12 Stunning European Landscapes You Can't Miss 2024

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You will frequently find that many vacation destinations are just like many others. There isn’t much that sets this beach or lake apart from others other than its location. You don’t want to spend your precious free time visiting a location that isn’t special.

If you are looking for travel destinations that aren’t just like the “others,” this list is for you. Europe has many beautiful destinations that are nothing like anywhere else you have ever seen or visited.

The European landscapes on this list were chosen for their beauty and uniqueness compared to other locations. Their uniqueness is what draws people to them. The people, food, activities, and culture just enhance the natural beauty surrounding you. Here are our picks of the stunning European landscapes you should add to your destination wish list.

Galesnjak Island, Croatia

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If you want a landscape like no other, check out Galesnjak Island in Croatia. It is the only heart-shaped island in the world, often called Cupid Island. This heart-shaped island is a popular destination for lovers, as there are no restaurants or hotels on the island, and you can find plenty of privacy on the pebble beaches around the island.

Rhine Waterfalls, Switzerland

The Rhine Falls in Switzerland are breathtakingly beautiful. They are the largest in Europe and have been around for over 15,000 years. You can take a boat tour right up to the falls, and if you are feeling especially adventurous, you can even climb to the top of the rocks between them.

Sintra, Portugal

Sintra, Portugal, is situated right outside Lisbon; historically, it was where royals and the wealthy spent their summers. In town, as you walk along the cobblestone streets, you will find beautiful gardens, the ruins of a Moorish monastery, and opulent villas and palaces. You will find dense, lush forests and rugged coastlines waiting to be explored outside of town.

Svartisen Glacier, Norway

The Svartisen Glacier is Norway’s second-largest glacier and one of Europe’s most accessible glaciers. You can view the glacier from afar at the Braset rest area, or you can hike right up to it. Walking tours are also available that will take you right onto the glacier for an experience you will never forget!

Vatnajokull Glacier, Iceland

If you are a Game of Thrones fan traveling through Europe, don’t miss the chance to visit the Vatnajokull Glacier in the land of ice and fire. Scenes from the glacier were used for filming north of the wall. The glacier is the main attraction at Vatnajokull National Park in Southwest Iceland. It is the largest in Europe, covering 8 percent of Iceland’s landmass. It’s not all ice, though. There are also active volcanoes inside the park.

Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland

The Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye are located in the Scottish Highlands, with a wild, rugged landscape and plenty of natural beauty. Majestic mountains, rolling hills, pools, and waterfalls are just some beautiful scenes you will find here. If you brave the cold water, you can swim and even drink from the fairy pools.

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Alpbach Village, Austria

Albach Village in Austria has been voted the most beautiful village in the country by its residents. No matter what time of year you visit, the landscape is stunning! In winter, there are snow-covered hills and plenty of ski trails, and in spring and summer, the wooden balconies are bursting with colorful flowers as far as the eye can see.

Santorini, Greece

Santorini, Greece, is an idyllic island in the Aegean Sea with white-washed buildings, dramatic cliffs, and shimmering blue waters. The landscape you will find here is sure to impress, but that’s not all there is to discover. There are vineyards, gorgeous beaches, and an ancient city, once buried by volcano ash, that is being excavated and explored.

Faroe Islands, Denmark

The Faroe Islands are a collection of eighteen treeless islands between Scotland and Iceland. They are self-governed but are a constituent of Denmark. The name Faroe means “island of the sheep,” which is very appropriate given the lush green landscape, rocky cliffs, lakes, and waterfalls. Visitors are encouraged to explore the islands’ natural beauty by foot, bicycle, boat, and horseback.

Las Salinas de Torrevieja, Spain

Pink sand beaches are not very common, but in Las Salinas de Torrevieja, Spain, they also have pink water! If that’s not enough to make it one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe, this gorgeous pink-hued nature preserve is also home to flocks of flamingos during the breeding season. The high salt content of the lake’s water will leave you feeling rejuvenated and exfoliated. It’s a trip to the beach and the spa all in one.

Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is a small, picturesque village in Austria with just around 800 inhabitants. This village is so beautiful that it has been perfectly copied and built in China. Hallstatt is beautiful year-round, and there is plenty to explore in the quaint village and surrounding areas.

Sao Miguel, Portugal

Sao Miguel, Portugal, is the main island of the Azores, a volcanic archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. With its volcanic landscapes, Sao Miguel is often called the Hawaii of Europe and has been recognized as one of the most sustainable tourism destinations in the world. Horseback riding, sailing, bicycling, and hiking are all excellent ways to enjoy the beauty of Sao Miguel.