There are so many reasons why Europe is a perfect destination for a fun and stimulating live like a local adventure. Wrapped in storied history, deep culture and traditions, and interesting lifestyles, Europe keeps you engaged, intrigued, and enchanted - no matter where you choose to explore.
One of my favorite “perks” about visiting European cities, is that they normally have generous swaths of pedestrianized areas, making the city and sights very walkable and lively cafés, restaurants, and tapas bars exceedingly easy to find. Also, in top destinations like Paris, Rome, Lisbon and Barcelona, you will find great hotel-alternative accommodations, either city-center or in a nearby neighborhood, which is particularly pleasing to the pocketbook when visiting for a week or more.
Whether you choose France for Provence or Paris, Spain for Barcelona or Madrid, Italy for the Amalfi Coast or Florence, or Portugal for Lisbon or the Algarve – you will gather uniquely amazing experiences and lasting memories along the way.
Indeed, I’ve found that staying like a local for weeks at a time in cities like Florence and Aix-en-Provence, are sometimes not even quite long enough and that the only solution is to return for more …
France
As the world’s most popular destination, France offers a wealth of art and architecture. From Paris’ Louvre museum to the Loire Valley’s Chateaux … from Dordogne’s Lascaux prehistoric cave art paintings to the Riviera’s coast, France has something for everyone.
France has a rich history that reflects the deep-seated influence of the Greeks, Celts, and Romans. Tourist can visit iconic historic landmarks such as the Roman Pont du Gard in Nimes, Greek harbor in Marseille, Roman theater in Lyon, and megalithic monuments in Brittany.
France is a year-round destination. You can enjoy outdoor activities from relaxing on Atlantic and Mediterranean beaches to skiing the slopes of alpine mountains. Popular sights also include Province lavender fields, Burgundy wine vineyards, Luberon hilltop villages and the Palace of Versailles - each a treasure trove of discovery, adventure, and enrichment.
Many travelers visit France often staying weeks, months, or forever – embracing the French joie de vivre (joy of living) lifestyle.
Italy
When exploring the 5th most visited country in the world, it is impossible to resist the many seductions of Italy. Whether seaside on the Italian Riviera or Amalfi Coast, countryside in Tuscany or Umbria, or city-center in Rome or Florence, seductive Italy teases and tempts all five senses, gifting experiences beyond expectations.
Awash in history and heritage, Italy offers a veritable feast of art and architecture - like Rome’s Forum, Florence’s Renaissance masterpieces, Pisa’s Leaning Tower, and Pompeii’s archeological site.
Famous for distinctive food and wine, traditional regional fare is available in most restaurants but when sampled locally in Tuscan villages like Siena and Cortona or in Umbrian villages like Assisi and Perugia, the experience becomes truly authentic.
Spain
Spain remains Europe’s 2nd best place to visit partly because authentic Spain can be found anywhere you go. The country’s multi-cultured mosaic is a testament to the colorful heritage left behind by ancient civilizations passing through - Celts, Moors, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and others
The past’s indelible influences shine through to the art in the museums like Madrid’s Prado, the music and dance like Andalusia’s Flamenco and Catalan’s Sardana in Barcelona, the iconic architecture like Santiago de Compestela’s Romanesque Cathedral and Granada’s Moorish Alhambra, and the remarkable cuisine from Michelin-starred fare to tapas (also known as Pintxos).
A country of contrasts, Spain proudly celebrates the diversity - visit Andalusia and delight in cascading sunbaked white villages (pueblos blancos) like Casares, discover Costa del Sol so you can frolic at beach resorts like Marbella or fishing villages like Torremolinos, stroll hilltop perched villages to experience Medieval daily living, and meander through vineyards to land at a winery for a tasting adventure.
No surprise that many visitors return to this welcoming country to enjoy more of Spanish “the good life” because, like the Spaniards say, “In Spain, one lives very well.”
Portugal
Acclaimed as the most affordable European hot spot, Portugal reigns as an Old World best destination. Friendly Portugal has it all – 1,100 miles of enticing Atlantic coastline, a unique history-drenched past, and a diverse cultural heritage deeply influenced by ancient civilizations like the Celts, Romans, Moors, and Visigoths.
From the Algarve’s golden beaches in the South to pristine beaches outside Lisbon and rugged cliff-rimmed beaches near Porto in the North, you can discover quintessential fishing villages, medieval perched hill towns, secluded beach coves, and dramatic rock formations sprouting from the sea.
Throughout the country, you can explore remnants of Portugal’s legendary history including 15 UNESCO World Heritage sites such as soaring clifftop castles, exotic luxurious palaces, and decorative monasteries. Today, you can still sense the past’s influences embedded in Portugal’s traditional music, dance and cuisine.
