From romantic weekends in Rome to sun-drenched stays in the south of France, Europe offers so many incredible destinations that settling on just one can seem impossible! With that in mind and summer fast approaching, we made it our mission to track down the most idyllic spots for your next vacation. It wasn’t easy (honestly, we could go on forever), but we’re pretty confident you won’t find many more picturesque places than those that made our list...
BLED, SLOVENIA
Any time is the right time to visit the picturesque town of Bled. Slovenia’s most popular resort town, this picture-perfect locale has something for everyone. Most notably, the breathtaking views of its famous lake and sweeping 360 vistas of the snow-capped Julian Alps. If you’re visiting in summer, be sure to make the most of lake swimming, we also highly recommend renting a small row boat. Take yourself all around the lake and out to the beautiful 17th-century church that sits on its very own island in the middle.
More musts include taking a leisurely stroll alongside the dreamy blue-green waters whilst sampling the stunning views of the picture-perfect town and mountains reflected like a mirror image.
If you fancy taking in the sights of Bled all at once, take yourself for a walk up to Bled Castle. Parts of the lower structure date as far back as the early 11th century making it the oldest castle in all of Slovenia. The moment you set eyes on it you’ll feel as though you’ve stumbled into your favorite childhood storybook.
This marvelous medieval structure can be found at the top of a rocky cliff and offers almost unbelievable views over the lake and town from its perfectly positioned vantage point so don’t forget your camera.
Meanwhile, if you fancy venturing a little outside of Bled and can bear to pull yourself away from its endless beauty, treat yourself to a day trip to Vintgar Gorge. Just a short bus ride away (or just under an hour’s walk) sits this stunning 1.6km long ravine naturally carved out by the Radovna River. It has a walkable trail and plenty of wooden bridges running through it so you can take in the views up close and feel totally at one with nature. Not to mention, upon reaching the end, you’ll discover the breathtaking 13-meter-high Šum river waterfall, one of only three river waterfalls in the country.
KORCULA, CROATIA
With crystal-clear seas, dense forests, small sandy beaches, and scenic Croatian vineyards, the Adriatic island of Korčula is one of our favorite places in all of Europe. Lovingly nicknamed, ‘Little Dubrovnik’, there’s plenty in the way of historic architecture in the main town. Plus, it’s often a little quieter than its neighboring islands, Brac and Hvar, which makes for a more relaxed vibe during your visit.
Take in the ancient sights of the old town walls, head out for a beach day, or sample some local wines at a vineyard. There’s so much to do on this 20-mile-long island. We also recommend sampling the incredible local cuisine should you have the chance.
Another great thing to know about Korčula is that it's a short 2-hour ferry ride from Dubrovnik. So, if you’re hoping to visit both of these eternally pretty places in one trip, you absolutely can.
SANTORINI, GREECE
From cliff-top villages boasting the most beautiful, not to mention iconic, blue and white domed structures to the turquoise waters that sparkle along the coastline. Everywhere you turn in Santorini you’re met with another unforgettable view you’ll want to remember forever.
Maybe it’s the Calderas formed from a centuries-old volcanic eruption that give this celebrated island its unique crescent-shaped indents. Perhaps it’s the awe-inspiring sunsets that turn the skies from pink, to purple, to orange as if by magic. You can even take a boat trip along the coastline to swim in the healing warm waters of Nea Kameni. Truly, the reasons to visit Santorini are endless, and this reel from @santorini is just one of them.
PROVENCE, FRANCE
Though we almost chose Paris for many obvious reasons (The Palace of Versailles, Notre-Dame, The Eiffel Tower!), few European landscapes are as pretty as those you’ll discover in Provence. Famed for its gorgeous river valleys, luscious fields of lavender, and perfect Mediterranean climate, it’s no wonder this delightful destination tops so many must-visit lists.
So, aside from the fact you’ll feel like you’re starring in some fabulous French flick from decades past the whole time you’re there, there’s so much to see and do in this undeniably stunning region. Take a day trip to the colorful hilltop villages in the mountains or visit one of Provence’s many vineyards to taste some local wines. You can also see the original Arc De Triomphe located in the small town of, Orange, or head to Saint Paul de Vence to truly experience the tranquil beauty of the French countryside.
AMALFI COAST - ITALY
Picking out just one idyllic location in Italy is, as you can imagine, practically impossible. Rome, Florence, Capri, Verona? How do you name the best? Well, in the end, we settled on the unforgettable Amalfi Coast - though pretty much every other location came a very close second!
We chose this beloved destination for its striking coastline, azure blue waters, and iconic historical towns - all of which are so picture-perfect every street belongs on a postcard.
In the summertime, highlights include spending full days swimming in the sea, relaxing on the beach, or taking a boat trip out to see this stunning spot in all its glory from the water. Also, depending on where you’re situated for your trip, you can head to some of the most iconic towns in the surrounding areas. Pompeii, Capri, and Sorrento, to name a few, are all just a bus or train ride away.
Meanwhile, keen adventurers are highly recommended to spend a day hiking the famous Path Of Gods which begins in Agerola. This breathtaking cliff-top trail through the prettiest hillside villages offers some of the most spectacular views on our list. Be prepared for your jaw to drop multiple times along the 8km hike.
Written by Sophie Mara - Fashion & Lifestyle Writer for Koraru
Sophie is a fashion and lifestyle writer based in the eco-friendly city of Brighton, England. She has years of experience writing for a number of online fashion and lifestyle publications about personal styling, fashion & lifestyle, Fashion Week coverage, beauty and more. On rare occasions when she's not writing, Sophie can be found with her head in a good book or catching up on her favourite interior design series
