If you’re plotting iconic Europe trips for 2026, congratulations!!! You’ve picked a year when festivals, restored rail routes, expanded flight connections, and long-promised cultural reopenings will make classic itineraries easier and richer. Whether you plan on going to multiple locations, or just taking one trip, your options may appear endless.
Just imagine: there are bucket-list musts you can see, seasonal wonders, island escapes, and even the possibility of experiencing road-trip freedom! With such variety at your fingertips, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go. So, we’e chosen 16 trips across the continent to help you decide! These 16 locations and ideas offer insight as to why this is they year to go! Good luck, happy reading, and safe travels!
16 ICONIC Europe Trips to Take in 2026
1. Positano & The Amalfi Coast
This is the one trip that becomes a real life postcard! And it keeps giving! Positano remains a constant dream for costal travelers. Between the steep pastel houses, lemon trees, and boat days, this continues to be on the top recommended places of travel for 2026. Most recommend going in spring or early autumn for better weather and fewer crowds, however.
When here, take a boat to Capri or swim in the waters from hidden cove to hidden cove. Enjoy a burrata by the sea for me, and walk (carefully) the Path of the Gods for jaw-dropping views. And don’t forget to hop on a ferry to Amalfi and Ravello! Remember, though, that Positano is known for being very busy in addition to being very pretty. If you’re looking for smaller crowds but similar views, stay in Praiano or Atrani. And check our or recommendations about Positano to help plan when there!
2. Ireland Road Trip
If you want to experience the wild Atlantic way through the Ring of Kerry, we suggest leaning into self-drive bliss mode and taking a road trip. Road tripping in Ireland has never been more accessible and will continue to be in 2026. There are now better mapped driving routes, more conscious B&Bs, and the idea of exploring at your own pace sounds like a dream.
When here, drive the Ring of Kerry, stop at Dingle for live trad music, walk along the Cliffs, or even take a detour to the Skellig Islands (boat permitting of course!). Enjoy small towns and their local fish and chips, or even their brown soda bread. Just remember, in Ireland, weather changes fast. Pack layers and plan extra time for single-lane roads and photo stops!
3. Madeira
If you’re traveling in winter and looking for consistent mildness, check our the islands and levadas of Madeira! Madeira continues to be a favorite for travelers seeking winter-sun. And, better yet, it doesn’t require long flights! When here, guests love exploring the natural beauty and botanical wonders. It is, without a double, an excellent alternative to crowded Mediterranean resorts.
If you visit, we recommend going to hike levadas, ride the Monte cable car, sip Madeira wine, take a boat trip for dolphins and whales, and even explore Funchal’s markets. Our only tip? Pack accordingly! If you’re spending time outdoors, hiking, then know that the trails can be narrow and good shoes are recommended. Also.. don’t forget that those trails get tall! If you’re scare of heights, you may want to consider other activities: good thing there are many more options!
4. Classic Christmas Market Trip (Strasbourg, Nuremberg, Prague, & Beyond!)
Christmas markets are back in full swing and making a splash! With these full-traditions revamped after 2020, and bringing more people in each year, many cities are spotlighting refreshed events for the 2026 year. This includes Strasbourg, Nuremberg, and Prague! These markets and cities are prefect for a festive atmosphere for the winter season and feature tons of things you don’t want to miss.
Just imagine drinking mulled wine while exploring stands that offer handcrafted gifts. Purchase unforgettable ornaments made by locals, and enjoy evening lights along cobblestone streets. Market hopping is a huge trend and allows you to explore multiple towns and get the best of both worlds. Just remember to always book early for December: accommodations fill quickly due to it being a popular destination!
5. Iceland’s Ring Road
What better option for a 2026 destination than Iceland? Just imagine the epic landscapes and accessible adventure. In 2026, Iceland is offering a huge increase in accommodations options and even more sustainable tour choices. From the opportunity to drive Iceland’s Ring Road for glaciers, waterfalls and lava fields, to chasing the aurora, Iceland will never offer a dull moment.
We suggest visiting the Golden Circle, and soaking in some hot springs. Maybe even consider exploring Vatnajokull glacial lagoons and taking a glacier hike or two! And if it’s in season, make sure to go see live puffins! Do remember that road conditions may very by season, so driving, and even hiking and exploring may be limited depending when you visit in 2026. Check local road reports and be safe!
6. Greek Islands: Santorini and Naxos
Greece keeps appearing on every “must see” travel guide, so why not add it to your iconic places to visit for 2026? Island travel keeps growing and diversifying. After years of everyone visiting Santorini and Tinos, 2026 is now the prime time to balance popular iconic views with quieter, lesser known islands. We’re thinking Naxos and Amorgos!
During summer, this slower travel is highly recommended, as the smaller crowds and softer islands may have you feeling more relaxed. When here, hop on a ferry, eat some yummy, grilled seafood, watch sunsets in Oia, or even rent a scooter in Naxos to go explore some hidden beaches! Just remember, when visiting, ferries can be delayed, so leaving days (YES! DAYS!) for buffers between connections is important! Here are other tips for your visit to Greece too!
7. Croatia’s Dalmation Coast
Croatia continues to invest in sustainable tourism, and with its recent increase of ferry connectivity, it has become so easy to island-hop in comfort. So why wouldn’t we add Dubrovnik, Hvar and island hopping in general as an iconic Europe trips to take in 2026? Here you can witness how historical cities combine with crystal waters for a summer palette.
When here, make sure to walk Dubrovnik’s walls, set sail between the islands, swim from rocky cove to rocky cove, and even sample yummy olive oils and local grilled fish! Do note that Dubrovnik can be busy during summer, however. If you visit earlier or later in the season you can avoid the larger crowds!
8. Swiss Alps (By Train!)
Train travel has steadily become a more popular mode of travel throughout the years. Especially in Switzerland! When here, the Glacier express can offer scenic views or Jungfrau and takes you to alpine walks with ease. When on a train, you can experience first hand a timelessness to seeing peaks and valleys without having to drive yourself!
And better yet? The luxe rail trip is conscious too! When riding the Glacier express, you can also stop and hike alpine trails, visit famous mountain-top restaurants, and lounge lakeside in places like Lucerne. Just make sure to book your panoramic train seats early since they fill quickly! And carry some extra layers for those altitude shifts.
9. Scottish Highlands
Scotland has continue to invest in regional travel, especially in attempt to make its wild landscapes more accessible for people come and explore. The highlands and islands feature a moody, dramatic escape, which is great for hiking, whisky trials, and even island hopping in the lesser-known archipelagos.
When here, we recommend driving through Glencoe, or even visiting the Isle of Skye to look for Fairy Pools! Sample single malts on Islay, or even chase sunsets on Outer Hebrides beaches. The moody weather does match the moody landscapes, though. So plan flexible days and cosy stops! And for more tips on Scotland visits, check out our article here!
10. Barcelona + Basque Country
If you want 2026 to be full of food and color, visit Barcelona, San Sebastian, and Bilbao and you will satisfy your desire! Here, urban culture thrives. The Barcelona architecture continues to stun, and Bilbao’s museums thrive. And don’t forget Basque pintxos too! Spain is just a must see!
Tour Gaudi sites when here, or stroll the Barri Gotic. Always eat pintxos in San Sebastian when you can, and make sure you can visit the Guggenheim in Bilbao. It is important to remember, though, that summer is hot. Spring and Autumn tend to be sweeter for walking and eating.
11. Lisbon & The Algarve
2026 can be full of costal charms and pastel-hued streets! Just look no further than Portugal. Portugal remains a go-to for consistent good weather and compelling city life. Lisbon, in particular, offers neighborhood scenes and quick access to the Algarve’s beaches. This makes it an easy mix-city/coast trip that is terrific for any season of travel.
When here, take a tram ride into Alfama or even sign up for a surf lesson in the Algarve. Drink sunset drinks in seaside Lagos, and just relax! Do remember, though, that summer crowds are larger in Algarve towns. The shoulder months will offer quieter beaches, if that matters to you during your iconic trip!
12. Prague
Central Europe is full of medieval towns that are photogenic and you do NOT want to miss them! Prague in general is well-known for their architecture, and when you add day trips to smaller, storybook places nearby, this becomes an ideal trip for 2026. It allows travel with culture without complication! (We really love Cesky Krumlov!)
When here, wander through Old Town and cross Charles Bridge at dawn. Hit up local cafes for food and take a riverboat in Cesky Krumlov. As a visitor, sunrise is the magic hour: not only is it beautiful as things are slowly waking and opening, but you can avoid the tourist surge too! Here are more tips to consider when visiting Prague!
13. Budapest (Featuring a Danbue Cruise!)
Budapest is well know for its thermal baths, and when you factor that in with the idea that you can also experience Danube’s gentle cruises in 2026, you’ll realize why this is a must, iconic visit! These options pull in visitors from everywhere. With more options and variety coming in the 2026 cruises, you can take boutique and classic lines if you wish.
When visiting, relax in the Szechenyi Baths, walk the Chain Bridge, explore dinner options and ruin bars. Channel history and culture! Do note, however, that if you visit in the summer season, there are tons of festivals being offered. These may be fun to explore, but crowds do get big! And if you decide to book thermal spas, book far in advance!
14. Venice and the Dolomites
What is more prefect than romantic, rugged peaks? Classic Venice with the Dolomites? This is a contrast-filled trip that is perfect for 2026. I mean, what is better than experiencing true culture and activity? Hike and cycle during the summer, or ski during the winter.
Then hop in a Gondola or a water bus, or wake up early to see dawn rise on St. Marks. Take a train north for ferrata routes, alpine lakes, and mountain hunts too. While Venice is always busy, early mornings will help it feel calm and blissful compared to midday exploring. Wander and then hop on the train to go explore elsewhere!
15. Slovenia & Lake Bled
Slovenia is a popular destination of 2026 since people have begun to realize that there are tons of accessible outdoor adventures, green tourism initiatives and compact geography. This is ideal for friends who want photogenic spots without long travel days or transfers.
When visiting, I recommend rowing to Bled island in particular! I promise this is worth the trip alone. Also, hike Triglav, visit Ljubljana’s street cafes and markets, or even explore the Skocjan caves. Again, I really recommend Lake Bled. It is stunning! But don’t forget to also explore the nearby valleys to escape the tourist loop there.
16. Andalusia Road Trip: Featuring Seville, Granada & Cordoba
Culture festivals and heritage sites keep Andalusia a must-see! Now, in 2026 there are more festivals and re-opened or re-vamped sites that many want to explore. The emotionally rich, sunny escape here is ideal, especially when mixing in classic flamenco, Moorish architecture, and delicious tapas.
I always say guests must see the Alhambra at dusk and wander Seville’s patios. You’ll find yourself marveling at Cordoba’s Mequita, and get used to eating late in the night to enjoy local cuisine that is beyond anything tastebuds can imagine. Do note that the summer heat is very intense though, so unless you want to sweat, spring and autumn are ideal for travel time.
Planning Tips for Your Iconic Europe Trips for 2026
No matter where you decide to go, your 2026 trip (or trips!) are going to be incredible! But, to ensure it goes smoothly, here are some planning tips for you:
- Book early for niche dates: Christmas markets, festival weekends, and panoramic train windows sell out fast! Book early and quickly
- Mix slow and fast: Try a short city stay and then relax on an island or in the countryside for balance. Contrast is key to not burn out or get bored!
- Pack Layers: Europe’s microclimates mean you might be beachy one day, but layering up the next, no matter where you are.
- Consider Trains: I love a good train ride, so I may be biased, but for many itineraries (consider Swiss Alps, Venice-to-Dolomites, and Baltic hops) trains are more scenic and lower-stress than flights.
- Embrace Shoulder Season(s): April-June and September-October are the sweets months for weather, crowds, and prices.
16 ICONIC Europe Trips to Take in 2026: Final Thoughts
These iconic Europe trips for 2026 cover a range of travel moods. You can see cinematic coastlines, explore winter markets, drive by glacier-swept roads, or relax on slow island days. Pick an itinerary or trip that matches what you are feeling and what you desire. We promise you can’t go wrong!
Remember, travel isn’t about tickling boxes. It’s about finding places that make your heart speed up, slow down, or sigh. Go explore the lemon-scented cliffs of Positano, or road-trip the ragged road’s of Western Ireland. Favor the unexpected that comes with travel, notice the small details and bring back a small souvenir to remember an iconic moment of 2026. And here is a bucket list for Europe if you need more suggestions!
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