Europe is a treasure trove of distinctive and diverse landscapes, cultural curiosities and world-class architecture. It just so happens that this is all tremendously photogenic (and great for the 'gram). From dramatic glacial rock formations to pristine pastel beaches, get your cameras ready to capture some of the continent's most majestic views. Read on for our roundup of the best views in Europe…
1. Trolltunga, Norway
2. Florence from the Piazzale Michaelangelo, Italy
3. Elafonisi Beach, Greece
4. Cappadocia, Turkey
5. Old Town Dubrovnik, Croatia
Trolltunga, Norway
First up on our list of the best views in Europe is one for the keen hikers and adrenaline junkies out there. Reaching this jaw-dropping view is not for the fainthearted, and with a name like Trolltunga, or Troll's Tongue, it's not difficult to see why only the most daring hikers take on the challenge. It's a testing 12-hour trek from a little mountain town, Skjeggedal, but once you find your feet dangling from the 2,300ft fjord-lined plummet, you won't regret making the effort. Just don't attempt any selfie-taking too close to the edge. After your thirst for adrenaline is satisfied, we recommend delving into the lesser-explored surroundings for a more intimate experience of the fjords.
Florence from the Piazzale Michaelangelo, Italy
When someone mentions Florence, artistic wonders such as Brunelleschi's Duomo, Botticelli's Birth of Venus and Michelangelo's David spring to mind. A lesser-known yet equally stunning sight is of the city as a whole from the Piazzale Michelangelo, a hilltop square with a beautifully photogenic panorama of Florence. Aim to get there by 7.30 pm in the summer months to grab a chilled Aperol Spritz sundowner from the bar. Pick out the Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio among the sea of terracotta roofs as the sun sets to the west of the city.
Elafonisi Beach, Greece
With six main bodies of water surrounding the continent, our list of the best views in Europe would be incomplete without one of the ocean. Greece's Elafonisi beach straddles Crete and its satellite island, Elafonisi, with a water crossing separating the two. Although popular with tourists, it’s this way for a reason. You'll struggle to find a more picturesque European beach than Elafonisi. Thanks to a collection of finely eroded shells on the shore, the sand has a magical pink hue, which the bright turquoise sea hits like fairy dust sprinkled over the interspersed rocks. Head to the beach for sunrise before the crowds hit for the most Insta-worthy shots.
Cappadocia, Turkey
Next up on our list of the best views in Europe? Cappadocia in Turkey is home to one of Europe's most incomprehensible and beautifully bizarre landscapes. When negotiating your way around the burnt orange, towering chimneys and eddying caverns, you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd somehow taken a wrong turn at Istanbul and ended up on Mars. The captivating landscape was sculpted by the enormous eruptions of three volcanoes some 30 million years ago. Now awash with sacred churches and Byzantine art, Cappadocia is fit for cultural and geographical enthusiasts alike. This topographical oddity is a rare example of a spot that looks almost as remarkable viewed through your camera's lens as in real life. But don’t just take our word for it…
Old Town Dubrovnik, Croatia
Our final choice for the best views in Europe is the vista overlooking Dubrovnik's old town from its ancient city walls. Spot iconic landmarks as you admire the glistening Adriatic Sea on one side and the handsome UNESCO World Heritage site-designated old town on the other. Opt for a guided or self-guided tour of the walls (you can’t really go wrong) and live out your Game of Thrones fantasy. We recommend making the trip just before the sun sets to see the labyrinthine cobbled streets and terracotta roofs bathed in a golden glow, with the twinkle of the Adriatic beyond. Views don’t get much better than this.
Header image by Atilla Alp Bolukbasi/Getty Images/iStockphoto
