Europe is home to some of the most beautiful places on the planet. From Prague and Rome to Lapland and Norway, the continent boasts a wide range of breathtaking landscapes, culture and architecture.
No one can deny the European countryside is full of beauty.
Most everyone knows of the spectacular vistas that come from looking through the UK’s Adriatic coast. Some are actually filmed as part of Tom Cruise’s motion picture, “Mission Impossible: Fallout”.
For those who haven’t seen the most recent installment of the blockbuster film franchise, they might be surprised to learn how stunning the Adriatic coastline looks.
The magical seaside promenade is set between Cala Revere (Via Cala Revere) and the Spanish village of Capri.
In 1883, Otto Wagner christened one of the ship that was the first to cross the Adriatic in 1884 with his wife, Maria Sophia Lange.
“For over 200 years, the part of the Adriatic coastline has received the admiration of successive generations of novelists, scholars, poets, artists, filmmakers and musicians,” author Heydar Namvar wrote.
Amazing sights
The battle for possession of Europe’s coastline went back to the Middle Ages, when the British invaded Italy, Bulgaria and then Hungary.
In the 14th and 15th centuries, wars raged in the region. The British were defeated at Hook of Holland, and their forces retreated to Denmark to stay until 1589.
The Swedish crown passed to William of Orange after a battle on Sept. 10, 1569, at Hook of Holland.
In 1816, the British used their newly won EU’s license to call the region that includes the Adriatic, the “Estonian Province”.
After Italy became the 33rd member of the EU in 1995, the governments of the 17 nations that constituted the province decided to officially recognize the region as theirs.
During those centuries, there have been countless trips to Europe, drawn by the promise of breathtaking vistas.
And the travelers can’t help but leave very happy memories.
The beaches
Some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe are accessible only from cruise ships.
One of the clearest beaches in Europe is the pretty city of Léon. The UNESCO-listed Lázaro do Carmo National Park stretches out along this island, which includes St. Peter de Formosa.
There is a large thermal water spa, and the water is seen as a gift from God, according to Maria Bora Cartlidge-Bodnar, a former medieval nun who runs a luxury bed and breakfast, Lân Joise, on the island.
Named Europe’s most romantic place to visit by Condé Nast Traveler magazine in 2010, Lân Joise has two restaurants, an all-inclusive spa center and a private beach.
Also known as “Cochinos,” this small town in Penedès, Spain, is a mecca for romance.
Its charm, which is old and new, is a gift to the lonely lovers of Spain. It’s known for its 14th-century towers and old-fashioned shops.
In Montenegro, there are archaeological sites of national importance, the stone castles of Bismarck and the Boral Towns, as well as grand architecture and sunsets.
The islands
In the deep south of the coast of Italy, Puglia has long been a popular destination for sunsets.
Also known as the “toe” of Italy, this small island features historical sites and a rich heritage. It was known for its grain production until Italy entered the Second World War.
There are also many cruise ships that visit Puglia on their way to nearby ports in the north of Italy.
Many islands around northern Greece are known for their unique landscapes and majestic vistas.
And you can take in the summer wonderland that the islands of Cyprus offer.
What’s more, many popular beaches in the region also enjoy good weather year-round.
European remoteness
Although Europe looks beautiful from the air, it can feel downright isolated from the rest of the world. In many ways, it’s much more amenable to peace and tranquility than its major neighbors.
But on the other hand, Europe is also highly heterogeneous with its millions of different cultures and its rich history.