Lonely PlanetSep 2, 2026
15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe
Europe is as gorgeous as it is varied. Here are the most beautiful spots around Europe to add to your itinerary.
23 things in this story
- Black ForestNeighborhoodarea of Germany with deep forests and valleys
- Elsewhere
- The AzoresSightPonta Delgada, Portugalnine volcanic islands, stepping stones to another world
- Swiss National ParkSightZernez, Switzerlandoffers glimpse of Alps as they were before tourism
- Lakes of MacunSightZernez, Switzerlandreached via 21km day hike from Zernez
- Chamanna CluozzaHotelZernez, Switzerlandremote log cabin at 1882m, requires 3.5-hour hike
- FicograndeSightStromboli, Italyblack-sand volcanic beach
- MagmatrekPlaceStromboli, Italyreputable guide for climbing volcano's smoking crater
- Ring of KerryTrailCounty Kerry, Ireland179km loop drive on Iveragh Peninsula
- Skellig RingTrailCounty Kerry, Irelanddramatic drive with views of Skellig Michael
- Skellig MichaelSightCounty Kerry, Irelandtwin-pinnacled islet with early Christian monk settlement
- Ballinskelligs PriorySightCounty Kerry, Irelandromantic medieval ruins
- Kells BayGardenCounty Kerry, Irelandconverted Victorian hunting lodge in botanical gardens
- Caldeira VelhaSightSão Miguel, Portugaldazzlingly turquoise thermal waters on São Miguel
- Mt PicoSightPico Island, Portugal2351m cone offers sensational views across archipelago
- Hohe Tauern National ParkSightBruck, Austrianature reserve with Austria's highest peak, Grossglockner
- Krimmler WasserfälleSightHeiligenblut, Austriacountry's highest falls at 380m
- Grossglockner High Alpine RoadTrailBruck, Austria48km road with 36 hairpin bends, unreal views
- SchwarzwaldhochstrasseTrailFreudenstadt, Germanyroad through 1000-sq-km Black Forest National Park
- Black Forest National ParkSightRuhestein, Germany1000-sq-km expanse of woodland
- MummelseeSightRuhestein, Germanyglacial lake
- HornisgrindeSightRuhestein, Germany1164m peak for views across forested heights
- Lofoten IslandsNeighborhoodMoskenesøya, Norwayislands with mountains rising above the sea
- HermannsdalstindenTrailSørvåg, Norway1029m peak for elemental views over peaks and waters
