10 Spectacular UNESCO Sites in Europe

Did you know there are over 1,000 UNESCO World Heritage Sites around the world? To be considered for the World Heritage List, sites must be of outstanding value to humanity and meet several criteria pertaining to their cultural, historical, scientific, or other form of significance.

Below I am sharing with you 10 spectacular UNESCO sites you will want to add to your bucket list...

Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn, Austria Just a short distance from the city of Vienna is this magnificent palace. Dating back to the 1600's and completely redesigned in 1743, this impressive Baroque palace is one of Europe's most impressive royal residences boasting 1,600 rooms. Explore its lavish state rooms and private galleries. You will be mesmerized by the elegant beauty of the palace's gardens and grounds.

Old City of Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is one of the world’s most magnificent walled cities, encircled by massive stone walls from the 16thcentury. As recently as 1991, the city sustained damage from a war but it has been completely restored. Dubrovnik lies on the Adriatic Sea and offers spectacular scenery and remarkable history. The massive wall wraps all around the city with a backdrop of the most beautiful blue sea.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

This spectacular park has 16 turquoise blue lakes with waterfalls separating the upper and lower lakes. A wooden walkway winds through the park allowing visitors to walk alongside the lakes and stunning waterfalls. Boats run between some of the lakes to give you the opportunity to explore even further.

City of Strasbourg, France

Located on the German-French border, this is one of the most beautiful French cities. Strasbourg is the capital of the Alsace region, known for fairytale villages and wine, specifically aromatic white wines and light reds. Cobbled streets, timber-framed houses, and many bridges surrounded by canals and rivers are perfect for strolling, shopping, or relaxing at an outdoor café.

The Loire Valley, France

Discover a region famous for its fairytale castles, lovely wines and natural beauty. The Loire Valley has over 300 castles, vineyards, sunflower fields, and charming medieval towns. These castles are rich in renaissance architecture. It is truly a magical place to visit. If staying in Paris, this region is within driving distance for a day trip!

The Acropolis, Greece

One of the most famous sites in Greece, the Acropolis is located on a hill in Athens and is visible from just about anywhere in the city. It is home to the Parthenon, a temple built for the goddess Athena. The Acropolis is the most striking ancient Greek monumental complex still in existence.

City of Budapest, Hungary

This beautiful city sits on the banks of the Danube River. Budapest is a very central European and global city at the same time. This apparent paradox is due to its lively history, its diverse population, and the continuous blend of cultures. Much of the city has been granted UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and many consider the city to be amongst the most beautiful cities in Europe.

The Dolomites, Italy

This mountain range in northeastern Italy is a nature lover’s paradise. The region features some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes. There are a variety of accommodations ideal for families, romance, skiers, hikers, cyclists or for wellness retreats.

The Trulli of Alberobello, Italy

These unique small huts are characterized by their whitewashed stone walls, cone roofs and freestanding construction, many trulli have symbols painted on the roofs, usually with religious or astrological connotations. Dating back centuries, these buildings are unique to this region in Puglia, Italy.

Douro Valley Wine Region, Portugal

This is one of the oldest and most spectacular wine regions in the world. Hills of vineyards sit on both sides of the Douro River with charming wineries to visit, tour, and enjoy tastings. The views are unparalleled, and the entire experience is magical.

So, which of these sites will you be visiting on your next vacation?

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