Centuries-old villages, dramatic mountain ranges, world-class structure, and seashores well-known for his or her white sand and turquoise waters span Europe—from the northernmost finish of Scotland all the way down to the Mediterranean.
The competitors is hard, so to find out 20 of probably the most stunning locations in Europe, I spoke with two journey specialists: Jim Robust, a member of Journey + Leisure‘s Journey Advisory Board and president of Robust Journey Providers, and Emma Main Schroeder, proprietor and luxurious journey advisor at Main Traveler. Learn on to see their picks, in addition to a handful of my very own.
Lake Como, Italy
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Lake Como’s magnificence is much from a secret, and it is widespread for a motive. “I all the time inform purchasers that this is without doubt one of the most stunning locations on Earth. The stillness of the lake with the backdrop of the dramatic mountains creates a surprising setting,” says Schroeder. “As you cruise by way of the lake on a non-public boat, it is exhausting to not soak within the surroundings and sweetness.”
Corfu, Greece
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The second you arrive on Corfu, there’s a excessive probability the phrase “paradise” involves thoughts. This can be a place the place you may immerse your self in pure magnificence—from the turquoise waters to the rugged mountains, all of which will be skilled whereas mountaineering the Corfu Path. You received’t need to skip the Outdated City of Corfu, both. The UNESCO World Heritage Website options fortresses, palaces, and slender cobblestone streets and alleys often known as kantounia.
Sissinghurst Fortress Backyard, England
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“Kent is called the ‘Backyard of England,’ and Sissinghurst Fortress doesn’t disappoint,” says Robust. “The lawns and terraced colours of wildflowers of the world are a deal with to the soul. A stroll across the grounds is tranquil in any climate, however spring and summer season are the highlights.” Created within the Thirties by Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, the English backyard has a sequence of “rooms,” all that includes completely different designs and planting methods. Relying on while you go to, you might get to see daffodils, peonies, magnolia blossoms, or blooming fruit bushes.
Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland
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You’ll have to journey to the Bern area of Switzerland to search out the Lauterbrunnen Valley—which Robust recommends for its “gorgeous” views of mountains and waterfalls—and its assortment of quaint villages: Wengen, Gimmelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Isenfluh, Mürren, and Stechelberg. “You may get pleasure from a cable automobile journey or an old-world-style prepare journey to reinforce the views,” he provides, referencing the Schilthornbahn, which brings vacationers as much as Mürren, and the Jungfrau Railway, a historic railway that reaches Jungfraujoch, the very best railway station in Europe.
Pienza, Italy
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“Positioned in Tuscany, and residential of Pecorino di Pienza cheese, Pienza is a tiny hilltop city with views of rolling Tuscan hills at each avenue flip,” says Schroeder. “As you stroll by way of the city, you may odor the Pecorino cheese and even cease for a bit to style. There are quaint bars and eating places lining the outer edges of the city, which give the right alternative for an aperitivo overlooking the gorgeous Tuscan panorama.” The historic middle of Pienza can be a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Dinant, Belgium
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You’ll want to move to the Walloon area of Belgium to expertise the attract of Dinant, a metropolis that sits on the sting of the River Meuse, proper the place the waterway cuts by way of the Condroz plateau. Dinant is the right mixture of pure and man-made magnificence. On one finish, you will have spectacular structure, just like the Thirteenth-century Gothic Collegiate Church of Our Woman of Dinant; on the opposite, you will have the Bayard Rock, an imposing rock formation that when served as pure safety towards enemies of the town.
Bacharach, Germany
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“Set on the Rhine with centuries of historical past, this village ticks all of the bins of a European dream,” says Robust, noting the medieval structure and fairy-tale half-timbered buildings. Nestled within the Higher Center Rhine Valley, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and historic transport route, Bacharach additionally boasts attractive views of the Rhine River; the vineyards simply exterior the village, Robust says, are an “added plus.”
Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia and Albania
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Lake Ohrid might fall underneath the radar for many vacationers, however when you get a glimpse of its shimmering waters on a sunny day or find out about its historical past—the lake is almost two million years previous—you’ll possible need to plan a visit ASAP. The physique of water straddles the border between Albania and North Macedonia, and it’s surrounded by historic villages, rolling hills, and seashores. Prior to now couple of years, archaeologists have additionally been working to uncover an 8,000-year-old stilt village, mentioned to be the oldest of its form in Europe, submerged within the lake.
“Wee Mad Street,” Scotland
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A Scottish highway journey will grant you attractive views regardless of the place you go, however Robust recommends heading up north and driving what is usually referred to as the “Wee Mad Street.” A part of the North Coast 500, this stretch alongside the coast within the northwestern a part of the nation, he says, is “not for the faint of coronary heart, however for individuals who benefit from the nice open surroundings and scope of the Scottish Highlands.” “The western facet of Scotland gives among the most dramatic and unusual sights whereas driving on small, one-lane roads,” he provides.
Spiaggia dei Conigli, Italy
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Not solely is Spiaggia dei Conigli (Rabbit Seaside) one of many most stunning locations in Italy—in addition to one of many nation’s greatest seashores—it’s additionally some of the gorgeous locations in all of Europe. The seashore kinds an arc, and the intense blue waters are calm and shallow, making this the right spot to lounge, swim, or snorkel throughout a summer season day.
Annecy, France
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Europe has no scarcity of pristine lakes; you’ll discover them throughout Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and past, however some of the stunning is France’s Lake Annecy. Fed by mountain streams, the lake is clear and clear, and it is a widespread swimming spot with sandy seashores. The Outdated City of Annecy, often known as the “Venice of France,” is equally charming; you’ll need to spend no less than a couple of days exploring its canals, bridges, and different landmarks.
Naoussa, Greece
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Whereas Oia, the extremely photographed city on the northwestern finish of Santorini, might flood your Instagram feed in the summertime, there’s one other Greek village that’s simply as pretty on Paros. “What makes Naoussa some of the stunning locations in Europe is the distinction of previous and new. You might have components of the previous fishing harbor and a standard Greek village paired with fashionable eating places and high-end boutiques,” explains Schroeder. “For my part, the fantastic thing about Paros is captured within the village structure—the big cobblestone streets, the whitewashed buildings with blue shutters, and the pops of pink bougainvillea reflecting on the calm ocean waters.”
Salzburg, Austria
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The great thing about Salzburg is multi-fold. In fact, there are the options and websites most vacationers know from “The Sound of Music”: Schloss Leopoldskron, Mirabell Gardens and Pegasus Fountain, and the well-known gazebo. However there are additionally the breathtaking views you will get for those who enterprise to larger elevations. Stroll alongside Mönchsberg or Kapuzinerberg, or take the funicular as much as Hohensalzburg Fortress. Within the winter, the Christmas markets are fairly magical, too.
Ronda, Spain
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“Ronda is a small city within the southern Spain area of Andalusia. It’s most identified for the large bridge that connects the New City and the Outdated City,” says Schroeder. “It sits atop a mountain plateau, which supplies dramatic cliffside views at each flip. In spring and summer season months, the whitewashed buildings are blooming with vivid pink bougainvillea so as to add pops of colour all through the city.” Ronda can be one of many oldest cities in Spain; there’s proof it dates all the best way again to the Neolithic interval.
Värmland, Sweden
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Because the lake district of Sweden, Värmland options over 10,000 lakes and the nation’s longest river, the Klarälven. Unsurprisingly, it’s ideally suited for anybody excited by spending days on the water—fishing, rafting, swimming, or kayaking. There are additionally mountaineering and biking trails throughout the area for those who’d moderately discover on land. Whereas the sweetness is obvious all 12 months spherical, the colder months are exceptionally stunning within the hilly areas of Värmland, as snow turns the world right into a winter wonderland.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
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In line with Schroeder, probably the most stunning locations in Europe are generally the hardest to get to. Living proof: the Lofoten Islands, situated above the Arctic Circle in Norway. Relying on which island you’re attempting to succeed in, you might have to journey by boat and even helicopter. “I personally love the views of the picturesque fishing villages that sit proper on the calm ocean waters. Within the winter months, there isn’t any higher backdrop for viewing the Northern Lights,” she says.
South Tyrol, Italy
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Italy might have attractive lakes, seashores, and islands, however its mountains are simply as awe-inspiring. The Italian Dolomites are made up of 18 peaks that rise greater than 10,000 toes—creating countless alternatives to hike and ski. A part of the vary, together with the spectacular Three Peaks of Lavaredo, will be discovered within the South Tyrol province in northeastern Italy. Right here, the mountains tower above picturesque villages, vineyards, and valleys; for among the greatest views of the craggy summits, e-book a set at Forestis—a spa resort tucked away within the mountains above the city of Brixen.
The Azores, Portugal
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It’s tough, perhaps even inconceivable, to select probably the most stunning island in the Azores—so we’ll go along with the whole archipelago. Generally known as the “Hawaii of Europe,” the Azores has deep crater lakes, sizzling springs, lush forests, and usually dramatic landscapes. For those who can’t select which island to go to first, begin with São Miguel, nicknamed the “Inexperienced Island.” Right here, you’ll discover the dual lakes of Sete Cidades. The volcanic lakes, Lagoa Azul and Lagoa Verde, are literally linked, however their colours differ drastically, creating a singular sight to behold.
Barcelona, Spain
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Practically all of Europe’s most-visited cities have some ingredient of magnificence to them, however Barcelona is unequalled by way of its mixture of artwork and structure. The Spanish metropolis is known for its Gothic constructions and Gaudí’s modernist creations—his works embrace Park Güell, the Sagrada Familia, and Casa Batlló. There’s additionally a heavy contact of pure magnificence, which you’ll uncover at Barceloneta Seaside, Creueta del Coll Park, and Tibidabo, the very best level within the metropolis.
Keukenhof, Netherlands
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Billed as “probably the most stunning spring backyard on the planet,” Keukenhof is without doubt one of the greatest locations to glimpse the colourful tulips generally related to the Netherlands. The window to see them is comparatively quick, although, so that you’ll have to plan your go to between mid-April to mid-Might to expertise the height blooming interval. Masking 79 acres, the backyard additionally options roses, hyacinths, daffodils, orchids, lilies, carnations, and irises.