8 of the prettiest places in Europe you need to visit

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Guest post (Prettiest places in Europe) written by Laura Elizabeth.

In the current age of social media domination, it’s not uncommon for people to travel to new places based on a string of gorgeous photos they’ve seen on Instagram. The social platform does an incredible job of showcasing the beauty of many destinations around the world. As a result, lots of people are now travelling to destinations that were less travelled before, based solely on pretty Instagram pictures. While these destinations can be found far and wide, here are some of the prettiest in Europe.

Find out the Prettiest Places to visit in Europe!

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Prettiest Places in Europe: Overview

• The Scilly Isles, UK
• Bellagio, Italy
• Trogir, Croatia
• Lake Bled, Slovenia
• Skopelos, Greece
• Hallstatt, Austria
• Kotor, Montenegro
• Lofoton Islands, Norway

The Scilly Isles, UK

I’d never even heard of this group of five islands until recently, and I’m glad that now I have! Once travel and overnight stays are permitted in the UK, this is probably the first place I’ll venture to. The five islands can be found off the coast of Cornwall, and boast sandy beaches, clear blue seas and cute towns and cottages. Some of the islands even have no cars – how idyllic! You can get to the Scilly Isles by ferry from Penzance, or flying from Exeter airport, and whilst it won’t be cheap, it will certainly be a memorable trip. You’ll experience some of the most beautiful beach locations that England has to offer, and probably some of the best weather too!

Must do in the Scilly Isles

• – Wine tasting at Holy Vale Vineyard
• – Seaquest Glass bottom boat
• – Open Air Cinema in St Mary’s
• – Tresco Abbey Garden

Bellagio, Italy

I’ve written about Bellagio Italy countless times, and I won’t stop singing its praises. An extremely cute town jutting out into Lake Como, if you’re heading to northern Italy, you can’t miss out on a day trip to Bellagio. From adorable shops to great restaurants and bars, it’s a beautifully romantic place. You can spend a few days exploring the cobbled streets and eating gelato whilst gazing out onto the gorgeous lake views. Eat at the lakeside restaurant at L’hotel Florence under the shaded terrace, and head to the top of the steps to get that iconic Bellagio steps shot.

Must do in Bellagio:

• – Villa Serbelloni Gardens
• – Explore the cute shops and cafes
• – Grab a drink at the very adorable Barchetta
• – Basilica of San Giacomo 

Trogir, Croatia

When most people think of Croatia, they think of the bigger destinations such as Split or Dubrovnik. However, a little over an hour outside of Split is the sleepy town of Trogir. Much quieter than its bigger sister, it still offers the same stone buildings as Split, alongside fantastic restaurants and crystal blue waters. I definitely preferred staying in Trogir and then taking a day trip over to Split, as it was a lot more charming! Trogir is one of the prettiest places in Europe. If you want to experience Croatia by boat (a popular choice for many tourists visiting the country) you can catch a boat from Trogir to Split for a much more scenic trip!

Must do in Trogir:

• – Karmerlengo Castle
• – Day trip to Split
• – Explore the old town
• – Day trip to Krka waterfalls

Lake Bled, Slovenia

A destination that has quickly crept to the top my of bucket list in recent years, thanks to both Instagram and fellow travel bloggers. This lake destination looks just as dreamy in summer as it does in winter. From hiring your own rowboat to reach Bled Island to hiking around the lake, or visiting Lake Bled Castle for arguably the best views across the lake, there is so much to see and do here. Vintgar Gorge is a popular nearby hiking area and is only a 10-minute drive from Lake Bled. It’s definitely worth a visit for those who love woodland, clear blue rivers and being close with nature.

Must do in Lake Bled:

• – Vintgar Gorge hike
• – Row to Bled Island
• – Ring the wishing bell
• – Visit Bled Castle and enjoy the views
• – Eat lots of Bled cream cake

Skopelos, Greece

Best known as the filming locations for the Mamma Mia films, Skopelos is a truly beautiful Island in Greece. The two main villages (Town and Glossa) are both perched at the top of a hill, and boast amazing views down to the sea. Here you can explore the cute Greek towns, eat plenty of delicious food, and relax on the stunning beaches. If you’ve seen the Mamma Mia films, you’ll have a pretty good expectation of just how crystal blue the waters are here, making it one of the prettiest locations throughout Greece.

Must do in Skopelos:

• – Explore Skopelos town
• – Agios Ioannis Church (the church from Mamma Mia!)
• – Relax on Panormos beach
• – Go diving in crystal blue waters

Hallstatt, Austria

Another lake-side destination making this list is the town of Hallstatt in Austria. Winter is probably the best time of year to visit so that you get to see it in all its snowy glory! The town is packed full of 16th-century Alpine buildings that house plenty of cafes and shops to explore. You can also hike around the lake to gorgeous waterfalls, or catch the funicular up to the viewing platform where you’ll see picture-perfect views of the lake and mountain ranges that surround Hallstatt. Whatever you chose to do, you won’t be short on spectacular views during your visit to Hallstatt!

Must do in Hallstatt:

• – Wander around the lake and town
• – Dachstein Ice Cave
• – Rudolph’s tower and skywalk
• – Go skiing

Kotor, Montenegro

The bay of Kotor in Montenegro reminds me of Croatia with its gorgeous turquoise water and orange tiled roofs. There’s a lot to see and do in the gorgeous town by the water. You can explore the cobbled old town filled with markets, shops and cafes, go on nearby hikes and visit medieval churches and cathedrals. You can also visit Kotor as part of a Balkans cruise if that’s more your cup of tea!

Must do in Kotor:

• – Explore the old town
• – Visit the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon
• – Hike to Kotor Fortress
• – Indulge at Kotor’s Farmers Market

Lofoton Islands, Norway

To be completely honest, I don’t think I’ve seen a picture of any part of Norway that doesn’t look gorgeous, but the Lofoten Islands are definitely up there! There are so many gorgeous towns in the Lofoten Islands, all of which are surrounded by breath-taking scenery. Not only that, but there’s so much to see and do here. For adventure seekers, you can go on snorkelling, diving and skiing trips, as well as fishing trips or excursions to nearby towns to see the iconic red and yellow cabins. There are plenty of beaches, sunset vantage points and if you’re really lucky, you’ll see the northern lights too!

Must do in Lofoten Islands:

• – Go on a northern lights tour
• – Go arctic surfing
• – Winter Kayaking
• – Experience sunset on a beach surrounded by snowy mountains

About the Author

(Photos by Lauren Elizabeth and Unsplash.)

Thank you for reading about the 8 prettiest places in Europe! This post was written by Laura Elizabeth from One Way to Wanderland.

You can find her over at:

• Twitter: @onewaytowland
• Instagram: @laurxelizab
• Pinterest: @onewaytowanderland

If you would like to write a guest post for me you can check out the requirements here.

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