The Most Drop-Dead Gorgeous Places In Europe

Earth is a gorgeous place and visiting every stunning corner will take a very long time. So start with Europe, and you won't regret it. It is the second smallest continent on the planet, after Australia, but what it lacks in dimensions it makes up for in beauty and splendor. 

The tunnel, which stretches just over half a mile, is the most romantic sight in Ukraine. The legend goes that a couple can make a wish together; and if the love is real, then it will come true. The best time to go to see it fully engulfed in green colors is between May and August.

The autonomous region of Portugal is an archipelago formed by nine volcanic islands and a few islets. Described as an adrenaline junkie's paradise, they are still relatively undiscovered, yet they offer a wide range of adventurous activities. Plus, the islands are free of hotel and restaurants chains, meaning a truly authentic journey awaits anyone willing to make the trip. The region is also a great place to see blue whales.

The former medieval historic settlement, which used to be a commercial metropolis in the heart of Europe, has maintained its historic fabric, which is part of its appeal. In some places in the "Old Town" you can still see original Gothic constructions, according to UNESCO.  The city's breathtaking beauty is sure to capture your heart. 

The park covers 13 percent of Iceland with its 5,300 square miles; it is the largest national park in Western Europe. The Icelandic word jökull means glacier, according to Visit Vatnajokull.  The largest glacier in the world outside the Arctics, called Vatnajökull, is located in this park. Visitors marvel at the unique range of contrasting natural wonders – white glacier descending to black sands, hot streams erupting from frozen banks of ice, as well as Iceland's highest mountain presiding over its deepest proglacial lake.

The city, sitting above a deep ravine, is surrounded by lush river valleys. It is one of the most gorgeous and visited cities in Spain. If you want to see unforgettable views over the El Tajo gorge, go to Puente Nuevo. One of Spain's most famous Parador hotels is right next to it. The city if often referred to as the home of modern day bullfighting; make sure you have time to visit the Real Maestranza bullring, one of the oldest in the country.

Ireland's most visited natural attraction captures the hearts of up to one million visitors every year. Standing 702 feet at their highest point they stretch for five miles along the Atlantic coast of County Clare in the west of Ireland. On a clear day you can see the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, as well as the Twelve Pins and the Maum Turk mountains in Connemara.

Tuscany is undeniably one of the most breathtakingly beautiful regions in the world. Tourists go for a range of reasons. They vary from unique art, extraordinary architecture, quaint countryside, delicious food, and, of course, world-class wine. Next time you're Italy, explore Tuscany and its mountains, rolling hills, shores and islands; go on a cycling tour to see as much as you can in one visit.

Located in the Julian Alps of northwestern Slovenia, the pleasantly picturesque surroundings of Lake Bled make it a well-loved destination for tourists and locals alike. Adding to its old-world charm, the medieval-era Bled Castle looks over the lake at its north shore and Bled Island is home to a majestic, Gothic-style pilgrimage church.

Neuschwanstein is one of the most famous castles in all of Europe with more than 1.4 million visitors a year. This is a bit ironic since King Ludwig, who lived there, had built it as his refuge in order to hide away from people and withdraw from public life. The limestone façades is currently being renovated due to the harsh climate's damaging effect.

Stay in the mountains of Austria and sleep in authentic 16th-century Alpine houses. The market municipality was already inhabited in the Iron Age, during which the civilization flourished. The Hallstatt-Dachstein alpine landscape is a World Heritage Site. Soaring mountains rise abruptly from narrow valleys. If you visit in the winter you will be walking through a wonderland.

They are among the absolute best places to see the sunning Northern Lights. The remote archipelago is stranded halfway between Iceland and Norway, making it a unique location for stunning views. Lights season falls between September and March. You have to travel outside towns to see them, but this is only a bonus because the countryside is breathtaking.

The gorgeous region is where a major medieval kingdom, known as Great Moravia, was set before it was incorporated into the kingdom of Bohemia in the 11th century, according to Encyclopedia Britannica. Moravia is predominantly formed of hilly country, highlands and low mountain ranges. There are many historic monuments, some of which are even UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites.

The spring flowers are what make Giverny a divine place, especially the popular Giverny Monet's Garden, which includes the iconic Water Garden. April is the time to go to see stunning daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, daisies, myosotis, and cherry blossoms. This is where the famous Japanese bridge is, covered with wisterias. Other smaller bridges, weeping willows, a bamboo wood, and water lillies which bloom all summer long can also be seen.

Oludeniz is an incredible place known all over the world for its stunning beaches and historical wonders. This is not the typical beach getaway though. The atmosphere is rather quiet and serene; don't count on finding loud dancing clubs or shows, but there are plenty of bars, restaurants and shops. Oludeniz is located near town of Fethiye in the province of Mugla.

The volcanic island set amid the Aegean Sea is famous for distinct architecture and sunsets that will blow you away. You've likely seen pictures of the striking white buildings overlooking the sea—Santorini is no travel secret, but it's still well worth the trip. Check out the black sand beaches of Perissa, the historic hilltop village of Oia and the incredible wineries in the area.

This national park is more like a scene from a fairytale than an actual place on earth, but the 16 crystal clear lakes, breathtaking waterfalls and vaulted caves are not only real—they're natural formations. Water rich with minerals winds its way down waterfalls and along rocks, continuously changing the landscape as diverse wildlife (bears, wolves, rare birds and butterflies) live in the vast forest that surrounds the lakes.

This is one of the best cities in the world to spend Christmas or an even an entire winter season. It feels like you are in a fantasy land. The hustle and bustle of nearby cities and ski resorts is just minutes away from the peace and quiet of the wild wilderness Lapland offers. Also, the phenomenal Aurora Borealis appear more than 200 times a year in the region, which is Finland's northernmost one.

Often referred to as "the prettiest village in England," Castle Combre charms tourists with its rich history and the houses are made up of the honey colored Cotswold stone. The village is situated in the southern-most edge of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The village is also a sanctuary to wildlife.

As the city of canals, gondolas and hundreds of bridges, Venice, one of the most beautiful places on the planet, is known for its waterways. It's no surprise then that you can only see some of them if you paddle there. You'll be able to see the hidden splendor of the Floating City. See it while you still can.

These are spectacular scenic cliffs that you should add to your travel bucket list. They are located about 3,600 feet above sea level, hovering 2,300 feet above lake Ringedalsvatnet. The view is absolutely mesmerizing. You'll have to hike through the high mountains to get there. The journey will take several hours.