Hi everyone! During quarantine Kate and I have been brainstorming, researching snd dreaming about dreamy European travel destinations that we can’t wait to visit when we can travel again! Below is a list of some of the most stunning spots in Europe. Although Kate and I have not personally traveled to these places yet, we have curated this list based upon our European-destination bucket list!
Bruges, Belgium
Bruges is the capital and largest city of Belgium’s northwest province of West Flanders. The city’s canals, winding cobblestone streets, and beautifully preserved medieval architecture make the city known as the ‘Venice of the North’.
Bruges is the perfect setting for a romantic getaway, it’s an ideal location to wander around and take in the sites. Additionally, Bruges’ rich history also attracts many Euro-trip backpackers making this destination versatile and suitable for all travelers.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is possibly the most beautiful mountain village in the world. It is incredibly well known for skiing, climbing, and hiking – so definitely an active traveler’s dream. Not only are the views incredible, but the town is lined with the cutest boutiques and restaurants. It is important to note that the Swiss Alps are notoriously expensive, and Zermatt is no exception. However, a girl can dream and this is definitely somewhere I’ll be saving up to visit when I’m older. In the meantime, I highly recommend checking out their Instagram linked above and scrolling through their photos, as they are absolutely gorgeous.
Porto, Portugal
Porto is definitely at the very top of my list for when safe travel resumes. This coastal, northwest city is known for its bridges and port wine. Porto also has delicious seafood, great nightlife, and really cool Romanesque and Gothic architecture. On top of all that, Porto (and Portugal in general) is a budget-friendly travel destination. A quick AirBnb search shows that beautiful accommodations start at just $30/night.
Crete, Greece
Although Kate and I have been to Greece, we have not yet visited Crete. Crete is the largest Greek island and the absolute ideal destination for outside activities including hiking and canyoning. The gorgeous island is rich with history, architecture, beaches, and small cities. Mykonos is known as being the party island in Greece, but Crete is a close second. If you are looking for a bigger island with more things to do, but still a great nightlife scene, definitely consider Crete for your next trip.
To read about our adventures in Greece, check out the Greece section of our blog here! And for a quick read, check out our “10 things to know before visiting the Greek Islands – Summer Edition”.
Strasbourg, France
This city is straight out of a fairytale. I highly, highly encourage you to check out the above Instagram account because the pictures speak for themselves. Strasbourg is filled with picturesque buildings, a blending of French and German culture, and is home to the world’s oldest Christmas market. Although it is beautiful all year long, Christmastime is a particularly special time to visit this gem.
I hope you enjoyed our 5 dreamy European travel destinations! I am so excited to travel again and to visit these spots in the future. If you enjoyed this post, please save + share!
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Sign us up for ALL of these places! The biggest problem we face is whenever we are traveling is creating the itinerary! There are sooo many places to see!! When we went to Belgium, we ended up doing a day trip to Brussels but Bruges is on our list for the next trip. Your list is perfect and we honestly would go to any (or all) of these cities!
All of these destinations are so beautiful! Out of this bunch, I’ve been to Bruges. I’ve done the Alsace region in France, but haven’t been to Strasbourg and I also have done Greece, but haven’t been to Crete. I also really need to get to Porto! I cannot wait to be able to travel to Europe again. 🙂
Wow all those destinations are beautiful! I’ve been to quite a few but I would love to explore Zermatt and Bruges *w*
Wow! Now I’m gonna have to go back to some of those countries to see these incredible places.
You’ve definitely listed some beautiful destinations there. I have plans to head to Greece during my next trip.
I can’t wait to visit Europe again. I went such a long long time ago. Thanks for these lovely suggestions.
I’ve been to Bruges and I have to agree with you that it’s a very beautiful, special place. I really want to visit the others on this list though. Strasbourg looks amazing and Greece in general has been high on my list for a while
All of these places are on my bucket list because they look so beautiful! Your incredible photos make me want to visit there ASAP, especially Zermatt! Thank you for the travel inspiration!
All of these are incredible destinations 🙂 I have only visited Porto and I absolutely loved it. I definitely want to go to Crete and Strasbourg at Christmas, they look so beautiful.
Such a good collection of spots! Those streets in Strasbourg look like an instagrammer’s dream! Definitely adding these to my bucket list as well!
Strasbourg looks so pretty in the snow, never even considered it as a travel destination!
Great ideas Maddie! You guys will be ready to go once things finally calm down and we can travel again. From this list, I love the idea of visiting Zermatt best. It looks stunning in all seasons, but hiking there sounds like a dream!
ALL of these places are on my list, Crete is way at the top! I love how you added images of the places in Winter, it made them look magical!
Love this post and all of these spots! Very dreamy indeed and can’t wait to be able to go back to Europe and start planning trips to some of these areas 🙂 Makes me want to travel again so badly!
These are all so beautiful!! I think the one I would be Crete. Greece seems like a fairy tale to me for so many reasons but just for the weather alone!!