:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-bacharach-germany-BEAUTEURO0525-1e9642ff13c34bf4a9a6d9e04d8b0fe7.jpg?w=1920&resize=1920,1267&ssl=1 "20 Most Stunning Locations in Europe")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/TAL-bacharach-germany-BEAUTEURO0525-1e9642ff13c34bf4a9a6d9e04d8b0fe7.jpg)
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 essentially the most lovely locations in Europe, I spoke with two journey consultants: Jim Robust, a member of Journey + Leisure‘s Journey Advisory Board and president of Robust Journey Companies, 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
Christopher Larson/Journey + Leisure
Lake Como’s magnificence is much from a secret, and it is in style for a purpose. “I all the time inform shoppers that this is among the most lovely locations on Earth. The stillness of the lake with the backdrop of the dramatic mountains creates a shocking setting,” says Schroeder. “As you cruise by way of the lake on a personal boat, it is arduous to not soak within the surroundings and wonder.”
Corfu, Greece
Chris Marinaccio/Journey + Leisure
The second you arrive on Corfu, there’s a excessive probability the phrase “paradise” involves thoughts. It is a place the place you may immerse your self in pure magnificence—from the turquoise waters to the rugged mountains, all of which may be skilled whereas mountaineering the Corfu Path. You received’t need to skip the Previous City of Corfu, both. The UNESCO World Heritage Website options fortresses, palaces, and slim cobblestone streets and alleys often known as kantounia.
Sissinghurst Fort Backyard, England
Geography Photographs/Common Photographs Group by way of Getty Photographs
“Kent is named the ‘Backyard of England,’ and Sissinghurst Fort 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 collection of “rooms,” all that includes completely different designs and planting methods. Relying on if you go to, it’s possible you’ll get to see daffodils, peonies, magnolia blossoms, or blooming fruit timber.
Lauterbrunnen Valley, Switzerland
Michela Sieman/Journey + Leisure
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 possibly can get pleasure from a cable automobile experience or an old-world-style practice experience to boost 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 best railway station in Europe.
Pienza, Italy
Evgeniya Vlasova/Journey + Leisure
“Situated in Tuscany, and residential of Pecorino di Pienza cheese, Pienza is a tiny hilltop city with views of rolling Tuscan hills at each road 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 offer the proper alternative for an aperitivo overlooking the gorgeous Tuscan panorama.” The historic middle of Pienza can be a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Dinant, Belgium
George Pachantouris/Getty Photographs
You’ll want to go 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 proper mixture of pure and man-made magnificence. On one finish, you’ve spectacular structure, just like the Thirteenth-century Gothic Collegiate Church of Our Woman of Dinant; on the opposite, you’ve the Bayard Rock, an imposing rock formation that when served as pure safety towards enemies of town.
Bacharach, Germany
Nickzas/Getty Photographs
“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 beautiful views of the Rhine River; the vineyards simply outdoors the village, Robust says, are an “added plus.”
Lake Ohrid, North Macedonia and Albania
Taylor McIntyre/Journey + Leisure
Lake Ohrid might fall below 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 sort of two million years outdated—you’ll seemingly 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. Up to now couple of years, archaeologists have additionally been working to uncover an 8,000-year-old stilt village, stated to be the oldest of its form in Europe, submerged within the lake.
“Wee Mad Highway,” Scotland
Peter Burnett/Getty Photographs
A Scottish street journey will grant you beautiful views irrespective of the place you go, however Robust recommends heading up north and driving what is usually known as the “Wee Mad Highway.” 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 many who benefit from the nice open surroundings and scope of the Scottish Highlands.” “The western facet of Scotland affords a number of the most dramatic and unusual sights whereas driving on small, one-lane roads,” he provides.
Spiaggia dei Conigli, Italy
imageBROKER/Ralf Adler/Getty Photographs
Not solely is Spiaggia dei Conigli (Rabbit Seaside) one of many most lovely locations in Italy—in addition to one of many nation’s greatest seashores—it’s additionally one of the gorgeous locations in all of Europe. The seaside types an arc, and the brilliant blue waters are calm and shallow, making this the proper spot to lounge, swim, or snorkel throughout a summer season day.
Annecy, France
Evgeniya Vlasova/Journey + Leisure
Europe has no scarcity of pristine lakes; you’ll discover them throughout Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and past, however one of the lovely is France’s Lake Annecy. Fed by mountain streams, the lake is clear and clear, and it is a in style swimming spot with sandy seashores. The Previous City of Annecy, often known as the “Venice of France,” is equally charming; you’ll need to spend at the least a couple of days exploring its canals, bridges, and different landmarks.
Naoussa, Greece
Starcevic/Getty Photographs
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 one of the lovely locations in Europe is the distinction of outdated and new. You have got parts of the outdated fishing harbor and a standard Greek village paired with fashionable eating places and high-end boutiques,” explains Schroeder. “For my part, the great thing about Paros is captured within the village structure—the massive cobblestone streets, the whitewashed buildings with blue shutters, and the pops of pink bougainvillea reflecting on the calm ocean waters.”
Salzburg, Austria
Maria Ligaya/Journey + Leisure
The fantastic thing about Salzburg is multi-fold. After all, 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 when you enterprise to greater 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
Taylor McIntyre/Journey + Leisure
“Ronda is a small city within the southern Spain area of Andalusia. It’s most recognized for the huge bridge that connects the New City and the Previous 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 shade all through the city.” Ronda can be one of many oldest cities in Spain; there’s proof it dates all the way in which again to the Neolithic interval.
Värmland, Sweden
Alexander Farnsworth/Getty Photographs
Because the lake district of Sweden, Värmland options over 10,000 lakes and the nation’s longest river, the Klarälven. Unsurprisingly, it’s very best for anybody excited by spending days on the water—fishing, rafting, swimming, or kayaking. There are additionally mountaineering and biking trails throughout the area when you’d fairly discover on land. Whereas the wonder is clear all 12 months spherical, the colder months are exceptionally lovely within the hilly areas of Värmland, as snow turns the world right into a winter wonderland.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Christopher Larson/Journey + Leisure
In keeping with Schroeder, essentially the most lovely locations in Europe are typically 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, it’s possible you’ll 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 a higher backdrop for viewing the Northern Lights,” she says.
South Tyrol, Italy
Ambika Verma/Journey + Leisure
Italy might have beautiful 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 infinite alternatives to hike and ski. A part of the vary, together with the spectacular Three Peaks of Lavaredo, may be discovered within the South Tyrol province in northeastern Italy. Right here, the mountains tower above picturesque villages, vineyards, and valleys; for a number of the greatest views of the craggy summits, ebook a collection at Forestis—a spa resort tucked away within the mountains above the city of Brixen.
The Azores, Portugal
Taylor McIntyre/Journey + Leisure
It’s troublesome, possibly even unimaginable, to choose essentially the most lovely island in the Azores—so we’ll go together with the whole archipelago. Often known as the “Hawaii of Europe,” the Azores has deep crater lakes, sizzling springs, lush forests, and usually dramatic landscapes. In the event you 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 novel sight to behold.
Barcelona, Spain
Christopher Larson/Journey + Leisure
Almost all of Europe’s most-visited cities have some aspect of magnificence to them, however Barcelona is unequalled when it comes to its mixture of artwork and structure. The Spanish metropolis is legendary for its Gothic constructions and Gaudí’s modernist creations—his works embody 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 best level within the metropolis.
Keukenhof, Netherlands
Michela Sieman/Journey + Leisure
Billed as “essentially the most lovely spring backyard on the earth,” Keukenhof is among 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-Could to expertise the height blooming interval. Protecting 79 acres, the backyard additionally options roses, hyacinths, daffodils, orchids, lilies, carnations, and irises.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TAL-bacharach-germany-BEAUTEURO0525-1e9642ff13c34bf4a9a6d9e04d8b0fe7.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1&description=20+Most+Stunning+Locations+in+Europe){kind=link}