Top 10 Countries to Visit in Southern Europe

Southern Europe beckons travelers with its sun-drenched coastlines, ancient historical sites, and mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine. This captivating region offers an irresistible blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and warm hospitality that keeps visitors returning year after year. From the romantic canals of Venice to the whitewashed villages of Santorini, Southern Europe promises unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler.

Whether you're drawn to architectural wonders, pristine beaches, or culinary adventures, these top 10 countries to visit in Southern Europe will inspire your next Mediterranean getaway. Each destination offers its own unique charm and unforgettable experiences that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.

1. Italy

Italy stands as the crown jewel of Southern Europe, captivating visitors with its unparalleled artistic heritage, mouthwatering cuisine, and stunning landscapes. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the Renaissance masterpieces of Florence, Italy's cultural treasures span millennia. The country's diverse regions offer everything from alpine scenery in the north to Mediterranean beaches in the south.

Must-Visit Attractions:

• The Colosseum and Roman Forum in Rome
• Venice's Grand Canal and St. Mark's Square
• The Amalfi Coast's dramatic cliffside villages
• Florence's Uffizi Gallery and Duomo

Travel Tip: Visit during spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) to avoid the summer crowds while still enjoying pleasant weather. Don't miss trying authentic regional specialties like Neapolitan pizza, Venetian cicchetti, or Sicilian cannoli.

Ready to Experience Italy?

Discover the magic of Italian culture, cuisine, and landscapes with a customized Italian adventure.

Plan Your Italian Journey

2. Greece

Greece offers a perfect blend of ancient history, stunning island landscapes, and vibrant Mediterranean culture. As the birthplace of democracy and Western philosophy, Greece's historical significance is matched only by its natural beauty. The country boasts over 6,000 islands and islets, each with its own distinct character and charm.

Must-Visit Attractions:

• The Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens
• Santorini's caldera views and sunset spots
• The ancient ruins of Delphi
• Mykonos' beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife

Travel Tip: The best time to visit Greece is during the shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October) when the weather is warm but not scorching, and tourist crowds are thinner. Try traditional Greek dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and fresh seafood.

Discover Greek Paradise

From ancient wonders to idyllic islands, Greece offers unforgettable experiences for every traveler.

Explore Greece Packages

3. Spain

Spain enchants visitors with its passionate culture, diverse landscapes, and architectural marvels. From the sun-drenched beaches of the Costa del Sol to the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada, Spain's geography is as varied as its cultural offerings. The country's rich history has left behind an impressive legacy of Roman ruins, Moorish palaces, and Gothic cathedrals.

Must-Visit Attractions:

• Barcelona's Sagrada Familia and Park Güell
• The Alhambra Palace in Granada
• Madrid's Prado Museum and Royal Palace
• Seville's Alcázar and Cathedral

Travel Tip: Visit Spain in spring (April-June) or fall (September-October) for ideal weather conditions. Don't miss authentic Spanish experiences like tapas crawls, flamenco shows, and afternoon siestas.

Experience Spanish Passion

From flamenco to fiestas, Spain offers a vibrant cultural experience unlike any other.

Plan Your Spanish Adventure

4. Portugal

Portugal charms visitors with its golden beaches, historic cities, and warm hospitality. This compact country packs an incredible variety of experiences, from the vineyard-covered hills of the Douro Valley to the dramatic Atlantic coastline. Portugal's rich maritime history, delicious cuisine, and affordable prices make it an increasingly popular destination.

Must-Visit Attractions:

• Lisbon's historic Alfama district and São Jorge Castle
• Porto's riverside Ribeira district and port wine cellars
• The fairytale palaces of Sintra
• The stunning beaches and sea caves of the Algarve

Travel Tip: Portugal enjoys a mild climate year-round, but May, June, September, and October offer the best combination of pleasant weather and fewer tourists. Don't miss trying pastéis de nata (custard tarts) and fresh seafood.

Discover Portugal's Charm

From historic cities to stunning coastlines, Portugal offers authentic experiences at affordable prices.

Explore Portugal Options

5. Croatia

Croatia has emerged as one of Southern Europe's most captivating destinations, with its crystal-clear waters, historic walled cities, and stunning natural landscapes. The country's Adriatic coastline stretches for over 1,100 miles and includes more than 1,200 islands. Croatia's rich history has left behind impressive Roman ruins, medieval towns, and Venetian palaces.

Must-Visit Attractions:

• Dubrovnik's perfectly preserved medieval walls
• Split's Diocletian's Palace and historic center
• The stunning waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park
• The beautiful islands of Hvar and Korčula

Travel Tip: Visit Croatia in May-June or September-October to enjoy warm weather without the summer crowds. The country is known for its excellent seafood, truffles, and wines – don't miss trying local specialties.

Experience Croatia's Beauty

From ancient walled cities to pristine island beaches, Croatia offers unforgettable Mediterranean experiences.

Plan Your Croatian Getaway

6. Malta

Malta may be one of Europe's smallest countries, but it offers an incredible density of historic sites, beautiful beaches, and cultural experiences. This island nation boasts 7,000 years of history, with influences from the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Knights of St. John, and British. Malta's strategic location in the Mediterranean has made it a crossroads of civilizations.

Must-Visit Attractions:

• Valletta's grand harbor and St. John's Co-Cathedral
• The ancient megalithic temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra
• The medieval walled city of Mdina
• The crystal-clear waters of the Blue Lagoon on Comino

Travel Tip: Malta enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. April-June and September-October offer pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Try local specialties like rabbit stew, pastizzi pastries, and fresh seafood.

Discover Malta's Treasures

Experience 7,000 years of history and Mediterranean beauty on this compact island nation.

Explore Malta Packages

7. Cyprus

Cyprus offers a compelling mix of stunning beaches, ancient ruins, and mountain villages. This island nation at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa has a rich and complex history spanning 10,000 years. The island is divided between the Greek Cypriot south and Turkish Cypriot north, each offering distinct cultural experiences.

Must-Visit Attractions:

• The ancient ruins of Kourion overlooking the Mediterranean
• The beautiful beaches of Ayia Napa and Protaras
• The Troodos Mountains with their painted Byzantine churches
• The divided capital city of Nicosia/Lefkosia

Travel Tip: Cyprus enjoys one of the warmest climates in the Mediterranean with hot summers and mild winters. May-June and September-October offer ideal conditions. Don't miss trying meze, a selection of small dishes perfect for sampling local cuisine.

Experience Cyprus Magic

From ancient ruins to pristine beaches, Cyprus offers a perfect Mediterranean escape.

Plan Your Cyprus Adventure

8. Montenegro

Montenegro packs incredible diversity into its small territory, from dramatic mountain landscapes to pristine Adriatic beaches. Often described as "the pearl of the Mediterranean," this emerging destination offers visitors unspoiled natural beauty, historic coastal towns, and a fraction of the crowds found in neighboring countries.

Must-Visit Attractions:

• The stunning Bay of Kotor and its medieval towns
• Durmitor National Park with its dramatic peaks and canyons
• The historic royal capital of Cetinje
• The beautiful beaches of Budva Riviera

Travel Tip: The best time to visit Montenegro is May-June or September-October when the weather is pleasant but tourist numbers are lower. Don't miss trying local specialties like njeguški pršut (prosciutto) and fresh seafood from the Adriatic.

Discover Montenegro's Beauty

Experience the "pearl of the Mediterranean" with its stunning landscapes and historic towns.

Explore Montenegro Options

9. Slovenia

Slovenia offers a perfect blend of Alpine scenery, Mediterranean coastline, and charming historic towns. This small but diverse country is known for its sustainable tourism approach and outdoor activities. Despite being one of Europe's smallest countries, Slovenia boasts incredible natural diversity, from mountains and lakes to caves and coastline.

Must-Visit Attractions:

• The picturesque Lake Bled with its island church
• Ljubljana's charming old town and riverside cafes
• The spectacular Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle
• The Soča Valley with its emerald river and outdoor activities

Travel Tip: Slovenia is enjoyable year-round, but May-September offers the best weather for outdoor activities. The country is known for its excellent wines and farm-to-table cuisine – don't miss trying local specialties.

Experience Slovenia's Charm

Discover Europe's green gem with its stunning lakes, mountains, and sustainable tourism approach.

Plan Your Slovenian Journey

10. North Macedonia

North Macedonia remains one of Southern Europe's best-kept secrets, offering authentic cultural experiences without the crowds. This landlocked country boasts stunning mountain scenery, ancient ruins, and a fascinating blend of Balkan, Mediterranean, and Ottoman influences. North Macedonia's rich history has left behind impressive archaeological sites and beautifully preserved old towns.

Must-Visit Attractions:

• The stunning Lake Ohrid and its historic town
• Skopje's eclectic mix of ancient, Ottoman, and contemporary architecture
• The ancient ruins of Heraclea Lyncestis
• Mavrovo National Park with its mountains and traditional villages

Travel Tip: The best time to visit North Macedonia is May-September when the weather is warm and ideal for exploring. Don't miss trying local specialties like tavče gravče (baked beans), ajvar (red pepper spread), and rakija (fruit brandy).

Discover North Macedonia

Experience one of Southern Europe's hidden gems with authentic cultural experiences and stunning landscapes.

Explore North Macedonia

Ready to Explore Southern Europe?

Southern Europe offers an incredible diversity of experiences, from the sun-drenched beaches of Greece and Spain to the alpine landscapes of Slovenia and the historic cities of Italy. Each country in this enchanting region has its own unique character, cuisine, and cultural treasures waiting to be discovered.

Whether you're drawn to ancient ruins, Mediterranean beaches, mountain scenery, or culinary adventures, the top 10 countries to visit in Southern Europe provide endless opportunities for unforgettable travel experiences. The region's rich history, stunning natural beauty, and warm hospitality make it a perfect destination for travelers of all interests.

Start Planning Your Southern European Adventure

From Italy's ancient ruins to Croatia's stunning coastline, your perfect Mediterranean getaway awaits.

Explore Southern Europe Packages