After Braga‘s nomination as the Best European Destination of 2021, it is Portugal’s turn to stand out as the best country to visit this year.
Europe is the favourite destination for worldwide travellers. The European continent has more than 50 countries and it not always easy to choose when planning a trip.
The European Best Destinations, visited by more than 6 million travelers a year, gathered traffic and survey data in recent months, and released today its top-10 list of the best countries to visit in 2021.
1. Portugal
Located in the north of the country, the city of Braga was voted best European destination 2021 and will be a must-see during your visit to Portugal this year.
World famous for its wine, Porto is an ideal destination for a city break of a few days. You can stay at Porto Moments which offers a magnificent view of the UNESCO-listed historical area.
The beaches of Cascais and the Algarve region are perfect for recharging your batteries in the sun. If you are nature lovers, be sure to visit the archipelagos of Madeira and the Azores.
2. France
France is the most visited country in Europe ahead of Spain and Italy. Perhaps it is because Paris is the capital of love or because its wines, especially those of Bordeaux, are among the finest and most famous in the world. It may be that travellers prefer the beautiful landscapes of ‘La France’ or perhaps are drawn to its incredible cultural heritage and historical monuments.
3. Greece
Greece is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe; it also offers one of the best climates to enjoy the sun all year round. The country ranks in the top-3 of the most searched countries 2021.
4. Italy
Italy is unique in the world. Rome, the capital, was considered the capital of the world for many centuries. This country has had a profound impact on Europe and continues to fascinate travellers from all over the world.
From Cinque Terre to Tropea via Pisa, Venice, Bologna, Monte Isola or Palermo, discover the most beautiful places in Italy.
5. Croatia
Croatia is a wealthy country that offers travellers the guarantee of an exceptional holiday. You will probably find there the greatest diversity of landscapes in Europe with forests, countryside, hills, beaches, islands and mountains of a rare beauty.
You will fall in love with this country, its history, its beauty, its charm. You will dive into the pure waters of Croatia and discover its 1,000 islands. You can also venture into the hinterland and discover exceptional hills, mountains and forests.
6. Spain
The assets and beauties of Spain are numerous: the beaches of Tenerife in Formentera, the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Guggenheim in Bilbao, the Camino del Rey in Malaga, the most beautiful villages in Spain such as Ronda, Cadaques, Cudillero …
This country is certainly one of the most beautiful countries in Europe.
7. Germany
Germany is one of the most visited countries in Europe along with France, the UK and Italy. This is probably because Germany offers such a diverse and authentic variety of landscapes and destinations.
Germany is the perfect destination for unique experiences in Europe with its magnificent castles, beautiful wild beaches and incredible hidden gems.
8. Austria
Your discovery of Austria will likely start with a stay in Vienna. But where will you go next? Are you going to limit yourself to discovering the beauties and riches of the Austrian capital or would you like to discover the most beautiful destinations in Austria, its sumptuous lakes, its incredible castles, the must-see destinations as well as the best hidden gems and nature wonders of Austria?
Discover must-see places as well as off-the-beaten-path destinations and create your trip à la carte by finding inspiration among the best places to visit in Austria.
9. Turkey
Immerse yourself in millennia of history. Take a dip in the turquoise blue waters of Marmaris and Ölüdeniz. Immerse yourself in the scents of the spices of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Relax in the thermal waters of Pamukkale. Turkey is unique in the world, incomparable. Take time to discover it and be surprised by the beauty and the richness of this country.
From the Topkapi Palace you can see the Blue Mosque, the Maiden’s Tower, as well as the blue waters of the Bosphorus that surround the Princes Islands. Your journey will take you to Ankara, Bodrum, Marmaris and Oludeniz. You will fly over Cappadocia in a hot air balloon, snuggle up in your cave hotel, see the giant statues of Nemrut Dagi and marvel at the amazing whirling dervishes.
10. Ireland
You already know a lot about Ireland. The colours of its flag hold no secrets for you, do they? Do you know some of its symbols like the three leaf clover? You’ve already had a Guinness and Irish Whiskey. You may have even stayed in Dublin or Belfast before. How about going off the beaten track this time?
