The Ten Most Relaxing Places in Europe

Hillside Town, Provence, France

Many Americans visit Europe to sample its cultural offerings, hopping from museum to castle to cathedral in order to make the most of their long and expensive flights across the Atlantic. We tend to opt for the Caribbean or Hawaii when we want some R&R.  But there are plenty of spots in Europe that are better savored than glossed over.  Plus, wherever you go in Europe, you’re almost guaranteed the added benefits of charming architecture and delicious food.  So linger over an amazing meal, wander slowly through winding alleyways, and… just enjoy the view.



Provence, France:  Sun, dancing lavender fields, and amazing food and wine make it difficult to get motivated during a trip to Provence… but that’s ok – you’re on vacation. And once you’re here, you’ll easily slip into a routine of visiting open-air markets in the morning, taking your spoils to a scenic spot for a picnic lunch, and maybe seeing a site or doing a wine tasting before enjoying a leisurely dinner. A visit here is all about opening up your senses and soaking in the pleasures of your surroundings.



Norwegian Fjords

The Highlands, Scotland:  Britain’s most remote corner has a mystical spirit; it will lure you in with its misty forests, foggy lakes, and intriguing folklore. Like the scenery, the region’s inhabitants are slightly rough around the edges and completely unpretentious, making a stay here feel cozy and inviting. Spend your days taking in the region’s scenic beauty and visiting majestic castles. In the evening, head to the local pub and have some beers with ruddy locals, or curl up by a fire in your warmest wool.

Munich, Germany:  Munich has some pretty interesting sites, including attractive Gothic architecture, world-class museums, and a royal palace. But the sooner you learn that the best thing to do in Munich is laze around in one of the city’s many beer gardens, the happier you’ll be. Munich's beautiful and expansive English Garden contains several of these outdoor watering holes. German efficiency and orderliness makes this city clean, easy to navigate, and an overall pleasant place in which to spend a few days of your vacation. 



Puglia, Italy:  Though it’s on the verge of a tourism boom, Puglia can still serve as your next “get away from it all” vacation… if you go at the right time. Avoid July and August, when Italians flock to the region’s pristine white beaches.  But during the other warm months (and there are quite a few of them at the heel of this boot-shaped country), you’ll have the coastline to yourself. The region’s other main attractions are its food (some say it’s the best in Italy) and charming, Baroque architecture. You can round out your beach days by exploring seaside towns perched precariously over the water and by enjoying al fresco meals as you watch the sun set over the ocean. 


Ljubljana, Slovenia:  One of the most interesting things about this capital city is that there’s almost nothing to do here.  Though the city does have a number of Slovenian national sites, there are no famous, “must see” tourist attractions for foreigners. This, in turn, means that travelers should have little to nothing on their itineraries. But despite the shortage of notable museums and monuments, there are plenty of things to enjoy. Relax at one of the city’s many sidewalk cafés, spend some time meandering through the gorgeous old town, or take a short walk to the hilltop castle for some Alpine views.



Madeira, The Garden in the Atlantic

Fjord Country, Norway:  The Norwegian fjords offer some of the most strikingly beautiful scenery in all of Europe. Majestic cliff faces are divided by snaking rivers, which are impossibly blue from the glacial runoff. The breath-taking landscape will inspire you to relax and take it all in. More active travelers have plenty of hiking opportunities in this region; however, the best views are had looking up from the river. So sit back, and let your boat captain do the heavy lifting.


Madeira, Portugal:  In Madeira, you’ll feel hundreds of miles away from the rest of civilization – and that’s exactly where you’ll be. This island lies in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, and its landscape couldn’t be any more different from that of the motherland. Madeira is a sub-tropical hideaway and is known as the Garden in the Atlantic due to its lush flora and fauna. Travelers can visit blooming botanical gardens, play a round of golf, enjoy dramatic island vistas, and take a soak in natural, ocean-side lava pools. As a bonus, the island is still very European, which means that you’ll get to enjoy charming architecture and amazing cuisine.



The Salzkammergut Lake District, Austria:  There are many stunning lake districts in Europe, and all intrinsically offer opportunities for relaxing getaways. But there is something extra refreshing about Austria’s Salzkammergut area.  The rolling green hills, Alpine peaks, and crystalline blue lakes were the backdrop for the iconic film The Sound of Music and appropriately evoke the spirit of a young Julie Andrews, arms spread wide, bellowing the movie’s title song. Picture-perfect Hallstatt, perched on the shores of a pristine lake, is set back from the main thoroughfares, offering a more isolated and quaint experience.



Hallstatt, Austria



Santorini, Greece:  This island’s magic cannot be spoiled by the throngs of tourists that visit each year. The striking sunsets that float over the sugar-cube-stacked towns and dip down into the expansive caldera are breathtaking and best enjoyed on a balcony, with a beverage.  Escape the masses by descending onto one of the island’s colorful beaches (they come framed by red, white, or black cliff faces and piercingly blue water). Boat trips to the volcano make pit stops at soothing hot springs; or, you can get a more “professional” treatment at one of the island’s many spas. Easy, scenic walks between towns and casual (but delicious) meals add to the island’s leisurely feel.

Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic:  You may not recognize the name, but if you’ve seen the popular James Bond film Casino Royale, you’ll recognize the scenery. Though identified as Montenegro, the setting for the movie’s glitzy casino was actually this Czech spa town. Spinning the roulette wheel might be the most physically taxing thing you do during your stay here. Daytime fun is all about taking a soak in one of the town’s many hot springs or strolling through the historic (and surprisingly peaceful) city center.



Sunset Over Santorini