Best European Holiday Destinations for 2025

Are you struggling to choose your holiday destination for 2025? Then look no further! This guide recommends the top European destinations for the new year, taking into account a range of experiences to suit every travel style. Whether you’re after a city break, a relaxing beach retreat, a road trip or a cycling adventure (or all of the above!), we’ve got you covered. These holiday destinations are perfect for families, couples, solo travellers and they won’t break the bank. Plus, they are great to visit at any time of year. Read on to discover five of the best European spots to visit in 2025!

Don’t forget, from mid-2025 you need to apply for the ETIAS visa waiver. Read our article here for more information on this.

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Eastern Flanders, Belgium

The Flemish region of Oost-Vlaanderen, or Eastern Flanders, is a Dutch-speaking area in the northern part of Belgium. Despite its modest size, the area is home to numerous cities, including Mechelen, Bruges, Antwerp, Ghent, and Brussels. With 40 miles of sandy beaches gracing its coastline and a perfect mix of history, culture, and culinary delights, Eastern Flanders is a European getaway that truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re travelling with young children, a partner, friends, or exploring solo – whether you're sporty, outdoorsy, adventurous, or simply seeking relaxation in a scenic setting – Eastern Flanders is a fantastic holiday destination for 2025.

Conveniently accessible via a short drive from the port of Calais, Eastern Flanders is perfect for a road trip. Having your own vehicle offers the freedom to explore at your own pace, skip airport lines, and bring everything with you that you want or need. However, you must be mindful of Belgium's Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in Antwerp, Ghent, and Brussels. Make sure your vehicle complies with the emission standards and check the latest regulations. If driving to Belgium is not an option for you, why not rent a car upon arrival?

Eastern Flanders offers more than road trips, the area also features beautiful countryside with rolling fields, serene canals, and charming villages. Its compact size and the scenic Flemish Ardennes make it perfect for cycling enthusiasts, so be sure to bring your bikes! The region has nine distinctive cycling routes (use fietsnet.be to plan them) that meander through parks, nature reserves and along the Durme and Schelde rivers. Why not also take a ferry ride to enjoy panoramic views and taste local specialities like eel at the waterfront eateries. If you’re a fan of beer, Plan Bier’s 12 cycling routes and 9 walking trails, offered by Tourism East Flanders, lead to over 200 regional beer cafes and breweries, ideal for sampling local brews whilst taking in the views of Flemish countryside.

In addition to cycling and road trips, we highly recommend exploring Eastern Flanders by train, particularly with the NMBS railway company. Bikes are welcome on board, making train travel a convenient option. To make the most of this, check out the BikeOnTrain travel planner, which will help you find the most bike-friendly trains, including those with lowered steps or dedicated bike carriages.

Eastern Flanders is steeped in history and cultural heritage and boasts a wealth of medieval buildings, impressive churches, and traditional Flemish architecture. Dive into the local culture by attending one of the many festivals held throughout the year, including medieval reenactments, local markets, and music events. Its blend of natural beauty, historic castles, and picturesque rural landscapes demonstrates how Eastern Flanders offers a wealth of experiences.

Alongside history lovers, the region is also a paradise for food enthusiasts as it is celebrated for its rich culinary culture. For those eager to indulge in Flemish cuisine be sure to try its famous beer, fries and, of course, Belgian chocolate. If you are keen to savour more traditional dishes then don’t miss out on hearty stews, local cheeses, and fresh pastries.

Don’t Forget!

• To rent a vespa in Beveren! This is another fun and exciting way to see a new place.
• To discover one of the beaches. Make sure to save a day or two at the end of your trip to do some much deserved relaxing by the coast.
• To pick some flowers. Explore Rijk Bos Bloemen, an organic flower farm where you can pick your own blooms but make sure to book in advance as it can get busy.
• To visit the Museum of Oudenaarde. It highlights the area’s local art and historical significance. Oudenaarde itself is renowned for its role in the eponymous battle in 1708 as well as its stunning Gothic town hall which is a must-visit.

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Gozo, Malta

Gozo is part of the Maltese archipelago in the centre of the Mediterranean. Only 37,000 people call Gozo home, and it is only eight miles long and four miles wide, so rather than recommending one place, we suggest visiting the whole island! Gozo is the perfect summer holiday destination for everyone; it has plenty of museums, churches (46 to be precise), hikes as well as long stretches of beach for those who prefer a slower pace of life on holiday. While Gozo is significantly more tranquil than its bustling neighbour Malta, you'll need to fly into Malta first and then take a ferry to reach Gozo, as the island doesn’t have its own airport.

Lots of people have found Gozo to be charming and it has been used multiple times as a filming location. The azure window, a limestone arch that has sadly now fallen, appeared in Game of Thrones; the island also portrayed Morocco in the 1979 film adaptation of Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited. Gozo also has mythical connections as according to Homer, Calypso prevented Odysseus from returning to Ithaca by enslaving him here for seven years. The name ‘Gozo’ is Maltese for ‘belonging to the giants’ as it is believed that the structures of Gozo were built by mythical beings. Why not rent a car and explore the ethereal Gozo in 2025? Take care when driving as locals drive fast, and there are only five sets of traffic lights!

When you are there, definitely visit Gozo’s capital, Rabat. The snaking cobbled streets of Rabat, renamed Victoria although it didn’t catch on, are home to most of the island’s restaurants, shops and markets. The Citadella stands out as Gozo’s major landmark and is visible from all over the island. It has been a centre of activity since Neolithic times and was made the administrative hub by the Romans. If you decide to visit, you will get a real feel for Gozitan architecture as the acropolis fortress consists of the cathedral dedicated to Santa Marija, old prisons, law courts, the Bishop’s Palace as well as craft shops and museums – and another labyrinth of cobbled streets.

From the citadel, head 6km west to where the Azure Window used to be. The remaining rock formations are just as beautiful and is worth the short journey. You can swim in the inland sea or dive into the Blue Hole, a natural limestone cave. This area is amazing for hiking and has some beautiful sunsets.

You should also visit Port Mgarr which is a small, yet delightful port filled with restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels and car hire offices. Make sure to go to the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel which is on a hill overlooking the Mgarr harbour. Soak in the view of the fishing boats dotted around that supply the island with its fish.

Another must-see is Ramala Bay which is said to be Homer’s cave of Ogygia. This is the longest sandy beach in Gozo and is famous for its red sand washed by the turquoise sea. Instead of heading straight down to the beach, visit Calypso’s Cave to enjoy the bay at its fullest.

For more beaches, we recommend taking a 10-minute boat trip to reach Comino, or the Blue Lagoon. You can get the boat from the Marfa Bay harbour to see the breathtaking island.

Of course, summer sees Gozo reach its highest temperatures. It is also at its busiest but that is not to say that it will lose its allure. However, if you can, why not consider going in spring when it is cool enough for walking and sightseeing whilst also being warm enough for swimming and sunbathing.

Don’t Forget!

• To pack your goggles. Whether you prefer snorkelling or deep-sea diving you don’t want to miss out on seeing the creatures that live in the captivating Maltese sea.
• To attend a village festa. During the summer season there is a festa day nearly every weekend. Check to see if any align with your stay.
• To try some Gozitan food. Famous dishes include Fenkata, Bebbux and Maltese Pastizzi. The first settlers sailed in from Sicily and this influence has remained which means that the food of Gozo is distinctly Italian.
• To bring your bike or hire a quad bike. Bikes are an excellent way of seeing a place so why not explore Gozo on wheels rather than on foot?
• To bring your camera. Gozo has some beautiful coastlines, see below some photos my family took when we visited!

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The Dolomites, Italy

Often overlooked in favour of Italy’s more famous cities and attractions, the Italian Dolomite Mountains boast diversity, natural beauty and a spectacular view whenever you visit. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009, this lush expanse is tucked away in the northeastern corner of Italy and provides breathtaking views, glittering alpine lakes, and towering mountain peaks.

There is something for everyone at the Dolomites and is the perfect destination for skiers, hikers, photographers, cyclists and avid road trippers. Whatever your preferred method of taking in glorious sights, the Dolomites is about cultivating your own adventure.

Hiring a car is the easiest way to get around but as there is no designated Dolomites airport or station you need to research the best way to get there. Of course, wherever you choose to hire a car from should be what’s most convenient for you but most people take public transport to Bolzano and hire cars from there. The region isn’t that big, you could drive north to south or east to west in four hours, so it doesn’t matter too much! The best airports to land into in Italy if you want to head for the Dolomites would be Verona (1h45min away), Venice Marco Polo (2h away) and Milan Malpensa (2h40min away).

The roads offer a new jaw-dropping view on every corner, though be aware that if you travel in peak summer, you are likely to find yourself sitting in traffic. As the Dolomites look fantastic in every season why not visit in mid-October to see the landscape in all its vibrant autumnal glory.

Here are some regions we recommend basing yourself in:

Val Gardena

Alpe Di Siusi

Val Di Funes

Alta Badia

Tre Crime Di Lavaredo

Although most people associate the Dolomites with hiking, there are so many other activities available. You could give tandem paragliding a go, or if that sounds too daring for you, you could take a helicopter tour.

Cycling tours are another great option. The Dolomites offers demanding and challenging bike tours making it a fantastic destination for keen cyclists. Either bring your own bike or hire one from the multitude of shops in the region. The terrain is challenging as it is far from flat but push hard up the climbs and you can revel in the thrill of the descent and be rewarded with incredible sweeping landscapes. If this sounds intimidating, consider hiring an e-bike. There are lots of great cycling routes of various difficulties but an introduction to cycling in the Dolomites means riding the Sella Ronda – a breathtaking circular route.

Don’t Forget!

• Your camera. It is difficult to take a bad photo in the Dolomites and the landscape is inspiration enough.
• To indulge in local cuisine. It’s a great place for foodies as there are so many restaurants with Michelin stars. This means you get to try some of the best Italian food around as well as having some that’s influenced by its Austrian heritage. Wine sampling tours are also available in this region.
• To immerse yourself in the culture. Visit beautiful churches, local markets and attend local festivals and events.
• To take care of yourself. The Dolomites has a big wellness scene and is keen on bettering physical and mental health. There are spa treatments, swimming pools, yoga classes, gyms, saunas and plenty more!

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Kotor, Montenegro

Montenegro is the pearl of the Adriatic coast that Lord Byron discovered when he spent a year travelling around the Ottoman Empire. In Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage, Byron described the Montenegrin coastline as ‘the most beautiful encounter between land and sea’. Fast forward from the 18th century to the 1960s and the country was popular with the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Orson Welles. It fell out of popularity but is now a fast-growing tourist destination due to its dazzling surplus of beaches and old harbour towns. Why not follow in the footsteps of these celebrities and experience the coastline of this Balkan country for yourself in 2025? Visit Montenegro’s hidden gem, the Bay of Kotor and we have a feeling you will agree with Byron.

Kotor has a picturesque landscape with imposing mountains and a large expanse of azure still water. The old town is a labyrinth of winding cobbled streets lined with small shops and sits within the walls fortified by bastions. It is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the region so definitely take your time to wander the narrow streets.

You will also find an array of shops, bars, churches, cathedrals and restaurants. Due to the fjord-like nature of the bay, Kotor has a waterway that attracts premium seafood. You should certainly sample grilled octopus and squid-ink risotto, two of Kotor’s well-known seafood delicacies.

For the best views of the ancient town, hike to the Castle of San Giovanni. It promises to be the best viewpoint year-round and allows you to see way above the old town. Consider reaching the summit in time to watch the sunrise or sunset to see the panoramic view of the bay and the surrounding mountain tops in a dreamy pink light. If you are an avid hiker, and plan to hire a car, take a trip to Lovcen National Park which is a 20-minute drive away. This black mountain is what gives the country its name and is home to brown bears, wolves and over 85 species of butterflies.

Kotor also has fantastic cycling routes for those who prefer bikes to hikes. There are routes for every fitness level so you will be able to find something suitable for you, whether you crave a challenge with huge elevation or want something more leisurely to do with your family. Have a look at sites such as Bikemap and Komoot for specific routes.

Since July and August are the busiest months and when cruise ships infringe on the town, we advise visiting Kotor in the early summer months of May and June so you can appreciate the landscape in peace.

Don’t Forget!

• To visit the churches and cathedrals. Kotor is home to a lot of old churches and cathedrals including the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon, St. Nicola Church (this one has beautiful frescos and a spectacular cupola ceiling) and the famous Our Lady of Health Church, one of Kotor’s oldest churches built in 1484.
• To walk the city walls. One of the most iconic experiences in Kotor is walking on the city walls which stretch for 5km.
• Do a boat tour. Boat tours are an excellent way to see the views of the bay and its islands. You can book these on the day on the waterfront.
• Relax on the beach. After lots of exploring take time to enjoy the glittering, clear water. Kotor has many beaches to choose from and they are all pebbly, so you won’t get sand everywhere. There are also lots of restaurants lining the seafront to visit.

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Bergen, Norway

Northern Europe has certainly grown popular in recent years, and we can see why. Ranked the seventh happiest country in the world, Norway is home to resounding natural beauty – the northern lights and fjords are the country’s most beloved attractions. Most envision Norway as it is in winter, blanketed in snow, but you should consider visiting in other seasons; autumn offers brilliant colours, spring gives a refreshing wind, and with summer comes rich foliage. Within Norway, we recommend you visit the second-biggest city on the country’s southwestern coast – Bergen. Bergen is the city between seven mountains and is known as the ‘heart of the fjords’. Whether you're traveling solo and taking advantage of Norway being one of the safest countries in the world, or you plan to enjoy a trip with family or friends, there is something for you in Bergen.

If you are flying into Oslo, we suggest taking the train to get to Bergen. It takes seven hours and has been voted one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys. The journey provides a different experience depending on the season you travel, and passes through some fantastic landscapes. A highlight includes the highest point on the railway, Finse, where several scenes from the second Star Wars film, The Empire Strikes Back, were shot.

Once you reach Bergen, pick up a rental car and drive around some of the fjords. Bergen is perfectly located between the two largest fjords in Norway, the Hardangerfjord and the Sognefjord, the country’s longest and deepest fjord. Another way to see the beauty of the fjords is to join the Norway in a Nutshell tour where you will be taken through Norway’s UNESCO-protected scenery.

Another must-visit is the historic harbour Bryggen. This old wharf was once the centre of the medieval trading empire the Hanseatic League and is home to the colourful wooden houses. If you enjoy learning about history, then a visit to the Hanseatic Museum is another must.

Another great museum to visit is Troldhuagen, home of Norwegian composer and pianist Edvard Grieg (1843-1907). Whether you enjoy classical music or not, the house is a beautiful place for a walk and has wonderfully tranquil gardens. It’s also a chance to peek inside a lavish house! Hint: museums are good to add to your itinerary as Bergen (proudly) is renowned for its 200 or more days of rain a year. Just remember this when you’re packing!

You should also take the six-minute Fløibanen Funicular from the city centre to the top of Mount Fløyen. At 320 metres above sea level, Fløyen provides amazing panoramic vistas of the city and the surrounding fjords. At the top there is a playground for children as well as trails excellent for hiking fans.

Don’t Forget!

• Your raincoat. Even though it can go as high as 27°C in the summer, you should be ready for Norway's excessive rainfall!
• Your bike. You can explore more of Bergen in less time by cycling, whether you bring your own or rent one. There are lots of trails and routes but one we suggest is cycling through the city centre and outwards towards Troldhaugen.
• Your camera. Bergen and its surrounds are beautiful; you should definitely pack a camera and capture some pictures to reminisce on.
• To sample local cuisine. Bergen is recognised as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and has numerous internationally famous restaurants. Visit the fish market as well, as seafood has long been a staple of the city's culinary traditions. Why not try some traditional Bergen fish soup whilst you’re there?

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We hope this list of destinations has sparked some inspiration for your trips in 2025. If you’re bringing your bike, camera, or car, consider securing their safety with our insurance today! We also offer single trip European breakdown cover if you plan to rent a vehicle on your next European adventure. With our insurance, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing your equipment is fully protected. We hope you all have amazing holidays in 2025!