The Best Vacation Spot From Each European Country

2 years ago

1. The Azores, Portugal

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The Azores is about 900 miles off the coast of Lisbon in Portugal. If you get the chance to visit, then you'll see the beautiful rows of blue hydrangeas and the scattering of waterfalls, making this such a stunning setting to take your breath away. The grassy valleys and steep cliffs at the ocean side make this place a little bit of paradise that you can soak up.

2. Biarritz, France

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If you fancy swimming in bright turquoise waters or sipping a glass of rosé at sunset, while breathing in the scents of lavender, then get yourself over to the South of France, to Biarritz to be exact. It's glamorous and sophisticated and you're very likely to bump into the odd celebrity! It's also great for surfing or simply sunbathing on the stunning beach.

3. Las Salinas de Torrevieja, Spain

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You'd expect to have to go to the Caribbean to experience pink water but that's not the case. Hop on a plane to Valencia which is part of the Las Salinas de Torrevieja National Park. During breeding season, you'll see literally thousands of flamingos! The water has a high salt content, great for exfoliating and detoxifying. It will be just like going to a spa!

4. The Dolomites, Italy

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Yes, the Dolomites may be less glamorous than the Alps but they are still gorgeous! They stretch right across north eastern Italy and the mountain range is one of the world's most breathtaking alpine drives. If you're after the best view ever, head out to the sleepy town of Bolzano and you'll see rolling green hills contrasting against the saw toothed peaks in the distance.

5. Eastern Carpathians, Romania

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Romania is well known for medieval castles and its Gothic churches but this country also has the most enigmatic landscapes in south eastern Europe, in particular the Carpathian Mountains. There are dense forests all around and they look very picturesque besides sites such as the Lacu Rosu which you will know better as the Red Lake. The stunning plants and flowers complete the setting.

6. Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

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The Cliffs of Moher can be described as raw, untamed beauty. The sight can be admired on Ireland's west coast and is a natural wonder reaching 702 feet at its highest point. You may recognise it as the Cliffs of Insanity in "The Princess Bride." These cliffs are situated an hour and a half drive south of Galway. You can even catch a shuttle bus to take you to the cliffs.

7. Capri, Italy

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This image is like a picture postcard! Capri has its iconic Faraglioni rocks and there is sensory overload with the island's flowers. It's a good idea to start off at Piazza Umberto and move on to the Punta Carena Lighthouse. There you will find very well preserved frescos, cloisters and gardens. The former monastery has been transformed into an exhibition area and library.

8. Lapland, Finland

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What could be better than visiting Lapland at Christmas and viewing its stark white landscapes and noticing that there are more reindeers than humans! You'll have to pinch yourself as you'll think you are in fairy tale land. Enjoy a hot mug of glogg (mulled wine to us) and spend hours gazing at those Northern Lights. If you visit in the summer, you can get a glimpse of the amazing midnight sun.

9. Las Médulas, Spain

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If you travel four hours from Madrid in north west Spain to the unusual landscape of Las Medulas, this is where the Romans devastated the mountains in their search for gold. The miners built a system of aqueducts and channels so they could force running water through that particular area. This left the reddish hues of the peaks that you see today.

10. Moravian Fields, Czech Republic

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The Moravian Fields resemble an oil painting but it's all real. The pastel colored hills are situated at the Czech Republic's eastern region which is often referred to as Moravian Tuscany. This is due to its resemblance to the famous rolling hills in Italy. If you are puzzled on how to see the Moravian Fields, it's easy. It's only a day trip away from Prague.

11. Meteora, Greece

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A monastery still standing from the 15th century is impressive to say the least. The buildings of the Meteora are located in sandstone peaks in central Greece and travellers can visit the Monastery of the Holy Trinity. This is one of the six monasteries that has survived. You have to be brave and take the 140 step staircase which is cut into the side of the cliff.

12. Hillegom, Netherlands

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To see a huge field full of rows of colored tulips is a real eye opener and enough to make even the most grumpy person smile! The flowers bloom throughout the region of Hillegom in the Netherlands. If you want to see them up close and personal head out there or go to the very popular Keukenhof gardens. Be prepared to queue as tourists can't get enough of them.

13. Swiss Alps, Switzerland

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Of course we know Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, especially in the winter time. If you visit the Swiss Alps during that time, the place becomes a luxury playground for skiers. The thick snow turns the mountain range into a winter wonderland. Look out for the Matterhorn peak which always stops visitors in their tracks.

14. Faroe Islands, Denmark

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The Faroe Islands, which translate to "sheep's island" are located in the North Atlantic Ocean. This mountainous region consists of 18 islands and is home to over 70,000 sheep, the numbers of which far outweigh the number of locals! It's really beautiful here with jagged coastlines, green forests and striking mountains. There are waterfalls over the rocky cliffs to make it picture perfect.

15. Zlatni Rat, Croatia

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Rat on Brač Island stands out from all the beaches in Croatia because of its unusual shape which changes whenever the current does. Called the Golden Cape, it gets its name from both its shape and color. It is also a very popular spot for jet skiing, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding. If you don't want to participate in watersports then sit back, relax and marvel at the turquoise waters of the Adriatic sea.

16. Hallstatt, Austria

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Hallstatt in Austria is such an interesting place and there is so much to see, from salt mines to unbelievable glaciers, lush green meadows and glassy waters. Hallstatt is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is well known for its ancient salt mine. Apparently, it has the oldest wooden staircase in Europe, being over three thousand years old. It has a very small population of only 800 people.

17. Champagne-Ardenne, France

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Champagne-Ardenne, as its name suggests, is the birthplace of champagne and situated in a beautiful region in France. The area is awash with idyllic valleys and vineyards and also ancient castles, abbeys and chateaus. You should make a point of visiting the capital city, Troyes, to view the churches from the Middle Ages and to see the underground wine cellars at the Cathedrale Notre Dame.

18. Lake Bled, Slovenia

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With its emerald green waters, fabulous views of the Julian Alps and the castle on a hill that looks like it's from a Disney movie, this is why Lake Bled in Slovenia is one of the most popular attractions. You can even take a boat ride to the middle of the lake, through the lush green trees, in a "pletna", which is a traditional wooden rowing boat. It doesn't get much better than that!

19. Isle of Skye, Scotland

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If you want to experience something magical, we can help you out with that. The Isle of Skye with its fairy pools and endless rolling hills is a sight to take your breath away. The brightly colored properties at the riverbank gives a very Italian feel to the area. As if the scenery isn't enough, there are Michelin starred restaurants to enjoy the best food ever.

20. Rakotzbrücke (Rakotz Bridge), Germany

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There is an absolute gem that's hidden in Kromlau Rhododendron Park, Rakotzbrücke. It is a nineteenth century bridge that creates a stone circle when it is reflected against the waters below. Rakotzbrücke is regularly referred to as "Devil's Bridge" because it would appear to be impossible to have been built by man so must have been made by the devil.

21. Villa Romana del Casale, Sicily

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UNESCO have described the Villa Romana del Casale as “the finest mosaics in situ anywhere in the Roman world”. You'd imagine this piece of history to be in Rome but it's actually in Sicily. The villa was constructed in the fourth century AD and the beautiful tiles along the walkways all tell a story. For a cultural tour, this is definitely the place to be.

22. Berat, Albania

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Berat is surely the cutest village in Albania and has been named as the ‘City of a Thousand Windows’. You'll know why when you see the whitewashed Ottoman houses built on the side of the fortress-crowned hill. The Byzantine churches are the oldest ruins standing, dating back to the thirteenth century. The whole place is steeped in history as well as being stunning to the eye.

23. Durham, England

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If you are looking for a quintessential British experience then you can't go far wrong with Durham in the United Kingdom. It mixes city life with the countryside and the World Heritage listed cathedral and castle can be found here. The oldest ruins date back as far as the ninth century which is mind blowing! If you were a fan of "Downton Abbey" on the tv, then come and view it up close and personal.

24. Bansko & Pirin National Park, Bulgaria

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Bansko & Pirin National Park, Bulgaria is a great place for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer and the beauty of it is that it's excellent value compared to Italy or Switzerland. For first time skiers who don't want to break the bank by shelling out for a pricey trip and not feeling inferior and being judged by wearing the basic outerwear, this is a perfect choice.

25. The Frosinone Valley, Italy

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If you're not the type of person that wants to indulge in the touristy places to visit, go to the Frosinone Valley. It's about halfway between Naples and Rome and situated in the Lazio region. You can admire the Abbey of Montecassino which was rebuilt after the second World War. The Valle di Comino is made up of small villages and lots of olive groves.

26. Nisyros Island, Greece

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One of the hidden gems in Europe is the white-washed village and Aegean enveloped volcano (active) on the island of Nisyros in Greece. Pretty much the whole place is unique and the food is second to none, typical Greek dishes and not costing the earth. You'll find these foods in the many tavernas which are always warm and welcoming to natives and tourists alike.

27. Annecy, France

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Annecy, in south eastern France, is a lakeside getaway that's as pretty as a picture. It's a little off the beaten track and the charming, little alpine town is one not to be missed. It has a medieval centre called the Vieille Ville and a small castle, Le Palais de I'lle, as well as an impressive museum. There are lots of photo opportunities as you walk along the canals and cobbled streets.

28. Sutherland and Moray, Scotland

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Sutherland and Moray in Scotland has a jewel in the crown, namely Dunrobin Castle. It's a grand turreted delight and is set in beautiful, manicured gardens. Moray houses the older sights such as the Elgin Cathedral, very impressive and dating back to 1224! The views are spectacular from this point as are the ones from the West Highlands and Glencoe famous valleys.

29. Lake of the Four Cantons, Switzerland

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On the edge of Lake Lucerne, known as the Lake of the Four Cantons, you'll see the country’s most gorgeous bodies of water. There are hidden gems like Tellskapelle and this is the chapel which honors William Tell, the national hero of Switzerland. There are a couple of museums in the cantons of Uri and Schwyz and they celebrate when the country established independence.

30. Kutna Hora, Czech Republic

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For a simply bone chilling, gothic trip experience, you really need to discover Kutna Hora in the Czech Republic. There is incredible architecture and also the "Bone Church" which is, of course, adorned with bones! Over 40,000 skeletons form the walls, ceilings and even the chandeliers. It's quite a macabre and unnerving sight to see but very worthwhile.