Europe - Islands

Landscape of the Theth village in Prokletije and Acursed Mountains in Theth National Park at sunset, Albania

By Matt Nelson 4 months ago

Europe's Long-Distance Cross-Border Trail Lets You Hike Between Albania, Kosovo, And Montenegro

Embark on a long-distance trek through incredible mountain landscape and towering peaks that cross the borders of Albania, Kosovo, and Montenegro.

By Rebecca High 4 months ago

One Of The Best Places To Retire In Italy Is A Breathtaking Medieval Town Right Outside Of Rome

This Italian town is not only filled with historical artifacts, gorgeous architecture, and incredible food, but it's also a fantastic place to retire to.

By Sam Scott 4 months ago

Nestled In The Czech Republic Lies A Picturesque Town Home To One Of Europe's Most Captivating Castles

This gorgeous town in the Czech Republic is one of the best small towns in the country to visit, including its beautiful castle and gigantic park.

Multi-colored crochet canopy stretched over a street Alhaurín de la Torre, Spain

By Atika Shubert 4 months ago

This Coastal Spanish City's Shopping District Is Shaded By An Incredible Colorful Canopy Handmade By Artists

Combat the hot Spanish summer by walking along shaded streets covered by colorful canopies made with recycled material by local artists in a coastal city.

View of beach and whitewashed Peschici buildings on the hillside

By Lucie Grace 4 months ago

Italy's Breathtaking Town Situated On A Cliff Is Famous For Chic Seaside Resorts And Renowned Ocean Views

Kick back with an Aperol spritz and enjoy sparking Adriatic views in this southern Italian city, known for its pristine beaches, seafood, and coastal resorts.

Hiker walking above the Eas a' Chual Aluinn waterfall in Scotland

By Matt A. Claiborne 4 months ago

Scotland's Thundering Coastal Waterfall Is Three Times As Tall As Niagara And A Truly Awe-Inspiring Beauty

Hidden in the Scottish Highlands, this roaring cascade is as impressive as it is remote, rewarding those who dare venture out with breathtaking views.

An aerial view of the 18th-century Forte de Nossa Senhora da Graça, just north of Elvas, Portugal

By Dana Cape 4 months ago

Portugal's 'Queen Of The Border' Is A Grandiose City With Star-Shaped Forts And Free-Flowing Wine

This Portuguese border city boasts impressive star-shaped fortifications, an aqueduct, and a historic center for wandering or relaxing with a glass of wine.

A boat takes two guests through the Venetian lagoon to check-in at the front desk of the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, located on the private island of Isola delle Rose, about 20 minutes from St. Mark's Square in Venice

By Christine Pickering 4 months ago

One Of Italy's Most Elegant Retreats Floats In The Venetian Lagoon With Spas, Pools, And Gardens

Almost out of a fairytale, this elegant, five-star retreat is situated on the Venetian Lagoon. Here's what you need to know about visiting this resort.

Old hillside village of Corippo in Switzerland

By Rene Bennett 4 months ago

Switzerland's Smallest Village Is A Fairytale Hidden In The Alps With Cobbled Streets And Picturesque Charm

Switzerland is known for its beautiful Alpine region, but nestled in these mountains is a charming historic village featuring stone architecture.

Picturesque canal in the center of Malmo, Sweden, with a historic boat

By Amy McMahon 4 months ago

One Of Scandinavia's Most Eclectic Cities Is A Swedish Melting Pot With Seaside Charm And Unmatched Food

One Swedish city stands out for its diverse array of culinary options, stunning seaside scenery, and melting pot of local cultures. Here's what to know!

Monastery of Agios Savvas in Kalymnos, Greece

By Anahid Akkam 4 months ago

This Wildly Underrated Greek Island Is An Affordable Aegean Option With Pristine Seas And Rugged Mountains

The Greek Islands are a paradise of pristine beaches and beautiful hills, but this lesser-known destination in Greece has all that, minus the cost and crowds.

the Ile Saint-Louis on the Seine River in Paris

By Sam Scott 4 months ago

Smack Dab In The Heart Of Paris Is A Wildly Charming Island Brimming With Shops, Monuments, And Treats

Located in the middle of the Seine, this Parisian island is home to incredible architecture, charming shopping, and absolutely amazing French cuisine.

By Richard Milner 4 months ago

Rick Steves Shares The Most Crucial Coffee Etiquette Secrets To Know Before A Trip To France Or Italy

Coffee culture can vary from place to place but tourists from the U.S. should take note of the subtle differences in ordering coffee in France and Italy.

A bridge crosses a river between steep banks in the Greater Côa Valley, Portugal

By Joseph Richard Francis 4 months ago

This Rarely-Visited Portuguese Region Is Known For Its Gorgeous Wild Landscapes And Prehistoric Relics

Head to this lesser-known region in Portugal to discover pristine landscapes, a recuperating wildlife population, and prehistoric art examples.

The walls and buildings in the Italian town of Ortigia surrounded by the sea at sunset

By Kala Barba-Court 4 months ago

Italy's Less-Touristy-Than-Capri Island Is A Getaway With Sun-Bleached Cobbled Streets And Secret Swims

For a less-busy Italian island alternative to the popular Capri, check out a sunny Sicilian getaway with charming cobblestone streets and hidden coves.

Grand Canal in Venice, Italy with gondolas

By Jenna Busch 4 months ago

The Underrated Parts Of Venice Rick Steves Calls The 'Most Intriguing' In The Whole City

If you want to truly experience Venice, Rick Steves suggests looking beyond the touristy areas. Take a look at some best-kept secrets of this beautiful city.

General panorama of the Castelforte community in Italy

By Sam Scott 4 months ago

Situated Between Rome And Naples Is A Secret Italian Town Overflowing With Charm, History, And Wine

Clustered along picturesque limestone slopes, a spellbinding Italian town lies between the Garigliano River and the foothills of the Aurunci Mountains.

A high angle view of the town of Prizren with Sinan Pasha Mosque, the stone bridge over the eponymous river and the snow-capped Sharr Mountains in the distance, seen from the Fortress in southern Kosovo.

By Matt Nelson 4 months ago

Kosovo's Second-Largest City Offers An Under-The-Radar European Getaway With Museums And A Mountain Backdrop

If you're searching for an underrated gem of a place in Europe, look no further than Kosovo's "Little Jerusalem," the second-largest city in the country.

Woman stands on beach overlooking a mountain in Saint Lucia

By Cheryl Kochenderfer 4 months ago

The CDC Has Alerted Travelers To A Growing Health Risk In These Dream Vacation Destinations

Some of the most idyllic tropical destinations now come with one major health risk, according to the CDC. Learn how to stay safe during your next getaway.

Small boats sailing the canals of Giethoorn with a wooden bridge and cottages

By Rene Bennett 4 months ago

The 'Venice Of The Netherlands' Is An Utterly Idyllic, Car-Free Village Close To Amsterdam

Enjoy a peaceful boat ride through quaint streets without any sign of cars at a canal-filled village close to Amsterdam that makes for a perfect day trip.

A view over a town next to Lake Garda's, the buildings and limestone cliff faces behind them reflected in the lake's placid waters

By Dana Cape 4 months ago

Rick Steves Calls This Italian Region In The Alps' Shadows 'Heaven-Sent' For Any Nature Lover

Though Italy is best known for its historical cities, this peaceful escape is the place to go for nature and outdoor activities amid gorgeous scenery.

Tourists flock to piazza patio restaurants in Italy

By Rebecca High 4 months ago

The Secret Way To Tell Whether A Restaurant In Italy Is Authentic Or Tourist-Oriented

Many travelers head to Italy for the food, but if you're not careful, you might end up eating at an inauthentic restaurant made for tourists.

Cheese market in Alkmaar, Netherlands, right outside the Dutch Cheese Museum

By Jenna Busch 4 months ago

Rick Steves Says This Incredibly Mouth-Watering City Is Home To The Netherlands' Best Cheese Museum

Dive into the Netherlands' famous cheese culture with a trip to this Dutch city known for its Rick Steves-approved cheese museum and a weekly cheese market.

Aerial view of red roofs and buildings backed by mountains in Oviedo, Spain

By Dana Cape 4 months ago

This Less Touristy Barcelona Alternative Is A Hidden Gem Of Cider Bars, Scenic Hikes, And Quiet Charm

Ditch the chaos in Barcelona for this city in northern Spain, perfect for cider bar hopping, hiking with epic views, and marveling at medieval architecture.

Aerial view of Telč in southern Czechia, surrounded by canals

By Amy McMahon 4 months ago

South Of Prague Lies A Hidden Fairytale Town With Colorful Streets, Historic Castles, And Scenic Squares

Stroll along scenic fairytale streets lined with colorful buildings and explore a historic castle without crowds on a day trip from the bustling city of Prague.

By Dana Cape 4 months ago

Medieval Architecture And Cobbled Streets Thrive In The Historic Heart Of This Wildly Underrated Spanish City

Medieval architecture stands as strong as it did centuries ago in this underrated Spanish city, which boasts cobbled streets and a charming allure.

Carafe of water and a glass on a restaurant table.

By Richard Milner 4 months ago

Rick Steves Shares Why It's Unusual And Can Even Be Seen As Rude To Order Tap Water In Europe

There's nothing more American than a big glass of ice water. However, Rick Steves shares why tap water isn't always the norm at restaurants in Europe.