As a continent, Europe is as beautiful as it is diverse! The rich culture, history and natural beauty attract visitors from all over the globe, who visit to admire the heritage of Europe’s various countries and regions. When it comes to famous sites, Europe tops the list with an impressive 545 UNESCO World Heritage Sites… it might take a while to visit them all! Expat Explore has put together a list of the 10 most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe.
Celebrating the world’s heritage sites and sharing the message to protect the towns, national parks and architectural wonders is incredibly important, for us and for future generations! As the UNESCO World Heritage Convention explains, “Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today and what we will pass on to our future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration.”
You can witness amazing World Heritage Sites in all their glory across Europe – you’ll be spoiled for choice! In fact, selecting only 10 to include on this list was a tough task! However, these 10 must-see sites are not to be missed. Be sure to add these to your travel bucket list for your next trip to Europe!
Here are 10 of Europe’s most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
1. Plitvice Lakes National Park
Location: Croatia
This breathtaking collection of crystalline lakes, caves, waterfalls and lush, sprawling forests in varying shades of green is Croatia’s most popular attraction. Plitvice Lakes National Park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and is a must-visit destination in Croatia. Explore the 16 lakes by boat or via the wooden walkways and hiking trails. Admire the scenery, sublime plant life and resident animals during your visit!
Related: Visit the Plitvice Lakes National Park on the Balkan Explorer and Croatian & Eastern Delights tours.
2. West Norwegian Fjords
Location: Norway
Look forward to epic natural scenery and breathtaking landscapes when visiting the West Norwegian Fjords. The name references two of Norway’s most impressive fjords, Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord. The two are described as being “scenically outstanding” and were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2005. Experience the natural beauty first-hand – you can cruise through the towering fjord cliffs, enjoy a guided kayaking trip along the blue waters and hike to abandoned mountain farms including Skageflå and Knivsflå. Exploring the fjords is a must when visiting Norway!
Related: Cruise through Norway’s fjords in Bergen on a tour that visits Norway and Scandinavia.
3. The Acropolis
Location: Athens, Greece
Situated on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens, is the Acropolis. This ancient citadel is home to several classical buildings that date back to the 5th century BC. The Acropolis was inscribed by UNESCO in 1987 and is without a doubt one of the world’s most famous ancient sites! Monuments such as the Parthenon and the Temple of the Athena Nike are incredible examples of Greek architecture of the time. Today, people from around the world visit to explore the ancient landmark. Embark on a steady uphill walk to the top and absorb the ancient history! Wheelchair-friendly access is available.
Related: Enjoy time in Athens on one of our exciting Greece tours!
4. Mont Saint-Michel
Location: France
Mont Saint-Michel is one of the most-visited places in France! This striking tidal island commune sits just off the coast of Normandy and is without a doubt a truly picturesque destination! Mont Saint-Michel is steeped in history and is most famous for its magnificent centuries-old abbey that dominates the rocky islet. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and continues to attract thousands of visitors annually. Visit the Benedictine abbey dedicated to the archangel St Michael and stroll through the tiny village nestled at the base of the great abbey. At high tide, you can admire the views of Mont-Saint-Michel which appears to be floating above the water. Alternatively, at low tide, explore the grounds around the perimeter for a unique point of view.
Did you know? France ranks 5th in the world for countries with the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites!
Related: Experience top French destinations on a multi-country Europe tour.
5. Giant’s Causeway
Location: Northern Ireland
Over 40,000 basalt columns make up the rocky landscape of the Giant’s Causeway! Inscribed in 1986 as an area of great geological importance, the columns date back a whopping 60 million years! Today, you can visit to admire the impressive scenery and walk in the legendary footsteps of giants. Learn more about this area of outstanding natural beauty in Northern Ireland by embarking on the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience which includes a guided tour.
Did you know? The dramatic scenery of the Giant’s Causeway has inspired legends. One tells the tale of the Irish giant Finn McCool who picked a fight with a Scottish giant, Benandonner. Finn built a path to use as stepping stones to reach Scotland which Benandonner ripped up, creating the Giant’s Causeway.
6. The Alhambra
Location: Granada, Spain
From ancient ruins and rock art to cathedrals and historic cities, Spain is home to dozens of incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites! In fact, it is the country with the fourth-highest number of sites in the world! One of the most well-known is the Alhambra. The Alhambra, Generalife Garden and Albayzín make up an incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site in Granada, Spain, inscribed since 1984. The Alhambra palace and fortress complex is a sublime example of Islamic architecture and historic Moorish culture. Visit and enjoy a guided tour of what is called the “best-preserved Muslim Medieval City in the world!”
Travel tip: You’ll get the chance to visit the Alhambra on Expat Explore’s Spain & Portugal tours.
7. Cappadocia
Location: Turkey
Stumble into a world of fairytale landscapes when you visit Cappadocia! The region in the heart of Turkey’s Anatolian plains is known for its unique landscapes; rock formations known as “fairy chimneys”, cave churches, houses carved into rocks and even underground cities! Some of these dwellings date back to the 4th century! The spectacular landscapes of the Göreme National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Today, you can visit and explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum, explore the Kaymaklı underground city and stroll through Rose Valley. Undoubtedly, the most well-known activity in Cappadocia is the sunrise hot air balloon flights! Either watch from below or drift above Cappadocia and admire the whimsical scenery with a birds-eye view.
Related: See Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscapes on a Highlights of Turkey tour.
8. Budapest
Location: Hungary
Hungary’s capital city is famous for its hot springs, its history and the incredible architecture lining the Danube River! Buildings such as the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica and more, are illustrations of various great periods in Budapest’s history. The Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Discover the cities of Buda and Pest, divided by the river, on a trip to this incredible city which is one of the world’s most outstanding urban landscapes. Take a dip in one of the city’s spas, see the spectacular architecture and enjoy the local cuisine and culture – you’ll never be short of things to see and do in Budapest!
Related: Experience the best of Budapest on a multi-country coach or rail tour that visits Hungary!
9. Cinque Terre
Location: Italy
Italy officially has the highest number of World Heritage Sites in the world, with 58 incredible UNESCO sites within its borders! While it’s a challenge to pick just one to include, we have decided on Cinque Terre as one of the most beautiful!
Perched on the gorgeous Italian Riviera, you’ll find five quaint and colourful villages. These historic seaside villages, located on a rugged stretch of coastline, look out over the Ligurian Sea, with the picturesque setting making Cinque Terre an incredibly popular travel destination! Owing to its great scenic and cultural value, Cinque Terre was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, along with several other small towns and islands along the Ligurian Coast. No cars are allowed in the villages of Cinque Terre. This means that residents and visitors can only access the area on foot, by train or by boat. Either hike the cliffside paths, cruise between towns by boat or train and absorb the typically Italian atmosphere!
Related: Live la dolce vita on a visit to Cinque Terre during an unforgettable tour of Italy.
10. Historic Centre of Riga
Location: Latvia
Finally, for the finest Art Nouveau buildings in Europe, visit Riga! The capital of Latvia is the largest and most vibrant capital city of the Baltic states. The Historic Centre of Riga was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 due to it being a “living illustration of European history!” Riga has been at the centre of several historic European events. In fact, today, its mediaeval centre draws travellers from around the globe. Visit to experience Europe’s fascinating past and the lively spirit of this Baltic destination!
Related: See the best of the Baltics on an Expat Explore multi-country Europe tour.
Bonus: Works of Antoni Gaudi in Barcelona, Spain:
Europe is home to so many fantastic UNESCO World Heritage Sites that we simply had to include one more on the list. Barcelona is the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region. It is particularly well-loved for its distinctive architecture! Architect Antoni Gaudí lent his creative flair to several buildings in the city, seven of which were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1984. Visit Barcelona and marvel at Gaudi’s whimsical creations including La Sagrada Família, Parque Güell, Palacio Güell, Casa Mila, Casa Vicens, Casa Batlló and the Crypt in Colonia Güell.
Related: Tick these monuments off of your travel bucket list on your next trip to Spain!
After seeing all of the incredible sites on this list, are you ready to marvel at these incredible places in Europe with your own eyes? Then it’s time to start planning your next trip to Europe! See the World Heritage Sites listed above as well as so much more on our range of fun-filled and affordable single and multi-country Europe tours.