Are you planning a European trip and need help figuring out where to start? It is tough to choose the most beautiful European countries to travel to. And more when they are only 12! The old continent never disappoints. Its incredible historical sites, beautiful natural landscapes and a rich culture that people all over the planet love. This post tells you the 12 most beautiful European countries to inspire you. To taste the colours, these are our favourites.
THE 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL COUNTRIES IN EUROPE
Spain, the most beautiful country in Europe
We are Spanish, but it has nothing to do with our decision. Without a doubt, Spain must be in the first position in this list of the most beautiful European countries! And patriotism has nothing to do with it… in fact, we had to travel a lot to realize what we had at home. Spain is a whole country. It has everything!
They are starting with first-rate monumental cities such as Barcelona, Madrid and Seville. They are among the most beautiful in Europe too!
And if we only talk about monuments, our country has some that you should see at least once. We are talking about the beautiful Sagrada Familia or the Alhambra in Granada, one of the world’s most spectacular places to see. Spain has nothing more and nothing less than 44 sites that are World Heritage Sites.
But not everything beautiful in Spain is created by man! The country has incredible landscapes wherever you go. If you go north, you will be impressed with its green national parks and rugged coastline.
And if you fancy a beach, we invite you to paradise. You will find some of the best beaches in the Balearic Islands, especially in Menorca. If you want to get carried away by the party, get lost in Ibiza! And finally, the Canary Islands will fascinate you with their excellent weather all year round and their volcanic landscapes.
But if none of this convinces you enough and you don’t think Spain should be in the first position in this list of the most beautiful European countries. We have the solution! Try their food and think again. As in Spain, you don’t eat anywhere else in the world.
Italy
Keeping with the Mediterranean charm, Italy is one of the best European countries to travel to. Like Spain, it is also a complete destination where you can enjoy everything.
If you like nature and adventure sports, you can visit the Dolomites in the north of the country. It is one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world. The shape of its mountains, beautiful valleys and alpine lakes like Lago di Braies will make you fall in love! Get lost in the Trentino-Alto Adige region, and you won’t want to return.
Rome deserves a separate chapter. It is a vast open-air museum showing you the ruins of the world’s largest and most powerful empire. But Italy also has beautiful cities like Milan, Bologna, Venice and Florence.
And speaking of Florence, we cannot forget to mention a place as romantic and idyllic as the Tuscan countryside. There are so many beautiful places to see! Or mention the also romantic Amalfi Coast and its picturesque villages.
Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe, without a doubt. And it also has super lovely beaches! If you want to discover the best in the country, visit the island of Sardinia or let yourself be carried away by Sicily’s chaos and excellent gastronomy, as long as the dreaded Etna allows it.
France is one of the best countries in Europe to travel
France is another of the great world destinations. And with Spain and Italy, three could be in the first position. Because they have everything, they are safe and easy to get to know.
You are starting with the most visited city in the world, Paris! Few cities can be compared to the French capital. However, France has other exciting cities, such as Bordeaux, Lyon, Toulouse and Strasbourg. If you like picturesque areas, remember to visit the beautiful Alsace region.
Leaving the cities, you will feel like relaxing in one of the incredible resorts found along the sunny and glamorous Côte d’Azur. Or maybe you’re more into skiing? No problem; in the French Alps, you will find some of the most important ski resorts on the continent.
But if you are looking for a unique experience, lose yourself in the beautiful hills of Provence and enjoy its beautiful villages or lavender fields. Oh, and with a glass of wine, everything tastes better!
Greece, one of the most beautiful countries in Europe
The Mediterranean is a unique place. Just like Greece! Whether for its impressive ancient sites spanning four millennia like the Parthenon, the monasteries of Meteora or its incredible islands like Mykonos or Santorini, Greece will not leave you indifferent.
Athens is its leading tourist destination. A visit to the Greek capital must be included in your itinerary through the Hellenic country. But don’t just stay there! Dive into the Aegean Sea and discover as many islands as you can. The Cyclades are the most famous. You will take great postcards of its whitewashed villages and the calm breeze of the Aegean. But in the Dodecanese, there are also super exciting islands like Rhodes or Symi. Or we could remember to mention the majestic island of Crete, the largest in Greece and the one with the best beaches in the country.
And if you want a unique experience, dare to climb Mount Olympus, Greece’s highest and most sacred mountain. If all these landscapes have not taken you to heaven, on Mount Olympus, you will meet the gods.
Norway
There are few countries in the world as privileged as Norway! Home to incredible fjords, the country stands out for its beautiful landscapes. The natural beauty of Norway is epic!
Take advantage of its most famous hiking trails, such as Trolltunga or Preikestolen. It’s hard to climb, but the views of the fjords from the rocks are sublime.
You cannot leave Norway without enjoying the Northern Lights. It is one of the most incredible phenomena and one that you should see at least once in your life. We recommend you go to the Lofoten Islands in the Arctic Circle. It is best to go in winter to take advantage of more hours of darkness. You’re going to be cold, but the feeling of seeing them makes up for everything.
Cities are not Norway’s forte, although Bergen and Stavanger are beautiful and authentic.
Finally, if you like adventure, you must visit the Svalbard archipelago. Glaciers and snow cover 60% of its territory. You will be careful with the polar bears!
Switzerland
Continuing with the natural beauty, Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. And if you can afford it, it’s also great to live in. Like Norway, the best of Switzerland is in its landscapes.
It is home to some of the planet’s tallest and most iconic mountains, such as the Matterhorn. Indeed its shape sounds familiar to you from Toblerone! It also has beautiful alpine lakes. If you visit Zermatt, you must travel the 5 Lakes Route.
In Switzerland, you can also ride the highest railway in Europe. It will take you to Jungfraujoch, 3454 meters from Europe. From there you will have incredible views of the Swiss Alps.
But not everything in Switzerland is mountains. You can also visit beautiful valleys like Lauterbrunnen and dream of the world of Heidi or get to know exciting cities like Geneva, Lucerne, Zurich or Bern, its beautiful capital.
Iceland
Iceland is a different country. It’s the adventure capital of the world! You will be fascinated by its geysers, lava fields, and vast glaciers. In Iceland, you will see landscapes that do not seem from this planet. That is why it has earned the Land of Fire and Ice nickname!
Travelling the Ring Road in about 10 days is one of the best trips you can do in Europe. You will see a wide variety of landscapes. From the famous waterfalls of the Golden Circle to the Jökulsárlón ice lagoons, you pass through its volcanoes and thermal baths.
In Iceland, the weather is unpredictable. And if you have something guaranteed when stepping on their territory, it is adrenaline.
England
England could be included in this list of the most beautiful countries in Europe. Although you will indeed have to visit it with an umbrella in hand, it should be okay with you with the large number of beautiful places that you can visit.
We must start by mentioning London. For us, the English capital is the best city on the planet. It has everything! But always keep an eye on the time of Big Ben because you can only get enchanted in the city. Otherwise, you’ll miss out on beautiful places like the Lake District National Park. You will hallucinate its landscapes! If you like nature, you can’t miss it.
England also has a proud monarchical tradition. So you can take advantage of their castles! The ones at Windsor and Warwick are two of the most impressive.
But the best thing about England is its small towns. It would help if you visited the Cotswolds, one of the trendiest destinations on the continent, to enjoy its rural atmosphere.
And finally, England also has other exciting cities like Manchester or Liverpool, the birthplace of the Beatles.
Croatia, one of the most beautiful countries in Europe
Returning to the Mediterranean, Croatia is one of the continent’s booming destinations. Its attractions range from ancient walled cities to crystal clear beaches, passing through beautiful national parks such as the Plitvice Lakes.
Dubrovnik is the main attraction of the country. And not just for Game of Thrones fans! This walled city, located on the Dalmatian coast, will win you over with its winding streets full of history and architectural splendour. Split is the other great Croatian city full of cultural treasures from the Roman period, such as the Diocletian’s Palace.
You cannot miss the opportunity to know the Adriatic islands such as Hvar, Vis, Brac or Korcula, among others. Some of them receive celebrities from all corners of the planet, captivated by their crystal clear beaches and incredible landscapes.
The Istrian peninsula is another of Croatia’s great attractions, especially if you like truffles! Take advantage of destinations like Rovinj or Pula, two Dalmatian treasures. Without a doubt, one of the most beautiful countries in Europe.
Russia
The largest country in the world could be included in this list. Apart from its political conflicts, there is no doubt that Russia is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. On its enormous surface, you will find authentic treasures, some better known and promoted, others almost unknown.
European Russia has incredible cities, landscapes, beaches and ethnic towns. However, due to the need for more tourist advertising, Russia’s natural beauty is often overlooked, even by Russians themselves.
Moscow and Saint Petersburg are the two main destinations in the country. They are two incredible cities! The first, with a much more Russian character: large squares, avenues… in pure Soviet style. The Red Square is one of the most beautiful in the world! And Saint Petersburg is a much more European city, similar to the continent’s big cities.
The rich legacy of tsarism can be seen in its enormous palaces such as the Hermitage, Peterhof or the Catherine Palace.
But apart from Moscow and Saint Petersburg, make sure to catch gems like Sergiev Posad, Suzdal or the Golden Ring of Russia.
Netherlands
And finally, to finish this post about the most beautiful European countries, we could not forget the Netherlands. It is one of the smallest but also one of the most beautiful. It does not have mountains, but if it does not lack something, it is windmills and tulip fields, especially in spring. Remember to visit Keukenhof, the Garden of Europe, to see one of the most colourful landscapes on the continent.
But if we talk about the Netherlands, we must mention the beautiful city of Amsterdam. It is the leading tourist destination in the country, and when you get to know it, you will understand why. Its picturesque canals, historic houses, and rich culture, embodied in 40 significant museums, or to try its varieties of cheese, are some of the reasons to visit the city.
But the Netherlands is much more than Amsterdam and Keukenhof. Being a small country, it is super well connected, and you can take many excursions to cities like Rotterdam, The Hague or more charming destinations like Volendam.
Portugal is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. And one of the most underrated!
If you like the beach, Portugal will not leave you indifferent. With more than 8,00 kilometres of the Atlantic coast, the Portuguese country will give you sunsets and dream experiences.
Overshadowed somewhat by its neighbour, Spain, Portugal is often undervalued. Its beautiful capital, Lisbon, is an excellent example of this. There are few capitals as picturesque as the Portuguese. But the positive thing is that little by little; the country is growing in terms of tourism.
A few years ago, only the beaches of the Algarve and their rock formations had fame. Although luckily, today, other regions such as Alentejo or the Azores are receiving more tourists. The Azores archipelago is a paradise for nature lovers. If you are looking for a quiet outdoor holiday, you will be fascinated by its volcanic landscapes and many hiking, diving or even whale-watching opportunities.
With so many kilometres of coastline, Portugal is mainly a beach destination. But it goes much further! We encourage you to discover Porto and its fantastic wines or the idyllic landscapes and buildings you will find in Sintra, just outside Lisbon.
