I’ll never, ever forget standing in rural Iceland at 2am in the morning, watching emerald ribbons of the Northern Lights dance across the sky. Nothing could’ve prepared me for that moment. I was overwhelmed with emotion and a feeling I can’t even describe.
That’s the thing about Europe – it delivers those gobsmacking, once-in-a-lifetime moments in spades. Where else can you breakfast in a Parisian café, lunch amid Roman ruins, and dine on a Mediterranean terrace, all potentially within a day or so? Europe’s diversity is incredible: ancient history that’ll make your head spin, landscapes that belong on postcards, and cultures where you can lose yourself for weeks.
This blog isn’t your standard travel guide rubbish. I’ve curated 10 proper bucket list trips that combine those iconic must-sees with places you may not have caught onto yet. Think of it as your cheat sheet to European adventures that’ll give you stories to bore your friends with for decades.
From volcanic wonderlands to medieval villages that time forgot, these trips offer unforgettable moments, practical tips from someone who’s been there, and genuine insights to inspire your own European adventure.
The Magic of Crafting a European Bucket List
We’ve all got that ambitious list of places we’re desperate to see before we kick the bucket. But it’s about time we stop fixating on just ticking them off, and instead start planning to live them.
What makes Europe so special for bucket list chasers? It’s ridiculously compact. You can easily breakfast in Amsterdam and lunch in Paris. One minute you’re posing for that cliché (but mandatory) Eiffel Tower pic, the next you’re discovering a hidden Slovenian lake that looks like a fairy tale.
Your bucket list is all about personalisation – tailoring it to what actually excites you, not what Instagram tells you to see. Foodie? Plot a course through San Sebastián’s pintxos bars. History buff? Thread your way through lesser-known Greek ruins without the Acropolis crowds.
Here are 10 bucket list destinations in Europe that are 100% worth planning for – trips you’ll treasure for many, many years afterwards.
Top 10 Bucket List Destinations in Europe
1. Iceland: Chase the Northern Lights and Explore Volcanic Wonders
There’s something ethereal about the Westfjords, as though you’re separated from Earth. It left me speechless when I was there.
Iceland makes the bucket list because it’s utterly bizarre in the best possible way – a land of fire and ice where you can walk between tectonic plates, bathe in geothermal pools while snow falls on your head, and witness nature’s greatest light show.
You simply must drive the Golden Circle (though it gets busy, so go early), soak your worries away in the Blue Lagoon (yes, it’s touristy but bloody marvellous nonetheless), stand in awe at the thunderous Dynjandi waterfall, and, if you’re very lucky, catch those elusive Northern Lights dancing above Tromsø.
For aurora hunting, visit between October and March – but pack layers because you’ll freeze your bits off standing still for hours waiting for them to appear. Rent a proper 4×4 if you’re venturing beyond Reykjavik (I learned this lesson the hard way after nearly getting stuck in volcanic sand). And most importantly, book flexible Northern Lights tours that let you reschedule if the skies aren’t cooperating.
2. Italy: Immerse in History, Art, and Coastal Beauty
Pompeii is emotionally astounding. ‘Two thousand years melted away,’ is something I overheard someone say. It’s as though you’ve travelled in time – you can hear the voices of ancient Romans in the streets. An experience no history books can replicate, nor prepare you for.
Italy makes every bucket list because of how much beauty is crammed into one country. Where else can you marvel at ancient ruins like the Colosseum in the morning, get lost in Renaissance masterpieces by afternoon (the Uffizi will make your head spin), and sip aperitivo along one of the world’s most dramatic coastlines by sunset?
Don’t miss exploring Rome’s ancient heart, wandering through Florence’s art-filled streets, taking that boat trip along the Amalfi Coast (worth every euro), and discovering Bologna’s elegant porticoes (a welcome shade from the Mediterranean sun).
My advice is to travel in May or September when the weather’s divine but you’re not shoulder-to-shoulder with many hot and bothered tourists. Use trains for city-hopping (they’re punctual-ish and comfortable), and if you’re Amalfi Coast-bound, consider staying in lesser-known villages like Praiano rather than splashing out on Positano. They’re easier on the wallet, and the views are just as stunning.
3. Greece: Island Hopping and Ancient Wonders
Some experiences really do live up to the hype, and watching the sunset over Santorini’s caldera on a clifftop terrace with a glass of wine was one of them for me.
Greece serves up that perfect Mediterranean cocktail of mind-boggling ancient history and island paradises that’ll unfortunately make regular beaches feel very underwhelming afterwards.
Key experiences include climbing the Acropolis in Athens (go early to beat both crowds and heat), island-hopping by ferry to Santorini’s white-washed villages and Milos’ moon-like beaches, and popping over to Capri to see the famous Blue Grotto (though be prepared to queue).
May and September are your best bets for fewer tourists and still-swimmable seas. Book your island accommodation very early – especially for Santorini – and don’t make Athens just a stopover; the city deserves 2-3 days to explore its ancient treasures and vibrant neighbourhoods that most tourists never bother with.
4. Slovenia: Discover Nature’s Hidden Gem
Slovenia makes the bucket list for its Alpine beauty, crystalline lakes, and charming architecture without the eye-watering prices or selfie-stick battalions you find elsewhere. Slovenia is gorgeous secret gem where I felt very safe as a solo female traveller.
Must-dos include hiring a rowboat on Lake Bled (the little island church is even more charming up close), hiking through the pristine trails of Triglav National Park, wandering Ljubljana’s compact old town (Europe’s most underrated capital, if you ask me), and making a day trip to Croatia’s Plitvice Lakes – 16 terraced lakes connected by waterfalls that you can’t help but want to post on Insta.
Pack proper hiking gear (I learned this lesson the hard way after tackling Triglav in trainers – my feet took a long time to forgive me), visit in spring or summer when mountain trails are accessible, and consider combining Slovenia with Croatia for a two-for-one bucket list adventure.
5. Romania: Medieval Towns and Carpathian Adventures
Did you know that Romania is incredibly budget-friendly? For a great price it offers some of Europe’s best-preserved medieval architecture and wilderness adventures that feel properly off the beaten track.
Your Romanian checklist should include exploring the towers and cobbled streets of “Dracula’s Castle” (Bran Castle), getting lost in the colourful medieval streets of Sighisoara (a UNESCO site that feels frozen in time), hiking the dramatic peaks of the Carpathian Mountains, and marvelling at the painted monasteries of Bucovina with their intricate frescoes.
The real Romania isn’t in Bucharest (Romania’s capital), in my opinion. it’s in those medieval towns and mountain villages like Brasov and Sighisoara where traditions are still rich.
Definitely rent a car for rural exploration – Romania’s countryside isn’t great for public transport. Autumn transforms the Carpathians into stunning colours that’ll have you stopping every five minutes for photos.
6. Turkey: Swim in Pamukkale and Soar Over Cappadocia
Turkey straddles Europe and Asia, and blends with Istanbul’s culture, offering unique natural wonders you simply won’t find anywhere else.
Your Turkish adventure must include swimming in the blindingly white calcium terraces of Pamukkale (they look Photoshopped but they’re real).Visit Pamukkale at opening time to avoid both crowds and scorching heat. Swimming in warm, mineral-rich water while overlooking Turkish countryside is incredible.
Don’t even think about visiting Cappadocia without booking a balloon ride – it’s the region’s signature experience for good reason. I watched dawn break from a hot air balloon floating over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys and it was breathtaking. Just make sure you book months in advance.
Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia is definitely worth a trip too. I stood for a long time in awe as sunlight streamed through the ancient windows. And while in Cappadocia, splash out on at least one night in a cave hotel. I stayed in one last year and still bore people with stories about it.
7. Norway: Fjords, Northern Lights, and Viking Heritage
“A Norway road trip has been my dream for years,” confessed a Condé Nast Traveler editor in July. “Those fjords look like something from another world.”
A Norway road trip with dramatic Norwegian landscapes was a dream of mine for a long time. In one (admittedly expensive) trip, you can cruise through towering fjords, chase the Northern Lights, and swim with orcas.
While you’re there, make sure to cruise through the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord or Nærøyfjord (the narrow passages between mountains will make you feel tiny), hunt for the aurora in Tromsø (September to March offer your best chances), become fascinated over exhibtions at Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum, and brave the hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) for sensational views.
Summer gives you endless daylight for fjord exploration, while winter darkness increases your Northern Lights chances. Book flexible aurora tours that can chase clear skies, and use Norway’s excellent ferry network to access the most spectacular fjord viewpoints that cars can’t reach.
8. Ireland: Scenic Road Trips and Celtic Charm
Ireland is just a short flight away from London. It’s so easy to reach this island of green beauty, dramatic coastal drives, and a rich and lively pub culture that’s found its way into many novels and movies.
Don’t miss standing on the edge of the mighty Cliffs of Moher (go on a clear day if possible). Driving the otherworldly Giant’s Causeway coastal route is amazing. I also recommend you make time to explore the colourful fishing village of Kinsale, and tour the impressive Rock of Cashel perched on its limestone hill.
Definitely rent a car – Ireland’s public transport isn’t the easiest. If you visit in spring or autumn you’ll have less for tourists and more dramatic skies. Of course, Christmas, New Year and summer are always going to be busier and therefore more expensive. And don’t make the mistake of skipping Northern Ireland’s Antrim Coast—the boundary is political, not scenic, and some of the island’s most stunning landscapes are in the north.
9. Scotland: Highlands, Castles, and Whisky Trails
Scotland’s rugged Highlands, grand castles, and world-class whisky make it a top hit for those who like their landscapes dramatic and their stories steeped in myth. It’s wild and mysterious, with lots of tales weaved into its tapestry. I stood at Edinburgh’s Arthur’s Seat which overlooked the entire city – a sensational view I’ll always remember.
I recommend you take a trip to Edinburgh Castle, and spend time road-tripping through the scenery of the misty Highlands (especially Glencoe). Searching for Nessie at Loch Ness is also brilliant – the lake is beautiful and it’s fun for the kids, too. Speyside or Islay are the best for touring whisky distilleries and learning all about the detail and passion that goes into a smooth night cap.
You’ll need a car for Highland exploration, as the most beautiful spots aren’t accessible by train or bus. Late spring and early autumn offer the best combination of decent weather and fewer midges (those tiny biting insects are Scotland’s unofficial national pest). And don’t limit yourself to Edinburgh – gorgeous as it is, the real Scotland is found in its wild spaces and tiny villages.
10. Croatia: Sail the Dalmatian Coast and Wander Plitvice
Croatia gives us perfect Adriatic coastline, Game of Thrones filming locations, and those incredible cascading lakes. Places still get busy during peak times, but it seems Croatia hasn’t yet been tapped into compared to other beauty spots in Europe.
While there, sail to the walled city of Dubrovnik (yes, it’s King’s Landing from GOT), explore Diocletian’s Palace in Split, spend a full day wandering the trails and boardwalks of Plitvice National Park (Plitvice Lakes is absolutely, unbelievably magical), and ferry out to lavender-scented Hvar island for some proper relaxation.
Get to Plitvice as early as you can – if you get there at opening time or you’ll be shuffling along boardwalks with many others. Book sailing tours in advance, especially in high season. And if possible, travel in May, June, or September when you can still swim in the gloriously clear Adriatic without too many crowds.
Practical Tips for Planning Your European Bucket List Trip
Timing is everything for getting the best out of what could be the only opportunity you get to visit the adventure you’ve been longing for. For warmer locations, April to May and September to October are when you’ll enjoy decent weather without battling summer crowds or prices. I visited Rome last July and nearly melted; when I returned in October, it was magical. And remember it’s different for cold locations where you need the skies to play along, or seek out flexibility.
It doesn’t have to cost an absolute fortune to see Europe. Western Europe can cost a little more, so more planning will will in your favour; but countries like Romania, Bulgaria, and Poland are easily achieved with a small budget. So if you want to ease yourself in, start with those!
Transport-wise, trains are brilliant for Western Europe – I zipped from Florence to Venice faster than airport faff would allow. For rural adventures (Romania’s Carpathians, Scotland’s Highlands), rent a car to reach those beauty spots public transport can’t get anywhere near. And in Greece or Croatia, ferries are half the fun.
For unique experiences, consider food tours in Sardinia, timing your trip around local festivals like Oktoberfest, or adding adventure activities like fjord hiking in Norway.
Start Your European Adventure
Whether you’re drawn to Iceland’s mysteries, Italy’s art and culture or Romania’s time-capsule villages, Europe offers us so much to see and experience, with relative ease.
My advice? Pick just one destination from this list and do it properly rather than trying to cram everything into a whirlwind tour. Europe’s magic isn’t just in its famous landmarks but in those unexpected moments that catch you off guard. So what are you waiting for? Start planning today. Your bucket list isn’t getting any shorter.