Top 10 European countries you must visit

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Europe has undoubtedly the greatest choice of holiday destinations in the world and most can be reached within a couple of hours.

From the romance of Italy, the splendour of France and the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean; here’s our top ten destinations you must visit for a holiday to Europe

1. Italy

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Italia has it all – Incredible landscapes, evocative history, stunning architecture, amazing weather and fabulous food. There are so many places to uncover on our holidays to Italy and there’s something for everyone wherever you go.

From beautiful Lake Garda to the rustic Tuscan countryside, a city break in Rome to a relaxing sunny Italian getaway on the Sorrento coast. The possibilities are endless for 2025.

Top rated holidays to Italy:

2. Slovenia

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Situated in the heart of Eastern Europe, between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, Slovenia is a country that needs to be on your travel wish list.

You can take short break to Slovenia to see its most famous sight, Lake Bled, located in the Julian Alps and surrounded by spectacular, natural mountain scenery. Slovenia’s charming capital Ljubljana is also easy to explore by foot.

3. Croatia

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holiday to Croatia delivers an intriguing blend of history and culture along the Adriatic coast. Croatia is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and one of our top sun destinations.

Dubrovnik boasts stunning architecture, spectacular views, beautiful weather and fantastic food. The city has a rich history dating back to the 7th century and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. The capital Zagreb is, of course, well worth a visit but places like Opatija, Rijeka and Pula are also worth exploring.

Top rated holidays to Croatia:

4. Greece

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There so many gems and places to visit in Greece, the land where civilisation began. In Athens, one of the world’s oldest cities, it has historical sites such as the Acropolis, the Pantheon and Delphi that need to be experienced in this lifetime.

The largest of the Greek islands, Crete, is known for its beautiful climate, wonderful beaches, picturesque towns and mountainous landscapes. Santorini, also known as Thira, is part of the Cylades island group and is famous for its stunning whitewash buildings with blue doors and roofs, which correlates with Greece's national flag. Many tourists visit Santorini to view the beautiful sunsets which are considered to be the best in the world. So, if this is on your bucket list, here’s your sign to visit in 2025.

5. Malta

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Malta has a unique charm; its colourful history and influences from Mediterranean neighbours have resulted in a magical blend of culture, cuisine, language and landscape. The country has many historic gems such as Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th Century grand palazzo and the UNESCO listed St John’s Cathedral in the capital of Valletta.

The Ggantija Temples at Xaghra in Gozo are the oldest freestanding structures in the world, dating back to 3600 BC. Sun worshippers will be delighted to hear that the country also has a golden coastline with sandy beaches and warm, clear waters; it’s perfect for those seeking a relaxing Malta holiday.

6. Montenegro

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Active travellers will enjoy the water sports in Montenegro and fantastic hiking trails through its dramatic limestone mountains, which is just one of our reasons to visit Montenegro for your holiday.

History buffs will love the fascinating chronicles and rich culture of this country with its UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kotor and the medieval streets of Budva. Sun-seekers on a Montenegro holiday have everything they need, with blue-flag beaches dotted with sun loungers and nearby beachside bars and foodies are sure to indulge in the delicious cuisine!

Take a look at availability for our top rated holiday to Montenegro: Highlights of the Montenegro Riviera.

7. Norway

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Norway, renowned for its dramatic fjords and stunning natural landscapes, is an ideal destination for lovers of scenic beauty. 

From the tranquil waters of the Hardangerfjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, to the picturesque towns of Bergen and Flåm, the country offers breathtaking views around every corner. 

With a mix of serene fjord cruises and rail journeys like the famous Flam Railway, a guided holiday in Norway reveals its unique charm. 

8. Portugal

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Discover Portugal for an unforgettable holiday. The Algarve, one of Portugal's most popular destinations, has an abundance of incredible sandy beaches to choose from. Paired with fantastic weather, you can be sure to relax here.

Porto is one of Europe’s oldest cities, located on the Douro River in Northern Portugal, and has a fascinating history. So much so, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The capital Lisbon is packed full of culture and history, such as the UNESCO listed Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries, and it's a foodie's paradise.

9. France

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France has a multitude of wonderful historic buildings, stunning coastlines and a captivating countryside. Cannes is the perfect choice for those interested in warm weather and beautiful beaches.

Take a Seine River Cruise where you can visit the cities of Paris and Rouen and discover the highlights of France in a unique way. It’s a country where charm and culture can be found wherever you go. It’s easy to see why France is the most visited country in the world.

10. Spain

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Holidays to Spain are a great choice for many holiday-goers year after year – and 2025 is no exception. Spain is a country full of natural beauty and inspiring landscapes, such as Mount Teide in Tenerife, the third biggest volcano in the whole world, and the Caves of Nerja near Malaga.

It has over 5,000 miles of coastline and thousands of beaches – sun worshippers are spoilt for choice! One of our top suggestions would be Costa de la Luz, located in the region of Andalucía, near the Portuguese border.

The vibrant, cosmopolitan cities of Madrid and Barcelona are world-renowned for their arts and culture scene, fantastic food, incredible museums and impressive shopping options. Seville is another remarkable Spanish city, offering visitors a rich cultural experience, from flamenco dancing to architectural heritage.

Our top rated holidays to Spain:

We offer a fantastic range of guided holidays to Europe and we’re looking forward to uncovering more incredible destinations in 2025.

Gina Willcox
About The Author

Gina Willcox

Gina manages social media and website content for Travel Department. In 2008 she travelled by bus from London to Sydney, visiting many extraordinary countries, like Iran, Pakistan and Nepal. Ever since she loves to travel to new and exciting destinations ever year!

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