I absolutely love Europe- with the vast magnitude of places so different from each other, all squeezed in to one epic continent.
I've chosen ten of some of the most stunning places to visit in Europe that I personally loved and would highly recommend to others to inspire your next itinerary.
I didn't want to go for my all-time favourite European cities- which include London, Paris, Berlin and Rome, rather other places that might not necessarily be people's number one place to visit the first time to that country or region.
There's a good mixture of places to match all types of holiday styles- whether you're looking for a tranquil escape, a sunny beach-side town, historical experiences or a big city blowout.
If you haven't yet been to these places- do add them to your bucket list as they are all incredibly stunning and will take your breath away for sure! In no particular order:
1. Santorini, Greece
My ultimate favourite of the Greek Islands- Santorini is incredibly idyllic and absolutely beautiful. The towering cliff-side views are like a painting, the small cobbled alleyways, the quaint shops- there is no other place quite like it!
With fabulous beaches on offer, fresh seafood, history, shopping and the most tranquil sunsets you will ever lay your eyes on- Santorini is a must-visit place for anyone, especially if you're looking for that perfect romantic holiday destination.
2. Bath, England
Bath is a beautiful Roman town in South-West England, most well-known for their famous Roman Baths. People flock from all around the world to experience the healing, relaxing and natural thermal waters discovered by the Celts and Romans over 2000 years ago.
That's not all the city has to offer though- take a walk around the gorgeous scenery of winding canal paths surrounded by rolling hills.
Bath has a very rich and interesting history, see Jane Austin's house, gorgeous Georgian buildings and marvel at the stunning architectural design of the 7th Century Bath Abbey. A perfect place to visit as a day-trip from London or a short weekend getaway.
3. Florence, Italy
Aah, Florence- one my absolute favourite cities in Italy. You could easily spend a week here in the capital of the Tuscan region and never run out of exciting things to do.
The city itself is simply stunning- home to world-class masterpieces, Renaissance art and architecture and galleries galore. See Michelangelo's David, the iconic Duomo and medieval streets, bridges and houses. Not to mention the culinary scene- which is sublime.
Florence is perfect as a stop to or from Rome for those interested in beautiful cities, art, history and food.
4. Krakow, Poland
It's hard not to love Krakow, steeped in rich history, both glorious and infamous.
It's the place to stop for those wanting to visit Auschwitz, but that is just one of the many sights to see. The city is gorgeous, with quaint streets and historical buildings- walking around is an adventure on its own. It's home to the largest medieval square in the world, the cheapest beer in the world, delicious pierogies and vodka-a-plenty!
You can visit castles and museums, experience roaring nightlife, see the famous Salt Mines, and soak up history and adventure all in the same place.
If you're planning a trip through Eastern Europe- Krakow is not to be missed. Perfect for those seeking budget-friendly travel and history lovers.
San Sebastian (also known as Donostia) is a beautiful coastal city in Spain's Basque Country. Known for its golden beaches framed by the picturesque bayfront promenade and upscale shopping- it's a wonderful place to unwind for a few days and enjoy some Spanish delights.
There's a multitude of vibrant pintxo bars pairing local wines (or sangria!) with bite-sized regional specialities as well as plenty of world-renowned restaurants to indulge in.
Aside from relaxing on the beach and eating, wander through the cobbled Old Town streets, along the La Concha Beach promenade and climb to the top of Monte Urgull for stunning sea views. The nightlife is energetic and contagious for those wanting a bit of fun as well! Perfect for those wanting a relaxing or romantic beach-getaway somewhere different.
If you need some cheering up- head to Dublin! The people are just so friendly and the city is oh so charming. The Guinness Storehouse is a must-see even if you don't like the drink (but trust me- it tastes like liquid gold in Dublin- there really is something in the water!).
There are beautiful parks and historical buildings, cathedrals and the Dublin castle dating back the the 13th Century, flower-lined streets and welcoming pubs offering hearty meals, local Irish music and generous pints.
Visiting the capital of Ireland is a must and you could easily spend several days here enjoying the atmosphere. Perfect for a fun trip with friends, a city escape and those seeking a great time.
7. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
One of the most famous castles in the world- Neuschwanstein in Germany is the castle that Walt Disney based his drawings on. Open in 1886 to the public, it is a Romanesque Revival palace atop a hill above the village of Hohenschwangau in South-West Bavaria.
Walking through the castle is like one of those 'pinch-me' moments to make sure you're not dreaming in your own fairytale!
The interior is astoundingly luxurious and the mountainous backdrop of the castle is so picturesque- it's one of the most stunning sights to lay your eyes on.
Perfect as a daytrip from Munich, for those seeking a bit of historical magic and amazing scenery.
Another gorgeous seaside town- Saint Jean de Luz is no exception. Located in the South-West of France near the border of Spain, it is famous for its crescent-shaped bay and the Church of Saint John the Baptist.
What was once the most important fishing port in France and the centre for Basque corsairs in the 17th Century, is now a relaxed beach resort town. It is busy- but not overcrowded, beautiful- but not overly luxurious. The atmosphere is easy-going and the fine sandy beach along with the colourful timbered Basque houses in the Old Town make for a charming and relaxing getaway.
Rue Gambetta offers many stores and cute boutiques selling chocolate and French pastries, local produce, clothes and shoes and the fresh seafood is abundant in the many restaurants.
Perfect for a relaxing family or romantic beach getaway.
Edinburgh is one of those exciting capital cities with an enigmatic vibe to it. The compact and hilly city has a medieval Old Town and an elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings. Looming over the city is Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny.
5. San Sebastian, Spain
San Sebastian (also known as Donostia) is a beautiful coastal city in Spain's Basque Country. Known for its golden beaches framed by the picturesque bayfront promenade and upscale shopping- it's a wonderful place to unwind for a few days and enjoy some Spanish delights.
There's a multitude of vibrant pintxo bars pairing local wines (or sangria!) with bite-sized regional specialities as well as plenty of world-renowned restaurants to indulge in.
Aside from relaxing on the beach and eating, wander through the cobbled Old Town streets, along the La Concha Beach promenade and climb to the top of Monte Urgull for stunning sea views. The nightlife is energetic and contagious for those wanting a bit of fun as well! Perfect for those wanting a relaxing or romantic beach-getaway somewhere different.
6. Dublin, Ireland
If you need some cheering up- head to Dublin! The people are just so friendly and the city is oh so charming. The Guinness Storehouse is a must-see even if you don't like the drink (but trust me- it tastes like liquid gold in Dublin- there really is something in the water!).
There are beautiful parks and historical buildings, cathedrals and the Dublin castle dating back the the 13th Century, flower-lined streets and welcoming pubs offering hearty meals, local Irish music and generous pints.
Visiting the capital of Ireland is a must and you could easily spend several days here enjoying the atmosphere. Perfect for a fun trip with friends, a city escape and those seeking a great time.
7. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
One of the most famous castles in the world- Neuschwanstein in Germany is the castle that Walt Disney based his drawings on. Open in 1886 to the public, it is a Romanesque Revival palace atop a hill above the village of Hohenschwangau in South-West Bavaria.
Walking through the castle is like one of those 'pinch-me' moments to make sure you're not dreaming in your own fairytale!
The interior is astoundingly luxurious and the mountainous backdrop of the castle is so picturesque- it's one of the most stunning sights to lay your eyes on.
Perfect as a daytrip from Munich, for those seeking a bit of historical magic and amazing scenery.
8. Saint Jean de Luz, France
Another gorgeous seaside town- Saint Jean de Luz is no exception. Located in the South-West of France near the border of Spain, it is famous for its crescent-shaped bay and the Church of Saint John the Baptist.
What was once the most important fishing port in France and the centre for Basque corsairs in the 17th Century, is now a relaxed beach resort town. It is busy- but not overcrowded, beautiful- but not overly luxurious. The atmosphere is easy-going and the fine sandy beach along with the colourful timbered Basque houses in the Old Town make for a charming and relaxing getaway.
Rue Gambetta offers many stores and cute boutiques selling chocolate and French pastries, local produce, clothes and shoes and the fresh seafood is abundant in the many restaurants.
Perfect for a relaxing family or romantic beach getaway.
9. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is one of those exciting capital cities with an enigmatic vibe to it. The compact and hilly city has a medieval Old Town and an elegant Georgian New Town with gardens and neoclassical buildings. Looming over the city is Edinburgh Castle, home to Scotland’s crown jewels and the Stone of Destiny.
Edinburgh is a joy to explore (even in the rain!) and home to many fascinating historical stories and legends. There are plenty of things to do so come for at least a few days and enjoy the friendliness of the locals, the delightful hearty dishes and the culture and history of Scotland's capital. Perfect for a trip with friends or family for a city escape full of character.
10. Prague, Czech Republic
Last but not least is Prague- another Eastern European gem. The capital city of the Czech Republic is nicknamed 'the City of a Hundred Spires', and is known for its Old Town Square- the heart of its historic core, with colorful baroque buildings, Gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock- which gives an animated hourly show.
The famous pedestrian Charles Bridge is lined with statues of Catholic saints and leads to the magnificent Prague Castle that dates back to 870 AD.
The city is bursting with astounding history and with the fantastic prices, delicious cuisine and beautiful sights- you could easily spend a week here soaking it all in.
Perfect for those travelling on a budget, history lovers and wanting city-exploring escapes.
That brings us to ten stunning places to visit in Europe!
Which place would you most like to go to?
That brings us to ten stunning places to visit in Europe!
Which place would you most like to go to?
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