From Scandinavia's striking snow-coated scenery
to the charming coastlines of the Mediterranean, Europe is full of diverse and dreamy landscapes
that belie its relatively small size. While its world-class capitals of London, Paris,
and Rome attract the most visitors, the continent's 44 countries each have delightfully
different cities and attractions to explore. With so many sublime sights
and sensational scenery to see, visiting all of Europe's most beautiful
destinations could take a lifetime. Number 25. Picos de Europa.
Made up of three majestic massifs, the Picos
de Europa is a beautiful mountain range that lies in the far north of Spain. The 'Peaks
of Europe' and the surrounding national park boast astonishing scenery, with phenomenal
panoramas wherever you go. The park’s high mountains and deep ravines appeal to hikers,
who need to be alert for deep fog banks. This biosphere reserve also boasts forests, oak groves
and several rivers. Non-hikers may want to ride the cable car that reaches more than a mile above
sea level, providing stunning views of the park. Number 24. Seljalandsfoss.
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in the whole
of Iceland, Seljalandsfoss is also one of its most popular. This is in large part because you
can walk behind its cascading curtain of water. While this makes for some incredible photos, the
falls are just as marvellous to view from in front as they gush off the top of a 60 meter high cliff. Located just off the renowned Ring Road in the
south of the island, Seljalandsfoss is not to be missed out on for its scenic setting
and unique and unusual cave viewpoint. Number 23. Seven Rila Lakes
Nestled among the rearing Rila mountain range, the
Seven Rila Lakes are one of the most picturesque places to visit in Bulgaria. Set in the southwest
of the country, the seven lakes sparkle in the sun and are connected by a small series of streams,
cascades, and waterfalls. Each lake is named after its defining characteristic, so after
visiting the clear waters of 'The Tear,' you can stop by the oval-shaped shores of 'The Eye.'
Lying at more than 2,000 metres above sea level, the lakes are surrounded by magnificent mountains
with fantastic viewpoints dotted here and there. Number 22. Venice.
One of the world's most romantic and resplendent cities, Venice is like
no other place on Earth, with astounding art and architecture wherever you look. Located in
the northeast of Italy, the 'Floating City' is set across 118 small islands, linked by
charming canals and beautiful old bridges. Lining its wonderful waterways are magnificent
marble-coated palaces, and centuries-old churches, with countless other historic landmarks
and cultural sights dotted here and there. Exploring Venice's atmospheric alleys, pretty
piazzas, and idyllic islands is always a treat. Number 21. Scottish Highlands.
The Scottish Highlands form a rugged, mountainous
region of Northern Scotland. There are many things to do in amongst the dramatic scenery of this
picturesque area. There’s Glencoe Valley where red deer roam and waterfalls hide; close to here,
Ben Nevis calls with the highest mountain peak in the United Kingdom. Elsewhere, Loch Ness sits in
the Central Highlands and is where you can try to catch a glimpse of the legendary Loch Ness
Monster, or simply take a stroll and enjoy the serene atmosphere. The Scottish Highlands are also
home to Inverness, the largest city in the region. Number 20. Transfagarasan Highway.
Winding its way through the Carpathian Mountains,
the Transfagarasan Highway is widely considered one of the most spectacular and scenic drives
in the world. Built between 1970 and 1974 as a strategic military route, the road runs through a
number of high mountain passes and river valleys in the centre of Romania. Due to its hair-raising
hairpin turns, its steep and sharp descents, and stunning scenery, the highway is
very popular to cycle or drive along. Number 19. Madeira.
Surrounded by the wild waters of the
Atlantic Ocean, the spectacular sub-tropical archipelago of Madeira lies some thousand
kilometres or more off mainland Portugal. Often called the 'Garden Island' due to its
unspoiled nature, it boasts breathtaking scenery, with mighty mounts and coastal cliffs lining
its scenic sun-kissed shores. While sailing, surfing, and scuba diving around
the islands are popular activities, there are also some great beaches and towns
to check out. In addition, the archipelago is crisscrossed by a wonderful series of hiking
trails with astounding views over the ocean. Number 18. Lapland.
Located far north in the Arctic Circle, the winter
wonderland of Lapland straddles the snow-coated, frozen expanses of Finland, Sweden, Norway,
and Russia. Full of endless forests, glacial lakes, and glinting ice
fields, the picturesque polar region is magical to explore. Hiking, skiing,
and dog-sledging are all popular. Staying in a cosy cabin in the woods or
one of its scenic, snow-covered towns is an excellent way to experience the best of
Lapland. To top it all off, no visit to the land of Santa Claus can be complete without
catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Number 17. Pulpit Rock.
One of the most famous and
phenomenal sights in Norway, the prominent Pulpit Rock lies in the southwest of
the country, overlooking the lovely Lysefjorden. Formed during the last ice age, the sheer
cliff towers 604 metres above its surroundings, with staggering views of the deep, dark
waters and dramatic landscapes below. Due to the outstanding beauty, Pulpit Rock
attracts hordes of tourists every year. Number 16. The Dolomites.
Home to sweeping valleys, alpine meadows,
and jaw-dropping peaks, the Dolomites are a majestic mountain range lying in the northeast
of Italy. Straddling several different regions, the 'Pale Mountains' are one of the most popular
and picturesque places to visit in the country, with lots of great hiking paths and skiing pistes
to be found amidst its spectacular landscapes. Standing at 3,343 metres, Marmalada is its
highest park. Whether summer or winter, the Dolomites are delightful to visit due to
their stunning scenery and epic panoramas. Number 15. Korcula Town.
Bordered by beautiful blue waters and lush
forests, with mountains rising in the distance, Korcula Town is certainly set in a scenic spot.
Lying at the eastern-end of the island of Korcula, it boasts an attractive and alluring Old
Town, full of exquisite Renaissance and Gothic architecture. Enclosed within its imposing
fortifications are centuries-old churches, Venetian palaces, and atmospheric alleys, as
well as a charming waterfront. In addition to its pleasant historic centre, Korcula
Town lies near some brilliant beaches if you want to take a dip in the warm and
inviting waters of the Adriatic Sea. Number 14. Kravica Waterfalls.
Located in the south of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Kravica Waterfalls are a gorgeous set of falls
hidden away among the craggy karst landscape. Towering 25 metres in height, the gentle cascades
span 120 metres in length. Powerful jets of water gush between the dense green overgrowth that
threatens to engulf the lovely pool below. Due to their peaceful nature and breathtaking
beauty, Kravica Waterfalls is a popular day trip from Mostar and Dubrovnik, with swimming and
picnicking to be enjoyed in the summer months. Number 13. Faroe Islands.
You’ll need at least a week to explore all
the captivating attractions the 18 volcanic Faroe Islands have to offer. Just a short flight
from mainland Europe, the island country has been associated with the Kingdom of Denmark, but it is
actually self-governed. What makes the archipelago so special is that it’s incredibly underrated
and untouristy. Did you know that you can see the Northern Lights here from November to February?
Apart from its spectacular scenery of majestic valleys, remote villages, and jaw-dropping
waterfalls, it’s also a popular spot for nature enthusiasts seeking a glimpse of thousands of
coastal birds, including clifftop puffin colonies. Number 12. Bay of Kotor.
A sweeping bay in the eastern Adriatic Sea, the Bay of Kotor is situated in southwestern
Montenegro. It’s a beautiful spot ringed by jagged green hills and medieval towns, with
red-roofed houses spilling down to the coastline. Best explored by car along its winding roads,
the region is packed full with incredible sights – from old citadels to islands topped with
monasteries. There’s plenty of chances for seafood and delicious dinners by the sea to complement
the scenery. Kotor old town is a Venetian wonder, surrounded by walls with a mountain
backdrop that’s well worth using as a base. Number 11. Tulip Fields in Holland.
Stretching endlessly into the distance, the Netherlands' colourful tulip fields are
one of its most evocative sights. Ever since the late 16th century, when the beautiful bulbs
first arrived and 'tulip mania' struck Europe, visitors have been attracted to its fantastic
flowerbeds and lavishly landscaped gardens. By far the biggest and best of its flower parks is
Keukenhof, home to around seven million tulips, daffodils, and roses. Cycling around Holland's
fetching fields is a delight, with loads of great photos to be had of pretty purple,
orange, and red flowers waving in the wind. Number 10. Verdon Gorge.
With its blindingly bright white limestone
walls and its twinkling turquoise waters, Verdon Gorge certainly makes for a beautiful
sight. Located in the southeast of France, the ravine stretches more than 25 kilometres in length
and at times drops to a depth of 700 metres. Sometimes billed as the 'Grand Canyon of Europe',
its epic landscapes lend themselves perfectly to all kinds of outdoor activities, with
hiking and kayaking particularly popular. Number 9. Meteora.
Meaning “elevated” in Greek, Meteora is a
jutting rock formation in Northern Greece – a wild landscape made up of hill-like boulders that
dominate the skyline. Part of what makes that magnificent landscape so amazing, however, are the
monasteries that precariously cling to the rocks. Set on cliffs with staircases
cut into the very stone itself, this religious site dates
back to the 15th century, and some still welcome visitors to this day. The
most famous of all, the Holy Trinity Monastery, perches an amazing 400 meters atop a natural rock
tower and is a breathtaking sight to set eyes on. Number 8. Lake Bled.
Set in Northwest Slovenia close to the town of
Bled is a gleaming emerald lake surrounded by stunning verdant hills. Catch one of the
old wooden boats over to the small Bled Island in the middle of the lake. The island
is home to the Church of the Assumption of Mary – a 17th-century building with some
15th-century gothic frescoes still intact. Around this incredibly picturesque spot, there’s
also Bled Castle, but one of the best things to do in the area is to simply stroll around the lake
and take a break for a swim in the calm waters. Number 7. Sintra.
Home to grand castles, palaces and historic
villas, Sintra is a fabulous place to visit; it lies just 30 kilometres to the northwest
of Lisbon. Due to its spectacular scenery, it was here that generations of Portuguese
royals erected extravagant edifices atop soaring hills and mountains. Besides the romantic
architecture of the Sintra and Pena Palaces, there are also lovingly landscaped gardens
and luxury estates for visitors to explore, as well as the crumbling Castle of the Moors. Number 6. Hallstatt.
Often called the 'Pearl of Austria', Hallstatt
looks every bit the fairytale town due to its spectacular setting and outstanding natural
beauty. Perched between majestic mountains and a looking-glass lake, the picturesque,
pastel-coloured town tumbles down to the reflective waters below. Widely considered the
oldest still-inhabited settlement in Europe, it has long been known for its salt deposits; various
caves and mines can be visited from the town. Although usually quite crowded, ambling around
scenic streets and atmospheric alleys before emerging at Hallstatt's divine waterfront with
its sensational views is a magical experience. Number 5. Santorini.
The volcanic island of Santorini is probably
one of the most recognized islands on Earth. Characterized by its whitewashed and blue-domed
Cycladic towns hugging the caldera cliffs above the edge of the Aegean, this Greek island
is world-famous for its enviable sunsets. Stroll through the alleyways of Oia
town, wine and dine at gourmet tavernas, relax on the volcanic beaches, or sail off into
the sunset on a glamorous catamaran cruise. As it’s one of Greece’s most expensive islands,
you’ll undoubtedly rub shoulders with the rich and famous. For its views and Mediterranean
climate alone, Santorini is something special. Number 4. Lofoten Islands.
Rising dramatically from the sea, the Lofoten Islands' rugged peaks, plunging
fjords, and scenic beaches and coves make for an impressive sight. Located just off the
northwest of Norway, the attractive archipelago is home to sheep-filled fields and untouched
landscapes, with sheltered bays and sleepy fishing villages dotted about. Connected to the
mainland by tunnels and bridges, the islands are fascinating and photogenic to explore, with
hiking, cycling and sailing all popular. The Lofoten Islands are also a great place to watch
the marvellous Aurora Borealis light up the skies. Number 3. Fussen.
Lying in the far south of Bavaria,
the enchanting Fussen is set in a lovely spot at the foot of the Alps; it is
the last stop on Germany's Romantic Road. While its well-preserved historic centre is
pleasant to explore, the town is mostly known for the three fabulous fairytale castles that lie
in the surrounding hills and mountains. Of these, the undoubted highlight is Neuschwanstein – the
magical palace that was the inspiration behind Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. Besides
its impressive historical sights, Fussen also has lots of excellent hiking trails that offer superb
views of the nearby mountains, lakes and forests. Number 2. Amalfi Coast.
Located just to the south of Naples is the
Amalfi Coast - one of Italy's most alluring and attractive stretches of coastline. Rising steeply
above the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean are rugged cliffs and stunning mountains,
with idyllic towns and villages dotted about. As well as boasting beautiful
scenery and gorgeous landscapes, there are also the pastel-coloured
palaces and piazzas of Positano, Amalfi and Ravello to explore. Whether
lounging on a beach, hiking in the hills, or sailing along its sun-kissed shores, the
beauty of the Amalfi Coast is undeniable. Number 1. Lauterbrunnen Valley.
Lined by magnificent mountains, glinting
glaciers, and an astonishing 72 waterfalls, Lauterbrunnen Valley is picture-perfect. Dotted
around its picturesque pastures and alpine meadows are cosy chalets and charming mountain
villages, such as those of Lauterbrunnen, Murren, and Wengen. Framed by
sheer cliffs and sparkling falls, the valley is a nature lover's dream, with
lots of hiking trails, mountain bike paths, and rock climbing routes to explore. Its
outstanding beauty and spectacular scenery make Lauterbrunnen Valley one of the most
memorable places to visit in Switzerland.
