Centuries-old villages, dramatic mountain ranges, world-class architecture, and beaches famous for their white sand and turquoise waters span Europe—from the northernmost end of Scotland down to the Mediterranean.
To determine the 20 most beautiful places in Europe I spoke to two travel experts. Jim StrongA member of Travel + Leisure‘s Travel Advisory Board as well as the president of Strong Travel ServicesEmma Major Schroeder owns and is a luxury travel advisor for Major Traveler. See their choices, along with a few of mine.
Lake Como in Italy
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Lake ComoIt’s no secret that is a beautiful place. “I always tell my clients that this place is one of the prettiest places on Earth. Schroeder says that the stillness of lake and the mountains in the background create a breathtaking setting. As you cruise on a boat through the lake, it is hard to not take in the beauty and scenery.
Corfu, Greece
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When you reach the airport, your first thought is to check in. CorfuYou’re likely to think of the word paradise when you hear this. This is a place where you can immerse yourself in natural beauty—from the turquoise waters to the rugged mountains, all of which can be experienced while hiking the Corfu Trail. Old Town Corfu should not be missed either. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes fortresses, palatial buildings, and narrow, cobblestoned streets. Kantounia.
Sissinghurst Castle Garden, England
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“Kent is known as the ‘Garden of England,’ and Sissinghurst Castle Strong. “The terraced colors in the wildflowers and the lawns are a real treat for the soul.” The grounds are tranquil no matter the weather. Spring and summer, however, are the best times to visit. The English Garden was created in the 1930s, by Vita Sackville West and Harold Nicolson. It has a number of rooms with different planting and design strategies. If you go at the right time, you might see blooming magnolias or fruit trees, or daffodils and peonies.
Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland
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The Bern region in Switzerland is where you’ll find the Lauterbrunnen Valley—which Strong recommends for its “stunning” views of mountains and waterfalls—and its collection of quaint villages: Wengen, Gimmelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Isenfluh, Mürren, and Stechelberg. He adds that “you can take a cable car or a train to enjoy the view.” Schilthornbahn, which brings travelers up to Mürren, and the Jungfrau Railway, a historic railway that reaches JungfraujochThe highest train station in Europe.
Pienza, Italy
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Locations in TuscanySchroeder says Pienza has a hilltop village with rolling Tuscan hills visible from every street. “As one walks through the town and smells the Pecorino, it is tempting to stop for a taste. Aperitivos can be enjoyed in the quaint restaurants, bars and cafes that line the perimeter of the city. Pienza’s historic centre is also an excellent place to visit. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dinant, Belgium
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Dinant is a beautiful city in the Walloon region, located on the River Meuse where it cuts through Condroz plateau. Dinant is an ideal combination of man-made and natural beauty. You have impressive architecture like the Gothic Collegiate church of Our Lady of Dinant, built in the 13th century; and on the other end you have Bayard Rock, a rock formation that was once used as a natural defense against the enemies of the city.
Bacharach, Germany
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Strong notes that the village is situated on the Rhine and has a rich history. It also features medieval architecture with half-timbered homes. Nestled within the picturesque countryside, this village is a must-see for anyone who loves history. Upper Middle Rhine ValleyStrong adds that the vineyards outside the village are “an added plus.”
Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia, Albania and North Macedonia
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Lake Ohrid may fall under the radar for most travelers, but once you get a glimpse of its shimmering waters on a sunny day or learn about its history—the lake is nearly two million years old—you’ll likely want to plan a trip ASAP. The lake straddles both the border of Albania It’s also surrounded by rolling hills and beaches, as well as ancient villages. Archaeologists also worked to uncover a submerged 8,000-year old stilt-style village. This is the oldest one of its kind found in Europe.
“Wee Mad Road,” Scotland
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Strong recommends driving up north along the route that is known as “Wee Mad Road.” ” North Coast 500This stretch of coast along the northwestern part is not for the faint-hearted, but rather for those who love the open landscape and the scope of the Scottish Highlands. The west coast of Scotland is home to some of the most spectacular and bizarre sights, he says.
Spiaggia dei Conigli, Italy
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Spiaggia dei Conigli, also known as Rabbit Beach, is one of the best beaches in the world. most beautiful places in Italy—as well as one of the country’s best beaches—it’s also one of the most stunning destinations in all of Europe. The arc-shaped beach and calm waters make this the ideal place to relax, swim or snorkel on a sunny summer day.
Annecy, France
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Lake Annecy, in France, is one of Europe’s most beautiful lakes. You’ll also find pristine waters in Switzerland, Austria and Italy. It’s fed by mountain streams. It is a clean, clear lake with sand beaches. The Old Town of Annecy – also known as “Venice of France” – is just as charming. Spend a few days there exploring the canals, bridges and other landmarks.
Naoussa (Greece)
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The summer is a great time to visit Oia on Santorini’s northwestern tip, but there’s a Greek village just as beautiful that you can explore on your own. Paros. “The contrast of old with new makes Naoussa among the most beautiful places to visit in Europe.” Schroeder says that the combination of a traditional Greek village and an old fishing harbor with trendy restaurants is what makes Naoussa so beautiful. “In my opinion, the beauty of Paros is captured in the village architecture—the large 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 beauty of Salzburg It is multi-faceted. There are many sites and features that most people will recognize from “The Sound of Music”, including Schloss Leopoldskron and Mirabell Gardens, the Pegasus Fountain and the famous gazebo. You can also get some breathtaking views if you go higher up. You can walk along. Mönchsberg The following are some examples of how to use KapuzinerbergTake the funicular to Hohensalzburg Fortress. Winter Christmas markets can be just as magical.
Ronda in Spain
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“Ronda This small town is in Andalusia, a region in southern Spain. Schroeder says that the bridge connecting the New Town to the Old Town is its most famous feature. It sits on a mountain plateau which offers dramatic views of the cliffside at every turn. The whitewashed houses are adorned with pink bougainvillea in the spring and summer. This adds a splash of color to the entire town. Ronda’s history dates back as far as the Neolithic age.
Värmland, Sweden
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As the lake district in Sweden, Värmland features over 10,000 lakes and the country’s longest river, the Klarälven. Unsurprisingly, it’s ideal for anyone interested in spending days on the water—fishing, rafting, swimming, or kayaking. You can also explore the region on foot or by bike. While the beauty is apparent all year round, the colder months are exceptionally beautiful in the hilly regions of Värmland, as snow turns the area into a winter wonderland.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
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Schroeder says that the most beautiful places to visit in Europe can be the hardest to reach. Lofoten Islands in Norway are a good example. They’re located above the Arctic Circle. You may have to travel by helicopter or boat depending on the island you are trying to reach. “I enjoy the beautiful views of the small fishing villages situated on the ocean. Winter months are the best time to visit. viewing the Northern Lights” She says.
South Tyrol, Italy
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Italy’s mountains are as beautiful as its lakes, beaches and islands. The Italian Dolomites are made up of 18 peaks that rise more than 10,000 feet—creating endless opportunities to hike and ski. South Tyrol, in northeastern Italy, is home to a part of this range. This includes the Three Peaks of Lavaredo. The mountains rise above the picturesque villages, valleys and vineyards. Book a suite to get the best view of the summits. Forestis—a spa resort tucked away in the mountains above the town of Brixen.
Azores, Portugal
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You’ll find it difficult, or even impossible to select the most beautiful island. the Azores—so we’ll go with the entire archipelago. Azores, also known as the “Hawaii” of Europe, has deep crater-lakes, hot springs in lush forests and dramatic landscapes. If you can’t choose which island to visit first, start with São Miguel, nicknamed the “Green Island.” You’ll find Sete Cidades, the twin lakes. Lagoa Azul & Lagoa Verde can be found in the same area, but they are completely different.
Barcelona, Spain
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Nearly every city in Europe is beautiful, but Barcelona The combination of art and architectural beauty is unparalleled. The Spanish city is famous for its Gothic structures and Gaudí’s modernist creations—his works include Park Güell, the Sagrada Familia, and Casa Batlló. Barceloneta Beach and Creueta del Coll Park are both full of natural beauty. Tibidabo is the highest point in Barcelona.
Keukenhof, Netherlands
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It is called “the most beautiful Spring Garden in the World.” Keukenhof It is the perfect place to view the vibrant tulips that are often associated with Holland. You’ll have to visit the garden between mid-April and mid-May in order to catch them at their peak. The 79-acre garden is home to a variety of flowers, including roses, carnations and irises.
