Experience a holiday off the beaten track, feel the spirit of adventure, and experience originality – that’s what many travelers want. Do you always have to travel halfway around the world for this, or are there a few insider tips in Europe too? We searched and found treasures that have been spared from mass tourism. Treasure trove the top 5 countries to visit in Europe right here.
1. Switzerland:
Oh, my dear Switzerland! We have nothing but beautiful words for this country. If you are in doubt because you don’t know whether to visit the country, don’t worry. We won’t reveal anything to you if we say that it has some fairytale landscapes. The best way to know is to check it out. At any time of the year and wherever you look, a postcard landscape will be waiting for you. In spring and summer, everything is green. You can get some spectacular photos of that greenery, the lakes, and the waterfalls. And also the weather is quite good so you can enjoy more of nature in its purest form. In autumn, everything is tinged with brown colors, although you will always find green tones; it is what having a cool climate has.
And in winter, you will find the best snowy Christmas postcard landscapes. This information is broad, and the country is small, but the climate may vary depending on the canton. For example, the Ticino (Italian) canton has warmer weather than others. Of course, with this, we do not mean that they have a tropical climate in Ticino, but something more Mediterranean like ours. In any case, you should always consult our praised Meteosat before packing your suitcase—the best time to discover the nature of the country. Many people use the good weather to discover new landscapes by hiking. We love the 32 hiking routes that are well-spent throughout the country, so you can choose the one that best suits you and the area where you are located. Another attractive option that you can do if the weather is with you is to visit viewpoints and contemplate the beautiful views.
Switzerland has everything very well organized, even the tourist areas. Therefore, from the official website of the viewpoint you want to visit, you can find the price, hours, and weather in those parts. The outdoor slides are excellent and highly recommended for adults and children. But ultimately, if you are looking for beautiful landscapes to delight yourself with, go hiking and enjoy nature. It could be your next vacation destination from our top 5 countries to visit in Europe.
2. Italy:
In Italy, there is almost nothing that does not exist. The Apennine country has a wealth of cultural and natural treasures like no other country. Mountains, sea, fantastic buildings and unique works of art, breathtaking cities, beautiful islands, incomparable cuisine, countless UNESCO cultural heritage sites, and much more. m. Italy can call its own. With this and its unique ambiance, the southern European country attracts millions of people from all over the world every year.
Sardinia is a paradise in emerald green to deep blue: That’s how you could describe Sardinia. The “Caribbean of Europe” is a top destination for water and beach enthusiasts. But the island also has a lot to offer culturally: In the capital Cagliari, for example, you can admire breathtaking buildings such as the Santa Maria di Castello cathedral and a wide variety of handicrafts (e.g. in the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Cagliari).
Chia Laguna Hotel Village is in the middle of a 300-hectare nature reserve. The Chia Laguna Hotel Village welcomes couples and families alike. Games, fun, adventure for the little ones, and relaxation and recreation for the grown-ups are significant here. The 240 charming rooms and suites, the high-quality cuisine, and the sports and wellness options ensure an all-around feel-good holiday. The Chia Laguna Hotel Village is just one of three luxury hotels in the Chia Laguna complex.
You will find two other recommended accommodations in southern Sardinia: Conrad Chia Laguna Sardinia and Baia di Chia Resort, a Curio Collection by Hilton. We could go to umpteen places in Italy that you should have seen. But we focus on two of the most famous islands in the country – Sardinia and Sicily. Italy is like a vast open-air museum: the country is full of artistic and natural treasures and is on the list of top 5 European countries to visit.
3. France:
France now slides in the list of top 5 countries to visit in Europe: beautiful cities, charming towns, spectacular landscapes, history, and delicious cuisine with wines. Millions of people each year think of visiting France. Because? Because it’s a fantastic country. And we are not just talking about Paris; many iconic landscapes scattered throughout are worth knowing. And there are for all tastes: for its natural beauty, its history, its art, its gastronomy, its traditions… You choose! We summarize the reasons for visiting France, selecting the best the French territory can offer you. In this way, we propose a tour that will take you from its mythical capital to all corners of the country, north and south, east and west. And it is that wherever you go, visiting France is always a success.
The first stop is indubitably Paris. Paris is known as the City of Love and the City of Light, and it’s easy to understand why. With the Eiffel Tower as its most famous icon, the French capital offers visitors many attractions, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Champs Elysees, and the Louvre Museum with its famous Mona Lisa. Paris’ rich and varied history also makes it a popular destination. It is also a city known for its gastronomy, fashion, and art, which attracts visitors from all over the world. Its many hotels, restaurants, and shops make Paris accessible for any budget, meaning that even those on a budget can experience everything this city offers. It’s no wonder why Paris is the most visited city in Europe, as it has something for every taste and budget. From its history and culture to its food and style, Paris is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Europe. From its museums with the Louvre in front or from its theaters and unique shows, such as Le Moulin Rouge. It even has a beach, with artificial sands conditioned in summer on the banks of the romantic Seine. Take a boat trip on the Seine, or visit the main attractions of the city of light.
4. Spain:
Spain is one of the most visited and hits the charting top 5 countries to see in Europe. One of the reasons for this is its unique mixture of sea, mountains, rich culture, delicious food, breathtaking sights, and warm-hearted people. The country on the Iberian Peninsula attracts around 83 million people from around the globe every year. Ibiza is the hub and the largest island in the Balearic Islands. Party, culture, and nature lovers all get their money’s worth here. Dreamy white sandy beach and turquoise water, Talamanca Bay is calling you! You can read about other top beaches Ibiza offers here: The best beaches in Ibiza. If you want to get to know the exclusive lifestyle of the island, you should not miss a visit to Eivissa (Ibiza Town). A beautiful palm promenade, charming boutiques, and restaurants can be found in Santa Eulalia, the third-largest city on the island. The Cala d’Hort in Ibiza is a magical view of the beach.
Are you still looking for chic accommodation for your next Ibiza holiday? We have two top recommendations for you. 7Pines Resort Ibiza is an exclusive suite hotel with its dream location, excellent service, and extraordinary food concept. Aguas de Ibiza is all style, luxury, and design is the order of the day at this laid-back resort. The Aguas de Ibiza has made it into the Small Leading Hotels of the World list thanks to its outstanding cuisine, extensive spa area, and unique feel-good atmosphere.
5. Greece:
Archaeologically, Greece is one of the ancient wonders of the world. The country’s cultural history is wealthier than any other – not least of countless old buildings, monuments, and numerous museums. But Greece can not only come up with architecture and culture but also with dreamlike islands, beaches, and bays. The coast of Balos on Crete is one of Greece’s most impressive beaches and coastal landscapes. These are particularly popular with holidaymakers, especially in summer.
Crete is one of the most popular holiday destinations, with more than 300 days of sunshine annually. The largest Greek island also offers a variety of dream beaches, idyllic mountain villages, enchanting cities with breathtaking buildings, and delicious food. More than one holiday is needed to discover all the facets of the blue-and-white paradise. How about an unforgettable stay in the beautiful north-east of Crete? An exclusive private bay, a state-of-the-art spa, and excellent dining options await you at the luxury resort Daios Cove. The dream resort offers the perfect setting for an undisturbed holiday for couples and families with children. Additional plus: The famous port town of Agios Nikolaos and the posh village of Elounda are only about 10-20 minutes’ drive from the hotel.
Tips to visit Europe for the first time:
Before starting with the routes of cities in the top 5 countries to see in Europe, we are going to give some tips:
- The cities of Europe deceive despite their size: Europe is small compared to other places on the planet like Chile, Argentina or Mexico, for example. However, it must be taken into account that the cities of Europe are places with many points of interest (in and around it), and a small business may require a couple of days (minimum) to take advantage of it.
- Prioritize quality over quantity: 20 days to visit Europe is very short, but it is even more so if you want to see a long list. There are places that, if it is for a day, it is better not to visit them. Therefore, it is better to focus on what you want to see and -the most challenging thing- to give up others.
- Plan air connections: Europe is expensive, but it can be made cheaper by organizing the trip well: there are many low-cost airlines (Vueling, RyanAir, IberiaExpress, Norwegian) but not all connections between cities are affordable. It is interesting to study the air connections to determine the itinerary. Alternative accommodation options: In Europe, accommodation is also more expensive than in other places, but there are ways and travel platforms with which you can save a lot of money (we’ll see which ones later).
- Not everything is airplanes: In the same way, it is necessary to consider if it is more worthwhile to fly or to move by land. Depending on what you want to visit, moving by land is faster and cheaper than moving by air (for example, the central Europe route we will see later). Focus on one area: it is very tempting to want to visit all the corners of Europe from end to end, but it is also very interesting to focus on one area (a single country, a small space) because that is how you get to know the place better (culture, language, etc.).
- Fulfill the requirements to enter the Schengen Zone: this is necessary advice, and it is basically having everything required to enter the Schengen Zone in order. Some European countries are getting stricter regarding entry to their borders, so specific requirements exist.
If you are planning your first trip to the old continent and want to explore the top 5 countries to visit in Europe, what cities should you visit?
First, we recommend you tour some of the best-known capitals, such as Paris, where you can enjoy the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysees, the Louvre, and many other attractions. Secondly, we suggest you explore some of the most historic cities in Europe, such as Rome, which has the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Vatican, and other iconic sites that will take you back in time. Visit Prague. A historic center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Finally, you cannot miss visiting one of the most picturesque cities in Europe, such as Amsterdam, famous for its canals and unique architecture, or Barcelona, where you can enjoy Gaudí’s masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, and the Mediterranean charm of the city. These are just a few options, as Europe has many more fascinating cities and countries that deserve to be visited. The important thing is to plan, find the best flights and accommodation, and make the most of each experience in these top 5 countries to visit in Europe. Have a good trip!
