It’s common knowledge that there are many breathtaking destinations in Europe. There is a seemingly limitless number of beautiful locations to visit, from sprawling metropolises to quaint villages, towering mountain ranges to picture-perfect shorelines. Anytime you’re trying to decide where to go on your next vacation, whether it’s inside Europe or beyond.
You probably aren’t going to make the transition to the afterlife any time soon, but pretend for a second that you are. Do you feel like packing your bags and taking a journey throughout Europe? Doesn’t it seem like an excellent plan? Why hang around until you’re close to passing away before you take action? Pack a bag, sort out your travel plans, and go have some fun while you still can. It’s preferable to cross some items off of an “I want to accomplish this before I die” list once and for all.
Travelling to all of Europe’s amazing attractions would need an indefinite amount of time. To that end, what would you say are the top twenty places in Europe to see, whether you have a month to live or you know you don’t? Do it properly and make sure you get to see all of these amazing sites while you’re still around to enjoy it.
Top 20 European Destinations You Can’t-Miss
Check out this list of the top 15 European destinations. Locate the optimal setting for you.
1) Island of Santorini, Greece
The ancient volcanic activity left the island of Santorini in its place. Caldera walls are all that are left, with some of Europe’s most picturesque settlements clinging to them.
Oia is often regarded as Santorini’s most picturesque settlement. Photographers will find the cascades of whitewashed houses, punctuated by blue-domed churches and windmills, to be a magnificent background. As night falls, the structures take on an otherworldly quality, taking on hues of pink, orange, and yellow in the dim light. Truly, it is a sight to see.
The best things to do there:
Take a sunset cruise, check out Oia and Imerovigli and Fira, relax on red, white, and black sand beaches, and see the island from above at Profit Ilias. You must see the sunset at Oia.
What Is the Recommended Duration of Stay in Santorini?
In only three days, you may see the island’s villages, relax on its beaches, and enjoy the sunset from Oia and a cruise.
2) Paris, France
Beautiful cities may be found all across Europe, but few can compare to Paris. One of the most stunning urban landscapes in the world, thanks to its magnificent boulevards, architecture, parks and gardens, street cafés, and monuments.
The best things to do there:
Enjoy the sights from the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Stop by the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, and the Musee d’Orsay. Take a stroll along the Seine and the Champs-Élysées. If you’re craving French food, a trip to Montmartre is in order.
For How Long Should You Stay in Paris?
Plan on spending at least three days in Paris to get the most out of it. That’s plenty of time to see all the sights and really get to know this amazing city.
3) The Algarve, Portugal
Southern Portugal’s Algarve is known for its breathtaking coastline. You can unwind on the beaches, but you can also go sightseeing in the coastal towns, trek in the mountains, playing golf in the valleys, and spelunk in the limestone caves.
The best things to do there:
Praia Sao Rafael is a great beach to unwind on, and you should also check out Faro, Lagos, and Tavira.
Approximately How Long Should You Stay in Portugal’s Algarve Region?
If you want to see the beaches, small villages, and Benagil Cave, you should give yourself at least three days.
4) The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland
The Wild Atlantic Way is a route that stretches for almost 1600 kilometres along Ireland’s western coast. Taking up the Wild Atlantic Way by car is a huge undertaking. It would take more than a month to visit every viewpoint and investigate every corner of the Wild Atlantic Way. Because of the time constraint, only the most important aspects of the trip need to be covered.
The best things to do there:
Some of the highlights along the Wild Atlantic Way are the Ring of Kerry, the Dingle Peninsula, and the Cliffs of Moher. However, there are many more, less well-known vistas that are every bit as breathtaking. The journey itself has 157 Discovery Points.
How Long Should You Spend on the Wild Atlantic Way?
Driving the Wild Atlantic Way requires at least three days, but that’s not nearly enough time to take in all the sights. For maximum enjoyment, take a road trip down the coast over the course of at least five days.
5) Prague, Czech Republic:
One of Europe’s most picturesque cities, Prague is a photographer’s dream. Bombs missed this city, making it the only major Eastern European city to escape the war intact. One of Europe’s most stunning cities, Prague is home to historic buildings as diverse as gothic towers, old churches, and the world’s biggest castle.
The best things to do there:
Take a stroll over Charles Bridge, view the sights in the Old Town Square, climb the towers, check out the Astronomical Clock, explore Prague Castle, and sample the local brews at one of the many bars and beer halls.
What Is the Recommended Duration of Stay in Prague?
You can see the best of Prague in two or three days. In case you have a whole day free, you may go to the neighbouring villages.
6) Keukenhof, Netherlands:
In the spring, when the daffodils, tulips, and hyacinths are in full bloom, Keukenhof is a sight to see. It’s beautiful, and if you’re in Amsterdam during those months, you should definitely check it out.
The best things to do there:
Take long walks around the gardens, load up on picture opportunities, and browse the souvenir stands.
How Long Should You Spend in Keukenhof?
A trip to Keukenhof from Amsterdam takes around half a day, including travel time.
7) Madeira, Portugal:
Madeira is a Portuguese island group off the coast of Africa, far to the west in the Atlantic Ocean. More than a million visitors come every year to enjoy the scenery, hikes, beaches, restaurants, and Madeira wine.
The best things to do there:
Travel around Funchal, swim in lava springs, travel to black sand beaches, and go on hikes.
How Long Should You Spend in Madeira?
If you want to see everything, trek all the trails, and take in all the breathtaking scenery, you need to allow at least a week.
8) The Isle of Skye, Scotland:
The Isle of Skye is one of the most stunning destinations in all of Europe, thanks to its spectacular coastline, charming villages, and verdant countryside.
Tourists of all ages will enjoy this location. This little peninsula can be explored quickly and easily by automobile, and it has just the right number of short, but rewarding, hiking paths to fully enjoy its natural splendour.
The best things to do there:
Visit the Fairy Pools and the Fairy Glen, stroll around Dunvegan Castle, climb the Old Man of Storr, sip whisky at the Talisker Distillery, and watch the sun go down from Neist Point.
How Long Is the Optimal Vacation on Skye?
The Trotternish Loop, Dunvegan Castle, and a few of minor hikes may all be accomplished in three days.
9) The Cinque Terre, Italy:
Scattered around the Mediterranean coast are five colourful and visually striking settlements. Not only is this one among the most beautiful areas in all of Italy, but it also ranks among the top tourist destinations in all of Europe.
The best things to do there:
Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare, Manarola, and Corniglia are the five towns you must see. Each of the five settlements is within a day’s walk of each other, if you’re into that kind of thing. If you climb a lot, you may reward yourself with additional gelato. Finish at Monterosso, where you may take a dip in the Mediterranean.
How Long Should You Spend in the Cinque Terre?
We recommend spending at least one night (but preferably two or three) in each of the five towns. If you have a whole day, you may walk or ride the train between all five settlements. If you’ve got extra time, you may chill out on the beach or take a day excursion to Portofino.
10) The Alsace Region of France
Beautiful vineyards and charming mediaeval villages come together along the Alsace wine trail in eastern France.
The border between France and Germany is at the Alsace wine route. The architecture and gastronomy both show the fusion of French and German influences.
Many of the buildings in this town are built in the half-timber style, and they provide a splash of colour to the cobblestone streets. Flowers, colourful architectural decorations, and quaint sidewalk cafés all contribute to the feeling that one is in a storybook.
The best things to do there:
Explore the Chateau du Haut-Koenigsburg, eat traditional Alsatian fare, and tour local vineyards while in Alsace. Top destinations in the region include Colmar, Ribeauville, Riquewihr, and Eguisheim.
Should You Plan to Stay in the Alsace for More Than a Few Days?
In the span of three days, you may travel the Alsace wine route and see a small sampling of the region’s picturesque cities and villages.
11) Gdansk, Poland
A stunning city on the Baltic Sea, Gdansk is well worth a visit. Many visitors to Poland skip it in favour of the more well-known cities of Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw. This city is often overlooked, despite its attractive architecture, convenient location, and wealth of historical landmarks.
The best things to do there:
Tourist attractions in the area include the Royal Way, St. Mary’s Church, the Motlawa River, the gargoyles on Mariacka Street, the European Solidarity Center, the Museum of the Second World War, and a day excursion to Malbork Castle.
How Long Should You Spend in Gdansk?
Even on a rushed schedule, you can see all of Gdansk in a day. Plan on spending a minimum of two or three days here to get the most out of it. You’ll have plenty of time to wander the historic district, check out two of Poland’s top museums, and stuff your face at some of the country’s finest eateries.
12) The Swiss Alps, Switzerland:
The Swiss Alps are renowned as one of Europe’s most picturesque tourist destinations, thanks to its towering mountains, alpine meadows, soaring cable cars, old cogwheel railways, stunning walking routes, and small towns and hamlets.
The best things to do there:
See the sights at the mountain villages of Mürren, Wengen, and Gimmelwald, then go by cable car to Jungfraujoch and Schilthorn in Zermatt. You may go on hikes in the summer and hit the slopes in the winter.
How Long Should You Spend in the Swiss Alps?
For as long as it takes. If you just have a day to spend in Switzerland, you may take a trek into the Alps from Lucerne, Zurich, or Lausanne. Spend as much time as possible on this page. Ten days in the Swiss Alps wasn’t quite enough on our recent trip.
13) Costa Brava, Spain:
This stretch of northeastern Spain’s rocky coast is well-known for its picturesque fishing villages and cliffside landscapes. From the French border to Blanes, Costa Brava is an expansive coastline. This is a popular vacation spot for Europeans because of the pleasant year-round temperature and the stunning coastline.
The best things to do there:
Explore Cap de Creus Natural Park and Cadaqués, go on a wine tour in Girona, spend some time at the beach in Lloret de Mar, indulge in some delicious Mediterranean food, and see the Dal Theatre Museum.
Is it Advisable to Stay in Costa Brava for a Week or Two?
Costa Brava is within day trip distance of Barcelona, but spending a few more days there will allow you to really enjoy the area’s gastronomy and charming villages.
14) Hallstatt, Austria
It’s hard to imagine a more picturesque location than this little town, which is surely among Europe’s most stunning tourist destinations. Hallstatt is becoming one of Austria’s most visited tourist destinations. A lot of people will be there throughout the summer and at the beginning of October. Yet, if you put in the time and effort, you may have a really amazing experience here.
The best things to do there:
Experience the historic town, the World Heritage Skywalk, the salt mines, and the Hallstatt Ossuary.
How Long Should You Spend in Hallstatt?
You can cover a lot of ground in the city in only a few hours of walking. If you want to get the most out of this beautiful area, staying overnight will allow you to stroll its streets without competing with other tourists.
15) Venice, Italy:
There is no place on Earth more beautiful, historic, or evocative than Venice. One of the greatest cities in Europe, thanks to its canals, gondolas, architecture, and the brightly painted islands of Murano and Burano.
The best things to do there:
Explore the city’s many landmarks and attractions, including the Basilica di San Marco, the Campanile di San Marco for a panoramic view of the city, the Rialto Bridge, the Doge’s Palace, the islands of Murano and Burano, and a gondola ride.
Just How Long Should You Spend in Venice?
If you just have two or three days to visit Venice, you won’t have enough time to see all you want to see or to go off the main route.
Concluding Remarks
Contradictions abound throughout Europe. Europe offers a one-of-a-kind adventure that can’t be had anyplace else in the globe due to its size and variety. Furthermore, these are Europe’s most stunning locations. Where in Europe do you recommend visiting the most? I’m sure there’s more to add, given the size and complexity of the continent.