The Schengen area is one of the most fascinating regions in the world that you can explore. Featuring around 29 countries, the Schengen countries together attract about 35-40% of global travellers. This region has some incredible nations like the France, Switzerland, Spain and more. And the Schengen visa opens doors to all these beautiful locations. But, which best Europe destinations to visit with Schengen Visa?
In this guide, we will look at some incredible countries in the Europe that you can explore with a single Schengen visa from UK. So, sit back and take some time to read this guide. This will certainly help you prepare an excellent itinerary for your Schengen getaway!
France is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the Schengen region. In recent years, France received about 89 million visitors. This places France at the top for the most tourists received in a single year!
But, why do so many people visit France?
Well, it has Paris – the magical City of Lights which captivates with its iconic Eiffel Tower. This immaculate structure illuminates magically every evening offering some unforgettable spectacles.
However, France is beyond just Paris!
There are other dreamy destinations like the Provence. This place is popular for its lavender fields bursting with the purple hues. Then, there is the French Riviera boasting the glamourous beaches and the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters.
If you have more time, you can also include Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez to your itinerary.
Elevate your French experience by diving in the mouth-watering French cuisine, famous for its gastronomy. Relish the fresh croissants, delicate macarons and the exquisite wines from the Bordeaux or Burgundy.
Bonus – Try visiting the spell-binding Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy. It is a medieval abbey that creates a magical silhouette. When you see it, you will feel as if you are in a fairy tale!
Italy is the next Schengen country that should be on your travel list. It holds the 5th spot for receiving the most number of international visitors – 64.5 million! Italy offers a different kind of experience by blending the art, history and the culinary delights.
While preparing your itinerary, make sure to include the following destinations:
The cuisine of Italy varies from one region to another. However, you should try out the authentic pizza in the Naples. This is where this worldwide favourite dish originated from. Love wine? Head over to the rolling hills of Tuscany where you can sip on exceptional wines. All you need to do is book an Italy Schengen Visa Appointment from UK to start your preparations for the Schengen journey!
The vibrant energy of Spain makes it a standout amongst the best Europe destinations to visit with Schengen visa!
Did you know? Spain received about 84 million visitors in the recent years . This makes Spain, the second-most visited country in the world!
Spain has some iconic destinations that must make it to your itinerary. Starting with Barcelona, which is famous for its football club – FC Barcelona. But, more importantly, you will come across fascinating attractions like the Sagrada Familia. It is the unfinished masterpiece of Gaudi which leaves visitors in awe.
Next up is the world-class museums of Madrid that are home to the artistic treasures of Spanish masters. Check out the Prado Museum which displays the works by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco.
Then, there is Seville, which is popular for its delightful flamenco performances. These authentically capture the passionate spirit of Spain!
As for the food, Spain is known for using the fresh ingredients and the bold flavours. Make sure to experience the Tapas culture which encourages social dining and sampling the various dishes. Paella, which originates from Valencia, Spain has become one of the most recognized dishes internationally. With a Spain Schengen Visa, you can enjoy all these wonderful things that Spain has to offer!
Germany is a beautiful Schengen country that takes the 9th place, when it comes to receiving the most number of international visitors. In recent years, Germany has welcomed around 40 million travellers!
The first destination in Germany that you should visit is Berlin, the capital city. It has a complex history that unfolds through the Brandenburg Gate and remnants of the Berlin Wall.
Did you know? Berlin is widely recognized as the creative capital of Europe!
The next place to visit in Germany is Munich. This city is famous for its larger-than-life Oktoberfest which attracts 6 million visitors each year. It is a 16-18-day festival that celebrates the Bavarian culture with Beer and traditional cuisine.
Germany is quite popular for its engineering excellence. This is due to the presence of major automotive brands like Volkswagen Group, Mercedes Benz, BMW Group, Audi and many more. Visit museums of these famous brands to delve deep into rich automotive history of Germany. Grab a Germany Schengen Visa UK to experience all these delightful attractions with your near and dear!
Famous Attraction You Shouldn’t Miss – The Neuschwanstein Castle. Many believe that this castle inspired the Sleeping Beauty Castle of Disney. It is essentially a 19th century Romanesque Revival Palace that welcomes 1.4 million visitors each year!
The Netherlands is one of those countries in the Schengen region that charms visitors with its picture-perfect landscapes!
While planning your trip to this beguiling, make sure to add Amsterdam, the capital city. This place has an incredible canal network, dating back to the 17th century which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city features close to 1,500 bridges that cross around 165 canals. Impressive, right?
If you are visiting in the Spring, then you must not skip the Keukenhof Gardens. Here, you get the chance to witness millions of tulips each year. The spectacular flower show attracts flower enthusiasts and tourists from across the world.
Try the Dutch cycling culture which offers the visitors an authentic way to explore the Netherlands.
Then, there is the Rotterdam, famous for its innovative architecture that contrasts the historic buildings of Amsterdam. After the WWII destruction, the city was rebuilt with bold designs that you will enjoy seeing!
Other attractions in the Netherlands that you can add to your itinerary include:
So, when are you applying for Netherlands Schengen visa from UK? Netherlands waits to welcome you!
Switzerland is famous around the world for featuring some of the best breathtaking Alpine scenery. This alone justifies Switzerland’s place amongst the best Europe destinations to visit with Schengen visa!
Interesting Fact – According to recent estimates, Switzerland welcomed around 13+ million tourists. These numbers will increase to 14+ million in the upcoming years.
Thinking about which places to visit in Switzerland?
Start with Matterhorn, the distinctive pyramid shape mountain in the Alps. The 14,692 peak challenges mountaineers from all over the world. Go to the top to enjoy some of the most scenic views in the Europe!
Your Switzerland vacation cannot be complete without going on a Swiss train journey. These railway wonders operate with legendary precision through the spectacular mountain passes. Try to book your journey on the Glacier Express. It offers the panoramic views of the landscapes during the 8-hour journey.
Two things that you must not miss are the Swiss Chocolate and the Cheese. Try to visit the chocolate or cheese factories in Switzerland. These will help you witness the traditional production methods and sample the fresh products. Simply apply for Schengen visa to secure your chance of visiting Switzerland with your loved ones!
Greece has one of the longest and richest recorded histories in the world. It dates back to the Neolithic age which is around 6,000 BCE!
One of the top destinations of the Greece that you must visit is the Athens. Here, you should check out the Acropolis which has stood for almost 2,500 years. In addition to this, there is the Parthenon which is an architectural marvel featuring the perfect proportions.
Another interesting place to visit is the Santorini. When you visit here for the very first time, you will be amazed by the views of the white-washed buildings. Coupled with the blue domes, it creates some iconic views that you will love. If you have some more time, you should head over to the Mykonos. This place elegantly balances the traditional charm with the cosmopolitan beach clubs.
Then, comes the cuisine of Greece. It celebrates the simple and fresh Mediterranean ingredients. So, expect to see Olive oil, feta cheese and many fresh seafood prominently feature in the local dishes.
Want more? The country has over 6,000 islands. Opt for a guided tour to check some of these out and create memories for life!
The musical legacy and the Alpine ambience of the Austria make it a harmonious destination in the Schengen region.
Have you heard? Austria is home to the tallest waterfall of Europe – Krimml Waterfalls
One interesting thing that you might notice is, 62% of the Austria is covered by the Austrian Alps. This means, you are going to come across some stunning views of the mountains and the diverse landscapes. Head over to world-class skiing resorts like the St. Anton for an exhilarating time!
Austria is also famous for its rich musical legacy. Most of it is centered in its capital city – Vienna. In fact, many call Vienna the “Capital of Classical Music”. This is because Austria was home to some of the most famous composers:
Visit concert halls and venues like Vienna Musikverein, Wiener Konzerthaus and Vienna State Opera to indulge in the musical history of Austria.
Apart from these, try to munch on the delicious Austrian pastries like the Sachertorte. These delight the visitors with its rich chocolate flavours. Just apply for Schengen Visa from London UK in advance. This will allow you to easily secure your visa and travel to such iconic Schengen destinations for a delightful holiday!
Portugal offers the exceptional value amongst most of the Schengen destinations in the Europe. Portugal features some fascinating cities and attractions that you will thoroughly enjoy exploring!
First up is the Lisbon with its unique colourful neighbourhoods. These incredible areas overlook the Atlantic offering a memorable stay or holiday experience. Make sure to travel on the vintage trams of Lisbon. These navigate the narrow streets while showcasing you the old-world charm of Portugal.
Next is the Porto featuring a historic centre that showcases the seafaring past of Portugal. You must plan to visit one of the most beautiful spots of the Portugal Douro Valley. This place produces the famous port wine of the country!
When it comes to the Portuguese cuisine, you will notice mostly fresh seafood along with the hearty flavours. You can also try out the popular Pastéis de nata which is a custard tart with the crispy pastry.
Interesting place to visit – Plan a 2 or 3-day adventure across the Azores archipelago. Here, you can enjoy the unspoiled natural beauty thanks to the volcanic islands, hot springs and the whale watching opportunities!
Belgium might look like a small nation, but, it packs remarkable diversity!
Start your journey in the Belgium at Brussels, specifically, the Brussels’ Grand Place. This attraction dazzles with the ornate guild houses that date back to the 17th century. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site that hosts a spell-binding flower carpet event every two years!
Another destination that should be on your Belgium travel list is the Bruges. Here, you will get to witness the preserved medieval character, thanks to the cobblestone streets and the canals.
Did you know? Bruges is often called as the “Venice of the North”.
Belgium is also well-known across the world for its lip-smacking chocolates. The country, although small, produces around 220,000 tons of chocolate each year.
Another thing that Belgium is famous for is its Beer. The breweries in Belgium alone create over 1,500 varieties of beer with the centuries-old techniques. All of these make Belgium an interesting place to visit with your Belgium Schengen Visa from UK!
Europe’s Schengen region boasts a diverse tapestry of cultures that you will love exploring . These ten countries represent some of the best Europe destinations to visit with Schengen Visa!
From the romantic ambience of the France to the chocolate indulgences of the Belgium. Each destination of the Schengen area offers the unique treasures and experiences.
So, choose some of these or all of these and add them to your itinerary for a memorable holiday!
Worried about how to book online Schengen visa appointment from UK?
SCHENGEN TRAVEL INFO is ready to provide you world-class assistance!
Trusted by thousands of Schengen visa applicants, our agency offers lightning-fast appointments so that you do not have to wait for a slot to open up. This enables you to fast-track the entire Schengen visa process and obtain your visa in a matter of days!
After that, the Schengen doors are open and you are free to fly and indulge in the magnificent experiences that these countries have in store for you!
A standard Schengen visa allows you to stay in the Europe’s Schengen region for around 90 days within a 180 day period.
You should apply for the Schengen country visa where you will spend the most time. However, if you are visiting multiple countries, with equal stays in each, then you must apply Schengen visa in that country where you will enter first.
Yes, with a Schengen visa, you may be able to visit around 38 non-Schengen countries. These include nations like Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina and many more!
The months of April to June (Spring) and September-October (Fall) offer the perfect conditions – pleasant weather and less people. Summer is also a good time to visit (peak tourist season) but often features higher prices.
If you are looking at a mid-range budget, you can have a budget of €100-150 daily that comprises the accommodations, food and visiting the attractions. The countries in the East Europe usually cost less than the West Europe. So, choose your Schengen destinations accordingly!