Europe dazzles travelers with its timeless charm and fresh discoveries waiting to be uncovered. As we look ahead, the continent promises adventures that blend so much natural beauty with vibrant cultures and history. From misty highlands to sunlit vineyards, every corner tells a phenomenal story.
To help you plan your journey, we’ve rounded up the best countries to visit in Europe in 2025 based on the European Best Destinations voting of over one million travelers from 139 countries. Keep scrolling and get to know the trendiest countries to visit in Europe, best time to travel, average budgets, where to book accommodations, and other helpful tips.
Croatia
Chosen by massive numbers of travelers, Croatia stands out as a traveler’s paradise. Its landscapes shift from green forests to rolling countryside and majestic mountains. You can stroll along ancient city walls there or explore the Rector’s Palace for a taste of rich cultural heritage. Over 1000 dreamlike islands dot the Adriatic Sea with Rab Island earning fame as one of Croatia’s most peaceful escapes. You can hop on a day trip to Montenegro or dive into activities within Dubrovnik itself. Whether you seek history or serenity Croatia’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural wonders make it impossible to forget.
Best Time To Travel To Croatia
The best time to travel to Croatia depends on your priorities. For warm weather and water activities, summer (June-September) is ideal, but be prepared for crowds and higher prices. If you prefer cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed atmosphere, spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) offer a good balance. Winter (November-March) is suitable for budget travelers and exploring cities like Zagreb or Split, but with fewer tourist activities.
Average Budget
Croatia won’t drain your wallet if you plan smart. A daily budget of €50 to €100 keeps you comfortable with decent lodging, tasty meals, and a few adventures. Since 2023, the Euro has been the go-to currency here. It’s everywhere, so you won’t need to fuss with exchanges. Simple and stress-free, just how I like it.
Transport Facilities
Buses connect major cities like Zagreb and Split reliably. Ferries hop between islands with Jadrolinija as the main operator. Rent a car to chase hidden coves or cycle Hvar’s lavender fields. Trains are limited but scenic routes like Zagreb to Split make up for it.
Italy
Italy weaves a spell with its deep cultural roots and legendary cities. Rome pulls you in with historical sites that rank among the most breathtaking in all of Europe. The Colosseum stands tall as a symbol of ancient glory and pairs perfectly with the Roman Forum and Trevi Fountain. Beyond Rome, Milan and Florence burst with art and fashion that draw visitors from all over the world. The country proves very accessible to a lot of nearby cities by train and makes exploration effortless. You can wander off the beaten path and uncover beautiful castles in Italy tucked away in the countryside.
Best Time To Travel To Italy
The best time to travel to Italy is generally during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November). These shoulder seasons offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and often lower prices compared to the peak summer and winter months.
Budget & Transportation Options
Italy asks a bit more of your budget, but it’s worth every penny. Aim for €70 to €150 a day. That covers a cozy place to stay, incredible food, and some sightseeing. The Euro rules here too. Cash works for little buys, but cards are king in most spots. You’ll feel right at home either way.
Trains are your best friend. Trenitalia links Rome Florence and Milan efficiently. Regional buses reach hilltop villages while ferries serve Sicily and Sardinia. Rent a scooter for Amalfi Coast curves or a car to explore Umbria’s backroads.
Switzerland
Switzerland unfolds like a dream come to life and surrounds you with glistening, bright blue lakes and snow-capped mountains. It’s among the best countries in Europe to visit, as it’s home to some of the most stunning landscapes and charming cities. The country is a tale of three regions – the majestic Alps, the charming plateau, and the rugged Jura Mountains – each with its own personality and plenty of reasons to steal the spotlight. If you’re into hiking, skiing, or just want to soak up some jaw-dropping views, the Swiss Alps should definitely be on your bucket list. Some of the famous areas in the Alps include Zermatt, Grindelwald, and St Moritz.
Best Time To Travel To Switzerland
The best time to travel to Switzerland is during the spring (May to June) and fall (September to October). These seasons provide mild weather for hikes vibrant alpine views and fewer tourists. You’ll save on accommodation while still soaking in the Swiss Alps’ beauty without winter’s snow or summer’s crowds.
Average Budget
Switzerland loves your money, and it shows. Plan on €100 to €200 a day for a solid trip. That gets you a bed, meals, and some fun. The Swiss Franc, or CHF, is what you’ll spend. Cash helps in small places, but cards swipe just fine too. It’s pricey, but the payoff’s unreal.
Transport Facilities
Trains are legendary here. The Swiss Travel Pass unlocks scenic routes like the Glacier Express. Buses reach remote valleys, and boats crisscross lakes like Geneva and Lucerne. Rent a bike for lakeside paths or drive to hidden hamlets. Efficiency is Switzerland’s middle name.
Spain
Spain pulses with a rhythm that quickens your heartbeat. Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia spirals toward the sky a testament to imagination while Bilbao’s Guggenheim bends metal into dreams. Beaches in Tenerife and Formentera bake under golden suns and Malaga’s Camino del Rey dares the brave to walk cliffs that kiss the sky. White villages like Ronda cling to rocky heights and Cadaques charms with seaside cottages where artists once found muse. Spain is not a trip—it’s a fiesta for the soul.
Best Time To Travel To Spain & Budget
The best time to travel to Spain for pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for outdoor activities is during the shoulder seasons: April to May and September to October. You don’t need to splurge to enjoy Spain. A daily budget of €60 to €120 covers a comfy place to crash, tasty tapas, and some sightseeing. For accommodations and flights, you can use get your guide for great deals.
Transport Facilities
Getting around’s a breeze. High-speed trains zip you between big cities like Madrid and Barcelona in no time. Buses are great for smaller towns, and flights can whisk you across longer distances. In cities, metros and buses are super reliable. If you want to explore the countryside, you can rent a car from local transport facility providers and there are Hop-on Hop-off bus facilities too.
Greece
Greece is where myths walk beside you. The Acropolis stands eternal over Athens a reminder of gods and glory while Santorini’s cliffs glow like honey in the sunset. Mykonos buzzes with energy but wander to Naxos to find beaches untouched by time and tavernas where octopus grills over open flames. Crete’s gorges challenge hikers and Corfu’s Venetian alleys hide secrets in their shadows. In Greece every meal is a celebration every sunset a poem every wave a lullaby.
Best Time To Travel To Greece
The best time to travel to Greece is generally considered to be spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October). This allows you to avoid the peak summer crowds and heat while still enjoying pleasant weather and relatively fewer tourists.
Budget & Transportation Facilities
Greece is a budget traveler’s dream. You can swing €50 to €100 a day for a cozy stay, some killer gyros, and a bit of island hopping. Travel here’s an adventure in itself. Ferries glide between islands—every trip’s a mini cruise with killer views. On the mainland, buses and trains connect the dots. Athens has a solid metro, and taxis are everywhere. For island fun, grab a scooter or ATV.
France
France wraps you in romance and elegance with every glance. Paris’s boulevards lead to patisseries where croissants flake perfection while Provence’s lavender fields melt into horizons of purple haze. The Riviera glitters but Normandy’s cliffs tell tales of courage and Bordeaux’s vineyards ripple with rows of liquid gold. Alsace villages look plucked from storybooks and the Pyrenees offer trails where eagles soar. France teaches you to savor, the first sip of wine the crunch of a baguette the way light dances on the Eiffel Tower at dusk.
Best Time To Travel To France
The best time to travel to France generally falls within the shoulder seasons: spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). These periods offer pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and the chance to experience events like Paris Fashion Week and the grape harvest. While summer (June-August) is popular for its warm weather, it’s also the peak season, with higher prices and larger crowds. Winter (November-March) can be a great time for exploring Paris with fewer tourists and enjoying Christmas markets, but it’s also the coldest season.
Budget & Transportation Facilities
Budget €100-250 daily. Hostels start at €30 while chateau stays soar past €200. Baguettes cost €1 and bistros charge €15-25 for steak frites. France’s transport game is strong. High-speed TGV trains blast between cities, while regional trains and buses take you to quieter spots. Paris’s metro is a lifesaver, and taxis are a quick grab. Rent a car for countryside jaunts, just brace for city parking woes. You’ll move around like it’s nothing.
Wrapping Up…
Europe in 2025 is a story waiting for you to write it. Croatia’s sunlit islands, Italy’s timeless ruins, Switzerland’s alpine dreams, Spain’s fiery spirit, Greece’s mythic shores, and France’s elegant chaos—each country whispers a different adventure. Whether you chase summer’s energy or autumn’s quiet glow, these destinations promise moments that linger long after you return home. Over a million travelers voted these spots to the top with best time to travel advices. We do hope that you too, will take the leap and discover what makes Europe such a magical place.
