European countries are known for their charming cobblestone streets, cosy cafes, fantastic museums, iconic landmarks, and magnificent architecture. There is always something for everyone to discover in any European city. But with so many to choose from, deciding where to go can be daunting. If you need ideas on where to go, here are Europe’s most incredible places.

• Italy

Italy is one of the world’s most beautiful countries. Its pristine coastlines are home to many gorgeous islands, from the upscale island of Capri to the rugged landscapes of Sardinia. In addition, Italy has numerous historic cities, fantastic museums, ancient ruins, spectacular beaches, majestic mountains, and breathtaking natural scenery.

For history buffs, you’ll have endless sights to discover in Italy. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, Italy is home to the historical centres of Florence, Naples and Rome. The ruins of the ancient Roman city of Herculaneum and Pompeii, which got buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, are some of the best historical sites to explore in Italy.

The natural landscapes of Italy are magnificent and incredibly diverse – from picturesque lakes to majestic mountains and sunny coastlines. Check out the Dolomites in the northeast part of the country, explore the snow-capped Italian Alps, or discover the country’s magnificent lakes dotted among the valleys of stunning mountains. Once you already have your fill of mountains and lakes, get lost in the fragrant orange groves of Sicily and wander through the lovely vineyards of Lazio and Tuscany.

• Portugal

Located in southwestern Europe, Portugal is a great year-round destination. It’s one of Europe’s oldest nations with unique cultural and historical offerings. Here, you’ll find splendid beaches lined with incredible holiday villas, an incredible array of stunning landscapes, and lots of leisure activities to enjoy.

Portugal’s Algarve Region is home to more than a hundred spectacular beaches on its 155 km golden coastline. Whether you’re looking to hit the waves or relax at the beach, the Algarve is the perfect place to visit. Aside from the beautiful beaches, the Algarve has rugged cliffs, breathtaking dunes, and rock pools waiting for you to explore. The sweeping beach of Praia de Bordeira is a haven for beach bummers with its long swathes of fine white sands. If you’re looking for something with a laid-back vibe, head to Praia do Martinhal, a remote beach offering gentle waves and great seafood restaurants.

While Lisbon is a fun city to explore, don’t forget to check out other less popular cities in Portugal, such as the charming town of Aveiro. Here, you’ll find colourful boats cruising along its canals, reminiscent of the Italian city of Venice. Aveiro is also renowned for its architecture, featuring typical Portuguese-style buildings with decorative art nouveau facades. Make a stop at the nearby coastal town of Costa Nova to marvel at the vibrant fisherman houses lining its cobbled streets.

• Croatia

Home to more than a thousand islands and a spectacular rocky coast awash by the prettiest Mediterranean seas, Croatia is an incredible European country you need to visit. This fascinating country may be small, but it has everything travellers long for in a holiday.

The UNESCO-protected Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Croatia, featuring a fairyland of clear emerald lakes, lush greenery, and majestic waterfalls. The park also features several wooden footbridges and hiking trails, where you can hike through to discover the unique charm of this paradise. In Dubrovnik, stroll through Placa, a charming street cutting through the Old Town. It’s a 300-m long promenade with paved marble streets lined with cosy cafes, shops, and historic buildings.

The island of Hvar, with its Venetian-era monuments and yacht-studded harbour, is another beautiful place to visit in Croatia. Sitting in the Adriatic Sea, Hvar boasts unspoiled landscapes and beautiful, pebbly beaches lapped by calm waters. Hvar attracts sophisticated travellers with its chic restaurants, posh hotels, pedestrian marble streets, and luxurious party spots.

• Greece

Greece is a remarkable country – a land of iconic ruins, stunning architecture, and spectacular islands. It’s a country you should visit at least once in your life, being a safe country, touring Greece can be done solo. But with so many beautiful cities and thousands of islands to explore, it can be hard to decide which place to visit in Greece.

Begin in Athens, a bustling capital city of charming villages and iconic ruins. Head to the Acropolis, which has been looking over Athens for the past 2,500 years. If you’re itching to explore the Greek islands, head for Santorini. Grab a seat at one of its cliffside restaurants and marvel at the romantic views of the sunset. Hike through its picturesque villages and relax at its beautiful, black sand beaches. Like Santorini, Mykonos is another Greek island worth a visit in Greece. It has a reputation for being a party destination, home to world-class bars and restaurants.

Head to Crete, where you’ll find beautiful historical sites. One of these is The Palace of Knossos, just outside Heraklion. It’s the largest palace of the Minoans, Europe’s first civilisation. While in Crete, don’t forget to check out its lovely beaches, such as Balos Beach. With its crystal-clear waters and fine white sands, the beach is a haven for Instagrammers.

• Montenegro

At less than 14,000 square kilometres, Montenegro is a small country home to less than 650,000. But don’t let its size fool you – this gorgeous Balkan country offers plenty of amazing things, from dramatic mountains and canyons to stunning stretches of beaches.

The harbour town of Perast is the perfect introduction to Montenegro. Lying in the middle of the Bay of Kotor, across a narrow channel that juts out to the Adriatic Sea, Perast is home to Renaissance and Baroque palaces. Make sure you visit Montenegro’s crowning glory, the lovely town of Kotor. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kotor is home to one of Europe’s most enchanting walled town centres that can rival the Old Town of Dubrovnik in Croatia.

For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, head to Durmitor National Park in the northern corner of the country. It’s an ideal destination for hiking, cycling, and other adventurous activities. Situated on a plateau 1,500 metres above sea level, Durmitor has spectacular landscape views, surrounded by tall mountains, deep canyons, and glacial lakes.