10 Must See Places in Europe

10 Must-See Places in Europe

From Ireland to Austria, there are awe-inspiring sites to see in every corner of Europe. So please believe us when we say that putting together a ‘top 10’ list is no easy task! But we’ve persevered, pitting mountain villages against ancient castles to narrow down our essential bucket-list picks.

These are our top 10 must-see places in Europe. How many have you ticked off already?

1. Matera (Italy)


Located in the mountainous region of Basilicata, Matera is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Famous for its cave-dwelling districts, this ancient city is known as an off-the-beaten-track tourist destination. Walk amongst the beautiful Sassi caves, explore the historic town centre, and delve into Matera’s fascinating history in local museums.

2. Grindelwald (Switzerland)

 

Villages don’t get much more picturesque than Grindelwald. Nestled in a hollow between snow-capped mountains, this is one of Switzerland’s 3 main alpine centres (the others being Zermatt and Chamonix). Surrounded by green pastures and some of the world’s most popular ski slopes, this village is simply breathtaking.

3. Alhambra Palace (Spain)

 

Alhambra Palace is a Spanish icon. Originally constructed in 889AD, it’s one of Europe’s most historically significant structures. Situated in the southern city of Granada, the palace has survived countless empires and architectural alterations. Rather than admiring it from afar, tourists are permitted to explore the palace’s enchanting gardens and courtyards (lucky for us!).

4. The Cliffs of Moher (Ireland)

 

Stretching 8 kilometres along Ireland’s coastline, the Cliffs of Moher rank among the country’s most visited destinations. The cliffs reach a height of 214 metres at their tallest point, providing visitors with incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean. For the best vantage point, tourists can climb O’Brien’s Tower, a stone structure overlooking the edge of the cliffs.

5. Neuschwanstein Castle (Germany)

 Neuschwanstein Castle

Perched on a rugged hill in Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle looks like something out of a fairy tale. It was built in the 19th century by King Ludwig II, a famously reclusive monarch who intended to use the castle as a private retreat. Following King Ludwig’s death in 1886, Neuschwanstein Castle was opened to the public. It’s now one of Germany’s premier tourist destinations, receiving over a million visitors per year.

6. Rocamadour (France)

Paris tends to hog the limelight when it comes to tourism in France, but there are plenty of other places to visit. If you want to get out of the city, Rocamadour is the perfect destination. Built atop a cliff in France’s southwestern region, this village is tiny but beautiful. The town centre is teeming with medieval churches and charming restaurants, giving tourists plenty to see and do.

7. Leeds Castle (England)

 

Leeds Castle contains over 900 years of British history. Located in Kent, it was once King Edward I’s favourite residence and has been nicknamed ‘the loveliest castle in the world’. Surrounded by perfectly manicured gardens, quaint cottages and a scenic lake, Leeds Castle is the ultimate daytrip destination.

8. Salzburg Christmas Markets (Austria)

 

If you plan on visiting Austria over the festive season, be sure to check out Salzburg’s Christmas Markets. Held in the city’s Cathedral Square, the markets usually run for mid-November to late December. Whether you need to do some shopping or just want to soak up the atmosphere, you can count on finding traditional stalls, tasty Austrian beer and live music.

9. Dubrovnik (Croatia)

 

Located in southern Croatia, Dubrovnik is a lively coastal city. During the European summer, people come from all over the world to sun themselves on Dubrovnik’s famous beaches. But the city is much more than just a seaside resort – encircled by massive stone walls, the Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

10. Lake Como (Italy)

 

Lake Como might be the third-largest lake in Italy, but it takes the cake in terms of beauty. This part of the country has been a haven for the rich and famous since Roman times, but it’s just as popular amongst tourists these days.

Here’s the best part: All 10 of these beautiful must-see places in Europe can be seen on an Albatross Tours itinerary. Get in touch with our friendly team today to find out which tour will help you tick the most sites off your bucket list.

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