Europe at Its Best: 10 Countries for an Unforgettable Trip

Europe packs an extraordinary variety into one continent: ancient cities, alpine peaks, Mediterranean coasts and Arctic wilderness, all within a short flight of each other. Choosing where to go is the hard part — so here are ten of the most rewarding European countries, and the standout places to visit in each, with links to our full guides.

1. Italy

• Rome — the Eternal City, layered with ancient history.
• Venice — the city on the water, famous for its canals.
• Tuscany — rolling hills, vineyards and Renaissance art.

2. France

• Paris — the city of light, home to the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
• French Riviera — glamorous beaches and sunshine on the Côte d’Azur.
• Loire Valley — fairy-tale châteaux and celebrated wines.

3. Spain

• Barcelona — Gaudí’s architecture and vibrant Catalan culture.
• Granada — home to the majestic Alhambra.
• Mallorca — a Balearic island of clear waters, coves and mountains.

4. Switzerland

• The Alps — perfect for skiing and summer hiking.
• Lucerne — medieval bridges and a picture-perfect lake.
• Geneva — lakeside elegance and international diplomacy.

5. Norway

• Lofoten Islands — dramatic Arctic peaks and beaches.
• The Fjords — majestic sea inlets carved by glaciers.
• Oslo — a modern capital between fjord and forest.

6. Greece

• Athens — ancient ruins and a buzzing modern city.
• Santorini — whitewashed villages and legendary sunsets.
• Mykonos — beautiful beaches and famous nightlife.

7. Portugal

• Lisbon — the capital of hills, trams and melancholic fado.
• Algarve — golden cliffs and stunning beaches.
• Porto — famous for port wine and the Douro River.

8. Austria

• Vienna — imperial palaces and a capital of music.
• Salzburg — Mozart’s baroque city in the Alps.
• Innsbruck — an alpine capital ringed by peaks.

9. Czech Republic

• Prague — a spellbinding old town and Charles Bridge.
• Český Krumlov — a fairy-tale medieval town and castle.

10. Iceland

• Reykjavik — the world’s northernmost capital, ringed by nature.
• The Golden Circle — geysers, waterfalls and a rift valley in a day.

Planning Your European Trip

Each of these countries could fill a holiday on its own, but many pair beautifully — Italy with Austria, Spain with Portugal, Norway with Iceland. Whether you are chasing history, mountains, beaches or nightlife, start with the guides above and build the trip around what excites you most.