5 Greatest Destinations In Europe For Nature Lovers
From towering mountain ranges to serene coastlines and lush forests, Europe is a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking adventure, tranquility, or inspiration. Whether you’re drawn to the raw power of volcanic landscapes, the charm of picturesque valleys, or the serenity of pristine lakes, Europe has something for every kind of nature lover.
In this guide, I’ll take you through some of the most breathtaking destinations across Europe, perfect for reconnecting with the great outdoors!
1. Diamond Beach, Iceland
While Iceland is filled with as much beauty as one tiny country could possibly fit, laying my eyes on Diamond Beach for the first time is an experience I will never forget – Stepping onto a heavenly beach comprised of glasslike ice and inhabited by adorable Icelandic seals living in absolute paradise.
Iceland is not a country to rush through! I recommend staying in Reykjavik, where you can find access to almost any type of adventure available in the country from Glacier hiking to floating in the Blue Lagoon.
Alternatively, you can stay in the nearby town of Hoft, where you will have access to plenty of delicious food options and will be just a 1 hour drive or bus ride from the mystical Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, where Diamond Beach is located.
2. The Famous Fjords of Norway
You can’t go wrong hiking in Norway. In fact, I stopped in Bergen back in 2018 and happened to take a short hike right out of my hostel entrance only to find one of the most magnificent views of my life within an hour or so of hiking. I decided on that day that my dream would be hiking all over Norway – If this was just the tip of the iceberg, I needed to see more.
That being said, Norway is famous for its Fjords, and a Norwegian adventure would not be complete without taking a peak at one of their incredible inlets. Combining a jaw-dropping hike with a Fjord viewpoint is easy in Norway – Just find a Fjord and start your trek towards the peak using Strava heat map.
If you’re wanting to hit some of the most instagrammable spots in the country – A few of the most famous fjord hikes in Norway include Trolltunga, Pulpit Rock and Kjerag.
3. Zlatni Rat, Croatia – The “Golden Horn”
We’ve talked hiking, we’ve talked ice… Now let’s go to the beach!
Croatia belongs on this list for a number of reasons, from its gorgeous National Parks to its even more gorgeous beaches. While you really can’t go wrong along the coast of the Adriatic Sea, one of the top-rated beaches in Europe belongs to Bol, Croatia.
As you can see below, this beach entails 360 views of nothing but blue. I can’t imagine a more beautiful place to rest, recharge, and take in the beauty of Mother Nature.
To reach Zlatni Rat, you will need to take a ferry to the island of Brač from Rijeka, Split, Hvar, Korcula or Dubrovnik. (I recommend a full Croatia trip, starting in Dubrovnik and heading North up the coast, where you can take a ferry from Split… More on this in another post.)
4. The Matterhorn, Switzerland
Often referred to as “The Most Photographed Mountain In The World,” Matterhorn is certainly a top contender in Europe’s most beautiful sites. Located on the border between Switzerland and Italy in the Pennine Alps, this mountain can be seen in a variety of ways suitable to any traveler’s desires.
Take a leisurely hike along Five Lakes Walk, where you’ll capture the view of great Matterhorn reflecting upon the crystal clear water of five lakes surround the mountain. Challenge yourself to a trek towards Hörnli Hut, which is the base camp for Matterhorn climbers. Hop on a cogwheel train or cable car to get a panoramic view of Matterhorn and all that surrounds it. You can even hit a nearby ski resort for the family ski trip of a lifetime!
All of the above can be done from Zermatt, a gorgeous ski town at the base of the mountain.
5. The Algarve Region of Portugal
Southern Portugal is one of the places closest to my heart, as it was the destination of my first solo trip in 2021. After days on end of discovering hidden beach after hidden beach, view after view, making friends, and meeting locals – I knew I would never forget the time I spent here.
Renting a car and exploring the coastline is a great way to see all the views and beaches The Algarve has to offer, but this country has been a solo travel hot spot for years, which means plenty of buses and rideshare options to get you around once you find a homebase.
Lagos is where you want that homebase to be. Not only does this coastal town have enough beaches and activities in town and nearby to fill whatever time you’re allowed, but the food and nightlife are both incredible.
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These 5 destinations are only scraping the surface of what Europe has to offer, and are each located in countries brimming with unique views and opportunities for adventure. Which of these places made its way to the top of your travel bucket list? Let me know!
Ready for more inspiration as you plan your next trip to Europe? Check out one of the articles below for more ideas on where to head next!
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