Europe - Islands

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 11 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 11 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 11 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 11 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 11 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 11 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 11 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 11 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 11 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 11 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.

By Isabel OToole 11 months ago

Italy's 'Little Tibet' Stuns With Lunar Landscapes, Grazing Sheep, And Cinematic Solitude

Far off the beaten path from Rome or Venice is Italy's Campo Imperatore, otherwise known as Little Tibet because of the profound sense of serenity it engenders.

By Michelle Arellano Martin 11 months ago

This Hip Paris Neighborhood Is Overflowing With Conscious Hotels, Shops, Restaurants, And Bakeries

This underrated, former red light district in Paris is now a vibrant neighborhood with lots of hotels, shops, eateries and hip, creative locals.

People with umbrellas in the rain in Ireland

By Jenna Kelley 11 months ago

Rick Steves Says To Always Pack Rain Gear For These Two European Countries No Matter The Season

Travel expert Rick Steves says he usually skips packing rain gear in the summer, but that rule doesn't apply to these two European countries.

An aerial view of Cazorla, Spain on a sunny day

By Jenna Kelley 11 months ago

One Of Europe's Friendliest Towns Offers Delicious Tapas And Hiking Trails In The Spanish Hills

This beautiful town in Spain is still surprisingly overlooked despite its many accessible hiking trails and plenty of places to eat delicious tapas.

Person cutting into a croque madame at a table with coffee and croissants.

By Amy McMahon 11 months ago

Rick Steves Says This One European Country's Food Is An 'Adventure For Your Taste Buds'

From fresh pasta in Italy to tapas in Spain, Europe has no shortage of great cuisine. But according to Rick Steves, this country is the ultimate culinary treat.

Hikes enjoying the view of Loch Lomond and its islands

By Matt A. Claiborne 11 months ago

Scotland's First National Park Is Home To The Country's Biggest Loch That's Less Crowded Than Loch Ness

Many tourists tend to flock to Loch Ness in Scotland for its famous "monster," yet one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in the country goes overlooked.

Charles Bridge over Vltava river in Prague, Czechia.

By Chantel Loura 11 months ago

Rick Steves Calls This Unique Symbol Of Resistance 'One Of The Most Inspiring Sights In The Czech Republic'

For travelers who enjoy creativity, stop by this unique symbol of resistance in the Czech Republic that is a great example of protest through public art.

Turquoise waters along Sveit Jakov Beach facing Dubrovnik, Croatia

By Richard Milner 11 months ago

One Of Croatia's Most Beautiful Beaches Is A Secret Paradise For An Escape From Dubrovnik's Tourist Crowds

Hide from Dubrovnik’s crowded streets and spend the day basking in Croatia’s sun while enjoying turquoise waters within a rocky cove on a secluded beach.

Vjosa Wild iver National Park mountains in Albania

By Mina Elwell 11 months ago

Europe's First Wild River National Park Free-Flows Through Diverse Ecosystems Offering Endless Water Fun

If you're looking for a breathtaking and truly unique nature experience in Europe, you will love this wild river national park.

A person stands on an overlook with forest and the sea in the distance

By Eric James Beyer 11 months ago

This County In The Heart Of Sweden's South Offers Trails And Scandinavian Charm At A Slower Pace

Sweden’s southern county has plenty of unique Scandinavian towns and pristine landscapes to enjoy while leisurely hiking through the Nordic country.

People crowded outside a typical London gastropub

By Matt A. Claiborne 11 months ago

The Cuisine Long Considered Europe's Worst Is Making An Unexpected Comeback In London

For nose-to-tail dining, puddings, and classic dishes, here's the scoop on this country's best spots and eats that are anything but bland, beige, and boring.

By Sam Scott 11 months ago

Nine Out Of The World's Ten Most Beautiful Cities Are In Europe, According To Science (And Paris Isn't One Of Them)

Nine European destinations make up the top 10 most beautiful citied in the world in recent analysis based on how aesthetically pleasing their architecture is.

A hilltop village of whitewashed buildings on Kea, Greece

By Maja Proescholdt 11 months ago

This Secret Greek Island Is Untouched By Crowds And Full Of Barefoot Luxury, Beaches, And Storybook Views

This pristine Greek island is a true hidden gem and offers serene storybook views, gorgeous Aegean beaches, and a truly luxurious setting to unwind.

White church exteriors and details of Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima

By Felix Gott 11 months ago

Rick Steves' Favorite 'Apparition Site' In Europe Is Also A Tourist-Friendly Place Of Peace

Explore the spiritual and cultural sides of Rick Steves’ favorite apparition site, a powerful destination for pilgrims and curious travelers.

Parisian buildings with a view of Place Vendome.

By Kala Barba-Court 11 months ago

One Of The Best Hotels In The World Is A Chic Paris Gem Tucked Between The Louvre And Luxury Boutiques

A stone's throw from Jardin des Tuileries and surrounded by the best boutiques in Paris hides a new hotel whose exquisite luxury is cradled in comfort.

The Cistercian monastery in Kostanjevica na Krki, Slovenia, with a rainbow

By Rene Bennett 11 months ago

This Central European Road Trip Wraps Seven Fairytale Castles Into One Awe-Inspiring Route

Witness seven fairytale-like castles and Central Europe’s stunning landscape while embarking on an iconic road trip through an underrated country.

By Isabel OToole 11 months ago

This Stretch Of Portugal's Coast Offers An Enchanting Sea Cave And One Of The World's Prettiest Beaches

Portugal's Algarve coast is home to countless natural wonders and stunning landscapes. Discover the Benagil Cave and beach for a unique coastal experience.