Planning a vacation to Europe? Whether you’re looking for a city break, a few days of adventure, or a complete escape into nature – we’ve got you covered. Here are 5 of the best places to visit in Europe for interesting encounters, great food and natural wonders.
Svalbard, Norway
Even if you’re someone who loves a winter getaway, chances are you’ve never traveled anywhere as far north as Svalbard, an archipelago of nine islands between mainland Norway and the North Pole. But if you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the Arctic, a trip to Svalbard is the best place to go.
People come from all over the world to explore the rugged natural beauty, go on ethical wildlife drives to see polar bears, whales and walruses, and go hiking. And there’s always plenty of time to stop for an ice-cold beer at the world’s northernmost brewery. From snow-capped mountains and stunning fjords to spooky ex-Soviet mining towns – Svalbard is one of the most enchanting places on earth, not just Europe.
Azores Islands, Portugal
the Azores Islands are the part of Portugal and it looks a world away from the mainland. The remote archipelago of volcanic islands sits in the middle of the Atlantic, and is often referred to as the “Hawaii of Europe.” And with rugged landscapes and deep-blue waters, it’s not hard to see why – although its temperatures are subtropical and mild. It is ideal if you need to escape the heat of the city in summer. The Azores is a place to escape in natural beauty, and is home to two of Portugal’s 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, town of Angora do Heroismo on the island of Terceira and the ancient vineyards of Pico.
If you’re short on time and not sure where to start – the largest and most accessible of the islands is Sao Miguel. It is full of spectacular volcanic landscapes, hot springs, hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and is the number one whale and dolphin watching destination in Europe.
After a full day of exploring, you can feast on cheap pastiscos, Portuguese tapas. Meat and seafood are on the menu at most places but vegetarians and vegans should check out the plant-based rotas de Ilha Verde. Looking for more reasons to go? The Azores is the first island to be awarded an Earth Check certificate for sustainability
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Norway is place of natural beauty. As well as Svalbard, the country is also home to the stunning Lofoten Islands – an archipelago of seven islands. Lofoten is a certified sustainable destination and is worth visiting for Viking history, unspoilt landscapes, viewing the Northern Lights, and even surfing.
Thanks to the warmth of the Gulf Stream and if you visit in the summer months, you’ll experience the midnight sun, it has a milder climate than other places of similar latitude. Definitely a place for outdoor types, Lofoten is a haven for hiking, climbing, kayaking, cycling and skiing.
Isle of Skye, Scotland
When it comes to rugged island escapes, Scotland holds its own more than others in Europe. The Isle of Skye is the largest of the Inner Hebrides (an archipelago of over 40 islands off the west coast of Scotland) and is full of spectacular scenery, interesting wildlife and plenty of whiskey. If you want to escape the crowds, head to The Fairy Glen, above the village of Uig where a landslide has created a beautiful magical landscape.
For stunning views of the Skye coast, visit Kilt Rock and Milet Falls. The craggy Old Man of Storer is one of the Isle of Skye’s iconic sights, but it’s very popular so choose your time wisely if you want to avoid the crowds. You can also hang out with some Hebridean alpacas, and sip Highland Single Malt at Talisker, and Torahbigh or Raas distilleries for a drink with a great view.
Leipzig, Germany
The small town in Saxony has given Berlin a run for its money as the German city for creatives and visitors in recent years – just look at #hypezig all over Instagram. The former East German city fell into disrepair after German reunification, but these former industrial areas such as Plaguewitz are now cultural precincts full of galleries, studios, bars and clubs. Many of Leipzig’s old buildings have also been restored, so it’s a nice mix of old and new.
It’s a city to explore on foot, architecture like the Opera House and Mendebrunnen Fountain, as well as contemporary art. Head to the top of the Panorama Tower on Augustplatz for a view of the nearby forests. For a break from the city streets, visit Clara Zatkin Park or take a city canoe tour.
