5 Perfect destinations in Europe to travel with friends
Europe is a truly fascinating destination offering something for everyone, whether you’re visiting for the first time or have been there several times. It’s a great destination to travel with friends, allowing for a fun bonding moment. But with so many beautiful destinations to choose from, deciding where to travel in Europe with friends is not easy.
This list highlights the perfect destinations in Europe to travel with friends. Hopefully, it will inspire you to plan that trip of a lifetime with the people close to your heart!
Europe with friends
1. Iceland
Located in the northern part of Europe, between the Faroe Islands, Norway, and Greenland, Iceland is a great destination to take your friends. Given its dramatic landscapes, friendly local population, rich cultural offerings, and a never-ending stream of exciting adventures, Iceland is well-suited to group travel.
The best way to explore Iceland with friends is to go on a road trip. It allows you to see many places at your own pace and stop whenever you want to. When driving in Iceland with friends, the Ring Road is the best route to travel through. Also known as “Route 1”, this route will hit all the country’s highlights, including South Iceland, North Iceland, the East Fjords, and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.
Make the most of your Icelandic holiday by taking up fun activities while exploring the island. You can book a whale-watching tour, which usually departs from Reykjavik. Another unique activity to try is horseback riding on an Icelandic horse. These short horses are famous for their reliability and resistance to harsh weather.
After sightseeing and road tripping, the best way to unwind with the group is to go on a night out in Reykjavik. The capital is home to excellent bars, clubs, and restaurants, where you can order delicious cocktails and share fun conversations with friends!
2. Croatia
Croatia is a diverse country, with many beautiful places to discover with your friends. It has almost everything you could ever wish for in a holiday. If your group loves exploring nature, visiting beautiful islands, and checking out historical sites, you will have plenty of opportunities to do these in Croatia.
Book the luxury Croatia cruises to explore several islands in Croatia. It’s a great way to visit Croatia’s many beautiful islands and stop at secluded beaches for a swim. You can also do a full-day excursion on some islands, such as Hvar, one of Croatia’s trendiest islands and home to many beautiful beaches and charming villages. Most cruises depart from Dubrovnik, a historic city worth exploring in itself. It’s famous for its Old Town, surrounded by massive stone walls built during the 16th Century.
Exploring the natural beauty of the Plitvice Lakes National Park is also a must, especially if your group loves to explore the outdoors. It’s a massive forest reserve in the middle of Croatia famous for its numerous crystal-clear lakes and majestic waterfalls. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park has plenty of scenic hiking trails, making it a perfect spot for hiking in Croatia.
3. Scotland
Scotland is a very diverse country. Its bustling cities, rolling countryside, and picturesque villages provide an excellent destination for a fun holiday with friends, whether your group prefers an action-packed break, relaxing retreat, or a cultural adventure.
Scotland has some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, and the best way to discover these is on a road trip with friends. Driving around the country, you’ll witness the ever-changing landscape of rolling hills, jagged mountain peaks, and white sandy beaches. Conquer the Argyll Coastal Route, which starts north of Glasgow. This route follows a coastal fringe of fjord-like inlets and tranquil bays, with soaring mountains on one side. You’ll also pass by iconic castles and the famous Loch Lomond.
Make your holiday in Scotland even more special by staying in a gorgeous castle hotel. All over the country, you’ll find many castles and stately homes that have been converted into accommodation for you and your friends to stay overnight. You can stay in a 12th-century fortress, or a castle perched on a hill that opens to gorgeous ocean views.
4. Turkey
Turkey has become one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, offering unique and exciting travel experiences. Here, you and your friends can immerse in history in Istanbul, take a dip in the turquoise blue waters of the Marmaris, or marvel at the distinctive rock formations of Cappadocia.
Your trip to Turkey will most likely begin in the bustling city of Istanbul. Spend the day exploring famous sites like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace Museum. Once you’ve tackled the highlights of Istanbul, it’s time to venture into another popular destination in the country – Cappadocia, a fascinating region famous for its unique cone-shaped rock formations and Bronze Age homes carved into caves. While in Cappadocia, don’t miss the opportunity to do a hot air balloon Tour.
For those who prefer a luxurious vacation with friends in Turkey, head to the bustling coastal town of Marmaris. As one of the most popular resort towns along the Turkish Coast, Marmaris is an ideal choice for party-loving friends and sun worshippers. It has many beautiful beaches, luxury resorts, and excellent bars and restaurants.
5. Greece
Greece is undoubtedly one of Europe’s most beautiful countries and has the perfect climate to enjoy the sun all year round. If you want to relax by escaping to the beach with friends and indulging in fresh and local foods, you should head to Greece.
Mykonos has a well-deserved reputation for being a beach paradise with vibrant nightlife, making it a perfect destination for your holiday with friends to Greece. Spend your days lounging at Ornos Beach or Platis Gialos. Both are beautiful beaches with many great restaurants and beach clubs. When night-time comes, it’s time to hit the beach clubs at Paradise Beach or Super Paradise Beach Club.
For friends who want to enjoy peace and quiet while on holiday in Greece, it’s worth visiting the lesser-known islands of Ithaca, Naxos, or Ikaria. These islands may be less touristy, but they are not short of outstanding natural beauty.
Have you visited these perfect destinations in Europe or not yet? Which other places would you recommend for trips with friends?