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Best Places To Visit In Europe

🏖️ 35 Best Places to Visit in Europe: 2025 Ultimate Coastal Guide by Local Experts

Best places to visit in Europe coastal landscape

Discover the best places to visit in Europe with our 12,000-word local's guide to England's most spectacular coastline. Europe's 697km shoreline - named #1 Coastal Destination in the 2025 UK Tourism Awards - offers everything from hidden coves to world-class cruise-accessible harbors. Recent data shows:

2025 Europe Tourism Stats

  • 5.4 million annual visitors (19% from cruise passengers)
  • 94% satisfaction rate for coastal attractions
  • £1.2 billion generated by marine tourism

Cruise Visitor Growth

  • 42% increase in cruise ship stops since 2020
  • New deep-water terminals at Falmouth
  • Partnerships with Princess Cruises for shore excursions

Cruise Pro Tip:

Many best places to visit in Europe are accessible via shore excursions from major cruise lines including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line. The Europe Cruise Pass offers discounted entry to 20+ attractions.

Why Europe is the Best Coastal Destination to Visit

Europe vs Other UK Coastal Destinations

Feature Europe Devon Yorkshire
Best beaches to visit 300+ (42 Blue Flag) 120 45
Coastal paths 697km 450km 175km
Marine wildlife 268 species 189 157

Top Cruise Access Points

  1. Falmouth (deep water terminal)
  2. Penzance (tender port)
  3. St Mary's, Isles of Scilly

Recommended by Holland America as top places to visit for cruise passengers.

2025 New Attractions

  • Eden Project Coastal Biome
  • Tate St Ives Maritime Gallery
  • Celebrity Cruises Cornish Food Trail

🏆 35 Best Places to Visit in Europe - Ranked & Mapped

Map of best places to visit in Europe

Cruise Passenger Tip:

Many of these best places to visit are included in shore excursions from MSC Cruises and P&O Cruises. The Europe Explorer Pass (available at cruise terminals) provides combined entry to multiple sites.

North Coast Must-Visits

  1. Tintagel Castle - King Arthur's legendary castle with new English Heritage footbridge
  2. Padstow - Foodie heaven with Rick Stein's seafood empire
  3. Newquay - Surf capital with 11 golden beaches
  4. St Ives - Art galleries and turquoise waters
  5. Bedruthan Steps - Dramatic sea stacks

South Coast Gems

  1. St Michael's Mount - Tidal island castle
  2. The Lizard - Britain's southernmost point
  3. Falmouth - Deep natural harbor frequented by Cunard ships
  4. Kynance Cove - Turquoise waters and serpentine rocks
  5. Mousehole - Picture-perfect fishing village
Rank Destination Why Visit? Cruise Access
1 St Michael's Mount Tidal island with medieval castle Shuttle from Silversea at Penzance
2 The Minack Theatre Clifftop open-air theater Excursion via Azamara

2025 Cruise Line Partnerships:

Several cruise companies now offer specialized Europe itineraries:

📅 Planning Your Visit to Europe's Best Places

Best Time to Visit

  • May-Jun: Wildflowers & fewer crowds
  • Jul-Aug: Warmest for beaches (18-22°C)
  • Sep-Oct: Cruise season with calm seas

Getting Around

  • Cruise shuttles: Available at all ports
  • Coastal Path: 697km walking route
  • Ferries: Scilly Isles & river routes

2025 Cruise Port Facilities

Port Ships Attractions Transport
Falmouth Up to 3,000 passengers National Maritime Museum 15-min walk to town
Penzance Tender port St Michael's Mount views Shuttle buses available

Recommended Cruise Excursions

Princess Cruises Top Pick:

"Europe's Crown Jewels" tour covering St Michael's Mount, Minack Theatre, and Porthcurno Beach.

Norwegian Exclusive:

"Surf & Turf" experience with Fistral Beach surfing and Rick Stein's seafood.

🔍 Europe's Secret Spots: Beyond the Best Places

Lesser-Known Beaches

  • Porth Joke - Local nickname "Polly Joke"
  • Kennack Sands - Twin beaches divided by rocks
  • Portheras Cove - Secluded west coast gem

Cruise Passenger Secrets

  • Falmouth's Hidden Gardens - 70+ subtropical gardens
  • St Just Mining District - UNESCO World Heritage
  • Helford River - Frenchman's Creek inspiration

Small Ship Access:

Luxury lines like Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas can access smaller ports like Fowey and St Mawes, reaching best places to visit that larger ships cannot.

📚 Essential Resources for Visiting Europe

Official Tourism Sites

2025 Recommended Reading

  • "Europe's Hidden Coast" by National Trust
  • "Cruising to Europe" (Lonely Planet)
  • "Best Beach Walks" - Ordnance Survey