Most Beautiful Places in Europe

Last Updated on June 27, 2022 by Nellie Huang

From the Ionian Sea to the Alps, listed here are among the most stunning locations in Europe, that can you should definitely add a contact of magic to your journey.

Europe could have massive cities like London, Paris and Berlin; however it’s the charming hamlets that actually give a way of what the continent is about. Ancient historical past, excellent structure, and old-world character.

Having lived in Europe for greater than 10 years now, I’ve traveled extensively across the area and have seen a justifiable share of the continent. To enable you plan your personal journey right here, I’ve compiled a listing of probably the most stunning locations in Europe. Enjoy!

The Most Beautiful Places in Europe

1. Positano, Italy

On our first journey to Italy, we made it some extent to go to Positano after watching the film, Under the Tuscan Sun (one of many greatest journey films of all time for my part). We needed to drive alongside the plunging cliff-edge roads of the Italian Amalfi Coast to get there, however it was effectively value it. Carved proper into the craggy shoreline, all the city is made up of slender alleyways that snake up steep slopes and age-old brick homes, with mosaic-tiled domes poking into the skies.

Most individuals who go to listed here are well-heeled Italian and worldwide vacationers on the lookout for a touch of romance. Positano can get fairly crowded in summer season and costs are normally jacked up, however go to within the shoulder season and also you’ll see why we named Positano one of many stunning cities in Europe.

How to Get there: The nearest airport to Positano is the Naples Capodichino Airport. A return flight from main cities in Europe to Naples is normally lower than 100 euros. Search for flights right here. From there, you possibly can hire a automotive (only a 1.5hour drive), catch a shuttle bus or ferry choices. 

Where to Stay: Le Sirenuse is the landmark lodge of Positano and has been featured in lots of movies and magazines. The luxurious lodge is a vacation spot by itself, dwelling to one of the best restaurant on the town and it’s additionally one of many few locations in Positano to have a pool. Check the newest costs right here.

2. Perast, Montenegro

Perast is a tiny charming village positioned within the Bay of Kotor just some miles from the busy vacationer city of Kotor, but it’s far sufficient to be comparatively quiet and time-warped. Topped with a church and plenty of terracotta-roofed stone-walled homes, the quaint village has an idyllic location proper on the water.

We spent our days right here kayaking in Bay of Kotor, swimming within the sea (simply steps from our entrance door), going for lengthy walks alongside the coast, feasting on recent seafood in charming little taverns, and exploring the attractive fortified city and surrounding villages. Montenegro was undoubtedly our favourite a part of all the Balkan journey.

How to Get there: The nearest airport to Perast is Tivat Airport, simply 19.7km away. The drive is simply 20 minutes, so you possibly can simply catch a taxi from the airport. Search for flights to Tivat right here.

Where to Stay: Monte Bay Retreat is alleged to be one of the best place to remain on the town, with a tasteful design and excellent location overlooking the city and bay. Housed in a historic stone-walled constructing, the lodge is country-style meets modernism each without delay. Check for one of the best costs.

3. Oia on Santorini, Greece

A private favourite, Oia village on Santorini oozes romantic vibes and postcard-perfect landscapes. A volcanic island perched above black fertile soils, Santorini boasts of beautiful stark white-and-blue structure, with monastery domes juxtaposed towards all-white homes, stoned alleys and the darkish blue Ionian Sea within the background.

Oia is the prettiest city on the island, with slender roads working alongside outside cafes and artwork galleries. This was additionally the place Alberto and I spent considered one of our first Valentines’ collectively. I lately returned with my 4-year-old daughter and it turned out to be a superb place for households. Read my article on touring Santorini with children and the greatest issues to do in Santorini.

How to Get there: Flights to Santorini Airport from most components of Europe are actually inexpensive lately. You can simply catch a public bus from the airport to Fira after which change a bus to Oia.  Search for flights to Santorini right here.

Where to Stay: Mystique is your best option when you’re celebrating an important day or don’t thoughts splurging. Perched on Oia’s most well-known cliffs, Mystique options an infinity pool with a deck, and a bar with breathtaking views of the Volcano and the Caldera. Check for one of the best costs.

4. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

The small city of Mostar in Bosnia has bought to be probably the most underrated locations in Europe. Even although Mostar was closely bombed in the course of the Bosnian War within the early Nineteen Nineties, most components of the Old Town have been utterly restored and cleaned up.

Today, rebuilt mosques stand alongside church buildings and synagogues and charming cafes line the cobblestoned alleys. Stari Most or the Old Bridge, continues to be the star of the present, perched excessive and mighty over the inexperienced waters of the raging Neretva River. Even the age-old bridge-diving custom will be seen as native divers acquire cash from vacationers earlier than plunging 21m into the icy water.

How to Get there: You can fly straight to Mostar Airport, however flights to Mostar aren’t low-cost. The second closest airport is in Dubrovnik, which is less expensive to fly to. There are a number of day by day buses that go from Dubrovnik to Mostar, taking 3-4 hours every manner.  Search for flights to Dubrovnik.

Where to Stay:  Boutique Hotel Old Town has one of the best critiques in Mostar and I undoubtedly agree with the others who’ve stayed there. It has an excellent location within the previous city and subsequent to the Old Bridge, in addition to comfy and old-world furnishing. Check for one of the best costs.

5. Ohrid, Macedonia

Of all of the sights I’ve seen within the Balkans, I discovered Lake Ohrid to be probably the most stunning pure attraction within the area. The cobble stoned stairways and historical Orthodox church buildings of the coastal city of Ohrid are artfully assembled towards a backdrop of calm and peaceable Lake Ohrid.

On a transparent day, you possibly can even see a hallucinogenic reflection of the encompassing snow peaks on the glassy water floor. This Macedonian metropolis is considered one of solely round 28 websites all over the world that qualify for Unesco’s lists of each cultural and pure websites.

How to Get there:  The nearest airport is in Skopje, the capital of Macedonia. Flights to Skopje are low-cost, lower than 100euros return. There are many buses that go from Skopje to Ohrid every day, taking 3.30 hours every manner.  Search for flights to Skopje.

Where to Stay: I stayed at Villa & Winery Mal Sveti Kliment, and extremely suggest it for these on the lookout for consolation and inexpensive costs. It has an awesome location on the town, and good commonplace of service and luxury.  Check for one of the best costs.

6. Krujë, Albania

Krujë got here as a shock for me throughout my Balkan journey in 2008. I used to be feeling down from having misplaced my pockets and being caught with a perverted Couchsurfing host, however I got here throughout this charming village and it turned the journey round. Tirana could also be a busy mess, however Krujë – albeit positioned simply 20km away – is a charismatic Ottoman metropolis that felt like an East-meets-West enclave.

As probably the most stunning cities in Europe, Kruje was as soon as the capital of the Kingdom of Albania, however the Ottomans took management of the city in 1478, and included it of their territories. Albania tourism remains to be in its infancy however the nation has numerous surprises in stall for adventurous vacationers.

How to Get there:  It’s straightforward to seek out low-cost flights to Tirana from most of Europe. Local buses go away each quarter-hour from the market behind the practice station. The journey lasts about one hour.  Search for flights to Tirana.

Where to Stay: Tright here aren’t many selections in Krujë, and the most suitable choice is Hotel Panorama. It presents one of the best views on the town, and exquisite and fashionable furnishing. Check for one of the best costs.

7. Goreme, Turkey

Whimsical fairy chimneys, cave church buildings and weird rock formations dominate the landscapes of Cappadocia. It’s the type of place you’d think about elves and fairies dwelling in. While Turkey is among the most visited nations on the earth – receiving tens of millions of vacationers annually – this a part of Turkey nonetheless feels comparatively quiet and completely beautiful.

The greatest city to remain at is Goreme, a village that’s effectively geared up with stunning cave resorts and eating places. Goreme is certainly my favourite merchandise on this checklist of probably the most stunning locations in Europe.

How to Get there: Kayseri Airport is 70km from Goreme and the drive takes about 1 hour. The Nevsehir Airport is positioned 40km from Goreme and the drive is about 40 minutes. Airport transfers value round US$30-40 every manner.  Search for flights to Kayseri.

Where to Stay: Yunak Everi is well one of many coolest resorts I’ve stayed at. Staying in a cave lodge is wonderful, and Yunak Evleri makes it all of the extra particular with actually private service and high-end furnishing. I might return and keep right here in a heartbeat. Check for one of the best costs.

8. Triesenberg, Liechtenstein

Most individuals have by no means heard of Liechtenstein, not to mention Triesenberg! Liechtenstein is a tiny nation sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland. Most individuals who go to Liechtenstein solely spend time within the capital, however when you do get an opportunity to discover its countryside, you’ll see the way it’s probably the most stunning locations in Europe.

Set within the Rhine valley, the landlocked alpine nation is especially mountainous, making it a winter sport vacation spot. Perched on the mountains surrounding the capital is Triesenberg, an alpine city surrounded by pine forests, medieval church buildings, conventional homes and ranches. Everywhere you go in Triesenberg, you’ll see views of the Rhine River beneath your toes and the Swiss Alps looming within the distance. 

How to Get there:  There is not any airport in Liechtenstein, so getting in is simply potential by street or practice. The closest main airport is in Zurich (1-hour drive) adopted by Munich (2.5-hour drive). Buses from Bruchs (Switzerland) and Feldkirch (Austria) are the best strategy to get to Liechtenstein. 

Where to Stay: Hotel Restaurant Kulm is one of the best on the town: centrally positioned and filled with old-world allure with out compromising on fashionable consolation. Spectacular views!  Check for one of the best costs.

9. Kufstein, Austria

Cows roam freely on the rolling inexperienced hills, the sounds of their bells ringing within the distance; ladies wearing completely fitted dirndls smile and wave, whereas males of their lederhosen belt out tunes with their accordion in hand. Framed by a citadel and towering mountains, Kufstein is the Austria of many individuals’s desires.

It’s as alpine as Europe will get, with mountains that make you need to yodel out loud and patchwork pastures chiming with cowbells. Folk music echo by way of the valleys  and steins (big jugs) of beer are served in centuries-old wood A-roofed mountain huts. Read extra about traveling Kufsteinerland with children.

How to Get there:  The nearest airport is in Vienna, 67km away, adopted by Innsbruck, at 71km away. Flights to Vienna are lower than 70 euros return from most of Europe. The Austrian railway community is wonderful and extremely environment friendly, with many day by day trains to Kufstein from Vienna and different components of the nation.

Where to Stay: Arte Hotel Kufstein is a brand new lodge positioned proper within the coronary heart of the town, subsequent to eating places, bars and all of the points of interest. It’s good for these on the lookout for fashionable, edgy lodging.  Check for one of the best costs.

10. Trondheim, Norway

Of all of the locations we visited on our journey by way of Norway, Trondheim actually left a deep impression on me. Surrounded by fjords,  the town is an enthralling Nordic enclave wealthy in historical past and conventional aptitude. The city itself is studded with slender cobble stoned alleys, basic Norwegian homes and walled fortresses.

During our brief keep, we wandered by way of the previous docks, visited the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral, sampled one of the best seafood soup on the town, and had a comfortable Christmas meal, Norwegian fashion.

How to Get there:  You can fly direct to Trondheim from London and different components of Europe for below 100euros return. Search for reasonable flights to Trondheim right here. 

Where to Stay: Thon Hotel Trondheim is a superb possibility for households who want area. The chain may be very well-liked in Norway and presents good worth for cash. We stayed at a number of Thon Hotel branches when in Norway and extremely suggest them.  Check for one of the best costs.

 11. Rovaniemi, Finland

Welcome to the world of Narnia! Located within the northern edges of Scandinavia, Lapland is a magical a part of the world that it’s a must to see for your self to imagine. Streets listed here are blanketed in glowing snow, pine tree forests sprawl throughout the area, and cosy wood cabins dot the pristine panorama.

Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is a great spot to expertise Lapland at its greatest: you possibly can go canine sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, reindeer herding or keep in a snow lodge. Best of all, Rovaniemi is understood to be the official hometown of Santa Claus. Amidst the glittering snow and colourful Northern Lights, it’s straightforward to see why Rovaniemi is among the most stunning locations in Europe.

How to Get there:  You’ll need to transit in Helsinki when flying to Rovaniemi however flights are lower than 100 euros return. Search for flights to Rovaniemi. 

Where to Stay: I stayed at Scandic Rovaniemi, probably the most well-liked upscale resorts on the town. It’s steps from eating places and retailers, and undoubtedly an awesome base for these trying to discover in consolation. Check for one of the best costs.

12. Sighisoara, Romania

On my journey to Transylvania with Lonely Planet, I traveled to a few extraordinarily charming villages and Sighisoara was my favourite. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this completely intact sixteenth century gem with 9 towers, cobbled streets, burgher homes and ornate church buildings rivals the historic streets of Old Prague or Vienna.

It can be the birthplace of Vlad Dracula, also called Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler), who impressed Bram Stoker’s fictional creation, Count Dracula.

How to Get there: The closest airports are positioned in Targu Mures (60km away), Sibiu (100 km away), and Cluj Napoca (150 km away). The most cost-effective place to fly to is Sibiu. Search for flights to Sibiu. 

Where to Stay: Fronius Boutique Residence stunned me with extraordinarily spacious rooms and topnotch meals. It’s additionally simply steps from Dracula’s beginning dwelling and the city middle. I actually appreciated the normal Transylvanian really feel. Check for one of the best costs.

13. Ronda, Spain

While dwelling in Spain (for over seven years), we visited numerous villages and small cities within the nation. Of all of them, Ronda undoubtedly stands out as one of many prettiest cities in Europe. It is about in a deep gorge spanned by a powerful bridge, and linked with romantic winding streets and white-washed homes.

It can be base to discover the encompassing space, the place you will see stunning mountains and lots of the iconic pueblos blancos (white villages) of Andalusia. As considered one of Spain’s oldest cities, the historic quarter is a vital cultural centre crammed with mosques and palaces.

How to Get there: It’s only a 1.5-hour drive from Malaga Airport, which is extraordinarily low-cost and simple to fly to from most components of Europe. There’s one direct practice from Malaga to Ronda every day, and several other bus departures per day.  Search for flights to Malaga. 

Where to Stay: Parador de Ronda is one other landmark lodge that’s a vacation spot by itself. Perched on the highest of the cliffs proper subsequent to the enduring bridge, this heritage lodge is transformed from a historic constructing and is now one of the best lodge on the town. Check for one of the best costs.

14. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

This charming city positioned in Bohemia’s deep south is among the most stunning locations in Europe for good purpose. It’s somewhat like Prague in miniature – an previous city sq., Renaissance and baroque structure, and a magical citadel – however all on a smaller scale.

You can stroll from one aspect of city to the opposite in 20 minutes. There are loads of full of life bars and riverside picnic spots. It will be notably atmospheric in winter, when the crowds are gone and the citadel is blanketed in snow. Its historic centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. Český Krumlov was the spotlight of our 1-week Czech Republic itinerary.

How to Get there: The nearest airport is in Prague. Trains hyperlink Prague with Český Krumlov each 2 hours by way of the day taking 3h30.  Search for flights to Prague. 

Where to Stay: Garni Hotel Castle Bridge is among the best-reviewed resorts on the town. With a superb location, the trendy lodge is surprisingly inexpensive. Check for one of the best costs.

15. Riquewihr, France

Officially probably the most stunning locations in Europe and but largely unknown to worldwide vacationers, Riquewihr is discovered within the coronary heart of the Alsace wine-growing area. This village actually has every thing that you simply anticipate finding in a fairy-tale village: fortified partitions, stone entrance gates, cobbled streets lined with brightly painted half-timber homes, carved wood beams and stone doorways, wrought iron indicators for the retailers, and many flowers. It’s undoubtedly the right setting for a Disney film.

How to Get there: The nearest airport is in Strasbourg (50km away). You can simply hire a automotive or take a practice to Riquewihr from there.  Search for flights to Strasbourg. 

Where to Stay: Remparts de Riquewihr Apartments presents tastefully designed lodging within the rustic fairy-tale homes of the previous city. It’s ridiculously cute and effectively value splurging on. Check for one of the best costs.

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What do you suppose are probably the most stunning locations in Europe? Did we miss out something from this checklist? Share with us within the feedback discipline beneath!