The Most Beautiful Cities And Places In Europe
By chili, July 31st 2009 in Travel Destinations Comments (220)
This is a very tight and subjective selection of the most beautiful places in Europe. Some will agree, others may find different locations more worthy of honors, but without dispute, these places deserve to be called the beauties of our Mother Nature. Besides, you can drop me a note of your favorites anytime.
Meanwhile, here's my European top five as far as beauty goes:
5. The Isle of Skye. Scotland
National Geographic experts cannot be wrong - recently the Isle of Skye has been voted the 4th best island in the world by 650 professional travel specialists.
The reasons it has been rated so high are clear. The wild landscape of Skye, the second largest island in Scotland, is dramatic, vibrant and breathtaking. The inland mountains, cliffs, inlets and endless beaches create spectacular scenery capable of amazing even those thick-skinned urban enthusiasts insensitive to the nature's charm.
The island's population is very small, but old - it dates back to the Middle Stone Age. Today there are around 9,000 people living on Skye.
Skye's wildlife is not as diverse as in mainland Britain, but it is one of the wildest in the country. It is a great bird watching place, but other wild animals can also be spotted:
Deers. Isle of Skye. By Wallie-the-Frog
The Skye's history is extremely rich and the highland spirit can be felt in the air - folk art, traditional music and sports (shinty) are cultivated by the locals, some of whom still speak Gaelic.
4. Sicily. Italy
Sicily, burned by sun, permeated with the smell of wine, sundried tomatoes and the scent of history...this is an island where espresso tastes better than anywhere else in the world, and water seems to be unrealistically azure.
The island is inhabited by 5 million people, and the 25,700 square kilometers that it occupies make it the biggest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
Sicily is home to Mt. Etna, the tallest (3,320 m/10,900 ft) active volcano in Europe. Despite frequent droughts, the island is covered with vineyards and olive groves as well as orange and lemon trees.
3. The Swiss Alps and Switzerland.
The Alps, the greatest mountain system in Europe, is stretching from Austria in the east, through Switzerland, to France in the west. This spectacular range, with its sharp peaks always covered with snow, is a stunning travel and sport destination in both summer and winter.
A big portion of this rocky cake belongs to Switzerland, one of the richest countries in the world, with a unique blend of cultures and people speaking four languages (Swiss German, French, Italian and Romansh).
The place that can hardly escape attention in the Swiss Alps is St. Moritz, one of the world's oldest mountain resorts. The town, backdropped by the magnificent alpine walls, lies at the foot of a crystal-clear lake and enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year.
2. Venice. Italy
Venice lies somewhere between dreams and reality. It is hard to believe that this town was built by man, and not by some magical creatures. Marcel Proust once said: "When I went to Venice, I discovered that my dream had become-incredibly but quite simply- my address."
This is Venice - the town of magic, dreams, fairy tales and beauty.
The canals of Venice were constructed on an archipelago that comprises 118 islands. Around 400 bridges connect the town and therefore Venice is also called "the City of Bridges". The canals serve as roads for the gondolas and their modern version - motorbuses- to be used as the main means of public transportation.
1. Iceland
Ice, geysers, hot springs, rocks, glaciers, green hills and lakes... these are the features of Iceland - the second largest island of Europe, located in the corner of the continent, in the cold North Atlantic Ocean.
Tundra covers around 60% of the land while lakes and glaciers take up approx. 14%. The climate is subpolar oceanic, wet and windy. Due to rather unfriendly weather conditions the island is inhabited by only 320,000 people, of which around 120,000 live in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Call it banal or incomprehensive, the list is to stay intact. With the myriad mind-blowing spots in Europe any top 5, 10, or 100 would inevitably turn out biased, be it down to the partiality of a limited perspective or local favoritism. At the end of the day, beauty is in the eye of the beholder (Oops...That's banal!) Anyway, you're more than welcome to share your picks.
Great shots. When I saw the title of the post - one of my immediate thoughts was - Scotland better be on there.
Having done Skye previously and having just returned from a 5 day trip through the North West coast/highlands/Orkney islands - i've gotta say - as incredible as Skye is. The NW/Orkneys are very possibly even more impressive and pristine.
Beautiful shots.
Another one for consideration - though it's a much smaller region is Plitvicka Jezera, Croatia and the coast/islands around Split and Dubrovnik.
I suggest you visit Serbia, Belgrade - the capital city, our mountains Kopaonik, Zlatibor, many lakes, and above all Djavolja Varos, which is one of the new world wonder.
I love how it's the Alps AND Switzerland. Why not say Venice AND Italy. So silly
I knew I wanted to know to Iceland now there is no doubt. It is beautiful!!
How about the Norwegian fjords?
http://www.visitgeirangerfjorden.com/uploads/images/Geirangerfjorden/Blomberg-we...
wow - you forgot ireland!
how about romania? dracula...the surroundings..are truly charming
Of course, there are many more to add to the list, but I agree with what was chosen. I lived in Sicily for a while as a teen, and I still dream of it today. Also, the quote about Venice was perfection.
I'm not impressed with any of the several barren landscapes you've included. For me, there's something about a place with only scrub grass for hundreds of kilometers in any direction that says 'maybe not'. Open minds and all that--it's just, well, barren!
A place little known: The Azores http://www.azores.com/
Gorgeous pictures. I'm surprised though that New Zealand didn't make it onto this list.
Just realized these are European destinations.
Beautiful! I wouldnt include Venice, though, as magical as it is.
Even tough you write "it`s a subjective list" you allso write "these places deserve to be called the beauties of our Mother Nature.". Choosing Venice over pretty much any fjord in Norway is just redicolous
. Nice pictures tough!
Nanci - You made my day with your NZ comment!!
Having shot video around the world: Scotland, Ireland, France, Central America, India, Sri Lanka, etc, I can say that the sites you've selected are absolutely beautiful! I am looking forward to visiting a few of these and returning with some footage! Thank you for the post...I love the shot of snow in Venice...its not a common view of that city!
Andrew Hamilton
Hamilton International Productions
Video Las Vegas
http://www.hiproductions.com
hey u know what.some of the same views u can see in my country India too....but these are really wonderful shots!
Very Beautiful, You can find similar places in kerala also
there are some more beautiful places in europe like pasau, nimegen. i have not seen alps but view of everest and kanchenjunga from air in india is a real feast to the eyes.
Nice...white people's holiday.
Now where is Africa? where is South america? Where is India?
Um, Tyche, this is a list of the top 5 EUROPEAN destinations. Therefore, the Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Antarctica don't belong on this list.
Kandy Blevins, noted embezzler, was spotted here on her way from her home in Memphis TN. Now that was a site indeed.
Kandy P. Blevins, noted embezzler, was spotted here on her way from her home in Memphis TN. Now that was a site indeed.
Zogby? I think not.
I think Norway should be on this list. I've been there twice. Absolutely beautiful!
http://www.fjordtravel.no/tours/fjordtours/FT4_geirangerfjord_highlights.html
Venice definitely should not be on this list. It's small, crowded, filthy, and smells like fecal matter. I can think of at least five other places that are more beautiful than Venice.
Makes me want to travel again! I've been to the Swiss Alps, and to the Isle of Mull. The other places are definitely on my list. I would agree with others that the Norwegian fjords are amazing!
I think venice is prettier than sicily and I spent four months in each when I was younger so I know those places pretty well.
I'm disappointed Ireland, it's historic landmarks (Such as the castles) and beautiful, green unspoiled landscapes aren't in here.
What about Prague Paris Rome? They should be in the top five
I don't get why everyone is getting upset about his picks... he said himself they were his opinion knows there are lots of of other great sites out there..
It takes an understanding of the word "subjective" and a speck of interest in what the author has to say, instead of just running through the title and pictures, Heather
love picks.my dream is to visit all of these places. so far. Venice is done
These are gorgeous...I'd add the Basque Country in Spain.
Heather said - "I don't get why everyone is getting upset about his picks... he said himself they were his opinion knows there are lots of of other great sites out there.."
Couldn't agree more heather, unfortunately this kind of thing is endemic when it comes to lists. Bear in mind the guy has only chosen five, obviously everyone's favourite place isn't going to be there. It all comes down to the one basic principle. People are stupid.
I grew up on Skye and my boyfriend is from Switzerland. I can guarantee these both of these destinations are breath takingly beautiful, although both in different ways.
But I agree that Prague should be up there, definately.
I grew up on Skye and my boyfriend is from Switzerland. I can guarantee these both of these places are breath takingly beautiful, but in different ways.
I agree that Prague should be up there aswell.
What about South Africa? If you haven't seen it, you haven't seen anything...but beware of your life!
what about croatia
' 
Leon, since when was South Africa in Europe?
what about acton west london,ahh the way the great plains slope down to the sea,with majestic volcanos roaring at a vermillion sky,and sean connery is the crowned head of this regal realm,oh yes he has a castle there bristling with golden flags and staffed by whirling dervishes of the smallest kind.nearby sheperds bush is shit though.love and smarminess all round
Wow! The pictures are gorgeous. My favorite is the winter in Venice photo. Here is a list of the best places to backpack: http://www.ranker.com/list/best-places-to-backpack/analise.dubner
Try Poland, it is very impressive country ,wonderfoul lakes,sea,mountains and old huge forests with animals are hard to describe, and Warsaw ,Krakow ,Torun and of course 500 year old Castle in Malbork,one of the biggest in the World
If u haven't visit Turkey u shouldn't be making a list.
By the way Leon south africa is not in europe my friend. lol
Thank you for your outstanding scenery pictures. For your further enjoyment please visit my son's blog and click on 2008 to see his pics of the Alps, Venice and much more talesbeyondjohn@blogspot.com . These have been posted as public albums from lepwitt on Webshots where they are divided in countries for your viewing pleasure.
cant believe ireland is not on this list ....ah well the pictures are stunning in fairness
I've been to that exact same spot in Skye. The first pic is taken from the road north of Portree and you can see the jagged rocky peaks of the Old Man of Storr. You can hike up there. Beautiful, I agree!
You should see Villa Ridge Missouri in the heart of wine country USA. Amazing.
I knew Iceland would be number one
Right when I was about to scroll down, I set it outloud before I saw it.
It's the most beautiful place in the world..
There are some fine industrial parks in Pittsburgh, PA.
What about New Zealand?
I'm sure that deserves a place here
sure have a thumbs up for u!
E...U...R...O...P...E
?
The title "The most beautiful destinations in EUROPE"... not North or South America, not Africa, not anywhere else.
Maybe it's time for some to dig out a world map and brush up on their geography
Sure it does, on a list of 'the most beautiful destinations in Europe'
sorry but venice is a tourist trap now with streets covered in fake gucci bag salesmen.
It could be that nice it though.
Surely, the best 5 places.. great collection.
i cant believe that greece is not in the list...like santorini for example...venice...ahahahaha..smells like shit spirit
no one visited the east? You really have missed a lot. Try Romania, Ucrain,Russia....
Very nice shots! Have someone tried Manali to Leh route in Ladakh, India? If not do try it as it is still untouched by people and 8 months cuts from all over the world. I have been to skye and ladakh as well and in my opinion you cant beat the beauty of ladakh.
although not in europe, u should also include Nepal, my country, in the most beautiful countries in the world
so inspiring!!!!! wwweeww nice pics! well done
That's very nice to post info like that, it gives visitors and travelers a better idea where they are going to visit. If you are interested in America http://www.solidamerica.com for all of you.
the lake district in nw england is stunning.
http://www.golakes.co.uk/beinspired/
even after they banned powerboats
Halong Bay in Vietnam is a World Natural Heritage site of Vietnam. This is a beautiful area in the ocean with many limestone islands with strange shapes. Once you come to Vietnam just visit Halong Bay.
Hanoi is a capital city of Vietnam. It is more historical, cultural, political center of Vietnam. The tree-line boulevards are beautiful, the peaceful lakes . There are very nice french architectures in Hanoi. It is a lovely city. Just see "www.lotussiatravel.com
I agree with the above classification, it also fits to my opinions. Croatia should be no.6
I agree with the above classification, it suits me well. Croatia should be no.6
Try Montenegro: beautiful beaches at the Adriatic Sea, Skadar Lake or the North region with mountains, lakes, rafting in The Tara River Canyon the longest canyon in Europe and the second-longest in the world (82 kilometers long and 1,300 meters at its deepest).
Portugal! Small but beautiful!!!
The Isle of Skye. Very Nice.
ROMANIA is full of beautiful mountain landscapes and not only, delta, seaside etc
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/551461196DTtXDs
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/573942984wQNvwv
http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/561591042AKVyqN
http://travel.webshots.com/album/573844562oHJETl
http://travel.webshots.com/album/556710369eBGIYQ
it's impossible to list the most beautiful destinations on one page, you can only list some of them. See more on this travel photography website : http://viaterra.net
the curvy road reminded me of the zoom zoom commercial.
I think Portugal is one of the most beautiful places in Portugal. Check out my post on this at http://travelandtweet.com/2009/06/beauty-and-diversity-of-portugal.html
I think "a little bit of Romania" would make your suggestion more realistic. Some of the best places are in Romania. Please take 2 minutes and Discover Romania !
http://www.turismromania.info/en/index.php?
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=1767&id=100000110865899&saved#/turismroman...
thank you !
Ha! I Stumbled on your site and was pleased to scroll down to see Isle of Skye. I'm heading to Scotland (my first "real" visit to the British Isles ever) in a couple of weeks, and Skye is most definitely on my list...even more so now, after reading your post. Thanks!!!!
sorry to break this to you but Iceland is not in europe!
Politically Iceland belongs to the continent of Europe.
However geologically Iceland is a subaerial part of Mid-Atlantic spreading ridge, Tectonically Iceland belongs neither to European continent nor to North America since it is a raised part of the oceanic crust, not a continental land mass.
Information from Wikipedia
Chandigarh is also much divine and beautiful place.
You all must feel Real India there, i came here20 yrs ago, and never returned back home
I'd like to add Annecy, in South-East France!
What about Greece? It has such beautiful places and islands
Very enticing photos. I wanna go, I wanna go!
What about Norway
? You should visit Geiranger, Flåm and Aurland. It's spetacular.
I believe that Ireland should definitely be on this list. It is the most stunning country in Europe hands down. I am very biased, being Irish, but come on!
What about Portugal. Seek on google by, Alentejo, Algarve, Sintra, Douro or Azores.
Give a try.
Those are really beautiful places. Sintra and the Azores, both in Portugal are other amazing locations.
i never thinks that there are such great place in the world. i like all above picture and all picture make my mind to visit once all place. specially i like these place
St. Gotthard Pass.
The Swiss Alps in all their glory. Anzere
http://www.monterosa-nepa.com
http://www.nepalpackagetour.com
ahmadinejad is not my president!
Nice list and Iceland has to top the list!
Such an awesome place it is and to think that I never knew such a place existed until few months ago.
"I love how it's the Alps AND Switzerland. Why not say Venice AND Italy. So silly
"
Because the Alps extend into Italy as well. You need to distinguish which ones you're looking at. But I can understand if geography wasn't your strong suit.
And for the rest of you people insisting on different destinations, it's not your blog or page. He listed these top 5 as his favorite. If you don't agree make up your own list instead of complaining about it.
Beautiful pics! You captured the beauty of each individual place you presented.
You guys need to go to Turkey .You can experience almost 4 seasons in different parts of the country.Very historical, beatiful nature , unbeliveable
ireland is great! im from usa it was the most beutiful place i ever went.
yaaaaay i've been to all of these except for Iceland ... i think it's impossible to list all the most beautiful european destinations on one page - there are too many!
The best among the rest. Venice is one of my favorite and I'm planning to go there with my fiance. Anyways all great shot and love the pictures where you featured Iceland. What's interesting in Iceland is the waterfall. http://www.principalvisas.com.au/
montenegro, mountain durmitor is a miricle: nevidio kanjon attached to it
Im happy to see Iceland is there - I would be happy to welcome you all! I live in Iceland and although I have had the opportunity to enjoy a lot of destinations in Europe I like my faraway Iceland best! Some photos from my home on www.flickr.com/bjarnigunn (also my little guesthouse www.vegamot.co.cc)
Very nice collection of pics....
Malta has a great natural harbour and its west coast has stunning cliffs overlooking the best view of the sea i've ever seen
u people are crazy what about GREECE the best and most beautiful summer destination in EUROPE
Comments 1 to 100 of 220