Europe

Expert travel guides and holiday advice

Europe is home to 44 countries and so there are plenty of hotspots to explore throughout the continent. From Rome and Italy to Berlin and Germany, Europe is vast in its history. Whether you fancy a sunny setting on Spain's Barcelona beaches, or you're keen to hike up Switzerland's Matterhorn mountains, you can pick the holiday according to your preferences while in Europe. The Independent's travel experts have explored some of the best tourist attractions and hotels in Europe.

<p>Set sail to sun-drenched southern Europe for the highlights of summer holiday hotspots </p>

The best Mediterranean cruise holidays to book now

<p>Thun is a fairytale lakeside town in Switzerland surrounded by snow-capped mountains</p>

Why you should visit the beautiful Swiss town that most tourists miss

<p>Hitting the beach at Rixos</p>

The winter sun escape perfect for family wellness this winter

<p>Fiona McIntosh hits the slopes</p>

How to have an extraordinary ski holiday on an ordinary budget

European travel inspiration

Stuck for travel inspiration? The Independent's travel experts have curated the below travel destination roundups to help you decide on your next European trip from the best destinations by train to best apres-ski holiday destinations, budget destinations and more.

Travel deals

<p>Save on flights and hotels, with these latest Expedia holiday deals</p>

Get 10% off hotels with this Expedia discount code

<p>Ticket to ride? Booking offices, such as this one at Leeds, are not allowed to charge fees – unlike Trainline and other retailers</p>

Simon Calder reveals his tricks to finding cheap train tickets

<p>Whether you’re looking to visit historical sites or something for your Lego-obsessed little ones, there’s a destination for everyone</p>

Get Legoland tickets from just £29 – here’s how to book

<p>Whether you’re looking for a new trail or park to wander, or you’re searching for an idyllic cottage where the whole family can hunker down, we’d recommend taking a look at what’s on offer</p>

How to save on National Trust memberships and staycations this spring

Explore by destination

France

Whether you're visiting Toulouse or travelling to Paris, read expert city guides on where to eat, drink and sleep throughout France.

France travel guide

Spain

Expert city guides for you to read ahead of your next Spanish adventure.

Spain travel guide

Italy

From wine tasting in vineyards to shopping sprees, browse expert guides on what some of Italy's best cities have to offer.

Italy travel guide

Germany

From Munich to Cologne, our travel experts have compiled handy guides on the best cities to visit in Germany.

Germany travel guide

Portugal

From sandy stretches of the Algarve to picture-perfect cities like Porto, Portugal offers holiday experiences to suit every traveller. Our experts have reviewed hotels and tasted traditional cuisine across the country.

Portugal travel guide

Greece

From buzzing nightlife in Mykonos to stunning sights of Santorini, there's so much to do across the wonderous Greek islands. Read our expert's travel guides on the best hotels and things to do

Greece travel guide

Croatia

From beautiful beaches to karst mountain ranges, Croatia boasts adventure and stunning scenery for all types of visitors.

Croatia travel guide

Switzerland

Whether you're visiting Zurich or travelling to Bern, read expert city guides on where to eat, drink and sleep throughout Switzerland.

Switzerland travel guide

Sweden

From sustainable travel to characterful Stockholm, browse expert guides on the best sights, hotels and attractions that Sweden has to offer.

Sweden travel guide

Belgium

Expert city guides for you to read ahead of your next holiday to Belgium.

Austria

Whether you're exploring musical history in Vienna or travelling to Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg, read expert city guides on where to eat, drink and sleep throughout Austria.

Austria travel guide

Malta

Malta is one of Europe's most popular travel destinations. Read expert guides on best things to do and where to stay in Malta, Gozo and Comino.

Malta travel guide

<p>Balluta Bay in St Julian’s, Malta</p>

The best Malta holidays for 2025 and where to stay

<p>Ghajn Tuffieha is a Blue Flag beach situated on Malta’s picturesque northwest coast</p>

Seven unmissable beach spots in Malta and Gozo

<p>Cathedrals, museums and al fresco evenings await in Valletta </p>

The best things to do in Valletta, Malta

<p>Aerial view of St. Julians city and Portomaso tower in Malta </p>

Best things to do in Malta 2024

Finland

From meeting Father Christmas in Lapland to enjoying the best of Finnish culture in Helsinki, our travel experts have rounded up the best hotels and things to do across the country

Finland travel guide

Czech Republic

Expert city guides for you to read ahead of your next holiday to Prague, Ostrava or Brno.

Denmark

Whether you're on the hunt for delicious Danish pastries or visiting the iconic Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen, read expert city guides on where to eat, drink and sleep throughout Denmark.

Best Copenhagen hotels

Iceland

From beer spas to natural hot springs, ‘the land of ice and fire’ is a playground for adventurers and and nature lovers. Read expert guides on the best hotels, restaurants and things to do in Reykjavik and throughout Iceland.

Iceland travel guide

Ireland

Whether you're looking for a ramble in Ireland's countryside, or you're after a lively city break in Dublin, Ireland is a great choice for a multi-stop tour or a nature-wrapped road trip. Our travel experts have found the best holidays and have reviewed the top hotels and chosen the best things to do that will suit any kind of traveller.

Ireland travel guide

UK

From seaside breaks along the beautiful coastline to rambles in the glorious New Forest countryside, Britain offers the perfect escape for you. Our travel experts have reviewed hotels and compiled city guides across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Europe cruises

<p>The rolling vineyards of Portugal’s Douro Valley</p>

8 of the best European river cruises for 2025

<p>Secure the best views of the fjords with a cruise</p>

The best Norwegian fjords cruise holidays

<p>Set sail to sun-drenched southern Europe for the highlights of summer holiday hotspots </p>

The best Mediterranean cruise holidays to book now

The best European cruise holiday destinations

More Europe travel guides and latest news

<p>The Italian capital has a ranges of hotels to suit all budgets</p>

Best hotels in Rome 2025, reviewed

<p>Cappadocia is one of Turkey’s most well-known destinations</p>

Best Turkey holidays for 2025: Top destinations to visit

<p>The indoor pool at L’Albereta in northern Italy’s Lombardy region is covered in 600,000 bisazza mosaic tiles</p>

Inside the advanced detox retreat all about indulgence and restriction

Premium

<p>Steamy: The Szechenyi Baths in Budapest</p>

The best European city breaks where it doesn’t matter if it rains

<p>Bryony and Henrik Hegard looking up at the Northern Lights
</p>

What it’s like to move to where the sun never rises

<p>There are over a dozen ski resorts in Greece – which might come as a surprise </p>

Why you need to head for the Greek ski slopes this winter

<p>The 348-foot superyacht is currently part of a lengthy and ongoing judicial process</p>

US spending millions of dollars maintaining seized Russian yacht

<p>Some of Europe’s train routes are among the most picturesque in the world </p>

The best of Europe’s Interrail routes

<p>Fiona McIntosh takes in the view over Vikos Gorge in Greece</p>

The best way to do Greece this autumn – visit this hidden treasure

Premium

<p>Italy has some of the best ski resorts, with its towering peaks, fine-quality snow and charming mountain villages </p>

The best ski resorts in Italy

<p>Kala, Albania’s first international festival, is equal parts recreation and relaxation</p>

A festival took me to the ‘Maldives of Europe’ - why you should go too

Make the most of your snow sports holiday with TravelSmart

<p>Beach-bound: the entrance to Varna’s ‘Sea Garden’ and the shore beyond it</p>

Sunshine, beaches, £2 pints: Inside this lesser-known Black Sea city

<p>Holiday bliss: Egremni beach, Lefkada</p>

The ‘Greek Caribbean’ where you can holiday like a celeb

<p>With turquoise waters and rugged cliffs, this is a striking region of France </p>

Why you should swap the French Riviera for Marseille’s quieter shores

<p>The beautiful North Korvemaa nature reserve is one of the largest in Estonia </p>

Smoke saunas then a dip: Estonia’s answer to a liberating girls’ trip

<p>Take a trip to the Turkish coast this summer </p>

Best beaches in Turkey for a holiday in 2024

<p>The Lazure Hotel and Marina is an ideal base for your stay in Montenegro</p>

The affordable Med holiday break for people who want to avoid crowds

<p>Tenerife’s coastlines mix golden sands with black volcanic beaches</p>

The best beaches in Tenerife

<p>Garachico, on the north side of Tenerife, looks out towards the islands of La Palma and La Gomera</p>

North Tenerife and Garachico travel guide: Best things to do

<p>The snow train is returning for another ski season</p>

Why you should take the rebooted snow train to the French Alps

<p>A pilgrim walks during a stage of ‘Camino de Santiago’ or St James Way, near to Santo Domingo de La Calzada</p>

Camino de Santiago: The world’s most famous walk is changing

<p>The climb to Alpe d’Huez is challenging for even the best cyclists in the world, but an e-bike makes it more accessible</p>

Here’s how to experience one of the most iconic Tour de France climbs

<p>A train will take you to Paris in just over two hours from London </p>

Best European cities to visit by train from London 2024