One of my all-time favorite travel quotes is from Hans Christen Andersen who once said: “To travel is to live” and he was absolutely right! There is no better pleasure in life than traveling to the four corners of our planet, don’t you agree?

Since we’re right in the middle of the summer, I find myself daydreaming of the places I would love to return to or go for the first time!

Here is my Top 5 dream European Holiday Destinations

 

You will find the usual suspects and one you might not expect!

Let’s get started shall we? 🙂

Algarve, Portugal

Some of my extended family members went to this gorgeous region in Portugal last year, rented a house and stayed there for about a month. They came back raving and after seeing their photos on Facebook, I definitely knew that I wanted to add it to my ever-growing Bucket List 🙂

Photo credit: Falco

Golden sand, turquoise beaches, animated nightlife, relaxed lifestyle and delicious food? Check, check and check! How does that sound to you?

Photo credit: Eissen Menger

I sure would not mind hiking up here, sit and stare at the horizon and enjoy the gorgeous sunset. It is the perfect place to relax and recharge batteries.

Santorini and Mykonos, Greece

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always dreamed of visiting to Santorini since I have seen it in many movies such as Lara Croft: Tomb Raider and Mamma Mia among some.

Photo credit: Afrndz

Just mentioning the name of the island conjures up images of whitewashed buildings with blue domes perched high above the Mediterranean. The view of the sea is just breathtaking. Being the restless individual I am, I would explore the island on bike or motorcycle. Oh the adventures to be had!

 Photo credit: PDP

I associate Mykonos with nightlife and party. I would have to be there in person to confirm this fact!

Moreover, it is where many Greeks go to forget about the daily troubles to have fun, relax and unwind and just enjoy life to the max!

One of my best friends went there last summer and she told me how she enjoyed walking around the cobblestone and narrow streets where pretty shops, restaurants and lively cafés are found in old town.

Life moves at a different pace and as they say, when in Greece, drink and eat like the locals 🙂

Costa del Sol, Spain

I believe it is not a secret that I am crazy about Spain, especially my beloved Barcelona where I stayed during two weeks (which clearly not enough and must go back).

Everyone knows that there is more, so much more to explore in the rest of España and the first holiday destination that comes to mind after Catalunya is la Costa del Sol in the south part of the Iberian Peninsula!

Photo credit: Beja9

As the name states, the sunshine coast is where locals and foreigners alike go to in order to obtain several (and frequent) doses of natural vitamin D and vitamin sea!

Photo credit: Rainer Maiores

Cities like Marbella, as pictured above, proves that “La vida es mejor en la playa” which translates to “life is better at the beach” and it is absolutely true don’t you think?

Puglia, Italy

Ah il bel paese! It sure has a special place in my heart and as a matter a fact, I left a piece there, most specifically in Trastevere, Roma (by the way if you spell it backwards it gives you amoR which means love  and in reality that’s what I feel for the eternal city.

Now I’ve not returned in a long time, therefore it is high time that I plan a triumphant return!

During the past few months, I have been reading and learning more about Puglia which is located in the southeast part of the country.

Photo credit: Nina056

The region has many natural attractions and since it faces the Adriatic Sea, it is a great holiday destination for beach lovers and I for sure am one of them.

As unbelievable as it seems, there are white sand beaches surrounded by rolling green hills. The perfect place to escape and enjoy il dolce far niente even if it’s for a few hours!

There is a World Heritage Site that I also dream about visiting and it is in Alberobello where Trullis (or traditional cone-shaped houses) are found.

Photo credit: Mike48

Imagine going back in time and inside these iconic buildings and experience what life must have been like many years ago! As the saying goes, to see is to believe!

Helsinki and Lapland, Finland

Are you surprised about my last selection? It sure is not among the most popular destinations for world travelers but it truly should be!

Let me say this in all honesty. I LOVED Finland. Fell deeply, madly, insanely in love with Helsinki a couple of years ago and I just couldn’t believe I could feel that way for a Scandinavian country and city I had never been to!

Even before arriving in the Finnish capital, I was already smitten with the natural beauty I saw from above.

Photo credit: Karla A.P.

I did spend some unforgettable days discovering what the city has to offer as well as traveling by ferry to nearby Suomenlinna Island.  I made a promise to myself to return and explore more of the country!

In fact, there is a region in particular that I truly want to go to and that is Lapland.

Photo credit: Snufkin

Located near the Arctic Circle, there are lakes and mountains as far as the eye can see, but it is quite a sight in every season and lots of outdoor activities!

The midsummer must be spectacular at the moment (it is bright even at 2 a.m.!) but what I really want to experience is the winter and hope to finally witness one of Mother Nature’s finest shows: the Northern Lights in all their glory.

That would be one of my biggest wishes (and heart desires) come true!

So there you have my Top 5 dream European Holiday Destinations.

 

Is there one in particular that you are drawn to or interested in?

What would your Top 5 look like?

 

Don’t be shy and share it with us, include photos too!

Until next time.

Many happy travels.

Tashi Delek, All the best.

Karla 🙂