Most Stunning Locations in Europe

Final Up to date on June 27, 2022 by Nellie Huang

From the Ionian Sea to the Alps, listed here are a few of the most lovely locations in Europe, that can make sure to add a contact of magic to your journey.

Europe could have large cities like London, Paris and Berlin; however it’s the charming hamlets that really give a way of what the continent is about. Historical historical past, excellent structure, and old-world character.

Having lived in Europe for greater than 10 years now, I’ve traveled extensively across the area and have seen a justifiable share of the continent. That can assist you plan your individual journey right here, I’ve compiled a listing of probably the most lovely locations in Europe. Take pleasure in!

The Most Stunning Locations in Europe

1. Positano, Italy

On our first journey to Italy, we made it a degree to go to Positano after watching the film, Below the Tuscan Solar (one of many greatest journey films of all time for my part). We needed to drive alongside the plunging cliff-edge roads of the Italian Amalfi Coast to get there, however it was effectively value it. Carved proper into the craggy shoreline, your entire city is made up of slim alleyways that snake up steep slopes and age-old brick homes, with mosaic-tiled domes poking into the skies.

Most individuals who go to listed here are well-heeled Italian and worldwide vacationers on the lookout for a touch of romance. Positano can get fairly crowded in summer time and costs are normally jacked up, however go to within the shoulder season and also you’ll see why we named Positano one of many lovely cities in Europe.

The way to Get there: The closest airport to Positano is the Naples Capodichino Airport. A return flight from main cities in Europe to Naples is normally lower than 100 euros. Seek for flights right here. From there, you’ll be able to lease a automobile (only a 1.5hour drive), catch a shuttle bus or ferry choices. 

The place to Keep: Le Sirenuse is the landmark lodge of Positano and has been featured in lots of movies and magazines. The luxurious lodge is a vacation spot by itself, residence to the most effective restaurant on the town and it’s additionally one of many few locations in Positano to have a pool. Test the newest costs right here.

2. Perast, Montenegro

Perast is a tiny charming village positioned within the Bay of Kotor only a few miles from the busy vacationer city of Kotor, but it’s far sufficient to be comparatively quiet and time-warped. Topped with a church and lots of terracotta-roofed stone-walled homes, the quaint village has an idyllic location proper on the water.

We spent our days right here kayaking in Bay of Kotor, swimming within the sea (simply steps from our entrance door), going for lengthy walks alongside the coast, feasting on recent seafood in charming little taverns, and exploring the attractive fortified city and surrounding villages. Montenegro was positively our favourite a part of your entire Balkan journey.

The way to Get there: The closest airport to Perast is Tivat Airport, simply 19.7km away. The drive is simply 20 minutes, so you’ll be able to simply catch a taxi from the airport. Seek for flights to Tivat right here.

The place to Keep: Monte Bay Retreat is alleged to be the most effective place to remain on the town, with a tasteful design and excellent location overlooking the city and bay. Housed in a historic stone-walled constructing, the lodge is country-style meets modernism each without delay. Test for the most effective costs.

3. Oia on Santorini, Greece

A private favourite, Oia village on Santorini oozes romantic vibes and postcard-perfect landscapes. A volcanic island perched above black fertile soils, Santorini boasts of attractive stark white-and-blue structure, with monastery domes juxtaposed towards all-white homes, stoned alleys and the darkish blue Ionian Sea within the background.

Oia is the prettiest city on the island, with slim roads working alongside outside cafes and artwork galleries. This was additionally the place Alberto and I spent one among our first Valentines’ collectively. I lately returned with my 4-year-old daughter and it turned out to be a wonderful place for households. Learn my article on touring Santorini with children and the greatest issues to do in Santorini.

The way to Get there: Flights to Santorini Airport from most elements of Europe are actually inexpensive lately. You possibly can simply catch a public bus from the airport to Fira after which change a bus to Oia.  Seek for flights to Santorini right here.

The place to Keep: Mystique is your best option should you’re celebrating an important day or don’t thoughts splurging. Perched on Oia’s most well-known cliffs, Mystique options an infinity pool with a deck, and a bar with breathtaking views of the Volcano and the Caldera. Test for the most effective costs.

4. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

The small city of Mostar in Bosnia has received to be some of the underrated locations in Europe. Regardless that Mostar was closely bombed through the Bosnian Warfare within the early Nineteen Nineties, most elements of the Outdated City have been utterly restored and cleaned up.

In the present day, rebuilt mosques stand alongside church buildings and synagogues and charming cafes line the cobblestoned alleys. Stari Most or the Outdated Bridge, continues to be the star of the present, perched excessive and mighty over the inexperienced waters of the raging Neretva River. Even the age-old bridge-diving custom may be seen as native divers accumulate cash from vacationers earlier than plunging 21m into the icy water.

The way to Get there: You possibly can fly straight to Mostar Airport, however flights to Mostar aren’t low cost. The second closest airport is in Dubrovnik, which is less expensive to fly to. There are a couple of day by day buses that go from Dubrovnik to Mostar, taking 3-4 hours every method.  Seek for flights to Dubrovnik.

The place to Keep:  Boutique Lodge Outdated City has the most effective opinions in Mostar and I positively agree with the others who’ve stayed there. It has an outstanding location within the previous city and subsequent to the Outdated Bridge, in addition to snug and old-world furnishing. Test for the most effective costs.

5. Ohrid, Macedonia

Of all of the sights I’ve seen within the Balkans, I discovered Lake Ohrid to be probably the most lovely pure attraction within the area. The cobble stoned stairways and historical Orthodox church buildings of the coastal city of Ohrid are artfully assembled towards a backdrop of calm and peaceable Lake Ohrid.

On a transparent day, you’ll be able to even see a hallucinogenic reflection of the encompassing snow peaks on the glassy water floor. This Macedonian metropolis is one among solely round 28 websites around the globe that qualify for Unesco’s lists of each cultural and pure websites.

The way to Get there:  The closest airport is in Skopje, the capital of Macedonia. Flights to Skopje are low cost, lower than 100euros return. There are lots of buses that go from Skopje to Ohrid every day, taking 3.30 hours every method.  Seek for flights to Skopje.

The place to Keep: I stayed at Villa & Vineyard Mal Sveti Kliment, and extremely suggest it for these on the lookout for consolation and inexpensive costs. It has an important location on the town, and good customary of service and luxury.  Test for the most effective costs.

6. Krujë, Albania

Krujë got here as a shock for me throughout my Balkan journey in 2008. I used to be feeling down from having misplaced my pockets and being caught with a perverted Couchsurfing host, however I got here throughout this charming village and it turned the journey round. Tirana could also be a busy mess, however Krujë – albeit positioned simply 20km away – is a charismatic Ottoman metropolis that felt like an East-meets-West enclave.

As some of the lovely cities in Europe, Kruje was as soon as the capital of the Kingdom of Albania, however the Ottomans took management of the city in 1478, and integrated it of their territories. Albania tourism remains to be in its infancy however the nation has a lot of surprises in stall for adventurous vacationers.

The way to Get there:  It’s simple to search out low cost flights to Tirana from most of Europe. Native buses depart each quarter-hour from the market behind the practice station. The journey lasts about one hour.  Seek for flights to Tirana.

The place to Keep: Tright here aren’t many decisions in Krujë, and the best choice is Lodge Panorama. It affords the most effective views on the town, and exquisite and fashionable furnishing. Test for the most effective costs.

7. Goreme, Turkey

Whimsical fairy chimneys, cave church buildings and weird rock formations dominate the landscapes of Cappadocia. It’s the form of place you’d think about elves and fairies dwelling in. Whereas Turkey is likely one of the most visited nations on this planet – receiving tens of millions of vacationers every year – this a part of Turkey nonetheless feels comparatively quiet and completely beautiful.

The perfect city to remain at is Goreme, a village that’s effectively outfitted with lovely cave accommodations and eating places. Goreme is certainly my favourite merchandise on this listing of probably the most lovely locations in Europe.

The way to Get there: Kayseri Airport is 70km from Goreme and the drive takes about 1 hour. The Nevsehir Airport is positioned 40km from Goreme and the drive is about 40 minutes. Airport transfers price round US$30-40 every method.  Seek for flights to Kayseri.

The place to Keep: Yunak Everi is definitely one of many coolest accommodations I’ve stayed at. Staying in a cave lodge is wonderful, and Yunak Evleri makes it all of the extra particular with actually private service and high-end furnishing. I might return and keep right here in a heartbeat. Test for the most effective costs.

8. Triesenberg, Liechtenstein

Most individuals have by no means heard of Liechtenstein, not to mention Triesenberg! Liechtenstein is a tiny nation sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland. Most individuals who go to Liechtenstein solely spend time within the capital, however should you do get an opportunity to discover its countryside, you’ll see the way it’s some of the lovely locations in Europe.

Set within the Rhine valley, the landlocked alpine nation is especially mountainous, making it a winter sport vacation spot. Perched on the mountains surrounding the capital is Triesenberg, an alpine city surrounded by pine forests, medieval church buildings, conventional homes and ranches. All over the place you go in Triesenberg, you’ll see views of the Rhine River beneath your toes and the Swiss Alps looming within the distance. 

The way to Get there:  There is no such thing as a airport in Liechtenstein, so getting in is simply potential by street or practice. The closest main airport is in Zurich (1-hour drive) adopted by Munich (2.5-hour drive). Buses from Bruchs (Switzerland) and Feldkirch (Austria) are the simplest option to get to Liechtenstein. 

The place to Keep: Lodge Restaurant Kulm is the most effective on the town: centrally positioned and filled with old-world allure with out compromising on fashionable consolation. Spectacular views!  Test for the most effective costs.

9. Kufstein, Austria

Cows roam freely on the rolling inexperienced hills, the sounds of their bells ringing within the distance; ladies wearing completely fitted dirndls smile and wave, whereas males of their lederhosen belt out tunes with their accordion in hand. Framed by a fortress and towering mountains, Kufstein is the Austria of many individuals’s goals.

It’s as alpine as Europe will get, with mountains that make you need to yodel out loud and patchwork pastures chiming with cowbells. Folks music echo by means of the valleys  and steins (big jugs) of beer are served in centuries-old picket A-roofed mountain huts. Learn extra about touring Kufsteinerland with children.

The way to Get there:  The closest airport is in Vienna, 67km away, adopted by Innsbruck, at 71km away. Flights to Vienna are lower than 70 euros return from most of Europe. The Austrian railway community is wonderful and extremely environment friendly, with many day by day trains to Kufstein from Vienna and different elements of the nation.

The place to Keep: Arte Lodge Kufstein is a brand new lodge positioned proper within the coronary heart of the town, subsequent to eating places, bars and all of the sights. It’s excellent for these on the lookout for fashionable, edgy lodging.  Test for the most effective costs.

10. Trondheim, Norway

Of all of the locations we visited on our journey by means of Norway, Trondheim actually left a deep impression on me. Surrounded by fjords,  the town is an enthralling Nordic enclave wealthy in historical past and conventional aptitude. The city itself is studded with slim cobble stoned alleys, traditional Norwegian homes and walled fortresses.

Throughout our brief keep, we wandered by means of the previous docks, visited the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral, sampled the most effective seafood soup on the town, and had a comfy Christmas meal, Norwegian fashion.

The way to Get there:  You possibly can fly direct to Trondheim from London and different elements of Europe for below 100euros return. Seek for low cost flights to Trondheim right here. 

The place to Keep: Thon Lodge Trondheim is a superb possibility for households who want area. The chain could be very standard in Norway and affords good worth for cash. We stayed at a number of Thon Lodge branches when in Norway and extremely suggest them.  Test for the most effective costs.

 11. Rovaniemi, Finland

Welcome to the world of Narnia! Situated within the northern edges of Scandinavia, Lapland is a magical a part of the world that you must see for your self to imagine. Streets listed here are blanketed in glowing snow, pine tree forests sprawl throughout the area, and cosy picket cabins dot the pristine panorama.

Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is a great spot to expertise Lapland at its greatest: you’ll be able to go canine sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, reindeer herding or keep in a snow lodge. Better of all, Rovaniemi is understood to be the official hometown of Santa Claus. Amidst the glittering snow and colourful Northern Lights, it’s simple to see why Rovaniemi is likely one of the most lovely locations in Europe.

The way to Get there:  You’ll must transit in Helsinki when flying to Rovaniemi however flights are lower than 100 euros return. Seek for flights to Rovaniemi. 

The place to Keep: I stayed at Scandic Rovaniemi, some of the standard upscale accommodations on the town. It’s steps from eating places and outlets, and positively an important base for these trying to discover in consolation. Test for the most effective costs.

12. Sighisoara, Romania

On my journey to Transylvania with Lonely Planet, I traveled to a few extraordinarily charming villages and Sighisoara was my favourite. Designated as a World Heritage Website by UNESCO, this completely intact sixteenth century gem with 9 towers, cobbled streets, burgher homes and ornate church buildings rivals the historic streets of Outdated Prague or Vienna.

It’s also the birthplace of Vlad Dracula, often known as Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler), who impressed Bram Stoker’s fictional creation, Depend Dracula.

The way to Get there: The closest airports are positioned in Targu Mures (60km away), Sibiu (100 km away), and Cluj Napoca (150 km away). The most affordable place to fly to is Sibiu. Seek for flights to Sibiu. 

The place to Keep: Fronius Boutique Residence shocked me with extraordinarily spacious rooms and topnotch meals. It’s additionally simply steps from Dracula’s delivery residence and the city heart. I actually appreciated the standard Transylvanian really feel. Test for the most effective costs.

13. Ronda, Spain

Whereas dwelling in Spain (for over seven years), we visited numerous villages and small cities within the nation. Of all of them, Ronda positively stands out as one of many prettiest cities in Europe. It’s set in a deep gorge spanned by a formidable bridge, and linked with romantic winding streets and white-washed homes.

It’s also a superb base to discover the encompassing space, the place you will see that lovely mountains and most of the iconic pueblos blancos (white villages) of Andalusia. As one among Spain’s oldest cities, the historic quarter is a crucial cultural centre crammed with mosques and palaces.

The way to Get there: It’s only a 1.5-hour drive from Malaga Airport, which is extraordinarily low cost and straightforward to fly to from most elements of Europe. There’s one direct practice from Malaga to Ronda every day, and a number of other bus departures per day.  Seek for flights to Malaga. 

The place to Keep: Parador de Ronda is one other landmark lodge that’s a vacation spot by itself. Perched on the highest of the cliffs proper subsequent to the long-lasting bridge, this heritage lodge is transformed from a historic constructing and is now the most effective lodge on the town. Test for the most effective costs.

14. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

This charming city positioned in Bohemia’s deep south is likely one of the most lovely locations in Europe for good purpose. It’s a little bit like Prague in miniature – an previous city sq., Renaissance and baroque structure, and a magical fortress – however all on a smaller scale.

You possibly can stroll from one facet of city to the opposite in 20 minutes. There are many energetic bars and riverside picnic spots. It may be notably atmospheric in winter, when the crowds are gone and the fortress is blanketed in snow. Its historic centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Website since 1992. Český Krumlov was the spotlight of our 1-week Czech Republic itinerary.

The way to Get there: The closest airport is in Prague. Trains hyperlink Prague with Český Krumlov each 2 hours by means of the day taking 3h30.  Seek for flights to Prague. 

The place to Keep: Garni Lodge Fortress Bridge is likely one of the best-reviewed accommodations on the town. With a wonderful location, the trendy lodge is surprisingly inexpensive. Test for the most effective costs.

15. Riquewihr, France

Formally some of the lovely locations in Europe and but largely unknown to worldwide vacationers, Riquewihr is discovered within the coronary heart of the Alsace wine-growing area. This village actually has the whole lot that you simply anticipate finding in a fairy-tale village: fortified partitions, stone entrance gates, cobbled streets lined with brightly painted half-timber homes, carved picket beams and stone doorways, wrought iron indicators for the outlets, and plenty of flowers. It’s positively the right setting for a Disney film.

The way to Get there: The closest airport is in Strasbourg (50km away). You possibly can simply lease a automobile or take a practice to Riquewihr from there.  Seek for flights to Strasbourg. 

The place to Keep: Remparts de Riquewihr Flats affords tastefully designed lodging within the rustic fairy-tale homes of the previous city. It’s ridiculously cute and effectively value splurging on. Test for the most effective costs.

What do you assume are probably the most lovely locations in Europe? Did we miss out something from this listing? Share with us within the feedback discipline under!