STORY BY PAUL HUGHES, APRIL 2023 EIFFEL TOWER IMAGE BY CHRIS KARIDIS
Europe is by far the world's most popular travel destination.
Although Europe has only 32% more land mass than Australia, the continent's 45 countries now attract more than 747 million people every year, and growing.
More importantly from a tourism and travel viewpoint, research by the United Nations World Tourist Organisation reveals that Europe is the destination of choice of more than half all international travelers.
Europe has had a major impact on the world throughout history, with its cultural, economic, and political influence reaching far beyond its borders and today it remains a diverse and dynamic region that continues to shape the course of global affairs.
It is this amazing geographical, historical and cultural diversity and range of attractions that captivate more than 710 million visitors anually, with France leading the way.
Bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south, Europe has five generally recognised regions:
1. Western Europe
Although Europe has only 32% more land mass than Australia, the continent's 45 countries now attract more than 747 million people every year, and growing.
More importantly from a tourism and travel viewpoint, research by the United Nations World Tourist Organisation reveals that Europe is the destination of choice of more than half all international travelers.
Europe has had a major impact on the world throughout history, with its cultural, economic, and political influence reaching far beyond its borders and today it remains a diverse and dynamic region that continues to shape the course of global affairs.
It is this amazing geographical, historical and cultural diversity and range of attractions that captivate more than 710 million visitors anually, with France leading the way.
Bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and the Mediterranean Sea to the south, Europe has five generally recognised regions:
1. Western Europe
THIS BEAUTFUL IMAGE OF BRUGGE IN BELGUIM BY LIBBY PENNER
Western Europe consists of countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands, and Switzerland.
This region is known for its rich history, vibrant cities, art and culture, and scenic landscapes.
Some of its most popular attractions include the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Big Ben clock tower in London, the canals of Amsterdam, and the Swiss Alps.
2. Northern Europe
This region is known for its rich history, vibrant cities, art and culture, and scenic landscapes.
Some of its most popular attractions include the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Big Ben clock tower in London, the canals of Amsterdam, and the Swiss Alps.
2. Northern Europe
SPECTACULAR NORWAY - IMAGE BY WEROADS
Northern Europe is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, from the Northern Lights in Iceland and Finland to the fjords in Norway.
Comprising most of the Baltic states and countries like Estonia and Lithuania, both Ireland and the United Kingdom are sometimes included in this region, but are more Western Europe.
While Northern Europe offers a wide range of outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, fishing and kayaking, modern cities such as Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Helsinki offer a mix of modern architecture and historical charm, as well as vibrant nightlife.
3. Central Europe
Comprising most of the Baltic states and countries like Estonia and Lithuania, both Ireland and the United Kingdom are sometimes included in this region, but are more Western Europe.
While Northern Europe offers a wide range of outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, fishing and kayaking, modern cities such as Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Helsinki offer a mix of modern architecture and historical charm, as well as vibrant nightlife.
3. Central Europe
AUTUMN IN HALLSTATT, AUSTRIA - IMAGE BY JOSS WOODHEAD
Central Europe includes countries such as Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.
This region is known for its architecture, castles, museums and rich culinary traditions.
Some popular attractions include the historic city of Prague, the salt mines in Krakow, the thermal baths in Budapest, and the Vienna Opera House.
4. Eastern Europe
This region is known for its architecture, castles, museums and rich culinary traditions.
Some popular attractions include the historic city of Prague, the salt mines in Krakow, the thermal baths in Budapest, and the Vienna Opera House.
4. Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe includes countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and the Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
This region is widely known for its diverse cultures, stunning architecture, and natural beauty.
Some popular attractions in this region include the Red Square in Moscow, the Hermitage Museum and the lavish Peterhof Gardens in St Peterburg and the beautiful old city of Tallin in Estonia, to name a few.
5. Southern Europe
This region is widely known for its diverse cultures, stunning architecture, and natural beauty.
Some popular attractions in this region include the Red Square in Moscow, the Hermitage Museum and the lavish Peterhof Gardens in St Peterburg and the beautiful old city of Tallin in Estonia, to name a few.
5. Southern Europe
THE SERENITY OF PORTO VENERE IN ITALY - IMAGE BY VANESSA
Southern Europe includes countries such as Italy, Greece, Turkey, and Croatia.
Known for its sunny beaches, ancient ruins, delicious cuisine, and scenic coastlines, some of the most popular attractions in this region include the Colosseum in Rome, the Acropolis in Athens, the beaches of the Amalfi Coast, the islands of Greece and the historic city of Dubrovnik.
Overall, Europe is a diverse and exciting continent that offers something for everyone, ranging from bustling cities to tranquil countryside, historic landmarks to stunning natural landscapes and from amazing foods and wines to fashions that lead the world.
Top 10 Most Visited European Countries
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Known for its sunny beaches, ancient ruins, delicious cuisine, and scenic coastlines, some of the most popular attractions in this region include the Colosseum in Rome, the Acropolis in Athens, the beaches of the Amalfi Coast, the islands of Greece and the historic city of Dubrovnik.
Overall, Europe is a diverse and exciting continent that offers something for everyone, ranging from bustling cities to tranquil countryside, historic landmarks to stunning natural landscapes and from amazing foods and wines to fashions that lead the world.
Top 10 Most Visited European Countries
Back to the Home Page
