Top Destinations for a European Holiday

From world-class beaches, epic scenery, exceptional gastronomy, historic landmarks and sensational art, Europe has it all. Lisa de Silva offers some of her top destinations

Abundantly rich in history, landscapes and culture, Europe is the undisputed leader in global tourism, attracting over 50% of all international travellers.

Here in the UK, the top four European destinations for holidaying Brits are Spain, the UK, Italy and Greece. While each country has its tourist hotspots, we’ve explored some less crowded options to inspire you when planning your next European getaway.

Andalucia, Spain

Birthplace of flamenco, tapas, sherry and Picasso, Andalucia is the beating heart of Spanish culture. Located in southern Spain, the region’s past spans thousands of years and is particularly rich in Moorish architecture.

Boasting seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic highlights include Granada’s Alhambra Palace, the best example of Moorish architecture in Europe, the historic centre of Cordoba, with its iconic Cathedral-Mosque, as well as Seville’s Cathedral and Alcazar Palace.

For spectacular landscapes, the cliff-top town of Ronda offers dramatic views of the El Tajo Gorge, while for hiking, biking and horse riding, head to UNESCO-protected Donana National Park.

Celebrated for its fresh seafood, traditional tapas and classic dishes such as paella and gazpacho, Andalucian cuisine is superb. While a visit to the Jerez region is the perfect destination for sherry tasting.

Alive with music, flamenco and colour, Andalucia plays host to many famous festivals providing a truly immersive cultural experience. And once you’ve finished exploring, relax on one of the region’s glorious beaches.

Yorkshire, UK

Home to fabulous scenery, picturesque market towns, wild national parks, historic cities and a magnificent coastline, Yorkshire makes a great summer getaway and is ideal for those who prefer cooler temperatures.

Both the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Parks are a treat for walkers and nature lovers. While the Dales offer pastoral rolling hills, traditional villages and peaceful valleys, the Moors provide the drama of vast open spaces and rugged coastal scenery, best seen from the heritage railway that runs from Pickering to Whitby.

Another spectacular natural attraction is White Scar Cave. On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and formed over thousands of years, this subterranean limestone landscape features vast caverns populated by dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. Or head to the handsome city of York, medieval Fountain Abbey, Norman Richmond Castle and UNESCO-listed Saltaire, a beautifully preserved 19^th-century industrial village, for history and heritage.

Awash with attractive market towns, the coastline also offers plenty of distraction with sandy beaches, rugged cliffs and seaside fun, including perennial favourites Scarborough and Whitby.

Abruzzo, Italy

Known as Italy’s best-kept secret, Abruzzo sits between the Apennine Mountains and Adriatic Coast in central Italy. With over a third covered by national parks, it is a wonderful destination for hikers, while well-preserved medieval villages easily rival those of Tuscany but without the crowds.

Ideal for those who appreciate slow tourism, the lakes, mountains and beaches offer the perfect backdrop for a relaxing holiday. The national parks will appeal to those who wish to immerse themselves in natural beauty, with camping, glamping and wooden cabins on offer. While the food and wine are authentic, delicious and cost a fraction of what you’d pay in more touristy Italian destinations.

The beautiful village of Guardiagrele is known as a centre for artisans, particularly iron forgers and jewellery makers, while the Roman town of Lanciano has a beautiful main piazza lined with restaurants and cafes. After exploring the region’s considerable delights head to the sandy beaches of Ortona for seaside relaxation.

Peloponnese Peninsula, Greece

South-west of Athens the Peloponnese Peninsula resembles a hand, whose three fingers form a collection of pretty peninsulas covered by mountain-fed streams and rivers, towering gorges and waterfalls, ancient monasteries, vineyards and villages, walnut and olive groves and soft golden sands. It is a glorious fusion of ancient Greek history, magnificent natural scenery and exquisite food and wine.

Historic highlights include the ancient city of Messene, UNESCO-listed Mycenae, the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus and the Sanctuary of Zeus in Ancient Olympia, the site of the first Olympic Games. The beaches are some of the best in Greece, boasting soft sands and turquoise waters set against a backdrop of rugged cliffs, emerald forests and charming fishing villages.

The active can hike the Peloponnese or Menalon Trails immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the region. Reward comes in the form of delicious food and drink. One of the oldest wine-making regions in the world, the area also produces world-class olives, oils, honey, cheeses, seafood, fruit and vegetables.