10 Stunning Schengen Countries You Need to Visit on Your Next European Getaway
Most people still rank seeing Europe as one of their top travel goals, and the great news is that travellers can visit all 29 Schengen nations with a single Schengen tourist visa, discovering stunning scenery, priceless cultural artifacts, and mouth-watering cuisines.
I’m addicted to travelling in Europe, and there truly is a place for every vacationer, whether you want to savour the delectable cuisine of Italy, skip through the mountains of Switzerland, or listen to classical music in Austria.
Here are the 10 top Schengen countries that you need to add to your travel bucket list, from charming historical towns to breathtaking alpine regions.
10 Stunning Schengen Countries You Need to Visit on Your Next European Getaway
1. France
France is known for its world-class cuisine, romance, and fashion.
The capital city of Paris is home to iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral.
If you’re a foodie, you can indulge in French specialities like croissants, escargot, and coq au vin, while art lovers can explore world-renowned museums and galleries.
Apart from Paris, you can explore the Provence lavender fields, the Bordeaux wine regions, and the glitzy Nice French Riviera.
The French Alps provide excellent skiing options for anyone looking for excitement.
To enjoy the best of France, look for holiday packages that include visits to famous chateaux and vineyards.
2. Spain
Now I may be biased here, because I lived in Spain for almost two years, but Spain is one of the best places to visit in Europe.
Spain is a Schengen country that is home to endless sandy beaches and cosmopolitan cities.
The Sagrada Familia and other Gaudà architectural treasures can be found in Barcelona, while Madrid is well-known for its vibrant nightlife and royal past.
The Flamenco performances and Moorish palaces in Seville and Granada take tourists back in time.
You can visit the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, or the Costa del Sol if you enjoy sun-soaked beaches.
Spanish culture revolves around food, and it is essential to indulge in churros, paella, and tapas if you are visiting Spain. Be sure to visit Valencia and El Palmar for the best and most authentic paella.
You can also enjoy popular festivals, such as La Tomatina and the legendary Fallas festival in Valencia.
3. Italy
Italy is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, and with good reason!
Every single region of this nation is charming.
For history lovers, Rome is a must-visit, while Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance is a haven for art lovers, home to masterpieces by Michelangelo and Da Vinci.
Fashionistas should visit Milan, which is also the aperitivo capital of Italy.
With its vineyards and historic villages, the gorgeous countryside of Tuscany is the ideal place to unwind.
Travellers who want to visit Italy need an Italy visa, which will enable them to see the Colosseum, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and Vatican City, as well as getting to savour all of that delicious Italian food.
4. Germany
Germany is the perfect mix of modernity, history, and picturesque scenery.
You can visit Munich, home to the magnificent Nymphenburg Palace and the well-known beer gardens, or explore the historic landmarks of Berlin like the Brandenburg Gate and Berlin Wall.
Visitors can pass through charming villages and fairy tale castles, including Neuschwanstein Castle, along the Romantic Road.
You can enjoy the world famous Christmas markets if you visit Germany in the winter (including the rather unique (Christmas markets in Hamburg), or the Oktoberfest in Munich in the fall season.
The Rhine Valley and the Black Forest provide hiking and river cruising opportunities for those who want to enjoy the outdoors.
5. Switzerland
Switzerland is well-known for its lovely lakes, picturesque houses, and breathtaking mountainous landscapes.
With year-round adventures like paragliding over Interlaken, skiing in the Swiss Alps, and boat tours on Lake Geneva, the nation is a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
Cheese fondue and Swiss chocolates are must-try treats for foodies.
Switzerland promises a picture-perfect vacation, whether you want to ski in the Swiss Alps or take a picturesque train journey on the Glacier Express.
6. The Netherlands
The Netherlands is most famous for its colourful tulip fields, windmills, and charming canals, as well as the crazy nightlife of Amsterdam.
Visit the popular Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, or admire the modern architecture and historical sites in Rotterdam and The Hague.
An unforgettable trip to the Netherlands would include touring the old city of Utrecht, riding a bicycle through the Dutch countryside, and visiting the Keukenhof Gardens during the tulip season.
7. Austria
For those who enjoy both music and the outdoors, Austria is a great option.
Vienna, is renowned for both its world-class opera performances and magnificent palaces, including Schonbrunn Palace and Hofburg.
Salzburg (where Mozart was born!), has picturesque Alpine views, baroque buildings, and old town streets.
The Austrian Alps are ideal for trekking in the summer and skiing in the winter. You can also visit Hallstatt, one of the most picturesque settlements with its picture-perfect lakeside location.
While you’re there, be sure to try some traditional Austrian dishes like Sachertorte and Wiener Schnitzel.
8. Greece
Greece is a haven for beach and history lovers alike.
You can visit ancient marvels like the Parthenon and Acropolis in Athens (which is one of my favourite capital cities).
You could go to Santorini, one of the most photographed places on earth, or get off the beaten path and discover the hidden gems of the Peloponnese.
Greek dishes like souvlaki and moussaka are another reason why Greece is a fantastic country to visit.
9. Portugal
Portugal is renowned for its delicious food, beautiful coastlines, and ancient buildings.
Whether you want to enjoy the cosmopolitan capital of Lisbon, drink Port wine in Porto, or sun yourself on the beaches of the Algarve, Portugal has something to offer everyone.
Portugal is also well-known for its delicious seafood, picturesque rural villages, and Fado music.
The nation is popular with tourists because it is more affordable than other European locations (Brits in particular love Albufeira).
10. Belgium
Belgium is a small country with a lot to offer.
The capital, Brussels, is well-known for the Manneken Pis (possibly the second most underwhelming tourist attraction in Europe, after the Little Mermaid of Denmark), Grand Place, and Atomium.
Bruges and Ghent are perfect places for a romantic retreat. You can walk along the cobbled streets and admire the ancient architecture and canals that will make you feel as if you’re living in a fairytale.
Belgium is also well-known for its extensive beer selection, waffles, fries, and Belgian chocolates, among other delectable foods.
The Carnival of Binche and Tomorrowland are two of the popular festivals visited by many tourists.
Final Thoughts
You should certainly consider travelling to these popular Schengen nations when choosing your next European getaway.
These locations not only depict the cultural legacy of Europe but also offer something for every type of traveller, from adventure enthusiasts to culture vultures.
Regardless of whether you are drawn to the picturesque streets of Paris, the ancient grandeur of Rome, or the picturesque scenery of Switzerland, there is a wonderful destination waiting for you in Europe.
So, where will you decide?
Until next time,
XOXO
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