16 Most Beautiful European Countries to Visit in 2026

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - 2026 is here and you may have already busy planning for your next adventure. But if you haven't find any destination yet, don't worry, because we will take a look at some of the most beautiful places in Europe to visit in 2026.

But why Europe? The Blue Continent is still one of the best places to visit this year. The diversity of the destinations give you a lot of options to choose, based on your preference or when your visit is. From the warm beaches of the Mediterranean sea to the snowy landscape of the Dolomite, you will find many interesting destinations all year round.

So, here are some of the most beautiful countries in Europe to visit in 2026. Let's explore each one of them!

Most people visit Rome for the Colosseum and Venice for the canals, which are both incredible. If you want something different, the cave houses in Matera offer a unique experience with fewer crowds. Winter is perfect for skiing in the Dolomites. For warmer weather, Sicily in spring has beautiful beaches and Greek temples before the summer rush arrives.

The capital city Paris never disappoints with the Eiffel Tower and world-class museums. If you prefer beaches, Nice on the French Riviera is famous and beautiful. There's a charming mountain town called Annecy with a crystal-clear lake that most tourists miss. Autumn is the best time for wine tasting in Bordeaux. The Alps provide excellent skiing from December to March.

The old town of Dubrovnik is stunning but gets very crowded in peak season. If you visit in summer, consider Vis Island instead for peaceful beaches and clear water. Don't forget about the Istria region in the north, where hilltop villages and truffle hunting in autumn attract food lovers. The waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes look magical when autumn colors appear. Winter brings wonderful Christmas markets to Zagreb.

Everyone knows about Santorini's blue-domed churches and Athens with its ancient Acropolis. For better food and fewer tourists, the second city Thessaloniki is an excellent choice. If you like dramatic landscapes, the monasteries at Meteora sit on top of rock pillars and are less crowded in spring. Winter in Crete is surprisingly mild, so you can explore without heat or summer crowds.

The grand palaces of Vienna and Mozart's birthplace in Salzburg attract many visitors year-round. Winter sports fans love the Austrian Alps near Innsbruck for world-class skiing. There's a tiny lakeside village called Hallstatt that looks like a postcard with incredible mountain views. If you want to avoid crowds, the city of Graz has a charming old center with far fewer tourists than Vienna.

The dramatic scenery at the Bay of Kotor makes it the country's most famous destination. Summer brings beach lovers to Budva's coast. For nature and hiking, Durmitor National Park is less visited but absolutely beautiful with wild landscapes. Don't miss the small town of Perast, which offers peace and quiet by the water. Winter means lower prices and fewer tourists everywhere you go.

The big cities Barcelona and Madrid are packed with art, architecture, and culture throughout the year. If you visit in spring, Seville is lovely before the extreme summer heat arrives. There's excellent food and beautiful beaches in San Sebastian with smaller crowds than the south. For winter sun, the Canary Islands stay warm and pleasant. Autumn is ideal for hiking in the Picos de Europa mountains.

Colorful Lisbon and historic Porto are the main tourist centers that everyone visits. The Algarve coast gets very busy in summer but is surprisingly pleasant in winter months. If you like wine, the Douro Valley is stunning during autumn harvest season with fewer crowds. Don't forget about the Azores islands, which remain relatively unknown despite their dramatic volcanic landscapes and unique nature.

The famous fjords like Geirangerfjord are natural wonders that attract tourists from everywhere. If you want incredible scenery with fewer people, the Lofoten Islands are perfect for summer photography and hiking. Winter in Tromsø is the top choice for seeing the northern lights from November to March. The midnight sun period in June and July is special for outdoor activities with 24-hour daylight.

Medieval architecture and chocolate shops make Brussels and Bruges very popular destinations. There's a similar city called Ghent with beautiful canals but only half the tourists. If you like nature, the Ardennes forest is great for autumn walks through quiet villages. Spring brings blooming gardens across the country. The capital Brussels has impressive Christmas markets in December that are less crowded than German ones.

The colorful houses at Nyhavn in Copenhagen are famous and always full of visitors in summer. For museums and culture with a more relaxed feel, the city of Aarhus is an excellent alternative. If you visit in summer, the island of Bornholm is a hidden gem with beaches and forests. Winter brings the cozy "hygge" season with candles and warm cafes everywhere. Don't miss Odense for Hans Christian Andersen sites without big crowds.

Everyone knows about the Swiss Alps and expensive cities like Zurich. The famous Matterhorn near Zermatt is one of the most photographed mountains in the world. For stunning waterfalls with quieter trails, the Lauterbrunnen valley is less busy than major ski resorts. Winter sports season runs from December to April across most alpine areas. If you prefer warmer weather, the Lake Geneva region is beautiful in spring.

The castle, bridges, and beer culture in Prague attract huge tourist numbers, especially in summer. There's a beautiful small town called Český Krumlov that also gets many day visitors despite its size. For baroque architecture with fewer crowds and lower prices, the city of Olomouc is worth visiting. If you like hiking, Bohemian Switzerland National Park is perfect in summer. Winter brings magical Christmas markets to Prague despite the cold.

Most people know about Transylvania and Bran Castle from Dracula legends. The capital Bucharest has grand buildings but sees fewer tourists than other European capitals. For caves and traditional villages that tourists rarely find, the Apuseni Mountains are waiting to be explored. Don't forget Sibiu, which has a beautiful old town with German heritage. Spring is excellent for bird watching in the Danube Delta.

The Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar make Istanbul the country's biggest tourist draw. If you want unique landscapes, Cappadocia's rock formations and hot air balloons are world-famous. There's an Ottoman town called Safranbolu with traditional architecture and far fewer visitors. Summer is perfect for the beautiful beaches and sailing along the Turquoise Coast. For stunning white terraces, Pamukkale looks best in spring light.

The island setting makes Stockholm Sweden's most popular city with tourists. If you want a more unique experience, you can stay at the famous Ice Hotel in the north during winter. For excellent seafood and a strong food scene, the city of Gothenburg has less tourism but great restaurants. If you visit in summer, the archipelago is perfect for boat trips and swimming in the sea. Winter in Lapland offers northern lights and snow activities for adventurous travelers.