From snow-capped mountains to sandy beaches and everything in between, Europe has so much to offer travelers. Whether you’re seeking an action-packed adventure holiday or some rest and relaxation, there’s a European destination for you.

Opt for countries in the Schengen Area travel zone and you can hop across the border without being stopped at checkpoints.

From 2022 you’ll need to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver if you’re from a visa-exempt nation. This electronic permit will be quick to apply for and, with it, you can travel to Europe without a visa for up to 90 days. Yet another reason to visit this diverse continent.

Applying for ETIAS may be easy, but choosing which countries to visit is anything but. With so many fascinating places to select from, it can seem impossible to decide. To help you out, we’ve come up with a quick guide to the best European destinations depending on what you’re looking for and what you hope to get out of your trip.

Switzerland: the Best Country for Adrenaline Junkies

If you’re looking for a European destination to get active and challenge your limits, look no further than Switzerland. Switzerland is small but mighty, boasting some of the best ski resorts in Europe.

Each season, the country welcomes keen skiers and snowboards from all over the world, eager to take on the peaks of Zermatt, St. Moritz, and Verbier. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, or in it for the aprés-ski, Switzerland is the ski destination for you.

If snow sports aren’t your thing, fear not. Switzerland offers plenty of other activities that will give you that adrenaline boost. Head to Interlaken in the Bernese Highlands for a chance to go paragliding above the Swiss Alps or paddle boarding on Lake Thun.

For those who prefer to keep their feet on solid ground, Switzerland offers exceptional hiking routes. Beginner to intermediate hikers can trek from Maloja to Silvaplana for the most beautiful views across Silsersee lake and the mountains. For more of a challenge, take the route from Wildhaus to Säntis, your hard work will be rewarded with rugged mountain vistas and majestic wildlife.

Rest and Relaxation on the Spanish Coast

Spain has long been the European destination of choice for travelers in search of sunshine and sandy beaches. And rightly so. Whilst international tourists flock to Spanish beach resorts such as Benidorm and Malaga, there are areas of the coast where you can escape the crowds even during the summer.

Cabo de Gata Natural Park on the coast of Almeria consists of several stunning beaches. You won’t find souvenir shops and tourist attractions, instead, you can enjoy natural, unspoiled stretches of coastline. Some of the most breathtaking beaches are Los Muertos, Mónsul, and Los Escullos.

Whilst the hottest temperatures may be found in the south of Spain, don’t rule out the north of the country if you’re seeking the chance to unwind and disconnect.

As its name suggests Playa del Silencio, or “the Beach of Silence” is the perfect choice if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. This natural beach is located just outside Castañeras, a small village on the Asturian coast. Only accessible on foot, it’s less crowded than other seaside spots.

Greece, a Favorite among Foodies

It’s almost impossible to choose just one of the countless foodie destinations in Europe, with each country boasting its own cooking styles and traditional dishes. Whilst there can be no denying that Italian and French cuisines are some of the best in the world, we just can’t get enough of Greek food.

Greek cuisine showcases the very best Mediterranean cooking: olives, olive oil, and fresh fish all feature heavily along with the most delicious tomatoes and cheeses. One of the star ingredients throughout Greece is feta cheese. A million miles from the feta cheese sold in supermarkets outside of Greece, the real thing is creamy and utterly delicious.

Dolmades, the classic version being a vine leaf, are stuffed parcels filled with minced meat, and rice or vegetable mixes. Travel around Greece and you’ll notice each region has its own kind, all equally delicious. Moussaka, grilled meats, and calamari are other dishes you’ll find on the menu at local tavernas.

If you have a (very) sweet tooth, don’t pass on a slice of baklava. This delicious filo pastry treat is traditionally filled with a combination of honey and ground nuts. Halva is another popular snack and can be made from either nut butter, often tahini, or grain flour.

The tipple of choice in Greece is ouzo, an anise-flavored aperitif. If that’s not your thing you’ll find some great wines and craft beers too.

History and Culture in Germany

In Germany’s enigmatic capital, Berlin, history meets modernity in stark contrast. The city’s infamous Berlin Wall, which once separated East from West Germany, is not only a humbling reminder of recent history but also an opportunity to see some of the city’s finest street art.

What is known as the East Side Gallery is considered the longest open-air gallery on earth- a 1.3km stretch of the wall with over a hundred graffiti murals including several world-famous pieces. Look out for Birgit Kinder’s depiction of a car crashing through the wall named “Test the Best”.

Get away from the noise of the capital and head to Bavaria for an authentic slice of German tradition and culture. The picturesque Old Town of Regensburg with Stadtamhof is a UNESCO World Heritage Site not to be missed. Regensburg oozes medieval charm and, with 1,500 monuments to its name, there’s plenty to see. Highlights include St Emmeram’s Basilica and St Peter’s Cathedral.

You can be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped straight into the pages of a children’s storybook in Bavaria; the castle at Neuschwanstein is worthy of any fairytale. To get a more in-depth knowledge of Germany, there are twelve state museums to choose from in Bavaria including the internationally important Munich Residence and the Germanisches National Museum of Nuremberg.

Author Bio:

Susan Noel is an experienced content writer. She is associated with many renowned travel blogs as a guest author where she shares her valuable travel tips with the audience.