10 Best Places to Visit in Europe

BY  Ankita Mar 7, 2024

Escape the chill and embrace the warmth in our latest blog post, as we uncover the most enchanting European destinations for a sun-soaked winter getaway. From the sun-drenched beaches of the Mediterranean to the hidden gems along the southern coasts, we'll guide you through a curated list of winter sun havens. Discover the cultural delights, scenic landscapes, and outdoor activities that make these destinations perfect for a rejuvenating break. Whether you're a snowbird seeking mild temperatures or an adventurer craving a unique winter experience, our guide will help you plan the ideal European escape to keep those winter blues at bay. Pack your bags and get ready to bask in the European winter sun like never before! As winter casts its frosty veil over much of Europe, the allure of warmer climates becomes irresistible. Fortunately, Europe offers a myriad of destinations where the sun shines bright, and the temperatures remain pleasantly mild during the winter months. Whether you're seeking a relaxing beach retreat, a cultural excursion, or an adventure-filled getaway, there's a perfect destination waiting to be discovered. Join us as we embark on a journey to uncover the best European escapes for basking in the warmth during the winter season. The Mediterranean Bliss When it comes to winter sun destinations, the Mediterranean region reigns supreme. With its idyllic beaches, charming coastal towns, and rich cultural heritage, this sun-drenched paradise offers an unbeatable combination of relaxation and exploration. From the pristine shores of Greece to the glamorous resorts of the French Riviera, there's no shortage of options for a memorable winter escape. One of the must-visit destinations in the Mediterranean is the island of Cyprus. Blessed with year-round sunshine and stunning natural beauty, Cyprus boasts an array of attractions for visitors of all interests. Explore ancient ruins, stroll through picturesque villages, or simply unwind on the golden sands of its beautiful beaches. With so many cheap EasyJet Holidays flights discount codes available, getting to Cyprus has never been easier, making it an ideal choice for a budget-friendly winter getaway. Sunny Spain Spain, with its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture, is another top contender for winter sun seekers. From the sun-kissed shores of the Costa del Sol to the historic streets of Barcelona, Spain offers something for everyone. For those in search of warmth and relaxation, the Canary Islands are a perfect choice. Located off the coast of Africa, these volcanic islands enjoy mild temperatures year-round, making them an ideal escape from the winter chill. Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is particularly popular with holidaymakers seeking sunshine during the winter months. With its balmy climate, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife, Tenerife has long been a favorite destination for sun-seekers from around the world. Whether you're lounging by the pool or exploring the island's natural wonders, Tenerife promises an unforgettable winter getaway. Portuguese Paradise Portugal may be known for its stunning coastline and delicious cuisine, but it's also a fantastic destination for winter sun seekers. With its mild climate and laid-back atmosphere, Portugal offers the perfect escape from the winter blues. The Algarve, in particular, is renowned for its beautiful beaches and picturesque villages, making it an ideal destination for a relaxing winter break. In addition to its coastal charms, Portugal also boasts a wealth of cultural attractions and outdoor activities to enjoy during the winter months. Explore historic cities such as Lisbon and Porto, hike through lush national parks, or sample the local delicacies at a traditional taverna. With cheap EasyJet Holidays flights available to Portugal, there's no excuse not to book your winter escape to this enchanting destination. Greek Getaway Greece, with its ancient ruins, sun-drenched islands, and warm hospitality, is another top destination for winter sun seekers. From the iconic whitewashed buildings of Santorini to the crystal-clear waters of Crete, Greece offers a wealth of attractions for visitors to enjoy. With its mild climate and fewer crowds, winter is the perfect time to explore this Mediterranean gem. For a truly unforgettable winter sun getaway, head to the island of Crete. With its stunning beaches, rich history, and delicious cuisine, Crete has something for everyone. Explore ancient Minoan ruins, hike through rugged gorges, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun. With cheap EasyJet Holidays flights available to Greece, there's no reason not to pack your bags and escape to this beautiful island paradise. Italian Charm Italy, with its iconic landmarks, delicious cuisine, and scenic landscapes, is a perennial favorite among travelers. While summer may be the peak tourist season, winter offers a quieter and more authentic experience, making it the perfect time to explore this beautiful country. From the romantic canals of Venice to the historic streets of Rome, Italy is brimming with charm and beauty year-round. Why not read more about the best winter sun destinations in Italy, especially the Amalfi Coast. With its dramatic cliffs, colorful villages, and sparkling seas, the Amalfi Coast is a true paradise for sun-seekers. Explore picturesque towns such as Positano and Ravello, sample fresh seafood at a seaside trattoria, or simply relax on the beach and watch the world go by. With cheap EasyJet Holidays flights available to Italy, there's no better time to experience the magic of the Amalfi Coast. Croatian Delights Croatia, with its stunning coastline, historic cities, and breathtaking natural beauty, is quickly emerging as a top winter sun destination. From the medieval streets of Dubrovnik to the pristine beaches of the Dalmatian Coast, Croatia offers a wealth of attractions for visitors to enjoy. With its mild climate and fewer crowds, winter is the perfect time to explore this hidden gem. One of the must-visit destinations in Croatia is the city of Split. With its ancient Roman ruins, bustling markets, and vibrant nightlife, Split has something for everyone. Explore the historic Diocletian's Palace, hike through the nearby mountains, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun. With cheap EasyJet Holidays flights available to Croatia, there's no excuse not to book your winter escape to this enchanting destination. Maltese Magic Malta, with its ancient history, stunning architecture, and crystal-clear waters, is a true hidden gem in the heart of the Mediterranean. From the historic streets of Valletta to the sandy beaches of Gozo, Malta offers a wealth of attractions for visitors to enjoy. With its mild climate and rich cultural heritage, winter is the perfect time to explore this fascinating island nation. One of the highlights of a winter sun getaway to Malta is exploring its UNESCO World Heritage sites. From the ancient temples of Ħaġar Qim to the medieval city of Mdina, Malta is home to some of the oldest and most well-preserved historical sites in the world. Explore the narrow streets, sample the local cuisine, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun. With cheap EasyJet Holidays flights available to Malta, there's no better time to experience the magic of this unique destination. Choose Europe! So, as you can see Europe is home to a wealth of destinations where you can escape the winter chill and bask in the warmth of the sun. From the sun-drenched beaches of the Mediterranean to the historic cities of Italy, there's something for everyone to enjoy. With cheap EasyJet Holidays flights available to many of these destinations, there's no excuse not to pack your bags and embark on a winter sun getaway like never before. So why wait? Start planning your European escape today and make this winter one to remember! Read Also: Top 5 Romantic European City Breaks How To Prepare An Enjoyable Bus Tour In Europe Feast Your Way Through Europe: Best Tour Packages For Foodies

BY  Abdul Aziz Sep 14, 2017

When it comes to Europe, there are scores of awesome European destinations one can travel to. The vast continent holds such charm and enigma that tourists can’t help but make plans of backpacking through it. And with air travel so cheap these days, absolutely anyone and everyone can book cheap flights these days. But before you decide to venture into Europe, read on to know about a few very popular places which have been adversely affected by tourism. It’s not just all tourism, it’s the overzealous and intrusive type of tourism which these places are fed up of. Many have even put up quite a few restrictions on visiting tourists. Even if you’re not the pesky kind of tourist, you will still be counted among them and more likely than not, be frowned upon. So make sure you go through the following list of places before you embark on that European trip. 5 European Destinations Negatively Impacted By ‘Over-Tourism: 1. Barcelona: The residents of Barcelona in Spain have been so fed up of tourists that there is now a group called Arran which indulges in violence against visitors to the scenic place. The anti-tourist group is known to have broken windshields of vehicles and hotels the tourists are using, and there have also been instance s of them slashing the tyres of tourist cars. There was a demonstration held a while back where they displayed placards which said that Barcelona wasn’t for sale. If you still want a Spanish getaway, then Valencia is a better alternative within the same country. Or you could head to Prague in the Czech Republic. Rabat in Morocco is a great alternative as well. 2. Rome: After a huge public outcry about the behavior of tourists around the famous landmarks of Rome, the mayor had to issue a tough decree. According to the diktat, tourists will be fined if they are found picnicking on the pedestals of Rome’s famous Trevi Fountain or even if found paddling in it. The Italian culture minister even suggested that the number of tourists visiting the 51 World Heritage Sites in Rome be limited. These epic landmarks are what make up the incredible history of Rome and the utmost care must be taken by tourists to not litter the area. Much of these similar problems are being faced by Milan as well which has gone so far as to even ban the selfie stick. If you do land up in Rome, have respect for the local sentiments and take care not to insult these historical monuments. 3. Venice: The scenic locale of Venice is way past its breaking point when it comes to tolerating the ill effects of tourism. Millions head to Venice each year taking with them cruise ships and terrible pollution. While there are scores of tourist establishments in Venice, there is only a handful which caters to non-tourists. There are just about two theaters left in this once-bustling magnificent city. While Venice is a popular destination to head to with your beloved, you could alternatively head to other equally charming locales such as Pompeii, Lake Iseo, and Procida. There is also the offbeat Alleppy in Kerala which is called Venice of the East, and with good reason, which you could visit. 4. Amsterdam: Awesome Amsterdam has so much going for it that it has remained one of the topmost favorite places to visit in the world. This colorful cosmopolitan paradise has been uniquely designed in a way which lets you explore all possible corners of the place by setting out on foot or a bicycle. The city is famous for its relaxed rules and this is what is causing part of the tourist problem Amsterdam is facing. While it was once a breeze to walk through the city, there are now humongous crowds all over making it difficult to move around in the city. The tourist numbers have doubled and tripled in recent years, leading to talks about tackling the large masses arriving in Amsterdam. So caution is advised if you are planning to visit the ever-popular Amsterdam. 5. Iceland: Set in the northern European mainland, Iceland is one of the most stunning places in the world. Seemingly a world of its own, the place is full of the spectacular landscape which isn’t found elsewhere. Its scenic beauty and the low cost of air travel in the modern age have taken tourism in Iceland to unimaginable heights. But over-tourism has also negatively impacted the stunning locale of Iceland. It was once a predominantly fishing-driven economy but is no more so. Part of the problem is the ever-increasing tourist infrastructure, a lack of trained tourism professionals, as well as tourists who aren’t aware of how they are badly affecting Iceland’s fragile ecosystem. While it is still a beautiful place to visit, it is advisable to be respectful of the region’s core values and not ruin any of its stunning monuments, landmarks, and natural beauty. Description: Before you decide to pack your bags and head to Europe, here are a few very popular places on the continent which have been adversely affected by over-tourism. Indian Eagle is a thriving travel company in the online travel booking niche. We are on a mission to make air travel cheaper and easier. Everyone, irrespective of the travel class, expects the lowest airfare and the cheapest flight which we make sure through our association with major airlines. Indian Eagle is committed to offering the best airfare deals. Read  More : Planning A Hunting Trip To Africa – Here’s what you should Know Tips For Improving Your Holiday Experience The Easy Way to Travel in India    

BY  Sibashree Apr 28, 2025

This time, I was on a 2-day Paris travel and was working on how the best hotels in Paris have been supporting the thriving tourism scene in the city. I did my case study on the hotels near Opera Paris France, to get the entire picture.  I also had the opportunity to meet the leaders of Citadines Apart'hotel Opéra Paris, which The Ascott Limited operates. They shared their insights and observations with me. Paris had a footfall of 11.2 million during the Summer Olympics of 2024. The success story with great numbers continued as Paris consolidated the Olympics’ success for the rest of the year.  This boost in the number of tourists has further facilitated growth in the hospitality sector. The French hospitality sector is expected to grow at a CAGR of 2.34% from 2023 to 2028.  However, these two booming industries are also bearing the wrath of overtourism in the city.  So, there could not be a better time to delve deeper into how the best hotels in Paris have been supporting tourism so far. Also, we need to talk about how they respond to minimize the impact of overtourism with sustainable practices.  Best Hotels In Paris: Working And Growing With The Tourism Industry Of The City The best hotels in Paris are beyond tourist accommodations. With luxury in mind and an upscale shift, these hotels are influencing the spending patterns of tourists.  France was the most-visited country in the world in 2024, with an unbelievable footfall of around 100 million.  Now, a large number of these tourists look for accommodations in luxury hotels. With their hotel expenses and overall luxury spending increasing, the city gains revenue.  This approach aligns with what Nathalie Delattre, the French Minister of Tourism, stated in response to the anticipated tourism boom in France for 2024.  “We need to work to increase the average each visitor spends and get our visitors to stay longer.” The impact of hotels in Paris on tourist spending patterns extends beyond the standalone tourism and hospitality industry. It’s about the overall GDP and economy of the city.  But the “luxury experience” here is not to scare you if you are a tourist. It does not mean that you cannot visit Paris within a budget. It’s true that Paris, as a travel destination, is somewhat expensive, and accommodations are pricier than those in similar setups in other countries. However, the city offers a diverse range of hotel tariffs. A Shared Market Space Creating Discord Between The Hotel And Tourism Sectors? A shared market space!  This has been one of the biggest challenges for the top hotels in Paris, as they collaborate with the tourism industry to boost the city’s economy.  Now, services like AirBnb are offering more flexibility in booking and better pricing options. So, of course, there is the “price sensitivity” factor. Additionally, Airbnb is eager to seize opportunities, as it did during the Summer Olympics in Paris last time.   Airbnb was the official sponsor of the Paris Olympics, and it played a significant role in the 44% surge in short-term rental bookings in 2024 from the summer of 2023.  Also, Airbnb was direct when it approached the visitors of the Paris Olympics to avoid the “touristy side of Paris" and book short-term rentals on the “Paris-y side of Paris.” Moreover, Airbnb, through the “Airbnb500 Travel Grant,” offered discounts to tourists visiting Paris during the 2024 Summer Olympics.  Now, with discounted pricing and Parisians willing to give up their accommodation on rent through Airbnb, many hotels in Paris have suffered.  "The rate discounting that's happened, the occupancy levels, they're definitely being suppressed and compressed by the short-term rental market, without question.”Blake Reiter, Director of Research, Lighthouse Having said that, the best hotels in Paris have been able to keep their presence strong as they cater to the group of tourists seeking a high-end experience.  Additionally, city officials have introduced restrictions on short-term rentals to prevent Airbnb and similar businesses from causing significant harm to the hospitality industry.  Moreover, in November 2024, France approved an “Anti-Airbnb Bill” to control the increase in vacation rentals.  So, the threats of a shared market space have become less for the best hotels in Paris and other parts of France.  Overtourism In Paris: How The Best Hotels In Paris Respond To It? The best hotels in Paris had a slow start in summer 2024. However, with the Summer Olympics inching closer, occupancy rates in these hotels increased despite challenges from Airbnb and other short-term rental services.  During the summer Olympics, the hotel occupancy rate in this area reached 84%. Of course, there was revenue growth with a higher occupancy rate, discounts, and non-refundable rooms for tourists.  Still, the housing industry could not avoid an accommodation crunch, hygiene issues, safety threats, and other impacts of overtourism.  A sustainable collaboration between the best hotels in Paris and tourists is crucial. It will minimize the environmental impact and enhance the overall quality of life in the city.   For example, The Ascott Limited's sustainability program has helped me understand how the best hotels in Paris are doing it right. They are trying to minimize the impact of overtourism on the city’s environment and natural resources. Showing Commitment To Sustainability The Ascott Limited is sincere about taking care of the environment. Also, it has earned the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) Committed status.  Moreover, Ascott Limited aims to achieve GSTC-Accredited Body certification for its global portfolio by 2028.  The sustainability program, known as “Ascott CARES,” is based on five fundamental pillars, and those are: Respect Alliance Community Environment  Supply Chain Also, Ms. Beh Siew Kim from Ascott has mentioned that sustainability has always been a key priority for the business. “The Ascott Limited aiming to have all their properties certified by GSTC-accredited Certification Bodies by 2028 where applicable* is a testament to how serious they are committed as an organization to environmental and social responsibility. We applaud Ascott’s leadership and vision in prioritizing sustainability, and I am confident that their efforts will set a benchmark for others in the sector to follow.”Randy Durband, CEO, The Global Sustainable Tourism Council With Ascott Limited as an example, the best hotels in Paris are also redefining the tourism landscape. They are also trying to fight overtourism by building a sustainable future.