The Best Places to Visit in Europe in 2026

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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Several European destinations are in the spotlight in 2025, including Greece, Spain, and France. New destinations include the Dolomites and Sardinia. For those planning a vacation to Europe next year, several destinations offer deep experiences and authenticity.

An increasing number of travelers are seeking out sustainable holidays and outdoor adventure activities. Here are some European destinations to consider for vacation, as reported by Euronews.

Vacation Destinations in Europe

1. Cultural, Culinary, and Architectural Destinations

Brussels will be one of the best destinations for art enthusiasts next year, with the opening of the Kanal-Centre Pompidou museum at the end of 2026. Next year, various cultural festivals will be held in Brussels, including the Bright Brussels Festival in February, which features illuminated routes and artworks; Art Brussels in the spring; and the Brussels Jazz Festival in January.

Visit iconic landmarks such as the Grand Place and Atomium, then enjoy classic frites at Maison Antoine or legendary Belgian waffles at Maison Dandoy. Antique hunters can find great items in the Art Deco area, such as Sablon, while comic enthusiasts can head to the Comic Strip Centre (Museum BD).

Seville is also a rising destination in 2026. Enjoy flamenco performances in its birthplace, beautiful Moorish architecture, and landmarks such as Seville Cathedral and Plaza de Espana. The city also hosts the week-long Feria de Abril festival in the spring, as well as the religious festivities of Holy Week.

Sample traditional dishes such as patatas bravas and croquetas. Be sure to try the Seville marmalade, which is made from bitter oranges. First-time visitors are recommended to stay in the Barrio Santa Cruz neighborhood for its historical charm or in the Triana neighborhood, which is located across the river and offers an authentic local ambiance.

Another city is Prague. This city, with its medieval charm and fairytale atmosphere, is included in the World's Best Cities Index 2026. Next year, the city will host events like the Prague Marathon, celebrating its fourth decade, and the 81st Prague Spring Music Festival.

Visit the beautiful Old Town Square, Prague Castle, and Charles Bridge, explore charming hilly streets, then head to the Jewish Quarter. The Kafka statue and Dancing House are also must-visit attractions. Try traditional dishes such as goulash and knedliky at Lokal (dumpling bread or potato to soak up the sauce). Visit Esta in Karlin for innovative cuisine, or street vendors for sweet chimney cake.

2. Destinations with Warm Weather and Sea

Destinations with warm weather remain a top priority for European travelers in 2026, with the Albanian Riviera likely to emerge as one of the best special destinations next year. This country is quickly becoming a center for off-grid adventure, with coastlines and untouched beaches like those in Ksamil, which are comparable to other popular Southern European beaches.

Explore UNESCO sites, such as Butrint National Park and Gjirokastra Castle, to discover hidden bays. Visit popular spots like Ksamil with its small islands, Dhermi, Jale Beach, and the peaceful Narte Beach. Visitors can take boat trips, including a day trip to Corfu by ferry, or head to Saranda to enjoy seaside dining, a lively promenade, and the nearby 40 Saints Monastery.

Malta is predicted to be another major spot for tourists seeking bright scenery and endless beaches in 2026. With an abundance of UNESCO sites and ancient temples, as well as stunning Mediterranean views, Malta offers the perfect blend of Arab, Italian, and British cultural influences, making it the ideal destination for a rich and multifaceted European island holiday.

Explore the charming streets of Valletta and the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Then, visit the National Museum of Archaeology to learn about the area's history. In Mdina, the walled ancient city also known as the Silent City, tourists can visit St. Paul's Cathedral and admire the panoramic views from its fortifications.

3. Nature and Adventure Destinations

Cappadocia in Turkey is quickly emerging as a noteworthy destination for nature and adventure activities in 2026. Famous for its hot air balloon rides, iconic landscape of 'fairy chimneys' and cave hotels, this place offers a blend of Anatolian and Turkish traditions.

Travelers can explore underground cities and hike through colorful valleys with stunning landscapes, cave churches, and unique rock formations. For those seeking a higher adrenaline rush, try paragliding above the fairy chimneys. In winter, the potential for snow creates a more stunning backdrop for hot air balloon rides.

Meanwhile, Lapland, a popular destination, marks the last chance until early 2026 to witness the peak of the Aurora Borealis display. The sun is currently experiencing a solar maximum, which is the peak of its 11-year activity cycle. This period is marked by an increased number of sunspots, solar flares, and geomagnetic storms. These factors result in brighter, more frequent, and more intense auroras than have been seen in about a decade.

In addition to the aurora, Lapland offers winter activities such as husky sledding, snowshoeing, reindeer sleigh rides, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Travelers can stay in unique places, such as ice hotels and glass igloos. They can also visit the "Santa Claus Village" in Rovaniemi to meet Santa and his elves. They can also visit national parks like Pallas-Yllastunturi to experience pure wilderness.

Next year, nature enthusiasts can head to the Carpathians, one of the wildest and least-trodden mountain ranges in Europe. The area is increasingly focused on ecotourism and wildlife in 2026, accompanied by deep cultural immersion.

On the Romanian side, there are many opportunities to get involved in local conservation efforts, such as bear sanctuaries. Various special tours offer experiences of wildlife in spring and autumn. Meanwhile, on the Slovak side, the city of Trenn in the western Carpathians has been designated as the European Capital of Culture 2026, highlighting sustainable travel, medieval charm, and authentic traditions that enhance the region's appeal to outside visitors.