15 of the Most Beautiful Places to Travel in Europe
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1. Venice, Italy
Venice is a city like no other. Float down canals in a gondola, with grand palazzos and ancient bridges lining your path. Your gaze drifts upwards to the ornate facades as history whispers tales of the past. Each turn brings you to lively squares where the air buzzes with lively markets and the aroma of fresh Italian cuisine.
Make sure to visit the Piazza San Marco, where the majestic basilica and towering bell tower await. If you love art, the treasures inside the Gallerie dell’Accademia are a must-see.
And for a day of mystery and beauty, the islands of Murano and Burano offer colorful sights and exquisite glasswork. Your travels aren’t complete without experiencing the romantic and picturesque canals of Venice.
After days filled with sightseeing, retreat to the Hotel Danieli, where luxury meets history, providing views of the Grand Canal that are second to none.
2. Santorini, Greece
Santorini will capture your heart with its white buildings and bright blue domes. You can watch sunsets that light up the sky and sea in a way that words can’t fully describe. The blues and whites on the cliffs are a sight you’ll want to see with your own eyes.
Stay at the Katikies Hotel in Oia for a view you’ll dream about long after you leave. The hotel sits high above the sea, giving you a private, stunning panorama of the water below.
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3. Bruges, Belgium
Bruges, often called the “Venice of the North,” is stunning with its well-preserved medieval buildings and lovely canals winding throughout the city. You can walk along the cobbled streets and cross the many bridges, each offering a view of historic homes and churches reflecting on the water.
A trip here lets you discover why Bruges is known for its delicious Belgian chocolates. You can find many shops throughout the city, each offering a variety of rich and unique flavors. And don’t forget about the lace – intricate and beautifully made, it’s another piece of the local culture you can take home.
For a luxurious stay, consider Hotel Dukes’ Palace, nestled in the heart of the city. This historical hotel gives you a taste of noble life with modern comforts, making your visit even more special.
4. Positano, Italy
Nestled along the Amalfi Coast, Positano is a paradise of vibrant houses tumbling down to the sea. The beaches here, like Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo, offer clear waters set against dramatic cliffs. You’ll love wandering the town’s winding streets, lined with charming shops and cafes.
If you’re looking for a dash of luxury during your stay, Le Sirenuse is a hotel that won’t disappoint. Your days can be spent soaking in the Mediterranean sun and enjoying top-notch hospitality in a setting that’s both serene and stunning.
5. Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is a city where history and modern life meet. You can wander through the medieval streets of the Old Town and feel the past all around you. At Edinburgh Castle, sitting high above the city, you’ll get stunning views and a sense of Scotland’s rich heritage.
There’s always something happening in Scotland’s capital. You might catch a show at one of the many festivals. The Scottish National Gallery has an amazing range of masterpieces for you to see. When you want a break from the bustling city life, climb up to Arthur’s Seat for a peaceful hike and a great view of the city.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, consider the Balmoral Hotel, known for its grandeur and prime location; it’s a great spot from which you can visit all these incredible places.
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6. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik, often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” is a spectacular city in Croatia with medieval walls hugging the bright blue sea. Its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is ringed with massive stone walls completed in the 16th century.
Your camera will love the Baroque buildings and the endless views of the sparkling Adriatic Sea. Don’t miss the Franciscan Monastery, home to one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, or the view from the top of Mount Srd, where the city and sea meet the horizon.
When you’re ready to rest, Hotel Excelsior is a historic gem with luxurious comforts. Here, captivating vistas of the Old Town and the sea are the backdrop to your stay.
7. Sintra, Portugal
Sintra is a treasure trove of 19th-century architecture that dazzles visitors. Your eyes won’t believe the lively colors of the Pena Palace, perched high above the town. Lush gardens and historic estates are scattered throughout, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of romance and grandeur.
When searching for a place to stay, look no further than the Valverde Sintra Palácio De Seteais. Nestled in a neoclassical palace, this hotel surrounds you with luxury and perfectly manicured gardens.
8. Reykjavik, Iceland
When you land in Reykjavik, you’re at the start of an adventure amid Iceland’s epic landscapes. The city is a hub for exciting culture, with street art that turns sidewalks into galleries and museums that share the stories of this island nation.
Imagine seeing the Northern Lights dancing in the sky as you stand in awe. That’s what evenings in Reykjavik can offer when the conditions are right. During the day, sights like the astonishing Bruarfoss Waterfall are within reach for a day trip.
Meanwhile, Harpa Concert Hall stands as a shimmering example of modern architecture and a venue for thrilling performances. Stay at the Hotel Borg, an elegant Art Deco hotel located in Reykjavik’s heart.
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9. Hallstatt, Austria
Nestled in the heart of the Salzkammergut region, Hallstatt is a small village that will steal your heart with its serene lake views and the majestic Dachstein mountains as its backdrop. Your visit here will be filled with sights of colorful houses reflecting on the glassy lake, and a history that spans back to its ancient salt mines.
For a place to lay your head, the Heritage Hotel Hallstatt offers stunning views of the lake. It’s a perfect spot to wake up to a crisp alpine morning.
10. Prague, Czech Republic
When you visit Prague, you’re met with a city alive with striking architecture and historic charm. Step onto the Charles Bridge and you’ll feel the past beneath your feet. Graceful statues line each side, inviting you to take in the city’s beauty from the Vltava River.
Make your way to Prague Castle, a place your history books brought up time and time again. Recognized as the largest castle complex globally, this vast area is where leaders have made big decisions for centuries.
And if you’re looking for a splendid place to rest, the Four Seasons Hotel Prague is just moments away from all this magnificence, ensuring that your stay is as grand as the city itself.
11. The Azores, Portugal
The Azores are a group of nine islands set in the vast Atlantic Ocean. When you visit, you’ll be greeted by vibrant green landscapes and the deep blues of the surrounding sea. São Miguel, the largest island, is home to crater lakes that sparkle like jewels and the Furnas Valley, where you can unwind in cozy hot springs.
The Lagoon of Fire awaits your gaze, offering views that seem to come straight out of a fantasy book. If you are there for a relaxing time, don’t miss staying at the Octant Hotels Furnas, a haven of comfort with easy access to nature’s own hot tubs.
As you roam these islands, keep an eye out for the unique wildlife that calls this place home.
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12. The Cotswolds, UK
Nestled in the heart of England, the Cotswolds is a breathtaking area defined by its rolling hills and historic stone cottages. As you wander through its villages, you’ll notice charming tea rooms beckoning for a relaxed afternoon and traditional pubs where locals share stories.
In Chipping Norton, you’ll find a market town alive with bustling independent shops and historic structures, capturing the essence of this rural escape. Burford invites visitors into what feels like a storybook setting, rich with local culture and surrounded by North Oxfordshire’s natural beauty.
For a peaceful retreat, Bourton-on-the-Water, lovingly referred to as the Venice of the Cotswolds, is laced with serene riverbanks and bridges that invite quiet moments of reflection. And if you appreciate architecture, Bradford on Avon offers a tranquil escape with its well-preserved buildings and picturesque surroundings.
Staying at the renowned Lygon Arms adds history to your visit, providing comfort amid the rustic elegance of the Cotswolds.
13. Barcelona, Spain
Your trip to Europe wouldn’t be complete without seeing Barcelona. This city is a showcase of Antoni Gaudí’s brilliant architecture. Your eyes will light up at the sight of his most famous work, La Sagrada Família, a church unlike any other you’ve seen.
Barcelona also has some of the most lively spots at night and beaches where you can relax under the sun. The city buzzes with a culture that’s rich and full of life.
When you’re ready to rest, consider staying at the Hotel Arts Barcelona, where you’ll get more than just a comfy bed. From here, you can gaze out at the blue waters of the Mediterranean. It’s an ideal place to unwind after a day filled with new sights and sounds.
14. Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled is a real-life fairy tale waiting for you, with its emerald waters and the charming church on an island in the center. You can gaze up at the old castle that watches over the lake from a towering cliff. It’s a scene that seems straight out of a storybook.
Staying at the Grand Hotel Toplice gives you not just a comfortable place to rest but also stunning views right on the lake’s shore. You’ll wake up to the serene beauty of Lake Bled every morning, making your stay incredibly special.
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15. Amalfi Coast, Italy
The Amalfi Coast is a magnet for travelers seeking stunning scenery and a relaxed pace. Your eyes can feast on vibrant houses cascading down steep cliffs, lemon groves, and azure waters. You’ll discover why this region has a reputation for leaving visitors in awe with its sheer beauty.
Staying at the Belmond Hotel Caruso means you’ll wake up to some of the best views available, all while immersed in the luxury that Ravello is known for.
