My Top 100 Places in Europe
Hey guys, my name is Ryan, and I've spent the last few years exploring Europe. I want to share with you my favorite places, so here's my Europe top 100.
Europe is truly a beautiful and wondrous continent. From the stunning Mediterranean coastline to the breathtaking scenery of the Alps, Europe is unmatched in its beauty. I'll take you through some of my favorite European places in this blog.
France - Mont Saint Michel
Let's start with France's Mont Saint Michel. This place is easily one of my favorite places in Europe. It's truly magical. To get there, it's a four-hour drive from Paris. You can't drive directly to the tidal island, so you must park outside the parking lots and take a shuttle or walk about four kilometers. I recommend walking if you can. As you approach the island, it's quite the experience, and it just made me think of how the people must have felt throughout the ages as they came here. When you reach the island and walk through the gates, you feel like you're walking into a Harry Potter movie. It was as if I was walking down Diagon Alley. Around sunset, the tides started to come in. I was amazed by how fast the water levels were rising. I understand now why walking to the island was so dangerous for the medieval pilgrims. On our way back, we met up with some sheep in the fields. It was the perfect way to end our time at Mont Saint Michel.
France - Etretat
While we're still in northern France, let's visit Etretat. Located about three hour's drive from Paris, Etretat is a charming seaside town. I wanted to come here to witness the impressive sea cliffs. When we reached Etretat, we walked through the beautiful coastal city and arrived at the beach. It had a nice pebble stone sand, and you could get a view of the cliffs. They were much bigger than I expected. Afterward, we decided to walk on top of the cliffs. We strolled along the beautiful boardwalk and made it to the top. My favorite features of the cliffs are the sea arches. There are three of them, and I also like the pointed sea stack called "L'Aquila." I recommend staying until sunset. The sun will hit the cliffs perfectly, lighting them with an orange glow.
Corsica - Bonifacio
After France, let's visit the island of Corsica. Located right above the island of Sardinia, Corsica is a massive island full of diverse landscapes. One of my favorite spots on the island is Bonifacio. It's a medieval town built upon limestone cliffs. It's nicknamed the Mediterranean sentinel. It's located right at the southern point of the island. Nearby, there are some more incredible white cliffs with crystal clear waters.
Sardinia - Cala Goloritze
After Corsica, let's head over to the nearby island of Sardinia. With some of Europe's best coastline, pristine beaches, and the most transparent water you've ever seen, Sardinia is the place to be. I mainly wanted to go to Sardinia to visit Cala Goloritze. It's easily one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Italy. It has massive pointy rock formations, green cliffs, and Gatorade blue water. There's a sea arch where you can cliff jump, and it's just so much fun. There's just so much to do and see in Sardinia. I hope you can all visit one day.
The Amalfi Coast - Positano
After Sardinia, let's head over to the Amalfi Coast. This is one of the most beautiful places, not just in Italy but all of Europe! It's just hard to believe this place exists. One of the most well-known towns on the Amalfi Coast is Positano. When you see this place in real life, you won't believe it. It's hard to beat the backdrop of the mountains filled with colorful villas against the Mediterranean Sea filled with boats and yachts.
The Amalfi Coast - Fiordo di Furore
One of my favorite places on the Amalfi Coast is Fiordo di Furore. This is easily one of the most scenic beaches I've ever visited. It's located in this little fjord complemented by an incredible arch bridge, and it's a paradise for cliff jumping. There are so many.
A slightly steep descent, but it's manageable. When you reach the beach, you'll be amazed by the rock formations. They are vast and great for walking around. The water might be chilly but perfect on a hot day. The beach is lovely at sunset, with an orange glow that is hard to beat.
Afterward, we will head over to the nearby Pena Palace. This stunning colorful castle sits on top of the Sintra mountains and is considered one of the seven wonders of Portugal. The architecture and colors are unique, with a vibrant contrast between the red and yellow structures.
Next to the palace is the Castle of the Moors, which was built in the 8th and 9th centuries. This place is full of history and has fewer crowds. You can walk around the fortress and see what it was like to live in medieval Portugal.
After that, we will venture to the enchanting island of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean. One of my favorite beaches there is Ponta do Sol, which reminds me of Italy's Amalfi Coast. The beach has smooth rocks instead of sand, and the crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming. There are also cliffs for cliff jumping.
Another must-visit spot in Madeira is Pico do Arieiro, the third-highest point on the island. It offers epic landscapes with clouds and stunning views. You can drive to the top and explore the mountains on a well-maintained trail. The first lookout point, Miraduro Ninho da Manta, provides incredible views, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Next, we will visit Portugal's archipelago of the Azores in the Atlantic. These nine islands blend New Zealand and Hawaii with green scenery and rolling pastures. The largest island, Sao Miguel, is home to stunning places like Lagoa das Sete Cidades, a twin lake in a volcano crater.
One of my favorite islands in the Azores is Pico, which has the highest point in Portugal, called Mount Pico. This strata volcano is massive and offers breathtaking scenery.
From there, we will head to Mallorca, a Mediterranean paradise. It has crystal-clear waters, winding roads, and incredible cliff-jumping spots. Cala Varquez is a must-visit place with sandy beaches and prime cliff jumping. The road to Sa Calobra is worth exploring for its hairpin turns and a beautiful Torrent de Pareis beach.
In Greece, we will visit the iconic island of Santorini. Oia is a famous town with white houses, blue roofs, and an incredible backdrop. There is another town built on the rim of a volcano. Red Beach is known for its maroon-colored sand and red cliffs.
Next, we will go to Ireland to visit the dramatic Skellig Islands. These islands have a fascinating history, with a monastic settlement dating back to the 6th century. The beehive huts built by the monks are still standing. The Skellig Islands are a unique and recommended destination.
Finally, we will visit the Cliffs of Moher, the most famous place in Ireland. These cliffs stretch over 14 kilometers and offer breathtaking views.
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