Most Lovely Locations in Europe

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

From the Ionian Sea to the Alps, listed below are a number of the most stunning locations in Europe, that can you’ll want 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. Historic 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 an inventory of probably the most stunning locations in Europe. Take pleasure in!

The Most Lovely Locations in Europe

1. Positano, Italy

On our first journey to Italy, we made it some extent to go to Positano after watching the film, Beneath the Tuscan Solar (one of many finest journey motion pictures 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 price 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 below are well-heeled Italian and worldwide vacationers in search of 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 stunning cities in Europe.

Methods 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 possibly can hire a automotive (only a 1.5hour drive), catch a shuttle bus or ferry choices. 

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

2. Perast, Montenegro

Perast is a tiny charming village situated within the Bay of Kotor just some 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 plenty 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 gorgeous fortified city and surrounding villages. Montenegro was positively our favourite a part of your entire Balkan journey.

Methods to Get there: The closest airport to Perast is Tivat Airport, simply 19.7km away. The drive is just 20 minutes, so you possibly can simply catch a taxi from the airport. Seek for flights to Tivat right here.

The place to Keep: Monte Bay Retreat is claimed to be the very best 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 resort is country-style meets modernism each directly. Verify for the very best 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 beautiful 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 operating alongside out of doors cafes and artwork galleries. This was additionally the place Alberto and I spent one in every of our first Valentines’ collectively. I not too long ago 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 finest issues to do in Santorini.

Methods to Get there: Flights to Santorini Airport from most elements of Europe are actually reasonably priced 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 the only option in case you’re celebrating a special 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. Verify for the very best costs.

4. Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina

The small city of Mostar in Bosnia has acquired to be probably the most underrated locations in Europe. Though Mostar was closely bombed in the course of the Bosnian Battle within the early Nineties, most elements of the Outdated City have been utterly restored and cleaned up.

As we speak, 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 acquire cash from vacationers earlier than plunging 21m into the icy water.

Methods 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 just a few every day buses that go from Dubrovnik to Mostar, taking 3-4 hours every means.  Seek for flights to Dubrovnik.

The place to Keep:  Boutique Resort Outdated City has the very best evaluations 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 comfy and old-world furnishing. Verify for the very best costs.

5. Ohrid, Macedonia

Of all of the sights I’ve seen within the Balkans, I discovered Lake Ohrid to be probably the most stunning 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 possibly can even see a hallucinogenic reflection of the encompassing snow peaks on the glassy water floor. This Macedonian metropolis is one in every of solely round 28 websites world wide that qualify for Unesco’s lists of each cultural and pure websites.

Methods 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 numerous buses that go from Skopje to Ohrid every day, taking 3.30 hours every means.  Seek for flights to Skopje.

The place to Keep: I stayed at Villa & Vineyard Mal Sveti Kliment, and extremely advocate it for these in search of consolation and reasonably priced costs. It has an ideal location on the town, and good customary of service and luxury.  Verify for the very best 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 situated simply 20km away – is a charismatic Ottoman metropolis that felt like an East-meets-West enclave.

As probably the most stunning 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 included it of their territories. Albania tourism continues to be in its infancy however the nation has plenty of surprises in stall for adventurous vacationers.

Methods 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 selections in Krujë, and the most suitable choice is Resort Panorama. It gives the very best views on the town, and delightful and trendy furnishing. Verify for the very best costs.

7. Goreme, Turkey

Whimsical fairy chimneys, cave church buildings and weird rock formations dominate the landscapes of Cappadocia. It’s the type of place you’d think about elves and fairies dwelling in. Whereas Turkey is without doubt one of the most visited international locations on the planet – receiving thousands and thousands of vacationers every year – this a part of Turkey nonetheless feels comparatively quiet and completely gorgeous.

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

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

The place to Keep: Yunak Everi is well one of many coolest lodges I’ve stayed at. Staying in a cave resort 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. Verify for the very best 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 in case you do get an opportunity to discover its countryside, you’ll see the way it’s probably the most stunning 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. In every single place you go in Triesenberg, you’ll see views of the Rhine River beneath your toes and the Swiss Alps looming within the distance. 

Methods to Get there:  There isn’t any airport in Liechtenstein, so getting in is just 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 method to get to Liechtenstein. 

The place to Keep: Resort Restaurant Kulm is the very best on the town: centrally situated and stuffed with old-world attraction with out compromising on trendy consolation. Spectacular views!  Verify for the very best costs.

9. Kufstein, Austria

Cows roam freely on the rolling inexperienced hills, the sounds of their bells ringing within the distance; girls wearing completely fitted dirndls smile and wave, whereas males of their lederhosen belt out tunes with their accordion in hand. Framed by a fort 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. People music echo by way of the valleys  and steins (large jugs) of beer are served in centuries-old picket A-roofed mountain huts. Learn extra about touring Kufsteinerland with children.

Methods 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 every day trains to Kufstein from Vienna and different elements of the nation.

The place to Keep: Arte Resort Kufstein is a brand new resort situated proper within the coronary heart of town, subsequent to eating places, bars and all of the points of interest. It’s good for these in search of trendy, edgy lodging.  Verify for the very best costs.

10. Trondheim, Norway

Of all of the locations we visited on our journey by way of Norway, Trondheim actually left a deep impression on me. Surrounded by fjords,  town is a captivating 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 quick keep, we wandered by way of the previous docks, visited the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral, sampled the very best seafood soup on the town, and had a comfortable Christmas meal, Norwegian fashion.

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

The place to Keep: Thon Resort Trondheim is a good choice for households who want house. The chain could be very fashionable in Norway and gives good worth for cash. We stayed at a number of Thon Resort branches when in Norway and extremely advocate them.  Verify for the very best costs.

 11. Rovaniemi, Finland

Welcome to the world of Narnia! Positioned within the northern edges of Scandinavia, Lapland is a magical a part of the world that you need to see for your self to consider. Streets listed below 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 finest: you possibly can go canine sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, reindeer herding or keep in a snow resort. 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 without doubt one of the most stunning locations in Europe.

Methods to Get there:  You’ll need to 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, probably the most fashionable upscale lodges on the town. It’s steps from eating places and retailers, and positively an ideal base for these trying to discover in consolation. Verify for the very best 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 is usually the birthplace of Vlad Dracula, also referred to as Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler), who impressed Bram Stoker’s fictional creation, Rely Dracula.

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

The place to Keep: Fronius Boutique Residence stunned 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. Verify for the very best 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 powerful bridge, and linked with romantic winding streets and white-washed homes.

It is usually base to discover the encompassing space, the place one can find stunning mountains and most of the iconic pueblos blancos (white villages) of Andalusia. As one in every of Spain’s oldest cities, the historic quarter is a crucial cultural centre full of mosques and palaces.

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

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

14. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

This charming city situated in Bohemia’s deep south is without doubt one of the most stunning 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 fort – 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 significantly atmospheric in winter, when the crowds are gone and the fort 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.

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

The place to Keep: Garni Resort Citadel Bridge is without doubt one of the best-reviewed lodges on the town. With a wonderful location, the fashionable resort is surprisingly reasonably priced. Verify for the very best costs.

15. Riquewihr, France

Formally probably the most stunning 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 every little thing that you simply look forward to 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 retailers, and many flowers. It’s positively the proper setting for a Disney film.

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

The place to Keep: Remparts de Riquewihr Residences gives tastefully designed lodging within the rustic fairy-tale homes of the previous city. It’s ridiculously cute and effectively price splurging on. Verify for the very best costs.

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