The Best Destinations in Europe

Need some inspiration for your next trip to the Old Continent? In this article, we rank the top destinations to visit in Europe based on criteria such as sunshine, price and length of trip, and we give you advice on how to get a visa and travel with peace of mind. 
 

The Best Holiday Destination in Europe  

The number one tourist destination in Europe (and the world) is France. With almost 80 million visitors in 2022, France tops the rankings, as it has done almost every year for over 30 years. The next most popular European (Schengen) destinations are: 

- Spain 

- Germany 

- Greece 

- Italy 

This ranking, based on figures published by the https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/vis... Commission on the number of tourist visas issued by Schengen Area Member Countries each year, is consistent with trends.  
 

Places to Travel in Europe: The Best European Holiday Destinations Based on Your Criteria

 
 Best Value Destinations in Europe 

Each year, the Post Office City Costs Barometer collects and compares data such as the price of a drink, meal, 3-star hotel room, tour and public transport in several dozen European cities. The goal? Identify the best value European destinations for your money. Here are the 2023 rankings:  

Lisbon (Portugal) is both the capital and the largest city in Portugal. Lisbon is a city with a close connection to the sea, located where the mouth of the Tage River meets the Atlantic Ocean, boasting 290 days of sunshine per year. 

Vilnius (Lithuania) is an important stop in the Balkans. You can explore the old town, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on foot, and see dozens of monuments! 

Krakow (Poland), the heart of Poland, has a long and rich history. Gothic, Baroque and Medieval styles blend harmoniously around every corner, creating a welcoming atmosphere that permeates the city's many cafés and restaurants.  

Athens, Greece, takes travelers on an authentic journey into the past. The city is brimming with ancient monuments, majestic temples, evocative ruins and churches steeped in history. For fans of ancient Greece, this is truly a paradise on earth that must be explored. 

Riga (Latvia). Riga is a colorful city, a cultural center on the Baltic Sea. Proud of its magnificent architecture, the Latvian capital is also the Art Nouveau capital of Europe.  

 
 Sunny Destinations in Europe 

Our selection focuses on the south, where you’ll find some of the most beautiful destinations in Europe. A coincidence? Not really, because these destinations all have a Mediterranean climate that's perfect for soaking up the sun on holiday: 

Greece is a journey through the history of Western civilization, and so much more. In addition to the famous archeological sites, the Hellenic Republic abounds in breathtaking natural landscapes, starting with thousands of heavenly islands. 

Croatia. At the crossroads between Mediterranean and Eastern traditions, and between Central Europe and the Balkans, one of the great riches of Croatia is this mix of cultures. Not to mention its thousands of heavenly islands with picturesque landscapes.  

Cyprus. Sea, sand and sun... Located in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus has all the ingredients of a sunny destination in Europe, in addition to a rich history. This small island has an impressive cultural history dating back several thousand years.  

Sardinia. With more than 2000 km of coastline and countless picture-perfect landscapes, this Italian island is a must-see destination for all travelers who want to see the most beautiful destinations in Europe.  

Malta. Beaches, sports, culture, nature, relaxing, parties... Malta is a must-see summer destination. It's easy, there's something for everyone. 

 
 Weekend Destinations Europe 

Want to get away for the weekend? Why not discover or rediscover one of the great European capitals with our top weekend destinations in Europe: 

Paris (France). The Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, Notre-Dame de Paris, Sacré-Coeur, the Louvre Museum, not to mention the Champs-Élysées. The City of Light has so much to offer that it is naturally a top weekend destination in Europe. 

Rome (Italy). Friendly people, a majestic river, UNESCO World Heritage sites, delicious food... The Italian capital is a unique city with much to offer. 

London (United Kingdom). A true melting pot, the English capital boasts incredible heritage. From Buckingham Palace to the British Museum and Hyde Park, a visit to London is as rich as the history of the country.  

Amsterdam (Netherlands) is known for its historical attractions, culture, elaborate canal system and narrow gabled houses. It’s the ideal destination for a weekend in Europe by bike! 

Berlin (Germany) bears witness to the remains of a tumultuous past, and much more. The German capital is also rich in alternative, avant-garde culture.  

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 Visas for the Best European Holiday Destinations 

All the European destinations listed in this article are part of the Schengen Area (except the UK). This means that, depending on your country of origin, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa.  

Are you a citizen of the European Union or Schengen Area (or Associated States)? You don't need a visa to travel to these Schengen countries. All you need is a national identity card or passport valid for the duration of your stay. 

Are you a citizen of a country outside the EU and Schengen Area? See whether your country is on the Schengen visa-free list or not here.   

Are you going to the UK? You will need a passport (valid for the duration of your stay) and, depending on your country of origin, a tourist visa.  

Do you need a short-stay Schengen visa? Go to the consulate’s website for the country you wish to visit for the information you’ll need to apply for a Schengen visa, including a list of the documents required for your application, such as proof of insurance covering medical and hospital expenses up to a minimum of €30,000. Travel insurance is required for a Schengen visa.  

 
 Which Insurance Policy for Travel in Europe? 

Please note, your Schengen travel insurance policy must meet certain criteria: it must be valid in all Schengen Area countries, cover medical and hospital expenses up to at least 30,000 euros and cover repatriation.  

Choose peace of mind for your Schengen visa application and when crossing the border with Schengen travel insurance policies from Europ Assistance. Starting at 3 euros, Europ Assistance's Schengen visa travel insurance covers repatriation and medical expenses of up to €60,000 in the event of illness or accident, and provides additional coverage in all Member States of the Schengen Area and European Union, as well as the United Kingdom. 

Apply online and get your proof of insurance immediately, recognized and accepted by Schengen embassies and consulates worldwide. 

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Are you exempt from visa requirements for travel to these European countries and therefore not required to purchase travel insurance? We strongly recommend that you take out an insurance policy anyway, so that you’re covered in case of a medical emergency during your trip, reducing the impact of any unforeseen circumstances during your European holiday.