Some of the most diverse and beautiful places on Earth can be found in Europe. From glacier-carved fjords in Norway to sun-drenched Mediterranean islands, the continent’s pretty ancient landscapes and charming historic cities tell stories of nature and our humanity.
In this guide, we’re sharing 20 of the most beautiful places in Europe that offer both style and substance. If you go beyond the surface these jaw-dropping destinations you’ll find cultural depth and curious stories – especially if you join one of our Europe tours. Let’s explore!
1. Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
Sixteen terraced lakes flow into one another through 90 waterfalls, surrounded by dense forest and dramatic karst cliffs, at this UNESCO-listed park in Croatia. Walk on boardwalks directly over turquoise waters teeming with fish, and catch a little boat at the center. Each season offers a new perspective on this unmissable place in Croatia.
Best time to visit: May-June or September
2. Lofoten Islands, Norway
Rising abruptly from the Norwegian Sea, the Lofoten Islands are a dramatic chain of jagged peaks, Arctic beaches, and fjord-cut inlets. Fishing villages like Reine and Hamnøy cling to the shoreline – their red cabins set against snowy peaks. In this bucket-list beautiful place the sun never sets in summer, and in winter the aurora dances overhead.
Best time to visit: June-August for midnight sun; February-March for northern lights.
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3. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is a city of bold contrasts. Gothic alleyways meet surrealist architecture. Golden beaches sit near medieval cathedrals. Gaudí’s masterpieces, like Sagrada Família and Park Güell, define the skyline. It’s this curious mix of art, history, and relaxed coastal vibes that make Barcelona such a magnet.
Best time to visit: April-June or September.
4. Santorini, Greece
Santorini, with its whitewashed cliffside villages, cobalt-domed churches, and panoramic Aegean views, is a Greek island that many dream to visit for good reason. It’s easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe. Beyond legendary sunsets, best seen from the towns of Oia and Fira, there are black sand beaches and ancient Minoan ruins to explore.
Best time to visit: Late April–early June or September.
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5. Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt is a picture-perfect alpine village, with pastel houses lining narrow streets on the edge of a calm lake with the Dachstein Alps towering around. The UNESCO World Heritage Austrian village is known for its ancient salt mines and is a fairytale destination that you’ll take too many photos of.
Best time to visit: May-September.
6. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Narrow canals and even narrower historic gabled houses define Amsterdam, a buzzing European city that effortlessly mixes old and new. Make like the locals and explore on two wheels, visit famous museums like the Rijksmuseum, and lean into the café culture. Visit in spring for tulips lining the canals!
Best time to visit: April-June when tulips bloom with mild weather.
7. Cinque Terre, Italy
Five colorful Italian villages perched on rugged cliffs overlooking the shimmering blue waters of the Ligurian Sea. Dreamy! This stretch of UNESCO World Heritage coastline is stacked with bright buildings, terraced vineyards and hidden coves. It gets very busy in teh summer, so visit off-season for its signature mix of nature and seaside calm.
Best time to visit: May-June or September-October
8. Provence, France
Rolling vineyards, endless lavender fields, and sun-soaked hilltop villages – this is why the French region of Provence draws visitors with its timeless charm. Find Roman ruins in Arles, farmer’s markets in Aix-en-Provence, and a feast of culture and Mediterranean light across the fragrant landscape.
Best time to visit: June-July for lavender; September-October for harvest season.
9. Budapest, Hungary
Grand architecture, historic thermal baths, buzzy ruin pubs, and a rich history make Budapest one of the prettiest cities in Europe. Split in two by the Danube River, on one side you’ll see the Gothic spires of Parliament and on the other the medieval Buda Castle.
Best time to visit: April-June or September-October; mild weather, fewer crowds.
10. Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Snow-capped sky-high peaks that graze the clouds, surreal and icy crystal-clear lakes, and endless grassy alpine meadows make the Swiss Alps one of the best places to visit in Europe. Explore the breathtaking landscape, from iconic Matterhorn views to charming villages like Zermatt and Interlaken. You’ll find world-class hiking, skiing, and landscapes shaped by glaciers over millions of years.
Best time to visit: June-September for hiking; December-March for skiing.
11. Cappadocia, Turkey
A lunar landscape of fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and ancient rock churches defines Cappadocia. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Europe, and it’s best experienced at sunrise. As dawn breaks hundreds of hot air balloons fill the sky to see the unique terrain from above.
Best time to visit: April-June or September-October.
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12. Paris, France
The City of Light continues to charm with world-famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, and picturesque streets lined with classic apartment blocks. Wander by the Seine, explore galleries, step through historic neighborhoods, or laze in a manicured gardens and think la vie est belle!
Best time to visit: April-June or September-November.
13. Lake Bled, Slovenia
A fairy-tale church sits on a tiny island in the center of the serene emerald Lake Bled, a place itself that’s framed by lush forests and rugged mountains. Here rowboats drift across the water and Bled Castle watches from a cliff above. This Slovenian lake is easily in the top most beautiful places in Europe.
Best time to visit: May-September.
14. Bruges, Belgium
Medieval charm, winding canals, Gothic spires, Horse-drawn carriages, chocolate shops, and historic squares…. The small Belgian city of Bruges is like a textbook fairytale place. Don’t skip one of Europe’s best-preserved towns.
Best time to visit: May-September.
15. Venice, Italy
Speaking of canals, there’s nowhere else on Earth on Venice – the floating city. Once at the center of global trade, this Italian city is now filled with ornate palaces and fancy piazzas. Explore via the waterways, drifting past history and churches in the skilled hands of a gondolier. A must for any Italy bucket list!
Best time to visit: April-June or September-October.
16. Isle of Skye, Scotland
Wild, windswept landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and hidden gems make the mystical Scottish island of Skye such a drawcard. Located off the west coast, the island is famous for its dramatic and diverse landscapes – so don’t miss seeing the Quiraing and Old Man of Storr.
Best time to visit: May-September.
17. Amalfi Coast, Italy
This stunning stretch of Mediterranean coastline is dotted with colorful pastel villages that cling to the cliffs, connected by very windy roads. Pretty places to visit include the famous towns of Positano and Amalfi, and you can’t miss a boat trip to the island of Capri.
Best time to visit: May-June or September.
18. Lisbon, Portugal
The Portuguese capital is a pretty city of colorful tiled facades, vintage yellow trams, and endless panoramic views (yes, there are lots of hills!). Besides old-world charm, Lisbon has a fantastic food scene fed by fresh seafood plucked from the Atlantic.
Best time to visit: April-June or September-November.
19. Hvar Island, Croatia
It’s hard to choose just one Croatian island, but since we had to we chose the sun-soaked island of Hvar. Surrounded by crystal-clear Adriatic waters, Hvar is famous for its lavender fields, fun nightlife scene, and historic old town. A huge fortress overlooks the historic town that offers a slight cosmopolitan touch to an island destination.
Best time to visit: June-September.
20. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn’s medieval old town is remarkably intact – with cobblestone streets, towering spires, and colorful merchant houses making it one of the most beautiful places in Europe. Once one of the most fortified cities in Europe, Tallinn’s defensive walls once featured 46 towers – with around 20 towers remaining today, including the famous Kiek in de Kök.
Best time to visit: May-September.
Which country is the most beautiful in Europe?
Beauty is subjective – but our travel experts say Italy frequently ranks as Europe’s most beautiful country. From Roman ruins to Tuscan vineyards, northern lakes and mountains to coastal cliffside villages – Italy offers a huge range of beautiful and unique landscapes in one country. Plus the art, architecture and cuisine help!
What is the #1 tourist spot in Europe?
The French capital – Paris – is often considered Europe’s top tourist destination. Most eager travelers wish to see the famous Eiffel Tower and step through world-class museums like the Louvre one day. Paris has a timeless allure that attracts millions of visitors every year.
That’s our guide to the 20 most beautiful places in Europe. Anywhere else we should add? Leave a comment…