The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe, Every Month of the Year

It goes without saying that Europe is prettaaay beautiful. Did I just say it anyway? I did, and I’ll say it again: Europe is freakin’ beautiful. From the absurd beaches of Greece and Croatia to the stunning landscapes of Ireland and Switzerland to the charming streets of France and Spain, there’s beauty to behold (and stare at awkwardly) everywhere you look. And while I refuse to single out one destination as most beautiful, I will take a stance on the most beautiful place to visit in Europe during each month of the year. Fair compromise? Okay, let’s do this thing.

I know what you’re thinking: January is probably going to feature a warm and beachy destination. Nope! The most beautiful place in Europe come January is also one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I present to you, the Swiss Alps. We’re talking a blanket of fresh powder, s’cute alpine villages, and all the melted cheese you can dip a stick into. And the views? Ooobaby. The Alps are what IG dreams are made of—we’re talking jaw-dropping vistas from gondolas, mountaintops, and glaciers alike. Beauty like this is hard to come by, and v v v worth the trip.

When I think of February, I think of Valentine’s Day. You might assume that’s because I’m a hopeless romantic, but it’s actually because I’ll look for any excuse to demolish candy. That being said, when it comes to the most beautiful European destination to visit in February, the easy answer is Paris (aka the most romantic place on Earth). A visit to France during the winter months has a more intimate vibe—the bistros feel like private restaurants, the Eiffel Tower feels like it’s sparkling just for you, and the lines at the Louvre are actually manageable.

Come March, it’s time to start thinking about linking up with Mother Nature a bit more. Enter the Netherlands. You’ve probably seen photos of the seemingly endless tulip fields, but if you haven’t…whoa. Stop what you’re doing and Google it right this second. By mid-March, all those tulips are starting to bloom, making the Netherlands the most beautiful place in Europe to visit in March. Toss in some time exploring Amsterdam, pedaling your way through the countryside, and some picturesque wooden windmills, and you’ve got yourself a no-brainer trip.

Spain comes alive in April, which is high praise for one of the liveliest places around. That’s because April is festival szn. Head south to Seville during the Seville April Fair (Feria de Abril) or plan to visit Barcelona on Saint Jordi Day—both offer a great look at Spanish culture and are tons of fun. More of a people-watching person? You’re in luck. Come April, outdoor cafes across Spain are buzzing with activity (translation: tapas and sangria, baby!).

Okay, time to talk about my favorite country—Italy. During the summer months, Italy can get a smidge hot. And by a smidge I mean H-O-T. That’s why May is the perfect time to visit. Not only is the countryside bursting with colorful flowers and lush greenery, but it’s the best time to wander the streets of bigger cities, like Rome, before the crowds are too much to handle. IMO, Italy is easiest the most beautiful place in Europe in May. The food helps, too.

This is an easy one. In June, get yourself to Scandinavia. Located in northern Europe, Scandinavian countries are on the temperate side, making it easy to spend a ton of time outside enjoying unique cities, like Copenhagen and Stockholm, or the natural beauty of Bergen. This blend of approachable city living and outdoorsy fun makes Scandinavia the most beautiful place in Europe in June. Bonus points for visiting during Midsommer, a traditional celebration of the season.

If you’re traveling in July, there’s a strong chance you’re going to want to be near the beach. In my mind, there’s no better place to enjoy some time by the water than Croatia. Picture yourself jumping off a boat into the Adriatic by day and club hopping in cities like Hvar and Dubrovnik by night. It’s pretty idyllic, and you might not want to leave, but I think that’s just a risk you’re going to have to take…’cus Croatia is the most beautiful place in Europe in July, bar none.

August is a good time for a Guinness. But this blog isn’t about beer, it’s about beauty. And while I may be pretty distracted by visions of a freshly-poured pint, I’m also laser focused on telling you why Ireland is the most beautiful place in Europe in August. For starters, the Emerald Isle is emeralding hard in August, making it the perfect time to hike your way through the countryside or gasp at the enormity of the Cliffs of Moher. After all that time outdoors, head to Dublin or Galway for that pint I’m so distracted by (you won’t regret it).

If you took the fall season and made it a country, it’d be Germany. It’s true, I asked AI. I get it, too. I mean all that foliage, the cozy medieval cities, and some spooky mountaintop castles make for a real autumnal vibe. Germany is the most beautiful place in Europe during September, and it might be the most fun, too. Ever heard of Oktoberfest? Trick question, of course you have. Pop on your best lederhosen or dirndl and hit the Hofbräuhaus for the party of a lifetime.

If I’m being honest with you, I considered Greece for every month on this list. Shrug. There’s truly not a bad time to visit (Greece gets 300 days of sun a year!), but in my mind Greece is the most beautiful place in Europe during October. Enjoy the fruits of the olive harvest, dive into the sparkling-AF Aegean Sea, tour Athenian ruins without worrying about heat or crowds, and snap that pic with the blue domes that’s been on your vision board forever.

We’ve officially transitioned into cozy season here, folks. Which leaves us with an obvious choice for the most beautiful place in Europe during November. It’s London, innit bruv? The lights are twinkling, the pubs are warm and inviting, and the dark academia is having a month-long moment. All that mixed with world-renowned holiday shopping and a warm spot of tea and you’ve got yourself a getaway.

I’m sitting here having a really difficult time narrowing this down to one city or country, so I’m going to go with a region. The most beautiful place in Europe during December is Eastern Europe. Why? Two words: Christmas markets. Visit Budapest, Vienna, or Prague (or all three I mean let’s live a little here) to shop for local art, go ice skating, sip mulled wine, and eat something called a chimney cake. Eastern Europe is Christmas magic times a billion and the beauty is second to none.

So there you have it, the definitive (according to me) list of the most beautiful spots in Europe for each month of the year. Now, what’s next? Well, how about you get yourself to Europe?!