It’s no secret that Europe is a popular travel destination. The world’s second-smallest continent, it encompasses 44 countries, each with its unique traditions, lifestyle, landscape, and culture. The diversity of this continent is perhaps its most compelling feature, as you can experience vastly different countries within a short distance. France, Spain, Italy, Greece, Germany, and Portugal are among the top European destinations.
France is the most visited country in Europe, with over 90 million visitors as of 2019, according to the most recent Statista report. Whether for the romantic capital of Paris, the world-renowned wines, or the charming landscapes of Provence, travelers love France.
The country is home to some of the world’s best museums, many historical monuments, and charming villages. Aside from Paris, some of the must-see places in France are the Loire Valley with its castles; the Provence region with its lavender fields and little villages; Normandy, home to the iconic Mont-Saint-Michel; and the French Riviera, or Côte d'Azur, known for glamorous towns like Saint-Tropez and Cannes.
Meanwhile, Spain welcomes over 80 million yearly visitors, which makes it the second-most visited country in Europe. Visitors come for its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, spectacular architecture, and rich history.
Discover Madrid’s museums and parks, experience the lively nightlife of Barcelona, and learn about the wonderful Moorish heritage of Andalucía. Spain is also home to many picturesque towns, such as Ronda, Marbella, and Setenil de las Bodegas. The country also boasts two major archipelagos famous for their wonderful nature and great beaches: the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.
Italy is another European country you should not miss: the Mediterranean peninsula has the most UNESCO World Heritage sites in the world. There is much to discover in Italy, from Florence’s stunning architecture to the impressive natural landscapes of the Dolomites and the spectacular beaches of Sardinia and Sicily. Visit Rome’s Colosseum, and discover the archaeological site of Pompeii, south of Naples; eat delicious pasta and pizza, go shopping in Milan, and ride a gondola in Venice. Aside from the big cities, there are breathtaking locales like the Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast, and the beautiful coast of Apulia, home to towns like Polignano a Mare and Monopoli.
Greece is another beautiful Mediterranean country, ideal for a beach holiday. The Greek islands are some of the most beautiful in Europe, with turquoise waters and vibrant cities. From Santorini to Corfu and Mykonos, you have many choices for an unforgettable summer holiday.
Greece is also a great country to visit if you are passionate about history and ancient cultures. Visit the Acropolis in Athens, discover the Meteora in central Greece, and explore the historical sites of Rhodes, another Greek island.
Moving toward central Europe and away from the Mediterranean, Germany is another country well worth visiting. The capital Berlin is a multicultural city known for its historical landmarks, great museums, and lively nightlife. The two main reasons to visit Germany, aside from exploring its capital city, are to discover its picturesque little towns and visit its fairy-tale castles, which include Neuschwanstein Castle, Hohenzollern Castle, and Heidelberg Palace. Some of the most charming small towns are Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber, Esslingen, and Wismar.
Last but not least, Portugal is a small country but one of the most popular European destinations of the last few years. The capital city of Lisbon is the top Portuguese destination, followed by Porto and the Algarve. Explore the picturesque town of Sintra and its iconic Pena Palace, sample port wine in the Douro Valley, and relax on the beautiful beaches in the southernmost region of the Algarve.
