Europe

Seamlessly fusing the old and the new, Belgium stays in tune with the times while not letting go of its Medieval poise. Hip cafes and design boutiques mingle with UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the cities (most notably in the iconic Bruges, once world’s most important commercial hub), the North Sea offers up attractive sandy beaches, while the country’s south remains idyllically rural. Beer flows ceaselessly here, paired with the Belgian national dish “moules-frites” (mussels and fries), followed by a dessert of celebrated Belgian chocolates.

A unique blend of nature and history draws in foreign visitors to Bulgaria. Its landscape, that is marked by seven mountain ranges, fascinates nature enthusiasts and makes Bulgaria the perfect destination for hikers, mountain bikers and skiers. From rough mountain ranges with granite cliffs, long sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, to bustling city nightlife, religious art, and ancient fortresses and ruins, Bulgaria boasts a diversity in culture and activities that is waiting to be experienced.

Once the beating heart of the greatest empire the world has ever known, the UK is still, in many ways, the centre of it all. It remains one of the world’s major players in terms of art and culture, finance and business, innovation, creativity and travel bliss. There are countless wonders to discover in the evocative English countryside, the hidden history of Wales’ many castles, Scotland’s rich cultural heritage, and the charm and troubled past of Northern Ireland. And not to forget the metropolis itself, London, a multi-layered and diverse patchwork of cultures, languages and people, and one of the most exciting and influential cities in the world.

Beyond the at once stately and gritty capital of Budapest lie Hungary’s hidden treasures: Lake Balaton (favored by holidaymakers) and the thriving cities of Debrecen and Szeged, along with the enticing wine region of Eger and attractive old towns of Pécs, Sopron, and Kecskemét. There are about 300 natural thermal springs in Hungary, and a number of medicinal resorts and sanatoriums to match. Folk culture lives on in Hungary (embroidery, music, and dance in particular), and traditional food is a matter of national pride.

To some, Germany is peaceful towns of timber-framed houses; to others, rolling hills and the mighty Black Forest; to others still, the grungy bars and trendsetting neighbourhoods of metropolises like Hamburg, Munich, and, of course, the immortal capital – Berlin. From the north’s seaside resorts to the Bavarian heartland and its legendary Oktoberfest, Germany is a country of startling many facets, with a natural and cultural diversity rivaled by few.

From the Iberian Peninsula to as far south as the coast of Western Sahara, Spain is a country of incredible natural diversity, with some of the world’s finest beaches, remote volcanic islands, and animated cities. Spain boasts a cultural landscape incredibly varied for a nation of just under 50 million. Any newcomer will quickly discover that Spanish cities never sleep – except, perhaps, for a few after-lunch siesta hours.

The majesty of modern Italy, successor to one of the mightiest empires ever known, is made immense by its exciting collection of outstanding works of art (some by Michelangelo and Botticelli), ancient ruins and historic spots (Italy contains more UNESCO World Heritage sites than any other country in the world), internationally revered cuisine, first-rate wines, the rolling hills of Tuscany, postcard-ready Amalfi Coast, and islands small and large, with buoyant Sicily and beach-enveloped Sardinia taking center stage.

The country arguably most affected by Europe’s bitter 20th century bloodshed, Poland has by no means let go of its past, but strides steadfastly into the future. Warsaw is the ever-evolving, young capital, while Kraków is the former royal center containing fine examples of Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. Pursuits in nature abound (the country is interspersed with hiking trails across hills and forests), the food is hearty and cheap, and the people tremendously welcoming.

The complex history and multi-faceted culture of North Macedonia are influenced by Greek, Roman and Ottoman heritage, all of which come together in a unique way. The incredibly rich nature of this small country has made North Macedonia a popular destination for travellers, the area around Lake Ohrid enjoying a special popularity. Mountain ranges, hiking trails and national parks shape the landscape of North Macedonia alongside the up-and-coming city of Skopje. In the capital of North Macedonia, you can immerse yourself in the culinary and cultural facets of the country and explore the charming old town and modern parts of the city.

Serbia, the landlocked country historically set at the crossroads of Europe, remains largely undiscovered even by domestic travelers – a state of affairs bound to change given Serbia’s many attractions and residents’ famously welcoming spirit. The Serbs know how to put on a good party, and Belgrade, the capital, along with animated Novi Sad, are the two to look out for in that regard. Beyond lie cultural Niš, oriental Novi Pazar, idyllic Zlatibor and Serbia’s many mountain and spa resorts.

At the crossroads of the Slavic, Germanic and Mediterranean cultures lies a bite-size country that boasts staggering diversity in terms of landscapes and attractions. It is a country of spectacular beauty, endless possibilities and perhaps the world’s creamiest dessert. Slovenia’s manageable size and good infrastructure mean that you can see just about the whole country in a matter of 5 days, though you’ll surely end up wanting to stay longer. From the pleasant capital, Ljubljana, to striking Lake Bled, to lazy seaside Piran, to mountain-incrusted castles and extensive networks of spellbinding Karst caves, there is no end to the wonders to be found in Slovenia.

Historically positioned at the junction of East and West, Turkey is so much more than its vacationer-beloved Turquoise Coast: it is an aromatic glass of hot Turkish tea in Istanbul, overlooking the Bosporus; a dip into the thermal waters of dazzling white-and-blue Pamukkale; a soar over Cappadocia’s puzzling “fairy chimneys”; a journey into the past via historic ruins of once-mighty Ephesus with its Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Finland is, quite simply, a fascinating destination, boasting pristine forest and lake country, fascinating rocky archipelago landscapes, world-class design, one of the most innovative and sophisticated food scenes in Europe, and a privileged position for those wishing to gape in awe at the Northern Lights (visible sometimes up to 200 nights per year in northern Lapland). Also known for its regular quirky events, such as the air guitar, phone-throwing and wife-carrying world championships, as well as Sauna Day (celebrated twice yearly), you never quite know what to expect in the land of a thousand lakes.

The world’s most visited country has plenty to show for its indisputable appeal. The vivid lavender fields of lyrical Provence, the swanky French Riviera (Côte d'Azur), the rocky heights of the north and the romantic charm of its city streets have all captured myriad imaginations – and rightfully so. With its internationally renowned wines and a cuisine that was the first to become part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, it’s no wonder France remains a potent magnet for even those travelers who have already summited the Eiffel Tower.

Sweden is the shimmering pearl of northern Europe, from the sunny Baltic coast of the Blekinge region to the dazzling arctic landscapes of Sápmi, or Lapland, in the north. Anywhere you go you are sure to spot at least one or two of the Scandinavian country’s typical pretty red cottages ('stuga'). Stockholm, the capital, is alive with hip cafés and trend-setting inhabitants, while Gothenburg is its pleasant and easy-going sibling on the west coast. With almost three quarters of Sweden covered in vegetation, it is by far the most forested country in Europe. This, along with the incredibly high number of lakes and the fact that it is the country with most islands in the entire world, accounts for the attractiveness of Sweden as a travel destination. And Swedes know how to make the most of the natural gifts they are so lucky to have been blessed with. ‘Allemansrätten’ is the right every person in Sweden has to make temporary use of every inch of public and private land in the country for recreational purposes. This gives visitors and locals the freedom to respectfully and responsibly roam around and discover every single corner of this northern beauty.

With closer historic ties to Finland than its Baltic neighbour states, Estonia is a nation of just over a million residents who preserve and actively propel the country’s distinctive culture: the Estonian Song Festival belongs to UNESCO’s Intangible Heritage and Tallinn, the capital, holds northern Europe’s best-preserved Medieval Old Town (today also part of UNESCO World Heritage), which remains standing after decades of Soviet rule. Beyond Tallinn lie vast natural expanses, islands bearing trace of Viking presence, castles, lakes and charming Estonian towns.