Europe is bigger than you think and it is filled with awe-inspiring landscapes, medieval towns, ancient sites and numerous natural wonders that make this continent a favorite for backpackers.
Hiking the Swiss Alps in Switzerland or walking through historic ancient ruins like the Roman Forum or Colosseum in Italy have all been beautifully captured by backpackers. These photos would make anyone want to book a ticket right away and see these magical sights for themselves.
Backpackers have captured photographs of splendid castles and fortresses and walked through medieval streets that make you feel like you've walked into a fairytale. Hiking to the tops of cliffs and mountains overlooking picturesque towns and pristine lakes are adventures not many people can say they accomplished.
Here are 20 real and gorgeous photos taken by backpackers on their European travels that will make you want to book a ticket ASAP.
20 Bled Is One Of The Most Picturesque Spots In Slovenia
Lake Bled is a perfect little getaway for backpackers who want to hike and find themselves overlooking a picturesque castle on a hillside in the middle of the lake. Of course, travelers can actually visit this castle by rowboat or other means of transportation and start doing their own exploring.
19 Rome's Haunting Ancient Ruins Take You Back In Time
When in Rome, Italy, some of the must-see's include the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter's Basilica, and of course, a tour through the historic ancient ruins like the Colosseum and Roman Forum. There are also the Vatican Museums with immense collections of artwork including the famous Sistine Chapel.
18 Paris' Landmarks Are A Must-See
No trip to Paris, France is complete without going to see the Eiffel Tower and The Louvre, the world's largest art museum, housing works like the Mona Lisa. Backpackers will enjoy walking along the Champs-Elysees and taking in the sights and sounds of Paris.
17 The Dolomites Mountain Range Is Great For Nature Lovers
The Dolomites in northeast Italy are widely popular for adventure lovers. Many travelers visit the area to hike, ski, mountain climb and even come just for sightseeing. For hikers, The Tre Cime di Lavaredo offers the most breathtaking views of the Dolomites mountain range and takes just a few hours.
16 Prague Is An Enchanting City
Travelers love coming to this capital city of the Czech Republic because of its medieval streets, Gothic churches, and Old Town Square. It is an enchanting city in Europe and a brisk walk across the 14th century Charles Bridge will make you feel like you are in another time period.
15 Malta Offers A Diverse Landscape
Malta is an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea that lies between Sicily and Africa. Backpackers will find a laid-back lifestyle here where people are surrounded by stunning architecture, blue lagoons, and the best tasting seafood you'd probably ever had. Malta is made up of three islands, which include Gozo and Comino, so there will be a lot to explore.
14 Hiking The Amalfi Coast Offers Breathtaking Views
The Amalfi Coast is one of the most scenic areas of Europe where travelers will instantly notice the pastel-colored cliffside village of Positano. The best way to see all of its beauty is to simply hike through one of Italy's hiking routes along the coast. The views are stunning, dramatic and travelers will see so much more than driving right through it.
13 Goreme Is A Town Literally Carved Into Volcanic Rock
Goreme is a town in the Cappadocia region of Turkey and known for its cave churches, the Uchisar Castle, built into a large rock, and the famous cone-shaped rock formations known as "fairy chimneys," says Travel and Leisure. To really see all of its beauty, it's very popular to take a hot air balloon and see the awe-inspiring topography.
12 Everyone Should Visit The Swiss Alps Once In Their Life
The Swiss Alps is great for summer hiking and perfect for winter activities for the adventurous type. Backpackers can easily find hiking locations that are inexpensive and just as scenic. If you'd rather walk, one of the best places to travel to in Switzerland is Lucerne, where visitors can walk along the waterfront and see the Swiss Alps in the backdrop.
11 Alcazar Castle, Spain Feels Like Stepping Into A Fairytale
One of the most dreamy places in Spain is the Alcazar of Segovia, a stunning castle that was rumored to be the inspiration behind Cinderella's Castle in Disney World. The castle was built on a large rock that resembles the bow of a ship. It's a cool day trip to take so travelers can see other parts of Spain.
10 The Azores Are Portugal's Best Kept Secret
The Azores Islands are part of Portugal that is made up of fascinating green pastures, blue-green lakes, and colorful hydrangeas. The Azores are made up of nine volcanic islands that contain all these stunning features and landscapes, making the area a dream getaway for backpackers.
9 Exploring Mont-Saint Michel Is Unforgettable
The impressive Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey stands tall on a tidal island that is home to only 44 people, including monks and nuns. The area in France is popular among tourists and includes museums, churches, and of course, the medieval monastery that is one of the country's most famous sites.
8 Bosnia And Herzegovina Offer Jaw-Dropping Scenery
Backpackers will most likely find themselves in the main cities of Sarajevo and Mostar to visit historic churches, museums and explore old parts of the city. However, if travelers are looking for more adventure, there are gorgeous areas in the countryside for hikes and scenic views.
7 Liechtenstein's Medieval Castles Are Awe Inspiring
Liechtenstein is a small country but it packs a ton of beautiful landscapes, medieval castles and is definitely an outdoor lover's paradise. Liechtenstein is squished between Switzerland and Austria and is a popular place for skiers and hikers who adore this principality's alpine landscapes.
6 Croatia Is Filled With Hidden Gems
Croatia is overlooked by travelers going to Europe, but it shouldn't because it packs a lot of adventure and excitement. One of the must-see areas is The Dalmatian Coast, a dramatic coastline on the Adriatic Sea with people heading to the beaches, checking out the picturesque town of Omis, and eating delicious Croatian food all in a relaxing atmosphere.
5 Ordesa Offers Some Of The Best Hiking In Europe
Spain's Ordesa National Park and Monte Perdido make up a very popular hiking and climbing region and offer some of the most impressive sights in the world. Backpackers will find themselves among waterfalls, sheer cliffs, and deep canyons. Travelers will find a diverse ecosystem and a variety of flora and fauna.
4 Kotor, Montenegro Is Charming
High mountains, a medieval old town and a stunning coastline along the Adriatic Sea are all found here in Kotor, Montenegro. It is a charming fortified town in this rather new country with a lot to explore. One of the most popular things to do is to walk up the town walls to see all of Kotor's beauty from the top.
3 Athens, Greece Brings You Back To Ancient Times
Traveling to Athens, Greece is a perfect way to feel like you've stepped back in ancient times. Athens was once the most powerful empire in the world and travelers can still see these historic ruins all around the city. Must-see sights include the Acropolis of Athens which is home to the famous Parthenon structure.
2 Rugged Adventures Await In Reykjavik
There are numerous things to do in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, but some of the top activities include visiting the towering Hallgrimskirkja Church, exploring the adorable island of Viðey, and visiting a geothermal beach. Of course, travelers will want to plan their trip around the time to see the spectacular Northern Lights.
1 Saxon Switzerland National Park Is A Stunning Hike
Exploring the Saxon Switzerland National Park in Germany is a must for adventure lovers who want to be close to untouched nature. The park features pools and saunas for relaxation after a long walk, an ancient fortress, and the famous Bastei, a massive rock formation along the Bastei Bridge which visitors can walk along and see views of the park.