Inspiration

The 27 Most Beautiful Places in Europe

From Italian islands to the Arctic Circle.

August 30, 2021

It may be one of the smaller continents, but what Europe lacks in size, it makes up for in variety: The most beautiful places in Europe range from luxurious beaches, fields of bluebells, and limestone cliffs, to some of the best mountain views on the planet.

The options are seemingly endless—which is what makes planning a trip a challenge. We know it isn't easy to choose between chasing waterfalls in Bosnia and Herzegovina, staying awake for the midnight sun in Finland, and hiking your way through the dramatic Dolomites. So, to help you start narrowing things down, we've rounded up just 27 of the most beautiful places in Europe. We know that an international jaunt might be off the table at the moment, but hey—that'll just give you more time to plot out your next trip.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

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The Azores, Portugal
Roughly 900 miles off the coast of Lisbon, this Portuguese archipelago can inspire wanderlust with a single photo. The verdant valleys, steep ocean-side cliffs, rows of blue hydrangeas, and scattering of waterfalls make the Azores a paradise worth exploring—just make sure you visit before everyone you know beats you to it.
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Caucasus Mountains, Georgia
After decades spent out of sight and out of mind for many travelers, due in part to limited infrastructure and intermittent conflict with neighboring Russia, this former Soviet republic is attracting travelers tired of crowded mountain trails in the Alps or reservation-only vineyards in France. The best way to witness the diversity of Georgia’s terrain is on its hiking trails, which wind through the Greater Caucasus mountain range dividing Europe from Asia.

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Biarritz, France
Swimming in turquoise waters, sipping rosé at sunset, breathing in scents of lavender: The South of France is the embodiment of French glamour and sophistication. The area includes idyllic locations such as Biarritz, a resort town whose wild beaches are hugely popular with surfers, royals, and celebrities (you might also recognize it from Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises).
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Kravica Waterfalls, Bosnia and Herzegovina
You've undoubtedly heard of Croatia's Krka National Park, whose waterfalls are so popular that the country is limiting how many people can visit. Thankfully, neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina has plenty of gorgeous waterfalls, too: The wide expanse of falls and emerald pools of the Kravica waterfalls, surrounded by green forests, are a pilgrimage-worthy sight. And, unlike in Croatia, you’ll often have them all to yourself.

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Las Salinas de Torrevieja, Spain
Pink sand beaches are reason enough to hop on a plane to the Caribbean—but in Spain, you can swim in pink water. This rose-tinted lake located in Valencia is part of the gorgeous Las Salinas de Torrevieja National Park. It's home to thousands of flamingos during breeding season, but most locals prefer to think of it as their natural spa—thanks to its high salt content, a quick float is both detoxing and exfoliating. Plan to visit on a bright, sunny day when the water is at its pinkest, making it hands down one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
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Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Few places exemplify the raw, untamed beauty of Ireland’s west coast like the Cliffs of Moher, a natural wonder that reaches 702 feet at the highest point. And while you might recognize them as the Cliffs of Insanity from The Princess Bride, this wonder is hardly fiction—the cliffs are located just a 90-minute drive south of Galway. To get there you can rent a car or catch a shuttle bus from Doolin that will take you directly to the cliffs.

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The Dolomites, Italy
A less glamorous (but no less gorgeous) relative of the Alps, the Dolomites stretch across the northeastern part of Italy. Aside from its pristine trails for local skiers come wintertime, the mountain range makes for one of the world's most breathtaking alpine drives. For some of the best views, head to the stylish but sleepy resort town of Bolzano, where rolling green hills juxtapose beautifully against the sawtoothed peaks behind them.
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Eastern Carpathians, Romania
Romania may be best known for its medieval castles and Gothic churches, but the country also has some of the most enigmatic landscapes of southeastern Europe—particularly in and around the Carpathian Mountains. The range's dense forests are beautiful no matter where you are, but they somehow feel even lovelier when you come across sites like the Lacul Roșu (Red Lake), pictured here.

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Capri, Italy
By reputation, Capri is by far Italy's most glamorous island—and most dramatic. From the the iconic Faraglioni rocks settled in the azure Mediterranean to the scent of the island's many flowers, it's almost sensory overload. Start your journey in the colorful Piazza Umberto, the perfect kickoff point for your day of exploration. Sites like Blue Grotto may be crowded with fellow travelers, but locales like the Punta Carena Lighthouse and the Certosa di San Giacomo offer a bit of respite from crowds. At the latter, you’ll find well-preserved cloisters, frescos, and gardens even as exhibition spaces and a library modernize the former monastery.
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Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland
Legend has it the Giant's Causeway, with its thousands of hexagonal basalt columns rising from the sea, was the remains of an actual causeway built by giants. Science says it was formed by a volcanic eruption some 50 to 60 million years ago—but whether you choose to believe the fable or the facts, there's no doubt that this otherworldly site showcases nature at her most incredible.

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Kirkjufell, Iceland
This dazzling "Church Mountain" near the town of Grundarfjörður is one of Iceland's most photographed sites, and for good reason—it's among the best places to see the Northern Lights in the country. It also offers an added bonus for Game of Thrones fans: The landmark served as a very important filming location in Season 7.
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Lapland, Finland
With its stark white landscapes, frequent Northern Lights displays, and a reindeer population that outnumbers its human residents, Finnish Lapland feels like something out of a fairytale. We suggest cozying up at the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, where you'll be welcomed with a hot mug of glogg (mulled wine) and can spend hours gazing through the northern facing, floor-to-ceiling windows. Visit in the summer to catch a glimpse of the midnight sun as well.

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Las Médulas, Spain
You can attribute the unusual landscape of Las Médulas—which is about a four-hour ride from Madrid in northwest Spain—to the ancient Romans, who essentially devastated the mountains here while extracting gold during the 1st century A.D. The miners built a complicated system of aqueducts and channels to force running water through the area, leaving the scattered, reddish peaks you see today.
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Lofoten Islands, Norway
Just off of Norway's northwestern coast, you'll find the Lofoten Islands, a majestical untamed area well known for its surfing beaches and viewing of the Northern Lights. The archipelago is made up of many islands, but no matter which you head to, you'll find clear blue waters that rival the Mediterranean and craggy mountains that are reminiscent of Iceland—right beside unparalleled fjords and beaches.

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Micheldever Wood, England
Located about five miles from Winchester in Hampshire, Micheldever Wood is a lovely forest with beech trees, woodland birds, and wandering deer. Come springtime, the place becomes even more sensational, thanks to bluebells that blanket the forest floor.
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Vatnajökull, Iceland
Home to one of the largest glaciers in the world, Vatnajökull National Park is one of our favorite places to explore ice caves. But there's more than just frozen ice rivers to see at Vatnajökull, which covers much of Iceland's eastern half. It holds two of the island's most active volcanoes, herds of reindeer around Mt. Snæfell, and a number of breathtaking waterfalls, including Svartifoss, Dettifoss, and Selfoss.

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Moravian Fields, Czech Republic
The Moravian Fields look like an oil painting, but these pastel-colored hills are as real as it gets. The Czech Republic's easternmost region is often referred to as Moravian Tuscany, due to its uncanny resemblance to the eponymous rolling hills in Italy. Even better? The area is an easy day trip from Prague.
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Meteora, Greece
As if still-standing monasteries from the 15th century weren't impressive enough, the buildings of Meteora are famously situated on almost inaccessible sandstone peaks in central Greece. Brave travelers can pay a visit to the Monastery of the Holy Trinity—one of six monasteries that are still standing—via a 140-step staircase cut into the side of the cliff.

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Swiss Alps, Switzerland
Switzerland is easily one of the most beautiful countries in the world—particularly if you visit during the winter, when the Swiss Alps become a luxury skiing playground and thick snow turns the mountain range into a true wonderland. There's also something about spotting the iconic Matterhorn peak that stops us dead in our ski tracks every time.
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Hillegom, Netherlands
Google “spring flower pictures” and your screen will be flooded with photos of tulips—tulips in Holland, to be precise. The flowers bloom throughout the region, although some destinations are definitely more tourist-packed than others. We suggest heading to Hillegom in the western countryside, which is a quieter alternative to the very popular Keukenhof gardens.

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Zlatni Rat, Croatia
Of all the beaches in Croatia, Zlatni Rat on Brač Island stands out for its unusual shape, which changes depending on the current. The so-called "Golden Cape" gets its name from its shape and color, but it's also a popular spot for windsurfing, jet-skiing, and stand-up paddleboarding. If you want to simply sit back and marvel at the Adriatic Sea's impossibly turquoise waters, though, we won't judge.
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Faroe Islands, Denmark
Located in the North Atlantic Ocean near Scotland are the Faroe Islands. Literally translating to “sheep's island," the mountainous region is made up of 18 islands in total and is home to 70,000 sheep, outweighing the number of locals. But the island is strikingly beautiful, too, with picturesque mountains, jagged coastlines, and green forests. Don't miss the Mulafossur Waterfall, which looks straight out of a fairytale, with water falling over rocky cliffs and a tiny village in the background.

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Hallstatt, Austria
Majestic glaciers, lush meadows, and glassy waters are just part of this ancient village's appeal. Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also known for its ancient salt mine with the oldest wooden staircase in Europe (three thousand years old, to be exact). It's also a popular skiing and snowboarding destination during winter months, thanks to heavy snowfalls and small crowds—the local population is just 800 people.
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Champagne-Ardenne, France
As its name suggests, Champagne-Ardenne is the birthplace of bubbly and one of the most beautiful regions in France. The area is covered with idyllic valleys and vineyards, of course, but also ancient castles, chateaus, and abbeys. Make sure to visit the capital city of Troyes for splendid churches from the Middle Ages, and Reims for underground wine cellars and the masterpiece Cathédrale Notre-Dame.

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Isle of Skye, Scotland
With fairy pools and endless undulations of hills, the magical Isle of Skye is the stuff dreams are made of (regardless of whether you've binge-watched Outlander yet). While the nature here is timeless, the island also has a food scene that's totally modern—we can't think of a more beautiful place to sample Michelin-starred cuisine.
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Lake Bled, Slovenia
There's a reason Lake Bled is one of Slovenia's most popular sites. With its emerald waters, church-dotted islet, views of the Julien Alps, and Disney-like castle on a hill, you won't be short of picture-perfect views. Pro tip: Take your sweetheart on a boat ride in a pletna, a traditional wooden rowboat, to the lush island in the middle of the lake. (Legend has it, visiting the island’s church and ringing its bell will make all your dreams come true.)

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Rakotzbrücke (Rakotz Bridge), Germany
Hidden in Kromlau's Rhododendron Park, Rakotzbrücke is a 19th-century bridge that creates a perfect stone circle when reflected in the waters below it. Rakotzbrücke is often referred to as "Devil's Bridge," since the structure seems so impossible that it must have been built by, well, the devil.

TopicsLandscape Features

The Azores, Portugal

Caucasus Mountains, Georgia

Biarritz, France

Kravica Waterfalls, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Las Salinas de Torrevieja, Spain

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

The Dolomites, Italy

Eastern Carpathians, Romania

Capri, Italy

Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

Kirkjufell, Iceland

Lapland, Finland

Las Médulas, Spain

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Micheldever Wood, England

Vatnajökull, Iceland

Moravian Fields, Czech Republic

Meteora, Greece

Swiss Alps, Switzerland

Hillegom, Netherlands

Zlatni Rat, Croatia

Faroe Islands, Denmark

Hallstatt, Austria

Champagne-Ardenne, France

Isle of Skye, Scotland

Lake Bled, Slovenia

Rakotzbrücke (Rakotz Bridge), Germany

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