Looking for the best vacation destinations in europe? Start with colorful seaside villages, lakes backed by mountains and cities where you’ll want to stop at every corner.
These 20 pictures offer plenty of inspiration, whether you’re drawn to blue-domed churches or a little island surrounded by green water.
If your travel notes still say “vacation destinations europe,” here’s your chance to narrow things down. Pick the scenery you love first. Some images are best treated as regional inspiration rather than a promise of an exact view.
European vacation ideas worth saving
Positano’s colorful hillside
We’re starting off strong with this gorgeous Positano view. Peach, yellow and white buildings climb the hillside above a little beach.
Those bright pink flowers in the foreground make it even prettier.
If you love the idea of a seaside trip with plenty of scenery, put this Italian town on your shortlist. I’d leave room for both waterfront time and exploring uphill.
Santorini’s blue domes
How pretty is this blue-and-white combination? The domes, doors and little gate bring the same color all the way down the steps.
I especially love the pink flowers spilling over the wall.
Save Santorini if winding lanes and sea views are your kind of vacation. Just notice those stairs when choosing where you’d like to stay.
lauterbrunnen’s green valley
If you’re looking for mountain scenery rather than another beach, this Swiss valley is for you. There are cows in the green meadow, little buildings below the cliffs and snowy peaks in the distance.
That brown-and-white cow by the fence is such a sweet detail. Start your Lauterbrunnen plans with a valley walk rather than trying to fill every day with a big excursion.
Paris rooftops and landmarks
I love this Paris skyline with the Arc de Triomphe in the foreground and the Eiffel Tower beyond the rooftops. The tree-lined avenues are just as lovely as the landmarks.
Choose a few sights you really want to see, then leave some gaps between them. You don’t have to turn your whole city break into a checklist.
Dubrovnik’s red roofs
The orange rooftops and blue harbor are such a pretty pairing. This Dubrovnik-style coastal view is full of details, from the domed buildings to the small boats gathered inside the walls.
Use it as inspiration for a Croatian coastal break, rather than an exact sightseeing map. I’d make space for both old-town exploring and time beside the water.
Lakeside gardens and mountains
This may just be one of my favorite views here. I love the winding garden path, the red-roofed villas and those mountains across the blue water.
If this is your kind of scenery, research the Italian lakes or southern Switzerland. The picture alone doesn’t establish the exact lake or property, so check the location before building your plans around it.
Lisbon’s yellow tram
Who doesn’t love a little splash of yellow? This Lisbon street has a bright tram between pale buildings, with balconies overhead and tracks running along the paving.
You could build a city day around a tram ride and a neighborhood walk. Keep your photo stops clear of the tracks.
Hallstatt beside the lake
I am obsessed with this lakeside setting. The tall church spire, dark balconies and little boats look so pretty against the green mountains.
Hallstatt is a lovely Austrian option to research if you want a village-and-lake trip. I’d keep some time free for simply following the waterfront rather than rushing to the next stop.
Barcelona’s colorful towers
If you love buildings with lots of little details, then this one is for you. The Sagrada Família’s towers have colorful patterns, flower-like shapes and that huge star above them.
Don’t forget to look up when planning your Barcelona sightseeing. This close view is a good reminder that the small decorations deserve attention too.
Manarola above the rocks
This is another colorful Italian coastal idea, but it’s a little different from Positano. I love how Manarola’s yellow and pink buildings sit right above the rocky waterline.
The small boats pulled up near the buildings are so cute. Save this Cinque Terre village if you’re more interested in harbors and hillside views than a wide sandy beach.
Prague’s evening skyline
How gorgeous are those dark spires against the peach-colored sky? This Prague view brings together red roofs, a busy bridge and boats along the river.
An evening riverside walk would be a lovely addition to your plans. Treat the picture as skyline inspiration, though, rather than assuming every landmark lines up exactly this way.
A castle in the green hills
Don’t want your vacation to revolve around cities? No problem!
This castle scene has green slopes, low clouds and a river winding through the valley.
It’s beautiful inspiration for a Scottish Highlands trip, but the castle’s identity isn’t established here. Choose a verified castle to visit rather than trying to find this exact composition.
An underground lake
Okay, this is a very different kind of water view. Small boats sit beneath pointed cave formations, with golden lighting reflected in the green water.
There are even musicians pictured on a platform.
Read also: 20 Tropical Vacation Destinations and Dreamy Views to Inspire Your Next Trip
If this catches your eye, Mallorca’s cave attractions are worth researching. Check the actual visitor experience before booking, since this image doesn’t verify a particular cave or boat excursion.
Amsterdam’s leafy canals
I love this long canal lined with trees and narrow buildings. The little arched bridges keep appearing farther into the picture, with boats tucked along the edges.
If you want an Amsterdam day without an overly packed schedule, pick a canal neighborhood and explore on foot. Add a boat outing if you’d like a different view.
Golden cliffs and blue water
The beach fans are going to love this color combination. There’s bright turquoise water, a sandy curve of shore and a rock arch beyond the rows of blue loungers.
Use this as inspiration for researching Portugal’s Algarve coast. The exact beach isn’t confirmed by the picture, so check access and current local guidance for whichever cove you choose.
Tuscan countryside views
This is actually one of my favorite countryside ideas on the list. The vineyard rows, tall slender trees and winding lane are so pretty together.
For a Tuscany-inspired trip, look for a countryside base rather than moving hotels every day. If you’d like to visit a vineyard, check its visitor arrangements instead of assuming the fields are open to explore.
Iceland’s green canyon scenery
Want something a little wilder than village streets? These steep green canyon walls and the winding river give you plenty to look at.
I especially love the way the water disappears between the rocks.
Research Iceland’s canyon landscapes if this scene is your favorite. Follow marked paths and check current access rather than relying on the viewing platform pictured here.
Purple fields and a hilltop village
I am obsessed with the purple fields in this scene. The pale village buildings climb the hill behind them, with flowers filling the foreground too.
This is lovely inspiration for a Provence trip. If lavender is the main reason you’re going, check local flowering updates and field access before settling on your dates.
Don’t assume this exact village-and-field view is verified.
Mykonos windmills by the sea
The white windmills are my favorite part of this Mykonos view. Their dark roofs and thin spokes stand out above the low buildings, with bright blue water across the foreground.
Save this one if you love seaside walks with a recognizable landmark along the way. You don’t need a long list of activities to give a waterfront afternoon some shape.
Lake Bled’s little island
Last but definitely not least, we have this gorgeous Lake Bled island view. I love the orange roofs among all those trees!
The tall church tower and broad staircase are such lovely details.
Put this Slovenian lake on your shortlist if you like the idea of combining waterside scenery with an island visit. Check boat options separately when you’re ready to plan.
Just a little note - some of the links on here may be affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you decide to shop through them (at no extra cost to you!). I only post content which I'm truly enthusiastic about and would suggest to others.
And as you know, I seriously love seeing your takes on the looks and ideas on here - that means the world to me! If you recreate something, please share it here in the comments or feel free to send me a pic. I'm always excited to meet y'all! ✨🤍
Xoxo Emily