Most Beautiful Travel Destinations in Europe | 8 Best Places to Visit in Europe

 

Though Europe may be one of the smaller continents in the world, it makes up for its size in grandeur and variety. From luxurious beaches to limestone cliffs, from picturesque mountain views of fields of bluebells, the options are seemingly limitless which makes planning a trip to Europe a challenge. If you are unsure of where to head to and are getting torn between witnessing the midnight sun in Finland and hiking through the Dolomites, you have reached the right page. Today, we will help you to start narrowing things down, so you can plot out your trip to Europe! Read on for some of the best places to visit in Europe on your next international vacation. 

 

The Azores, Portugal – Featuring on most lists of the top ten places to visit in Europe, this Portuguese archipelago about 900 miles off the coast of beautiful Lisbon can inspire wanderlust with just a single photo. There is so much to see and do at the Azores, that you will be lost for choice. Steep ocean side cliffs, scattered waterfalls, verdant valleys, and rows of blue hydrangeas await you at the Azores. This beautiful travel destination has also been touted as one of the best bird-watching destinations in the world. And, if bird-watching does not appeal to you, the islands of Flores offer numerous canyoning options ranging from simple tracks to dramatically vertical descents. 

 

Biarritz, France – For those of you who thought there was nothing besides Eifel Tower and Leaning Tower of Pisa to visit on a trip to France, you are highly mistaken. Merely seven hours from Paris is Biarritz a quaint resort town that boasts of wild beaches. This town is hugely popular among not just surfers, but also celebs and royals. So, if you are looking for an exotic getaway, pack your bags to Biarritz and enjoy swimming in the turquoise blue water, breathing in scents of lavender, or kick back and enjoy the sunset view sipping on rosé on the idyllic coasts of this beautiful beach destination. 

 

Las Salinas de Torrevieja, Spain – Do you love the beaches and can’t get enough of it? We have you covered. Hop on a plane to the Caribbean for a once in a lifetime experience at Las Salinas de Torrevieja in Spain! Wondering what makes this destination any different from others? So, this rose-tinted lake is a part of the mesmerizing Salinas de Torrevieja National park and is home to over thousands of flamingos. Locals highly recommend taking a dip in the lake’s pink waters  which they claim is both exfoliating and detoxing. And, if that doesn’t impress you, the national park exemplifies the raw and untamed beauty of nature that you are sure to enjoy!

 

The Dolomites, Italy – There are many beautiful places to visit in Europe, but the Dolomites tops the list. Be sure to visit the Dolomites of Italy on your trip to Venice and spend at least three days here to make the best of your trip. If you are visiting in summer, you can ride on cable cars, go hiking, and enjoy the enchanting views of the mountains and the valley beneath. Jagged mountains, charming towns, and mesmerizing blue lakes make Dolomite a delightful place to visit for all age groups. If you are visiting the Dolomites in winter, you will be able to ski down the same mountains capped in snow! 

 

Galesnjak Island, Croatia – A few kilometers from Zadar lies the Galesnjak Island, popularly known as the Cupid Island. This island is like no other and is merely 130 sq meters in area shaped like a heart. If you intend to enjoy a romantic getaway with someone special, there is no place better than this beautiful island in Croatia. Remember, there are no hotels or restaurants on the island itself, so you will have to book your hotel in Zadar. Pack your picnic hamper and set off on a kayak or take a quick flight to this glorious love-struck island!

 

Hallstatt, Austria – Hallstatt in Austria is so breathtaking that China rebuilt a copy of this Austrian village in their own country. If you are looking to enjoy a private getaway, there is no place better than Hallstatt! This small village has just 800 inhabitants and is beautiful inside and out. This dreamy lake side town is one of the oldest inhabited villages in Europe that dates back to the Iron age. It is also home to the first-ever salt mine in the world. After visting the mine, walking around the market square and little shops around the lake, be sure to ride the funicular for breathtaking views of the countryside and lake. Hallstatt is hands down one of the best places to visit if you are looking for a relaxing vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

 

Lapland, Finland – If you have longed to view the Northern lights, then Lapland in Finland fits the bill. Stark white landscapes, a huge reindeer population that outnumbers the humans, and frequent Northern lights displays, will make your vacation beyond magical. Lapland is straight out of a fairytale popularly known for its natural beauty and fun winter activities. You could go on a sledding safari with huskies or even reindeers and buzz through frozen lakes on a fancy snow mobile. If adventure is not your cup of tea, cozy up at the Arctic Tree House Hotel with a hot mug of glogg! If you visit Lapland in summer, you may get lucky and could enjoy views of the midnight sun as well!

 

The Mont Saint-Michel, France – No trip to Europe is complete without visiting Mont Saint Michel. This is one of the most visited monuments in France and for a good reason. Located in the beautiful city of Normandy, the Mont is named after the beautiful statue of Saint Michel that sits atop the church. Though Mont Saint Michel is sparsely populated with less than 40 inhabitants, there are options to stay, eat, and spend a short yet beautiful holiday in the town. 

 

These were just a few of the many beautiful places to visit in Europe. If you are looking to visit Europe and do not know where to begin, waste no time and visit Downroute today! We have put together a comprehensive list of travel destinations to visit with your friends and loved ones. You can also view dozens of reviews on each place and get travel tips to make your trip an unforgettable one!