10 Best Countries To Visit In 2025, Per European Best Destinations

European Best Destinations asked more than 1.2 million travelers from 139 countries to vote for their favorite destinations, selecting the Best Country to Visit in Europe in 2025. Of the voters, 55% came from within Europe, while 45% were international, notably from the USA (27%) and the UK (20%). European Best Destinations promotes culture and tourism in Europe to millions of travelers in partnership with more than 500 tourism offices in Europe and the EDEN Network (Sustainable Destinations awarded by the European Commission).With over 50 countries to choose from, Europe remains the top tourist destination in the world, offering an incredible diversity of landscapes, cultures, climates, and experiences. Croatia has officially been crowned the Best Country to Visit in Europe in 2025, ahead of Spain (2nd), Austria (3rd), Italy (4th) and Greece (5th). The official award ceremony, attended by the Director of the Croatian National Tourist Board and the Minister of Tourism, took place on March 4, 2025, at the ITB Berlin, the world’s leading travel trade show.

Officially crowned “Best Country to Visit in Europe in 2025,” UNESCO-listed Croatia shines with its unmatched diversity of landscapes, breathtaking natural wonders and rich cultural heritage. From stunning beaches and charming historic towns, to lush green escapes and world-class sailing routes, Croatia has much to attract visitors. See some of the historical sites where Game of Thrones was filmed, enjoy world-class gastronomy in Dubrovnik and in the capital, Zagreb or escape to one of Croatia’s 1,000 islands and beaches. Croatia is certainly a beach lover’s paradise from the famous Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) Beach on Brac Island to the crystal-clear waters of Sakarun Beach on Dugi Otok or for a lesser known gem, Rab Island is one of Croatia’s most peaceful islands, known for its sandy beaches, medieval town and laid-back atmosphere.

With gorgeous beaches on the island of Tenerife, Gaudi architectural masterpieces like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim museum in Bilbao, Picasso’s birthplace in Malaga and beautiful villages in Spain like Ronda and Cadaques, it’s no surprise that Spain ranked number two in the European Best Destinations’ survey. The historic cities of Madrid and Seville feature must-visit art galleries like the Prado Museum and the Alcázar of Seville. For outdoors lovers, Spain offers beautiful beaches along the Costa Brava and dramatic landscapes in the Canary Islands.

Elegant, musical, art-filled Vienna was surely a key reason Austria was chosen as third best country to visit. Austria’s capital has plenty to keep culture buffs happy including Schönbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the Habsburgs, the Vienna State Opera and numerous art museums like the Leopold, the Albertina and the Belvedere Palace which houses Gustav Klimt’s popular painting, The Kiss. Outside of the capital, Austria is a land of lakes, castles and mountains, with some of the world’s top ski resorts including Arlberg, Lech, St. Christoph and Zürs.

Italy’s capital Rome has had a profound impact on Europe and continues to fascinate travelers from all over the world. With iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Pantheon, visitors step back in time to explore the heart of the ancient Roman Empire. And the Vatican, home to St. Peter’s Basilica with the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo, is a must-see. Florence and the beautiful Tuscan landscape around it are also well-deserved tourist attractions, as are the picturesque Cinque Terre and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pompeii, the fascinating archaeological site that provides a complete picture of ancient Roman life. And no trip to Italy is complete without a visit to Venice, a pedestrianised city of canals that looks exactly the same as it did when it was painted by the 16th and 17th-century artists Tintoretto, Canaletto and Titian.

When one imagines Greece, the city of Athens with the famous Acropolis, beaches and lots of lovely islands come to mind. Greece offers one of the best climates to enjoy the sun all year round so island-hopping is an obvious attraction, especially as there are 6,000 to explore. Some are uninhabited, others are difficult to access. Some are perfect for nature lovers, others are ideal for partying. Some Greek islands are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, others to UNESCO heritage treasures. Santorini has the best sunsets, with pink sky contrasting with the blue domed white buildings. Kefalonia is famous for its pretty coves (don’t miss Myrtos Beach and Antisamos beach). And Paros is a lovely choice for its incredible sandy beaches, beautiful traditional villages and white houses with blue roofs and fishing ports.

Portugal’s mainland has plenty to explore from the city of Porto (and its Port wine houses) in the north, Lisbon, historic Braga and the hilly fascinating capital in the center and the beach areas of the Algarve in the south. Lisbon has become a foodie paradise in recent years, offering a rich culinary scene that blends tradition with innovation. The city is famous for its fresh seafood, as well as Pastéis de nata, the iconic custard tarts, made in neighboring Belém. The Portuguese islands of Madeira and Azores, short flights from Lisbon or Faro, are also well worth visiting, especially for nature lovers.

It’s no surprise that France is on this list. Afterall, it has Paris, the “city of love” and French cuisine and Bordeaux and Champagne are arguably the best wines in the world. In 2010, France was the first nation to have its gastronomy recognised by UNESCO as “intangible cultural heritage,” reinforcing the reputation of French gastronomy. The countryside is dotted with impressive chateaux and is varied, with mountains, rivers and coastlines on both Atlantic and Mediterranean. For art fans, France was the birthplace of one of the most popular art movements, Impressionism, founded by Paris-based artists including Claude Monet, Auguste Renoir and Paul Cézanne.

Straddling Europe and Asia, Turkey is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, especially for western visitors. It’s a culturally modern western city yet still a traditional eastern city. Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar, all must see places, sit alongside hip hotels, shops and restaurants. Outside Istanbul, Ankara, Bodrum, Marmaris and Oludeniz are also worth seeing. And for history buffs, Gaziantep, near the Syrian border, beckons with its ancient charm, woven with cultural, religious and gastronomic treasures spanning 6000 years. Positioned strategically in southeastern Turkey, along historic trade routes and serving as a crossroads for civilizations, the city is a fascinating place to spend a few days.

Germany is another destination where you’ll find unique experiences, from magnificent castles, beautiful wild beaches and incredible hidden gems. In the cities, the food offer is much more than beer and sausages. Germany is the second European country with the most Michelin-starred restaurants, after France. Berlin is a great weekend break destination. Known for its rich past, from the Brandenburg Gate to remnants of the Berlin Wall, it also offers a cutting-edge arts, music and nightlife scene. Visitors can explore world-class museums on Museum Island, stroll through vibrant neighborhoods like Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg and enjoy Berlin’s famous street food, like currywurst and döner kebabs.

Ireland was named the Emerald Isle for good reason; when flying in, the vivid green landscape goes on forever. It is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich history and warm hospitality. From the rugged Cliffs of Moher to the lively streets of Dublin, the country offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural charm. Visitors can explore ancient castles, listen to traditional music in cozy pubs and experience the legendary friendliness of the Irish people. With its pubs, distilleries, restaurants, legends, castles, Dublin is a favorite destination but don’t miss lively Cork, three hours south, the birthplace of Jameson whiskey and the charming fishing village nearby, Kinsale. Cork is Ireland’s second largest city but the locals consider it the “real capital of Ireland.” The city center on both sides of the grand River Lee, is full of excellent restaurants driving a burgeoning food scene. Chefs and visitors alike buy from the famous English Market, one of the best food markets in Europe while for art lovers, the Glucksman on Cork University grounds, offers superb temporary exhibitions.