Europe is a destination that is highly desired by many. It has beautiful cultural sites and rich history. There are popular destinations such as London and Barcelona that offer a diverse range of activities and events. The continent offers everything from cultural sites to outdoor activities, meaning there is something for everyone’s tastes in this region.
Europe is the second most visited continent in the world, with over 200 million people visiting every year. Europe is a great destination for short-term travel. There are plenty of opportunities for travelers to explore the continent from different perspectives. Whether you want to visit museums, ancient ruins, or historical cities, Europe has something for everyone. For example, if you want to explore nature and beauty, then Iceland should be your destination of choice. If you want to experience culture and heritage, then France or Italy should be your top picks. But this time we are going to explore my personal top 3 European countries for short-term travel. Here’s the list:
- Spain
- Italy
- Greece
Spain
Spain is rightly considered one of the best tourist destinations in the world, with its stunning coastlines, charming provincial towns, and vibrant cities. The country’s stunning diversity means that there is something for everyone. Spain has so many things to offer, you could easily spend a lifetime there. We have a seven-day itinerary for those with limited time.
You can always come back later if you feel you are missing out!
Madrid is the cultural and economic capital of Spain. Start your vacation here. Take a stroll around the fountains and lake at Retiro Park. Next, visit the Prado Museum. It houses one of the largest collections of European art worldwide, with over 20,000 exhibits. This includes works by Diego Velazquez and Goya. Madrid can be visited for up to two days.
You can spend the next three days in Barcelona. The city’s famous Ramblas is where you start your day. Although the boulevard is now a tourist attraction, it still serves as the main route through the Old City’s narrow streets. The famous Boqueria Market is a great place to start, as it has a wide selection of products from all over Spain and around the globe. Jamon Iberico is the most famous product, but you can also find fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood at many stalls.
And for the last two days, you should try to explore Granada. The south of Spain, which has been under Muslim rule for more than 700 years, has a distinct feel that is not found in the rest of Spain. Seville is the capital and largest city, but Granada is undoubtedly the heart of Andalusia. It is home to a gypsy spirit that draws from many cultures.
The Alhambra is the city’s most famous attraction. It was once the royal palace of Sultans of Granada. It is best to book ahead as tickets are limited and only a few are available each day. You can take your time and stroll around the magnificent Nasrid Palaces or the Generalife, which are filled with fragrant roses surrounded by gushing fountains.
Italy
1 week is enough time for first-time visitors to Italy. You can visit the most iconic and historic spots of the country, take in the sights and then fall in love with it so much that you will be planning your next trip. But before the next trip, you should be aware of all the new regulations that will be enacted next year for everyone who is traveling to Europe. You can find more information here.
This is the recommended 1 week Italy itinerary that I recommend to all first-time tourists, including our friends. We won’t be going off the beaten track much. The first 7 days of your stay in Italy will be all about classics. Follow this itinerary and you’ll spend a lot of time looking at postcards come alive!
You should definitely visit Rome for 2 days. The city is very beautiful and there are a lot of things to see but two days should be enough to visit the most important ones. You should also spend the next two days in Cinque Terre. Definitely check out Florence/Tuscany for three days. Next to days you should try to explore Venice as much as possible.
Greece
Athens is a great place to base yourself for day trips to other areas. For day trips that are enjoyable, I recommend a minimum of 2 to 3 hours each way. However, there are exceptions.
Parthenon and Acropolis – Athens’ most famous landmark, the Parthenon is perched on a hill with views of the city. The Parthenon and Acropolis are the best things to do in Athens. To avoid the heat, visit the Parthenon and Acropolis in the morning or at night if you are visiting during the summer.
This walking tour of Athens, The Acropolis, and the Acropolis Museum is a must-see. It ends with a traditional Greek meal with a view over the Acropolis. Ancient Agora This is where the ancient Greeks used to shop. There are many interesting ruins that you can explore today.
Temple of Zeus It may look small at first glance, but if you use your imagination, you will see just how large the building was once, even though it never got completed. From here, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Parthenon. Santorini, Iraklion Crete’s South Coast & Rethymnon, and Delphi are also must-sees and you should probably spend one day in each of these places to explore them somewhat thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
Europe is a diverse and fascinating place with many different cultures and traditions. There is a lot of interesting information about travel in different countries. These were my personal picks for some of the most beautiful countries to visit for a short time.
