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Europe Travel Blogs: How to plan a trip to Europe

Dave Briggs
By Dave Briggs · Published 2019-05-07 · Last updated 2026-07-18
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Are you planning a trip to Europe? I've got just the thing for you! These Europe travel blogs include city guides and sightseeing itineraries for making the most of your time traveling in Europe.

On this page
  1. Why you need to travel to Europe
  2. Plan a trip to Europe
  3. Europe Travel Blog
  4. Albania
  5. Bulgaria
  6. Croatia
  7. Cyprus
  8. Germany
  9. Greece
  10. Iceland
  11. Italy
  12. Kosovo
  13. Luxembourg
  14. Macedonia (Country)
  15. Montenegro
  16. Malta
  17. Norway
  18. Portugal
  19. Slovakia
  20. Spain
  21. Europe Travel Guides
  22. European Travel Tips FAQ
  23. Best Europe Travel Blogs
All my Europe travel blogs in one place, including Athens and Greece

Why you need to travel to Europe

There are plenty of reasons to visit Europe! This lush, green continent is home to some of the world's most beautiful cities and landscapes. Whether you're interested in history, art, architecture, or just enjoying a relaxing vacation, Europe has something for everyone.

Some of the highlights of European travel include visiting the ancient city of Athens, marveling at the Venetian canals of Venice, exploring the fascinating history of Rome, or spending a day in the scenic French countryside. And the beaches? Fantastic!

Myrtos beach in Kefalonia

With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that Europe is one of the most popular travel destinations on the planet.

Plan a trip to Europe

You've seen photos of the European destinations that you want to visit, and now it is time for you to plan your trip. A European travel blog like this one is a good place to start - even if I do say so myself!

On this page, you'll find my travel blogs about European countries and cities, all pulled together in one place. Each link is in orange, so just go through to whichever travel guide takes your fancy.

Before you start, you might want to read the best time to visit Europe.

If you're looking for a European winter sun destination, take a look here at the Warmest Places In Europe In December.

Note - These guides for the most part don't cover my cycling guides to Europe. You can find those here:

Europe Travel Blog

As you may (or may not!) know, I've been living in Greece since 2015, but I'm originally from the UK. While I've got literally hundreds of travel tips and insider's guides to Greece on the blog, I've been fortunate to have traveled to dozens of other European countries and major cities.

Dave from Dave's Travel Pages leaving on a ferry from Piraeus port in Athens Greece

Choose the country below that interests you the most, and start planning your Europe vacation here!

Albania

Albania is a small, mountainous country in the Balkans region of southeastern Europe. It's bordered by Montenegro to the northwest, Kosovo to the northeast, Macedonia to the east, and Greece to the south.

Albania's economy is based largely on agriculture, but it also has a significant tourism industry. The country's attractions include its mountains, lakes, and beaches. Albania is an underrated country, and has many things to offer for those who love nature, culture and history.

Walking in Berat old town, Albania

The Albanian people are very warm and welcoming towards tourists with an attitude that will make you feel right at home as soon as you arrive in Albania.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria is another country in the Balkans, located next to the Black Sea. In recent years, Bulgaria has gained a reputation as being a good destination for digital nomads, but people have been coming here for years attracted by the snowy mountains, beautiful beaches, and rich history dating back to the Thracians.

Things to see in Sofia in 1 day

Croatia

Croatia is a beautiful country in southeastern Europe that's bordered by Slovenia to the northwest, Hungary to the north, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the south. It has a long coastline on the Adriatic Sea and is home to more than 1,000 islands. The largest of these islands is Krk, which is located off the coast of Croatia's mainland.

Croatia's economy is based largely on tourism, with attractions including its medieval cities, beaches, lakes, and islands. Zagreb, the capital city, is home to a lively arts and culture scene. Dubrovnik is one of Croatia's most popular tourist destinations and was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When cycling in Croatia, you are always rewarded with stunning views for your hard work!

Cyprus

Cyprus is an island country in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. It's located off the coast of Syria and is the third-largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. The capital of Cyprus is Nicosia, and the largest city is Limassol.

Cyprus has been inhabited since the 10th millennium BC, and was settled by Mycenaean Greeks in the 2nd millennium BC. After centuries under the rule of various empires, Cyprus became an independent republic in 1960. The country has been divided since 1974, when Turkish forces occupied the north of the island.

Cyprus is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning mountain scenery, and rich history. The capital city, Nicosia, is home to a lively arts and culture scene, and the largest city, Limassol, is a popular tourist destination.

Germany

Germany is the largest country in Central Europe and has an amazing diversity of landscapes. This includes mountains, forests, lakes, rivers and much more. It's not only for nature-lovers though – it also offers some excellent cities to visit as well.

Biberach, Germany - a nice town to visit when cycling the Donau-Bodensee Radweg

Greece

Greece is home to a large number of islands, the largest of which is Crete. Other popular tourist destinations include Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Santorini. Greece's economy is based largely on tourism, with tourist attractions including its ancient ruins, beaches, delicious food and islands.

Some of the best things to do in Greece include visiting ancient ruins such as the Acropolis in Athens and the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, exploring beautiful villages in places like Santorini, and of course relaxing on all those incredible beaches!

The caldera view in Santorini is one of the most famous Greek attractions

I moved to Greece in 2015, and have since written literally hundred's of travel guides on Greece. Start here: Greece Travel Guides

Iceland

Iceland is a Nordic island country located in the North Atlantic Ocean. It has a population of about 334,000 and an area of 103,000 square kilometers (40,000 square miles). The capital and largest city is Reykjavik.

Iceland is known for its glaciers, volcanoes, and geothermal springs. It's a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty and unique culture. Iceland's economy is based largely on tourism, with tourist attractions including its glaciers, volcanoes, geothermal springs, and the Northern Lights.

Italy

Italy is a country located in Southern Europe. It has a population of about 60 million and a total area of 301,340 square kilometers (116,350 square miles). The capital and largest city is Rome.

Some of Italy's most popular tourist destinations include Rome, Florence, Venice, and Amalfi Coast. Italy's economy is based largely on tourism, with tourist attractions including its ancient ruins, art, local cuisine, and wine.

Italy is an ideal destination for a vacation. The country has everything that you would want to see in your holidays; beaches, mountains, ancient structures and monuments, amusement parks and much more.

Cinque Terre region in Italy

You can spend the day at the beach while enjoying a refreshing drink before going to visit some of Italy's historical sites or museums during the evening.

Kosovo

Kosovo is a beautiful country with amazing landscapes and historical sites to visit. There are many natural wonders – you can take a boat ride to the stunning Lake Koman or explore the Vjosa River Canyon on foot.

weird looking library in pristina

The capital city of Pristina has plenty of galleries, museums, restaurants, cafés and more.

Luxembourg

The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe, and yet it's also one of the most underrated. As a matter of fact, many people have never even heard about this tiny country before.

Luxembourg is a small country located in Western Europe. It has a population of about 570,000 and a total area of 2,586 square kilometers (998 square miles). The capital and largest city is Luxembourg City.

Luxembourg is known for its banking sector and its low taxes. The country's economy is based largely on financial services. Luxembourg is also a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area.

Some of the best things to do in Luxembourg include visiting its charming villages, hiking in its forests and parks, and of course sampling its great food and wine.

Beaufort Castle in Luxembourg - One of nearly 130 castle you can find in the Duchy of Luxembourg!

Luxembourg is a perfect place for tourists who are looking to enjoy both luxuries and adventure, with its unique blend of castles, forests, and museums as well as casinos, restaurants, bars, pubs, nightclubs and shopping centers.

Macedonia (Country)

Macedonia is a country that has never really been visited by backpackers, but this could be the perfect time to make your first visit.

Skopje is the Balkans weird capital of Kitsch

There are several things about Macedonia that you will not find anywhere else and it might become one of your favorite countries in Europe.

Montenegro

Malta

Malta is an island country in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Italy. It's a small but beautiful destination that many people don't know about.

Taking a boat across Grand Harbour in Malta

The Maltese city of Valletta has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for more than 30 years. The country's rich history can be seen through various sites found all over the archipelago; including churches, catacombs, and other structures. There are also many natural wonders worth visiting such as beaches and caves.

Norway

Norway is a beautiful country known for its stunning landscapes and fjords making it a great adventure travel destination in Europe. The capital city of Oslo is a great place to start road trips, and from there you can explore the rest of the country.

Some of the best things to do in Norway include hiking, camping, skiing, and of course enjoying the amazing local food. Budget travelers should be aware that Norway is one of the most expensive countries in Europe.

Portugal

Portugal is a country located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It is the westernmost country of Europe and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south and by Spain to the north and east. The capital and largest city is Lisbon.

The Portuguese are a friendly people and Portugal is a safe country to visit. The country has a rich history and unique local culture that can be seen in its architecture, art, food, and music. Portugal is also well known for its wine.

Some of the best things to do in Portugal include visiting its beautiful beaches, hiking in its national parks, exploring its charming villages, and of course sampling its delicious food and wine.

Blue tiled buildings in Porto

There are many reasons to visit Portugal, from its great weather and rich history to friendly people. Here's my Portugal top tips and travel blogs:

Slovakia

Slovakia is a landlocked country in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic to the north, Austria to the west, Hungary to the south, and Poland to the east. The capital and largest city is Bratislava.

Slovakia is a great place for tourists who are looking for a mix of culture and history. The country has many interesting and unique places to visit, including its capital city of Bratislava, its churches and cathedrals, its beautiful countryside, and its ski resorts.

Slovakia is a great next destination for tourists from all over the world. You can visit medieval castles and fortresses or enjoy nature by hiking on one of its mountains.

Things to do in Bratislava in one day

However, if you want to have a true Slovak experience then look no further than their cities like Bratislava with historic buildings and an amazing castle overlooking the city center.

Start planning your next trip to Slovakia here:

Spain

Spain is a country located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. It is the westernmost country of Europe and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south and by Portugal to the north and east. The capital and largest city is Madrid.

If you've only ever associated Spain with the Costa del Sol, think again!

Spain is a great place for tourists who are looking for a mix of culture and history. The country has many interesting and unique places to visit, including its capital city of Madrid, its churches and cathedrals, its beautiful countryside, and its beach resorts.

Spain is an amazing destination to visit; especially if you are looking for a fun, exciting and affordable holiday! Spain boasts some of the world's most impressive historical sites and has often been dubbed "Europe in miniature", due to its diverse geography.

Ebre river in Catalonia

I prefer the Catalonia region myself, as it has a great variety of outdoor activities, things to see, and of course Barcelona!

Looking for even more inspiration? Tale a look at my Europe Bucket List.

Europe Travel Guides

Albania Travel Guide Albania Travel Guide I've visited Albania twice now. Once as part of a backpacking trip in the cold winter weather of January, and once as part of a bike tour across Europe. This Albania travel guide gives you the essentials you need to know about planning your trip, including what to see in Tirana, and the amazing UNESCO site of Berat.Cyprus: Top 10 Things to Do in PaphosCyprus: Top 10 Things to Do in PaphosDuring my last visit to Cyprus, I took a road trip around the island. We saw some incredible places, but as it was pretty much our vacation, I haven't gotten around to writing much yet. This guide on the best things to do in Paphos should get you started though!Greece Travel GuidesGreece Travel GuidesMy travel guides to Greece are one of the largest sections on the blog. I've been living in Greece for nearly 5 years, during which time I've both visited and written about hundreds of places. This page is a good starting point, whether you are planning a city break in Athens, a 7 day Greece itinerary, or an epic road trip around Greece.Iceland: 2 Days in ReykjavikIceland: 2 Days in ReykjavikIceland has become a popular destination in recent years, and its capital Reykjavik can also make a surprisingly interesting short city break destination. Here's everything you need to know about planning a 2 day stay in Reykjavik, Iceland.Kosovo: Pristina Tourism Guide - Essential Travel Information for Pristina, KosovoKosovo: Pristina Tourism Guide - Essential Travel Information for Pristina, KosovoIs Kosovo technically a country or not? It's not my place to answer, but I did thoroughly enjoy my time traveling around Kosovo - even if it was winter! My Pristina travel guide is a good starting point if you are planning your own trip to Kosovo.Luxembourg - It's Bigger On The Inside! Fun facts and more...Luxembourg - It's Bigger On The Inside! Fun facts and more...It may be one of the smallest countries in Europe, but there's an endless amount to see and do here! I was really surprised with the amount of outdoor activities on offer, making it a good destination for outdoor lovers. Start off on this post about Luxembourg, and then check out my other posts about outdoor activities you can enjoy whilst there.Macedonia (FYROM) - Skopje: The Weird Kitsch Capital Of The BalkansMacedonia (FYROM) - Skopje: The Weird Kitsch Capital Of The BalkansWe visited Macedonia (the non-Greek country), before the decades long argument over its name had been resolved - if it has at all! What we witnessed in the capital was part shocking and part surreal, as a newly born nation started to rewrite history, and appropriate and twist aspects from Greek culture to suit its own political narrative. Fake statues stuffed with polystyrene were just some of the things that made me think that Skopje was kitsch. Check out this post for more!Netherlands Travel Guide - Couchsurfing AmsterdamNetherlands Travel Guide - Couchsurfing AmsterdamEver wanted to visit Amsterdam but thought it might be expensive? Couchsurfing could be the way to go. This article on couchsurfing in Amsterdam is a good starting point in planning your Dutch adventure.Malta: Sightseeing in Malta ItineraryMalta: Sightseeing in Malta ItineraryThe Maltese islands are packed full of history, and the Mediterranean sun is an additional draw card, making it a popular Europe travel destination. This guide will show you how to get the most out of your vacation in Malta, and includes all the must-see attractions as well as a few low-key and hidden gems.Portugal: Don't leave Porto in Portugal without doing these things first....Portugal: Don't leave Porto in Portugal without doing these things first....We visited Portugal as part of a two week vacation. Porto was one of my favourite cities, and this travel blog shows all the best things to see and do there.Slovakia: What to do in Bratislava in 2 daysSlovakia: What to do in Bratislava in 2 daysI've visited Slovakia 2 or 3 times now, and every time a bicycle was involved! In terms of dedicated content about Slovakia however, you might find this post about things to do in Bratislava the most useful.Spain: Cycling in CataloniaSpain: Cycling in CataloniaWhilst most people associate Spain with great weather and beaches, there's also plenty to do for the outdoor lover. This guide to cycling in Catalonia is the first step to planning your adventure holiday in Spain!

European Travel Tips FAQ

Here are some commonly asked questions about traveling in Europe.

What is the best itinerary for Europe?

Europe is a big continent consisting of over 50 countries. As such, there is no single best itinerary for Europe. Even in one country like Greece, the Athens - Santorini - Mykonos itinerary is only just about possible within one week.

Is $100 a day enough for Europe?

It depends how you want to spend your money, but in my experience, $100 is more than enough. When traveling in Southern Europe, we rarely spend that much even as two people.

What is the best travel blog?

For European content, and especially Greece, Dave's Travel Pages has been providing insightful travel guide, tips and advice since 2005. It's one of the longest running travel blogs in the world!

What is the cheapest country in Europe to travel to?

The Balkan countries are generally the cheapest to travel through, and accommodation is often the biggest cost. The cheapest countries for tourist accommodation in Europe are Albania, Montenegro, Bulgaria, and parts of Greece.

The best places to travel in Europe - Country and city guides

Best Europe Travel Blogs

If you're looking for country guides, tips and advice on European travel, these blogs are a great place to start. They include guides to European cities and itineraries for some of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, as well as general tips and information on how to save money while traveling.

So whether you're planning a trip to Amsterdam, Malta, or Barcelona, these blogs have got you covered! Are you looking to explore Europe and have questions or destinations not covered here? Do you have any travel advice you'd like to share with others about exploring Europe and what to expect?

Please leave a comment below to help out other travelers!

Also read:

Dave Briggs, writer at Dave's Travel Pages
Dave Briggs
Dave is a UK travel writer living in Athens since 2015. With 20 years of firsthand travel experience and over 80,000 km of bicycle touring across six continents, he's been blogging at Dave's Travel Pages since 2005. Every guide is based on places he's actually been.
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Comments

Comments for this travel article are now closed. Dave is happy to answer questions via email: davestravelpages@duck.com
  1. Vlucht volgen7 December 2019

    Oh my gosh! This is so detailed and helpful. Already bookmarked to help me plan for the NEXT time I come back to Europe. It's so great to see that you can actually travel Europe for relatively cheap.

  2. Rahul27 December 2019

    Hi Dave, I am planning a 7 day tour with my parents. Could you suggest an itinerary for the same? We plan to visit 4 cities or maybe 3 in the time we have.

    1. Dave BriggsAuthor27 December 2019

      Hi Rahul, It's difficult to suggest, as a lot would depend on time of year/budget/personal interests etc.