With the long vacation coming up, it’s impossible not to be dreaming of distant lands, foreign beaches, and tropical climates. Whilst the weather here may not be signalling summer just yet, here’s a list of beautiful European destinations to add to your itinerary.
Vienna, Austria
How could we not start with the hosts of this year’s Eurovision song contest? Vienna is a beautiful city, shrouded in history around every corner. There’s plenty to see here, whether that be St. Stephen’s Cathedral or admiring the art museums. A strong recommendation would be Schönbrunn Schloss, a palace that’s similar to The Palace of Versailles (Paris), located on the outskirts of the city, despite being only a metro ride away. You can also enjoy some beautiful Austrian scenery here, whether that’s taking a horse-drawn carriage through the city or enjoying a walk along the Danube. And don’t forget to try some famous Apfelstrudel!
Kos, Greece
Whilst any of the Greek islands are sure to provide an ideal sun-filled holiday, Kos is an underrated gem. You can enjoy watching the neighbouring country, Turkey, from the beach, or even take a day trip there.The scenery here is perfect for soaking in the beauty of the beach and absorbing a few rays! If you venture into the town, you can also marvel at the Old Town of Kos. If you have time, venture up on a coach to the village of Ζία (Zia), which rests halfway up a mountain. These excursions take you up just before sunset, so you can enjoy a meal as the sun sets over the Dodecanese islands and Turkey.
Krakow, Poland
If you’re looking for a pleasant city break, Krakow could be the place to go! The Old Town is rife with restaurants and cafés, providing the perfect opportunity to enjoy some borsch overlooking the square. Due to the elevation of the Old Town, you get a view over the river that runs through the city, which is also lit up at night by the neon lights of a ferris wheel. Another bonus is the comparatively cheaper supermarkets and restaurants here! For a day trip from here, Krakow is located only an hour from Auschwitz-Birkenau. Whilst this may be a saddening part of local and global history, the opportunity to walk around the sites, accompanied by a tour guide, is a visceral way to learn about this tragic part of the past.
Nerja, Spain
When booking a holiday to Spain, I’m sure that Nerja isn’t your first thought. However, this wonderful location provides stunning sea views and exotic temperatures in summer. The region also boasts the Balcón de Europa, which offers beautiful views of the Mediterranean coastline. This beach is also the perfect place to take up snorkelling, with plenty of tropical fish to keep you company, plus a variety of other historical treasures beneath the water, including the remains of tanks.
Paris, France
It would be unrealistic to discuss European holidays without exploring Paris. Whilst this may be very ‘first-thought’, the city does deserve the reputation it withholds. Every street oozes with ornate, Parisian architecture, turning common houses into tourist attractions. It goes without saying that there are plenty of genuine tourist attractions too, such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Palace of Versailles. In order to get to grips with the city when you arrive, why not take a river boat cruise along the Seine? This is a wonderful way to orient yourself and offers incredible city views.
Lucerne, Switzerland
So many places in Switzerland deserve to be on this list, but if I had to narrow it down to one, Lucerne deserves the spot. Although not the Alps, the mountain range here is truly beautiful, with mountains such as Mount Rigi offering paradisiacal views over the lakes. Despite being a summer’s day, the top of the mountain provides a refreshing breeze due to the high altitude. Once at the bottom, you can take a boat to the city of Lucerne, which includes the flower-covered Chapel Bridge. To top it off, the train to the region boasts views comparable only to those from an Agatha Christie novel, making even the journey a pleasurable experience.
Riga, Latvia
You may consider Riga as one of the stag do destinations of Europe, but it is so much more. Certainly, the nightlife is an amazing element, with a row of bars that make the alluring Old Town come to life. However, the city is draped in a robe of history, with a church on almost every corner of the Old Town. The city itself is also stunning, with a beautiful river sailing through the middle. There’s also an array of tourist attractions, including the National Library, with views over the river from the top floor, and Riga Central Market, which has a wide selection of international cuisines and souvenirs.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
This popular beach location should definitely be one for your itinerary. Dubrovnik offers a beautiful promenade that leads you down to a remarkable beach. The views here are nothing short of paradise, as you can watch cruise ships leaving and entering the city. If you grow tired of sunbathing, the Old Town is bubbling with history and culture. Not only can you trace the footsteps of history, but you can trace the footsteps of Star Wars and Game of Thrones. If you get the chance, this is definitely not a location to miss out on.
Perugia, Italy
Right across the water, we hop across to Italy. This may not be the place to find Colosseums or gondolas, but, despite that, this city in Umbria is truly magnificent. The city itself is hilly, although surrounded in natural beauty, with the cities and towns in the area built on the hills. Perugia itself is remarkable, although other local places to visit are Spello and Assisi. The former is a quaint little town built on a (rather steep) hill, and the latter is home to Saint Francis of Assisi, and is home to an eye-catching basilica. Whilst you don’t need long to explore this area, this region is authentically Italian and definitely worth a visit!
Berlin, Germany
Finally, we land on another of Europe’s most noteworthy capitals. As with Vienna, every street hosts a rich and entrenched history, and this is further enhanced by the remains of the Berlin Wall scattered throughout the city. Berlin is also home to a plethora of museums that teach about the city’s sorrowful but important past, allowing you to truly learn about the rise and fall of dictatorships and empires in the city within the past century. The Brandenburg Gate is nothing short of spectacular, although there really is plenty more to see. Also remember that Berlin is the world’s techno capital, so this would be the perfect place for a night. Don’t forget to indulge in some of Germany’s finest cuisine, including their delicious Döner kebabs and Currywurst!