What criteria can be used to define the beauty of a country, knowing that beauty depends on the opinion of each one? Unfortunately, the question is never easy, and finding objective criteria is highly complex.
But social networks and specialized websites (and tourist comments) can help greatly. In addition, the presence of cities and monuments as UNESCO heritage is also a factor to be considered. Also significant is the number of protected parks in each country, given that green areas are increasingly important and valued by people.
To draw up a list of the most beautiful countries in Europe, we have taken into account several factors such as the number of UNESCO heritage sites, the percentage of protected areas in each country, the degree of satisfaction of tourists on platforms such as TripAdvisor, tourists received every year and openness of the local population in receiving and welcoming foreign visitors. As a result, these are the most beautiful countries in Europe.
1. Italy
Italy never disappoints! It is a country with an immense variety of landscapes that can go from its vast mountains in the north to its beautiful beaches in the south or volcanic landscapes like Vesuvius or Etna, in addition to the rolling and melancholy of the fantastic landscapes of Tuscany. But it’s not just that.
Italy was the cradle of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance. For that very reason, the number of historical attractions to visit is considerable. And there are hundreds of small villages or large cities to visit that are full of history and monuments, the most notable being Rome, Venice, Milan, Bologna, Pisa, and Florence, for example.
2. Spain
Spain is a peculiar case. There are several countries within Spain, and we do not speak only about the autonomous provinces like Galicia, Catalonia, or the Basque Country, for example. We are speaking of the enormous variety of landscapes that exist within Spain.
If you visit this country, you can choose to get to know the mountainous landscape of Asturias or the beaches of Andalusia, for example, not to mention its islands, such as the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, or even the particular case of the Cíes Islands. Furthermore, cities such as Barcelona, Seville, Madrid, Toledo, Salamanca, or Santiago de Compostela add even more options to tourists, given the high number of monuments and points of interest they have.
3. Portugal
Portugal is perhaps the most recent jewel in Europe discovered by tourists. It was formerly a country known for the beaches of the Algarve and visited mainly by tourists in search of the sun, but today the scenery is very different. Foreign tourists have finally begun discovering other regions, such as the Alentejo, the Azores, Gerês, Douro, and Minho. And they also found Portugal’s beautiful historical little villages and charming shale villages.
Portugal indeed continues to be a beach destination. Still, it is also true that the search for more specific and quality tourism has exploded in recent years. In addition to Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve, those who visit Portugal also want to discover the small villages inland, the fantastic wines, and enjoy the Portuguese gastronomy.
4. Iceland
Iceland is just an island lost in the North Atlantic. Is it? Perhaps not… international tourists seem to have discovered a mythical and legendary country filled with volcanoes (some dormant and others active), waterfalls, and glaciers. But let yourself be discouraged if you think that Iceland is just that.
In addition to being able to see volcanoes and glaciers, you can still see the aurora borealis or dive into the sea and see the place where the tectonic plates cause America to be gradually moving away from Europe. In addition, the people of Iceland are famous for knowing how to welcome visitors and the nightlife of their main city and capital of the country, Reykjavik.
5. Switzerland
The most striking in Switzerland are its mountains, the Alps, which always spring green or snowy in the winter. But Switzerland is not just that. Historical cities like Bern, Montreux, and Zurich offer tourists something more to visit than just mountains and lakes.
In addition, you can find small villages in the mountains’ valleys and on the edge of some of the many lakes in Switzerland, places worthy of a postcard that lead you to rethink what is, in reality, quality of life. Located right in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is just a few hours away from other equally fantastic sights, serving as a starting point to visit the rest of the continent.
6. Austria
You’re wrong if you think that Austria is just a slightly different version of Switzerland. Yes, Austria also has green or snowy mountains in the winter. Still, you need to go to cities like Vienna or Salzburg to realize that it may be very different from neighboring Switzerland.
In addition, you can count on authentic pearls practically unknown to most tourists, such as in the small village of Hallstatt. This small lake-side paradise will surely be a must-see if you want to visit Austria. And, for a complete experience and to truly get to know this country, you must also visit the Tyrol and, perhaps, venture to sing the famous Tyrolean!
7. Ireland
Ireland has everything to look like a monotonous country… but it is not! Despite being just a (relatively) small island and having a reasonably uniform landscape, Ireland is, in fact, full of exciting places to visit. The most famous is undoubtedly Dublin, it’s capital.
But not only that. Throughout the territory, you will find typical small villages and some abandoned castles that give the landscape a unique melancholy and, combined with the country’s history, will make you feel in a kind of medieval kingdom typical of the books of knights and princesses. Or, if you are not so romantic, in a scenario of Game of Thrones!
8. Norway
Homeland of the fjords and Cod! But not just that. Norway is distinguished from the rest of Scandinavia by its green beauty and breathtaking scenery. So let’s be honest: the fjords will undoubtedly be Norway’s major tourist attraction, but they are far from being the only ones. Cities and towns like the capital Oslo, Lofoten, and Stavanger are attracting more and more tourists.
In addition, Norway is also one of the best places in the world to observe the Aurora Borealis, so if one of your greatest desires is to contemplate this fantastic phenomenon, there is nothing like a visit to the northernmost points of this stunning country.
9. France
France is an inevitable country in this type of list. Once considered one of the most romantic destinations in the world, France has long since ceased to limit itself to visiting Paris. This wonderful country has plenty to offer and numerous medieval towns to visit. Medieval villages like Annecy, Eguisheim, or Colmar are the delights of any tourist. And cities like Avignon or Bordeaux win the most undecided.
In addition, it should not be forgotten that France is the destination of excellence for tourism of charm. To prove it, there are regions like Provence or the French Riviera (some of the most beautiful villages in France are in these regions). Therefore, France has a different destination for each person’s taste, and each of us can find our favorite place in this country.
10. Croatia
Croatia is an authentic treasure to discover… or rather: it was. The country has suffered a burst of tourists in recent years, much because of the fame gained while filming the Game of Thrones in Dubrovnik. But this is not the only breathtaking destination of this Balkan country. To rival Dubrovnik is the cities of Split, Hvar, Plitvice Lakes, or the Bisevo Blue Cave.
Croatia is undoubtedly an increasingly fashionable destination and has come to get on the list of the best countries to visit in Europe. A mild climate, a rich history, and the Adriatic Sea’s touch of blue make this small nook a great place to recharge your batteries.
11. Slovenia
Few people think of Slovenia as a holiday destination. Still, the truth is that this small country, jammed between Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia, is increasing the attention of tourists more and more. To speak about Slovenia is to talk about its capital, Ljubljana. Yet, the country stands out above all for Lake Bled’s magnificent beauty and Piran’s small town.
Slovenia has enjoyed a smooth democratic transition following the dissolution of the former Yugoslavia, unlike countries like Serbia or Bosnia. As a result, little by little, it is becoming a tourist destination of quality in a region that was practically unknown to the tourists. Now, countries like Croatia or Montenegro begin to dazzle who visits them.
12. Montenegro
We bet you were not expecting to see this little country on this list, right? Perhaps this is because almost no one has discovered Montenegro. And we speak to almost no one because this Balkan country is a popular destination for Russian tourists looking for a milder and less aggressive climate here than the climate in Russia. The truth is that Montenegro is a little gem waiting to be discovered.
Places like the bay of Kotor dazzle any visitor. However, it is not the only one. Tourists can still contemplate the beauty of Sveti Stefan, Perast, and Budva, to give some examples. Few countries have so much diversity in such a tiny space as Montenegro. It is well worth adding this destination to your dream travel list.
13. Germany
Do you think that Germany only has industrial cities? No! This beautiful country, in the heart of Europe, is famous for its romantic castles and palaces in the Bavarian region, such as the famous Neuschwanstein castle. And also a must-visit is the numerous small medieval villages, such as Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Cochem, and Goslar, to give a few examples.
In addition, Germany is home to the vibrant and famous city of Berlin, its capital, which was able to rise from the ruins of the war and become a pole of attraction for tourists, artists, and entrepreneurs from all over the world that make this city one of the most interesting to visit in Europe.
14. Belgium
Belgium is an exceptional case. This small country (which is divided into two small regions: Flanders and Wallonia) is primarily famous for its medieval towns. Visiting Bruges, for example, is a must-experience for any travel lover. In this city, you will feel like you have traveled back to the middle ages.
Ghent is another pearl of Belgium where there is much to visit and discover. Antwerp, Liège, and the capital, Brussels, complete the list. Suppose it is true that Belgium is the heart of the European Union, and here is its capital. In that case, it is true that Europe is only known when you visit this country and its most beautiful cities.
15. Russia
Half European and half Asian, not even the Russians themselves, can catalog their country and seem to have a love/hate relationship with their homeland, such is the ease with which they praise the European countries and then praise their nation. But confusions aside, this immense country has a massive variety of landscapes to offer and cities brimming with monuments to visit.
Of course, apart from the breathtaking palaces of Moscow or St. Petersburg and its museums and metro stations, it is also worth visiting smaller towns such as Kazan, Sochi, Suzdal, or Rostov. And do not forget that there is a Kremlin in each of these cities and not only in Moscow. The {Kremlin serves to define the “fortification” used to defend each of the Russian cities from the peoples who, over the centuries, wanted to invade the country. Finally, it is essential to highlight Lake Baikal’s fantastic landscapes or Kamchatka’s volcanic landscape to give some examples of how much Russia has to offer.
France is not even top 5