Here Are Europe’s 10 Best Travel Destinations – How Many Have You Visited?

Written by Morten Lyhne Petersen

Mar.05 - 2025 2:03 PM CET

Travel
Foto: Shutterstock.com
Foto: Shutterstock.com
This list features some truly amazing places.

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Every year, millions of travelers dream about their next European adventure, but which destinations truly stand out?

According to an extensive study conducted by Best European Destinations (BED), based on votes from over a million users, some countries shine particularly bright on the travel list for 2025.

The study highlights destinations that combine culture, nature, history, and unique experiences, making them the most sought-after places to visit.

From Croatia’s sunny beaches to Austria’s grand palaces and Spain’s vibrant city life, this list has something for everyone.

In this presentation, we’ll take a closer look at the 10 best travel destinations in Europe, according to BED’s analysis. We’ll explore why each country has earned its place on the list and highlight a landmark that represents its unique charm.

#10 - Ireland

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Why Visit Ireland?

  • Emerald-green landscapes with dramatic coastal cliffs.

  • Charming cities like Dublin with a lively pub culture and music scene.

  • Historic castles and ancient monuments like Newgrange.

  • Friendly and welcoming locals.

#10 - Ireland

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Featured Landmark – Cliffs of Moher

  • One of Ireland’s most iconic natural attractions.

  • Towering 214-meter-high cliffs offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

  • A popular hiking area and protected nature reserve.

#9 - Germany

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Why Visit Germany?

  • A mix of modern cities and fairytale landscapes.

  • Historic landmarks like the Berlin Wall and Neuschwanstein Castle.

  • Wine routes in the Rhine Valley and festive Christmas markets.

  • Oktoberfest and a rich beer culture.

#9 - Germany

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Featured Landmark – Brandenburg Gate

  • A symbol of Berlin and German reunification.

  • Built in the 18th century, inspired by the Greek Acropolis.

  • One of the most photographed monuments in Europe.

#8 - Turkey

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Why Visit Turkey?

  • A blend of European and Asian culture.

  • Historic gems like Istanbul with Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

  • Unique natural landscapes like Cappadocia and Pamukkale.

  • Stunning beaches and turquoise waters along the Antalya coast.

#8 - Turkey

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Featured Landmark – Hagia Sophia

  • One of the world’s most impressive architectural masterpieces.

  • Has served as a church, mosque, and now a museum.

  • Magnificent domes and mosaics showcasing Turkey’s rich history.

7# - France

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Why Visit France?

  • World-famous cuisine and wine regions like Burgundy and Champagne.

  • Romantic cities like Paris and charming villages in Provence.

  • Historic sites such as the D-Day beaches in Normandy.

  • World-class art, fashion, and culture.

7# - France

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Featured Landmark – Eiffel Tower

  • Paris’ iconic landmark, designed by Gustave Eiffel.

  • Built for the 1889 World’s Fair.

  • Standing 330 meters tall, offering a stunning panoramic view of the city.

#6 - Portugal

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Why Visit Portugal?

  • Unique cities like Lisbon and Porto with colorful streets.

  • Spectacular coastlines in the Algarve with golden beaches.

  • Historic castles and palaces like Sintra.

  • Fado music and an incredible food culture.

#6 - Portugal

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Featured Landmark – Belém Tower

  • UNESCO-listed defense tower in Lisbon.

  • A symbol of Portugal’s maritime history and exploration era.

  • Beautifully decorated with Manueline architecture.

#5 - Greece

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Why Visit Greece?

  • Sunny climate all year round.

  • Ancient ruins and UNESCO sites in Athens.

  • Greek islands with crystal-clear waters and white-washed houses.

  • Fantastic Mediterranean cuisine featuring olives, feta, and souvlaki.

#5 - Greece

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Featured Landmark – Acropolis

  • Greece’s most iconic ancient ruin.

  • The Parthenon temple symbolizes the birthplace of democracy.

  • Stunning views of Athens from the top.

#4 - Italy

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Why Visit Italy?

  • A wealth of historic cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice.

  • Unique landscapes such as Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast.

  • World-class art, fashion, and cuisine.

  • Famous landmarks like the Colosseum, Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Vatican City.

#4 - Italy

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Featured Landmark – Colosseum

  • One of the world’s most famous amphitheaters.

  • Built in the 1st century for gladiator battles.

  • One of the best-preserved monuments from ancient Rome.

#3 - Austria

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Why Visit Austria?

  • Vienna: A city filled with imperial palaces, classical music, and art museums.

  • Spectacular alpine regions perfect for skiing and hiking.

  • Historic cities like Salzburg – Mozart’s birthplace.

  • Beautiful lakes like Wolfgangsee and Hallstätter See.

#3 - Austria

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Featured Landmark – Schönbrunn Palace

  • Vienna’s most famous palace, once home to the Habsburgs.

  • Magnificent Baroque architecture and stunning gardens.

  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction.

#2 - Spain

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Why Visit Spain?

  • Stunning beaches from Costa Brava to Tenerife.

  • Spectacular architecture, from Gaudí in Barcelona to the Alhambra in Granada.

  • Vibrant cities like Madrid, Seville, and Valencia.

  • World-famous tapas culture and wine regions like Rioja.

#2 - Spain

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Featured Landmark – Sagrada Familia

  • Barcelona’s most iconic landmark, designed by Antoni Gaudí.

  • Construction began in 1882 and is still ongoing.

  • Unique Gothic-Modernist architecture with intricate details.

#1 - Croatia

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Why Visit Croatia?

  • Breathtaking coastlines and over 1,000 islands.

  • Dubrovnik’s Old Town – famous from Game of Thrones.

  • Stunning national parks like Plitvice Lakes and Krka Waterfalls.

  • Historic coastal towns like Split and Rovinj.

#1 - Croatia

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Featured Landmark – Dubrovnik City Walls

  • One of Europe’s best-preserved medieval walls.

  • 1,940-meter-long walls enclosing Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

  • Stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.