THE BEST 5 PLACE IN EUROPE.
The 5 Best Places to Visit in Europe
I dunno about you guys but for me, there’s something exciting about a new year of adventures… the endless possibilities of where I might end up, who I’ll meet along the way and what will come of another year globetrotting. Because I’m absolutely certain I am European in another lifetime (aside from eating dinner after 8:00 pm – ever), I’ve put together a comprehensive list of 20 places that will absolutely take your breath away Europe. These are the “bucket list” cities and towns, the “once in a lifetime” experiences and for sure, they’re all honeymoon approved. So here they are… the most breathtaking places to visit in Europe!
1. The Italian Lakes
Set among the southern foothills of the Alps, the Italian Lakes extend over four different regions of northwest Italy: Piedmont, Lombardy, Trentino and the Veneto. The most famous trio are stately Maggiore, where snowcapped peaks form a dramatic backdrop to the enchanting Borromeo Islands; beguiling Como, where mountains plunge into the deep waters and charming villages cling to the slopes; and vast, diverse Garda, similar to a fjord at its northern end and resembling a sea to the south. In addition, there are also a number of smaller, peaceful lakes dotted among the valleys to explore on spring vacations.
2. Croatia’s Adriatic coast
Croatia’s island-peppered coastline lapped by the clear blue Adriatic Sea reveals the cultural legacy of the Venetians and – more recently – the Italians. From Rijeka in the north to Dubrovnik in the south, you can discover bewildering diversity amid a pleasant Mediterranean climate. Explore historic cultural sites in Split, the former summer residence of Emperor Diocletian, who built the expansive citadel palace complex at its heart in the 4th century.
You can visit mountain villages on the rugged island of Brac, discover pristine beaches and the graceful Old Town on Hvar and walk the walls and ramparts of the fortified city of Dubrovnik. The Adriatic coast is a dream for sailors, where the multitude of islands form an enchanting backdrop on spring breaks.
3. Athens and the Peloponnese, Greece
Ancient world city and the cradle of Western civilization, the Greek capital Athens overflows with majestic sights. Visits to the city’s superb museums reveal the numerous transformations over the course of multiple chapters of its history detailed through their exhibits. Late April through June is the best time to visit Greece and its capital – some of the best places to go in Europe in spring. Mild to warm temperatures and sunny days make for a pleasant climate in which to discover the country’s delights.
The ruined temple complex of the Acropolis atop a sheer-sided rock 90 meters above Athens is a highlight of the city that still embodies the essence of classical Greek architecture. At its foot, the gleaming contemporary Acropolis Museum makes clever use of natural lighting to showcase exquisitely displayed exhibits including reconstructions, friezes, and authentic archaeological fragments. Other collections not to be missed include those of the Benaki and National Archaeological museums.
4. Seville, Spain
The Spanish city of Seville isn’t just about oranges, flamenco and bullfighting. The atmospheric capital of Andalucia, set on the banks of the River Guadalquivir, is of major historical importance. It is home to Europe’s oldest royal palace still in daily use, the Alcazar, as well as the the largest Gothic cathedral in the world. Enjoy a tapas crawl through the old Jewish quarter of Barrio Santa Cruz. Take in panoramic views of the city from the top of the Torre de los Perdigones, and experience Seville’s sultry nightlife. Seville’s fabulous Feria de Abril (Spring Fair) takes place every year in April/May (25 April–2 May, 2020).
5. Rotterdam, The Netherlands
As Amsterdam and visitors to the Dutch capital suffer as a result of overtourism, embrace responsible travel by visiting an alternative destination in the Netherlands – Rotterdam. The city’s dynamic modern skyline encompasses an extraordinary diversity of architecture, from the unique cubic houses at Blaakse Bos to the huge horseshoe-shaped market hall, with its mural of oversized fruits and vegetables, and the canary-yellow Luchtsingel elevated walkway. Head up the Euromast tower, the tallest building in the Netherlands, for a fantastic overview of the city and its waterfront.
Holland’s second city is also the largest port in Europe. However, the port activities hardly impinge on Rotterdam, which is unexpectedly quiet and attractive. The best-known of its museums, the grand Boijmans van Beuningen Museum, is currently under renovation with parts of its collection on display at venues around the city. But other world-class institutions not to be missed include the Kunsthal contemporary art gallery and the striking Het Nieuwe Instituut which focuses on innovative architectural, design and e-culture exhibits. To see how the port goes about its daily business, board a supertanker-dodging Spido craft for a fascinating tour of Rotterdam’s wharfs, quays, docks and silos. When you’re done, head to the former 1950s cruise liner SS Rotterdam to enjoy a springtime drink on its elegant poolside
