Top 10 European Countries You Must Visit in 2024

Europe has undoubtedly the greatest choice of holiday destinations in the world and most can be reached within a couple of hours.

From the romance of Italy, the splendour of France and the beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean; here’s our top ten destinations you must visit for a holiday in Europe.

1. Italy

Italia has it all – Incredible landscapes, evocative history, stunning architecture, amazing weather and fabulous food. There are so many places to uncover on a holiday in Italy and there’s something for everyone wherever you go.

From beautiful Lake Garda to the rustic Tuscan countryside, a city break in Rome to a relaxing sunny Italian getaway on the Sorrento coast. The possibilities are endless for 2024

2. Slovenia

Situated in the heart of Eastern Europe, between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, Slovenia is a country that needs to be on your travel wish list.

You can take short break to Slovenia to see its most famous sight, Lake Bled, located in the Julian Alps and surrounded by spectacular, natural mountain scenery. Slovenia’s charming capital Ljubljana is also easy to explore by foot.

3. Croatia

A holiday to Croatia delivers an intriguing blend of history and culture along the Adriatic coast. Croatia is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and one of our top sun destinations.

Dubrovnik boasts stunning architecture, spectacular views, beautiful weather and fantastic food. The city has a rich history dating back to the 7th century and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. The capital Zagreb is, of course, well worth a visit but places like Opatija, Rijeka and Pula are also worth exploring.

4. Greece

There so many gems and places to visit in Greece, the land where civilisation began. In Athens, one of the world’s oldest cities, it has historical sites such as the Acropolis, the Pantheon and Delphi that need to be experienced in this lifetime.

The largest of the Greek islands, Crete, is known for its beautiful climate, wonderful beaches, picturesque towns and mountainous landscapes. Santorini, also known as Thira, is part of the Cylades island group and is famous for its stunning whitewash buildings with blue doors and roofs, which correlates with Greece's national flag. Many tourists visit Santorini to view the beautiful sunsets which are considered to be the best in the world. So, if this is on your bucket list, here’s your sign to visit in 2024.

5. Malta

Malta has a unique charm; its colourful history and influences from Mediterranean neighbours have resulted in a magical blend of culture, cuisine, language and landscape. The country has many historic gems such as Casa Rocca Piccola, a 16th Century grand palazzo and the UNESCO listed St John’s Cathedral in the capital of Valletta.

The Ggantija Temples at Xaghra in Gozo are the oldest freestanding structures in the world, dating back to 3600 BC. Sun worshippers will be delighted to hear that the country also has a golden coastline with sandy beaches and warm, clear waters; it’s perfect for those seeking a relaxing Malta holiday.

6. Montenegro

Active travellers will enjoy the water sports in Montenegro and fantastic hiking trails through its dramatic limestone mountains.

History buffs will love the fascinating chronicles and rich culture of this country with its UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kotor and the medieval streets of Budva. Sun-seekers on a Montenegro holiday have everything they need, with blue-flag beaches dotted with sun loungers and nearby beachside bars and foodies are sure to indulge in the delicious cuisine!

7. Cyprus

Cyprus, the birthplace of Aphrodite, is perhaps best known for its array of stunning sandy beaches with their dramatic surrounding landscapes and crystal clear blue waters. Situated in one of the warmest zones in the Mediterranean, Cyprus experiences an average of 320 sunny days per year.

It’s also steeped in history, where various sites can be found around the country, such as the Tombs of the Kings, a UNESCO World Heritage site of underground tombs dating back to the 4^th century BC and the ancient city of Salamis.

On a guided Cyprus tour, you can visit Nicosia, the only divided capital city in the world. The southern part is inhabited by Greeks and the northern part is home to Turkish Cypriots. When visiting the capital, it will seem like you have explored two countries instead of one.

8. Portugal

Discover Portugal for an unforgettable holiday. The Algarve, one of Portugal's most popular destinations, has an abundance of incredible sandy beaches to choose from. Paired with fantastic weather, you can be sure to relax here.

Porto is one of Europe’s oldest cities, located on the Douro River in Northern Portugal, and has a fascinating history. So much so, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The capital Lisbon is packed full of culture and history, such as the UNESCO listed Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries, and it's a foodie's paradise.

9. France

France has a multitude of wonderful historic buildings, stunning coastlines and a captivating countryside. Cannes is the perfect choice for those interested in warm weather and beautiful beaches.

Take a Seine River Cruise where you can visit the cities of Paris and Rouen and discover the highlights of France in a unique way,. It’s a country where charm and culture can be found wherever you go. It’s easy to see why France is the most visited country in the world.

10. Spain

A holiday to Spain is the number one choice for many holiday-goers year after year – and 2024 is no exception. Spain is a country full of natural beauty and inspiring landscapes, such as Mount Teide in Tenerife, the third biggest volcano in the whole world, and the Caves of Nerja near Malaga.

It has over 5,000 miles of coastline and thousands of beaches – sun worshippers are spoilt for choice! One of our top suggestions would be Costa de la Luz, located in the region of Andalucía, near the Portuguese border.

The vibrant, cosmopolitan cities of Madrid and Barcelona are world-renowned for their arts and culture scene, fantastic food, incredible museums and impressive shopping options. Seville is another remarkable Spanish city, offering visitors a rich cultural experience, from flamenco dancing to architectural heritage.

We offer a fantastic range of guided holidays to Europe and we’re looking forward to uncovering more incredible destinations in 2024.