The Most Beautiful Destinations in Europe
city is set across 118 small islands linked by charming canals and beautiful old bridges lining its wonderful waterways are magnificent marble coated palaces and century-old churches with countless other historic landmarks and cultural sites dotted here and there exploring venice's atmospheric alleys pretty piazzas and idyllic islands is always a treat number 21 scottish highlands the scottish highlands form a rugged mountainous region of northern scotland there are many things to do amongst the dramatic scenery of this picturesque area there's glencoe valley where red deer roam and waterfalls hide close to here bendevis calls with the highest mountain peak in the united kingdom elsewhere loch ness sits in the central highlands and is where you can try to catch a glimpse of the legendary loch ness monster or simply take a stroll and enjoy the serene atmosphere the scottish highlands are also home to inverness the largest city in the region number 20 transfu garrison highway winding its way through the carpathian mountains the transvagarisin highway is widely considered one of the most spectacular and scenic drives in the world built between 1970 and 1974 as a strategic military route the road runs through a number of high mountain passes and river valleys in the center of romania due to its hair-raising hairpin turns its steep and sharp descents and stunning scenery the highway is very popular to cycle or drive along number 19 madaira surrounded by the wild waters of the atlantic ocean the spectacular subtropical archipelago of madaira lies some thousand kilometers or more off mainland portugal often called the garden island due to its unspoiled nature it boasts breathtaking scenery with mighty mounts and coastal cliffs lining its scenic sun-kissed shores while sailing surfing and scuba diving around the island are popular activities there are also some great beaches and towns to check out in addition the archipelago is crisscrossed by a wonderful series of hiking trails with astounding views over the ocean number 18 lapland located far north in the arctic circle the winter wonderland of lapland straddles the snow-coated frozen expanse of finland sweden norway and russia full of endless forests glacial lakes and glinting ice fields the picturesque polar region is magical to explore hiking skiing and dog sledding are all popular staying in a cozy cabin in the woods or one of its scenic snow-covered towns is an excellent way to experience the best of lapland to top it all off no visit to the land of santa claus can be complete without catching a glimpse of the northern lights number 17 pulpit rock one of the most famous and phenomenal sites in norway the prominent pulpit rock lies in the southwest of the country overlooking the lovely lisa fjordan formed during the last ice age the sheer cliff towers 604 meters above its surroundings with staggering views of the deep dark waters and dramatic landscapes below due to the outstanding beauty pulpit rock attracts hordes of tourists every year number 16 the dolomites home to sweeping valleys alpine meadows and jaw-dropping peaks the dolomites are a majestic mountain range lying in the northeast of italy straddling several different regions the pale mountains are one of the most popular and picturesque places to visit in the country with lots of great hiking paths and skiing pistes to be found amidst its spectacular landscapes standing at 3 343 meters marmalada is its highest park whether summer or winter the dolomites are delightful to visit due to their stunning scenery and epic panoramas number 15 corchala town bordered by beautiful blue waters and lush forests with mountains rising in the distance corczilla town is certainly set in a scenic spot lying at the eastern end of the island of cortula it boasts an attractive and alluring old town full of exquisite renaissance and gothic architecture enclosed within its imposing fortifications are centuries-old churches venetian palaces and atmospheric alleys as well as a charming waterfront in addition to its pleasant historic center courtyard town lies near some brilliant beaches if you want to take a dip in the warm inviting waters of the adriatic sea number 14 kravitz waterfalls located in the south of bosnia and herzegovina the kravitze waterfalls are a gorgeous set of falls hidden away among the craggy karst landscape towering 25 meters in height the gentle cascades span 120 meters in length powerful jets of water gush between the dense green overgrowth that threatens to engulf the lovely pool below due to their peaceful nature and breathtaking beauty gravity waterfalls is a popular day trip from mostar and dubrovnik with swimming and picnicking to be enjoyed in the summer months number 13 pharaoh islands you'll need at least a week to explore all the captivating attractions the 18 volcanic pharaoh islands have to offer just a short flight from mainland europe the island country has been associated with the kingdom of denmark but it is actually self-governed what makes the archipelago so special is that it's incredibly underrated and untouristy did you know that you can see the northern lights here from november to february apart from its spectacular scenery of majestic valleys remote villages and jaw-dropping waterfalls it's also a popular spot for nature enthusiasts seeking a glimpse of thousands of coastal birds including clifftop puffin colonies number 12 bay of kotor a sweeping bay in the eastern adriatic sea the bay of kotor is situated in southwestern montenegro it's a beautiful spot ringed by jagged green hills and medieval towns with red roofed houses spilling down the coastline best explored by car along its winding roads the region is packed full with incredible sights from old citadels to islands topped with monasteries there's plenty of chances for seafood and delicious dinners by the sea to complement the scenery kotor old town is a venetian wonder surrounded by walls with a mountain backdrop that's well worth using as a base number 11 tulip fields in holland stretching endlessly into the distance the netherlands colorful tulip fields are one of its most evocative sites ever since the late 16th century when the beautiful bulbs first arrived and tulip mania struck europe visitors have been attracted to its fantastic flower beds and lavishly landscaped gardens by far the biggest and best of its flower parks is kukenhof home to around 7 million tulips daffodils and roses cycling around holland's fetching fields is a delight with loads of great photos to be had of pretty purple orange and red flowers waving in the wind number 10 verdon gorge with its blindingly bright white limestone walls and its twinkling turquoise waters verdon gorge certainly makes for a beautiful sight located in the southeast of france the ravine stretches more than 25 kilometers in length and at times drops to a depth of 700 meters sometimes billed as the grand canyon of europe its epic landscapes lend themselves perfectly to all kinds of outdoor activities with hiking and kayaking particularly popular number nine meteora meaning elevated in greek meteora is a jutting rock formation in northern greece a wild landscape made up of hill-like boulders that dominate the skyline part of what makes that magnificent landscape so amazing however are the monasteries that precariously cling to the rocks set on cliffs with staircases cut into the very stone itself this religious site dates back to the 15th century and some still welcome visitors to this day the most famous of all the holy trinity monastery perches an amazing 400 meters atop a natural rock tower and is a breathtaking sight to set eyes on number eight lake bled set in northwest slovenia close to the town of bled is a gleaming emerald lake surrounded by stunning verdant hills catch one of the old wooden boats over to the small blood island in the middle of the lake the island is home to the church of the assumptions of mary a 17th century building with some 15th century gothic frescoes still intact around this incredibly picturesque spot there's also blood castle but one of the best things to do in the area is to simply stroll around the lake and take a break for a swim in the calm waters number seven sintra home to grand castles palaces and historic villas sintra is a fabulous place to visit it lies just 30 kilometers to the northwest of lisbon due to its spectacular scenery it was here that generations of portuguese royals erected extravagant edifices atop soaring hills and mountains besides the romantic architecture of the syndra and pena palaces there are also lovely landscaped gardens and luxury estates for visitors to explore as well as the crumbling castle of the moors number six holst often called the pearl of austria halstadt looks every bit the fairy tale town due to its spectacular setting and outstanding natural beauty perched between majestic mountains and a looking glass lake the picturesque pastel-colored town tumbles down to the reflective waters below widely considered the oldest still-inhabited settlement in europe it has long been known for its salt deposits various caves and mines can be visited from the town although usually quite crowded ambling around scenic streets and atmospheric alleys before emerging at holstein's divine waterfront with its sensational views is a magical experience number five santorini the volcanic island of santorini is probably one of the most recognized islands on earth characterized by its whitewashed and blue domed cycladic towns hugging the caldera cliffs above the edge of the aegean this greek island is world famous for its enviable sunsets stroll through the alleyways of iatown whine and dine at the gourmet tavernas relax on the volcanic beaches or sail off into the sunset on the glamorous catamaran cruise as it's one of greece's most expensive islands you'll undoubtedly rub shoulders with the rich and famous for its views and mediterranean climate alone santorini is something special so number four lofoten islands rising dramatically from the sea the lofoten islands rugged peaks plunging fjords and scenic beaches and coves make for an impressive sight located just off the northwest of norway the attractive archipelago is home to sheep-filled fields and untouched landscapes with sheltered bays and sleepy fishing villages dotted about connected to the mainland by tunnels and bridges the islands are fascinating and photogenic to explore with hiking cycling and sailing all popular the lofoten islands are also a great place to watch the marvelous aurora borealis light up the skies number three fusion lying in the far south of bavaria the enchanting fusion is set in a lovely spot at the foot of the alps it is the last stop on germany's romantic road while its well-preserved historic center is pleasant to explore the town is mostly known for the three fabulous fairy tale castles that lie in the surrounding hills and mountains of these the undoubted highlight is neuschwanstein the magical palace that was the inspiration behind walt disney's sleeping beauty castle besides its impressive historical sites fusion also has lots of excellent hiking trails that offer superb views of nearby mountains lakes and forests so number two amalfi coast located just to the south of naples is the amalfi coast one of italy's most alluring and attractive stretches of coastline rising steeply above the sparkling waters of the mediterranean are rugged cliffs and stunning mountains with idyllic towns and villages dotted about as well as boasting beautiful scenery and gorgeous landscapes there are also the pastel colored palaces and piazzas of positano amarfi and ravello to explore whether lounging on a beach hiking in the hills or sailing along its sun-kissed shores the beauty of the amalfi coast is undeniable so number one lauterbrunnen valley lined by magnificent mountains glittering glaciers and an astounding 72 waterfalls louder brunen valley is picture perfect dotted around its picturesque pastures and alpine meadows are cozy chalets and charming mountain villages such as those of lauterbrunnen moon and wengen framed by sheer cliffs and sparkling falls the valley is a nature lover's dream with lots of hiking trails mountain bike paths and rock climbing routes to explore its outstanding beauty and spectacular scenery make lauterbrunnen valley one of the most memorable places to visit in switzerland
2021-11-08 14:15
