The Schengen visa is a ticket to some of Europe’s most beautiful attractions. The Schengen Countries in Europe allows visiting several countries at a time, making it much easier than traveling from country to country with different visas. This is especially important when choosing a short, business or a long holiday trip as with the Schengen visa one can travel to several countries at once without having to arrange several visas.
Europe is famous for being the most visited continent globally and this is driven by the Schengen Area. If you have no idea where to start with Schengen visa here are some of the most preferred countries that will suit your taste for history, culture, food and scenery.
Find out the list of top 10 Schengen countries in Europe and why you should visit any of them.
1. France
Indeed, France has remained one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, with millions of visitors annual. Whether you want to climb the Eiffel Tower in Paris or take in the beauty of art at the Louvre Museum, visit the French Riviera or taste the wine in Bordeaux, there’s always something to do. Being home to great culinary, fashion, and art, France is a country that no traveler should miss.
2. Spain
It is one more country in the Schengen Area which is attractively located and offers a rich culture, beautiful coast, and great historical sites. It can be divided into four main areas: the north, the centre or the meseta, the east or Catalonia, and Andalucia and Extremadura in the south; all these areas have their own characteristics but all are worth visiting: Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville are cities with Moorish and Gothic influences and with much modern architecture. Each region of It is different from each other and has its own attractions: the sea and sand, Gaudí’s buildings, and fests like La Tomatina and the Running of the Bulls. Here, it will be wrong not to try Spanish tapas and paellas!
3. Italy
Italy is a country of culture heritage, art and food that draws tourists from all over the world. Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan are the pearls of Italy and they are famous all over the world because of such sights as Colosseum, Leaning Tower, and Venetian canals, respectively. People all over the world love Italian food, and going to Tuscany or the Amalfi region makes it even more exotic. Whether you fancy art or food or both or any other special interest, Italy is a country that holds your attention.
4. Germany
Germany is an historic country of contrast and modernity, cities and scenery. Some of the cities include Berlin, Munich and Hamburg which have the modern look of Germany as well as the historical perspective. Tourists can take a tour of the Berlin Wall, tour the Neuschwanstein Castle or even indulge in the fun of the Oktoberfest. This is in addition to beautiful and scenic features such as Bavarian Alps in Germany, the Heidelberg town among other cities and beautiful rivers like the Rhine.
5. The Netherlands
Famous for its canal, tulip and the vibrant cities the Netherlands is a popular destination for many tourists. Amsterdam, the capital city of Netherlands is a perfect place to visit for those interested in history, art and street life. There are the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and the Anne Frank House for sightseeing, or riding bikes in the country side. The country itself is beautiful at any time but visiting famous places such as Rotterdam, Utrecht and Keukenhof gardens in the Netherlands will be a delight.
6. Switzerland
It is a country that is considered a perfect destination for those people who like spending their time outdoors. It has everything from the majestic alps, clear water lakes, and small and beautiful towns for that vacation full of fun and relaxation. Some of the Swiss cities such as Zurich and Lucerne have various attractions for both history and culture lovers, and for the savvy shopper. If only for skiing, hiking or just to enjoy the scenery, it is the best place to be. The country has reputation of luxury and perfect service which also contributes to the attractiveness.
7. Austria
Famous for its Mozart and operetta, magnificent palaces, and beautiful countryside scenery, Austria is a country, which draws millions of tourists each year. Vienna the capital city of Austria is well known for its imperial palaces, great opera houses and museums. Another destination that art and history enthusiasts are sure to appreciate is Salzburg, the city where the great composer Mozart was born. The country has many beautiful lakes, forests, and the eye-popping Austrian Alps that mean that the country is ripe for outdoor adventures such as hiking, skiing, and cycling.
8. Greece
Greece with its centuries-old history and beautiful islands – is one of the most popular European countries. The capital city of Athens has a classical view of ancient structures such as the Acropolis and Parthenon, and gives a good impression of the nation’s background. Santorini, Mykonos and Crete are some of the famous islands of Greece which has tourist attractions like beautiful beaches, beautiful villages and good nightlife. Greek food is typically Mediterranean and since the country is sunny all year round, it attracts tourists throughout the year.
9. Portugal
Portugal with beautiful sunny beaches, remarkable cities and mouth watering food and wines is becoming increasingly popular as a European holiday destination. Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and famous for its districts, nightlife and the view of the city from such place as for example São Jorge Castle. Porto, which is home to port wine, is less boisterous than Lisbon. The beautiful region of Algarve also has lovely beaches and attractive coastal villages. It strikes me as the right environment for a quiet vacation as Portugal’s charm is laid-back and the landscapes, serene.
Conclusion
The Schengen Area is one of the best places for discovering and the stated top 10 countries are among the most popular for all the right reasons. From the old world charm of Paris to the sandy shores of Greece these countries assure a memorable vacation. Pack your bags for your next European tour to one (or even more) of these Schengen countries and have an incredible time touring through this wonderful continent.
