roads, the region is packed full of incredible sights - from old citadels to islands topped with monasteries. There are plenty of chances for seafood and delicious dinners by the sea to complement the scenery.
Number 11: Tulip Fields in Holland
Stretching endlessly into the distance, the Netherlands' colorful tulip fields are one of its most evocative sights. Visitors have been attracted to its fantastic flowerbeds and lavishly landscaped gardens since the late 16th century. Keukenhof is the biggest and best flower park, home to around seven million tulips, daffodils, and roses.
Number 10: Verdon Gorge
Verdon Gorge in France is beautiful with its blindingly bright white limestone walls and twinkling turquoise waters. The ravine stretches more than 25 kilometers in length and drops to a depth of 700 meters. Outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking are popular here.
Number 9: Meteora
Meteora is a jutting rock formation in northern Greece, known for its monasteries that precariously cling to the rocks. The most famous of all, the Holy Trinity Monastery, perches 400 meters atop a natural rock tower and is breathtaking.
Number 8: Lake Bled
Set in northwest Slovenia, Lake Bled is a gleaming emerald lake surrounded by stunning verdant hills. The island in the middle of the lake is home to the Church of the Assumption of Mary, a 17th-century building with intact Gothic frescoes. Bled Castle and strolling around the lake are popular activities in the area.
Number 7: Sintra
Sintra, located northwest of Lisbon, is home to grand castles, palaces, and historic villas. The romantic architecture of the Sintra and Pena Palaces and the Castle of the Moors are worth exploring. The area also offers lovingly landscaped gardens and luxury estates.
Number 6: Hallstatt
Hallstatt in Austria is often called the 'Pearl of Austria' due to its spectacular setting and natural beauty. The pastel-colored town is perched between majestic mountains and a reflective lake. Exploring scenic streets and alleys before reaching Hallstatt's waterfront is a magical experience.
Number 5: Santorini
Santorini, a volcanic island in Greece, is famous for its whitewashed and blue-domed towns hugging the Caldera cliffs. The island is known for its enviable sunsets, charming alleyways, gourmet tavernas, volcanic beaches, and glamorous catamaran cruises.
Number 4: Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands in Norway offer rugged peaks, plunging fjords, and scenic beaches and coves. The archipelago is home to sheep-filled fields, untouched landscapes, and sleepy fishing villages. Hiking, cycling, and sailing are popular activities in this photogenic region.
Number 3: Fussen
Fussen in Bavaria, Germany, is known for its fairytale castles, including the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. The town also offers excellent hiking trails with superb views of the nearby mountains, lakes, and forests.
Number 2: Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast in Italy is a stunning stretch of coastline south of Naples. It features rugged cliffs, spectacular mountains, and idyllic towns and villages. Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are known for their pastel-colored palaces and piazzas.
Number 1: Lauterbrunnen Valley
Lauterbrunnen Valley in Switzerland has magnificent mountains, glinting glaciers, and 72 waterfalls. The valley has cozy chalets and charming mountain villages, offering many hiking trails, bike paths, and rock climbing routes.
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