“Europe is hideous,” said no one ever. Still, some spots stand above the rest. So whether you’re planning your next trip or just daydreaming, here are the 17 absolute most beautiful spots on the whole damn continent.
The 17 Most Drop-Dead Gorgeous Places in Europe
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Kirkjufell, Iceland
This otherworldly mountain is set in the tiny town of Grundarfjörður on Iceland’s western peninsula. Just imagine seeing the Northern Lights from here.
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Sintra, Portugal
Just outside the capital city, Lisbon, the Moorish town of Sintra is built into the mountains. Think: pastel mansions, lush gardens and turreted castles overlooking the Atlantic sea.
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Ronda, Spain
Hope you don’t have a fear of heights if you’re planning to visit this ancient Andalucían city, which spans an enormous gorge.
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Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
This 19th-century Bavarian palace was the inspiration for Disney’s famous Sleeping Beauty castle.
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Santorini, Greece
From the whitewashed buildings and sparkling blue Aegean Sea to the magenta bougainvillea, this romantic Greek island was born to be Instagrammed with #nofilter.
![europe croatia](https://publish.purewow.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/05/europe-croatia.jpg?fit=680%2C334)
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
If we had to guess, we’d say this Croatian park is probably what heaven looks like.
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The Cliffs Of Moher, Ireland
This incredible site in County Cork on Ireland’s west coast runs for about five miles, soaring as high as 700 feet above the sea.
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Castle Combe, England
Want English charm? You’ll get English charm in this adorable 14th-century Cotswold village.
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Hallstatt, Austria
BRB, moving to this medieval mountain village.
![europe norway](https://publish.purewow.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/05/europe-norway.jpg?fit=680%2C334)
Reine, Norway
We have a feeling the Scandanavian term hygge was born on Norway’s Lofoten Islands.
![europe navagio](https://publish.purewow.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/05/europe-navagio.jpg?fit=680%2C334)
Navagio Beach, Greece
Hello, gorgeous. This secluded cove on the Greek island of Zakynthos is nicknamed "shipwreck beach," and is accessible only by boat.
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The Grand Canal, Venice
Grab a gondola and float down this Venetian waterway, surrounded by opulent Renaissance palazzi.
![europe france](https://publish.purewow.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/05/europe-france.jpg?fit=680%2C334)
Giverny, France
Located just outside of Paris, Monet’s garden is as pretty as an impressionist picture…which explains why it inspired the “Water Lilies” series.
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Bruges, Belgium
Come for the beer and chocolate. Stay for the enchanting, medieval eye candy.
![europe praia](https://publish.purewow.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/05/europe-praia.jpg?fit=680%2C334)
Praia Da Marinha, Portugal
It takes a bit of a hike to reach the small, velvet-sandy cove, but a dip in the crystal water is well worth the trek.
![europe positano](https://publish.purewow.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/05/europe-positano.jpg?fit=680%2C334)
Positano, Italy
Italy’s Amalfi Coast might just be the most romantic spot on the planet. Case in point: The cliffside town of Positano, with its crayola-colored houses and wild flowers cascading down toward the glistening Tyrrhenian Sea.
![europe preikestolen](https://publish.purewow.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2017/05/europe-preikestolen.jpg?fit=680%2C334)
Preikestolen, Norway
Those with a fear of heights need not apply.