Do you know which continents are the most popular for tourist travel? If you thought Europe was one of them, you were right! But… Have you ever wondered why the countries of this region are some of the most visited destinations in the world, why so many people decide to go there?Check the most visited countries in Europe. As one of the largest continents in the world and with a notorious diversity of cultural and culinary riches, important historical sites and exuberant landscapes, besides having many exciting activities to participate and be entertained, it is easy to explain the popular preference for Europe due to the extensive variety of options that are available for travel and sightseeing. But with so many alternatives, it’s common for questions to arise: how to choose the best place to visit in Europe? Which country is more worth visiting in Europe? Is there really one or some regions more sought after? Now you’re probably wondering which countries receive the most visits in Europe, right?
It is with this in mind that we decided to list the 5 most visited countries in Europe based on tourist data that provides the number of visitors that each country receives during the year, gathered by the World Tourism Organization (WTO), bringing them as travel suggestions and pointing out in each one of them the main reasons that attracted this large amount of people to their exceptional cities and that can, and we have no doubt that they will, attract you too!
RANKING OF THE 5 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES WITH THE MOST ANNUAL VISITS
Separating the Most visited countries in Europe that receive more tourists, we have built a Top 5 with the countries and their main cities and/or most eye-catching activities and spots.
5th country: Germany
Gathering some 35 million tourists throughout the year, Germany is the fifth most visited country in Europe and the seventh in the world. The country covers a range of tourist spots ranging from festivities, historical monuments to beautiful scenery.
Its capital, Berlin, was the scene of historical events that marked the trajectory of the world and still attract many people today. With this, the stretch of the famous Berlin Wall and the Holocaust Memorial are attractive points for visitors, besides of course the cultural diversity spread throughout the city along with the numerous monuments and street cinemas. In other cities there are also famous events such as in Munich, where the beer festival, Oktoberfest, originated and spread around the world, attracting millions of tourists for the celebration of the festival that takes place from mid-September to the first Sunday of October. And finally we cannot forget the exuberant landscapes, each one with its beauty and uniqueness, such as the landscapes of the Bavarian Alps and those of the region that goes from the Baltic coast to the North Sea, which allow an exclusive glimpse of the sea, mountains and forests.
4th country: Turkey
In fourth place, the country that is split between Europe and Asia receives over 38 million visits every year, securing its sixth place in the ranking of most visited countries in the world. Featuring a fusion of Eastern and Western cultures, Turkey culminates in an exotic and culturally rich destination that makes staying in its cities an amazing trip.
The capital Istanbul is the highlight of the country, receiving the largest share of tourists. With impressive architecture, vast history and a famously seductive cuisine, the only city in the world to be situated on two continents at the same time, Istanbul enchants with its charming diversity, from the streets to the traditional artisans’ market, from the art gallery to the design shops. Beyond Istanbul, regions such as Pamukkale and Cappadocia are also renowned for their activities: in the first, declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1988, there is a set of thermal pools with blue waters and sands as whitish as cotton on mountains over 200 metres high that, in addition to relaxing, give the privilege of a beautiful and charming landscape; already in the second there is the well-known ballooning over the city formed by valleys and pointed rocks, which allows us not only the vigorous ride through the air but also the view of the underground city with many breathtaking buildings.
3rd country: Italy
With an average of 48 million visitors in the country, Italy is guaranteed among the countries that receive most tourists in Europe, occupying the third position, and in the world, being the fifth most visited. This exciting stretch of Europe is known for its stunning landscapes and sightseeing options with a mixed scenery of mountains and countryside, as well as islands and beaches, the typical cuisine of the Italian culture with its pasta and wine and delicious pizzas and lasagne, as well as for its fascinating cities.
Offering plenty of fun activities, there are many places to visit in Italy. There are places to visit in the big cities: the historical landmarks of the capital and largest city of the country, Rome, and perhaps a close-up tour of the smallest country in the world, the Vatican; and Milan, recognized as one of the major references in fashion. And there are also activities in romantic cities, such as the fun gondola ride through the canals of Venice, or further north the view of the colorful houses on the island of Burano, the romantic home of Romeo and Juliet, one of the greatest classics of literature, and even the natural landscapes of Tuscany with its green hills and medieval towns with graceful buildings.
2nd country: Spain
Opening its doors to a staggering 60 million people each year, Spain ranks second on the podium of most visited countries in Europe, and third in the world. This country of vibrant cities has as major tourist symbols the beautiful architectural works, built by renowned architects, the charming coastal beaches with the warm climate, such as the trendy beaches of Ibiza and its vast cultural scene.
Found all over the country, the creative and daring constructions attract so many tourists that they even outnumber the inhabitants of the city itself. A good start for visits are the early Spanish works such as the Aqueduct of Segovia, the Teatro de Mérida and the Alcantara Bridge, situated in Segovia, Mérida and Alcantara respectively. But there are also many other starting points, such as the palaces, taking in the Alhambra, a city palace situated in Granada, the Royal Alcázar Palace in Seville and the Royal Palace in Madrid. Or then the beautiful cathedrals such as the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, in the city of the same name, or the Cathedral of Seville, in Andalusia, considered a World Heritage Site. And then there are the much visited buildings like the still under construction Sagrada Familia, considered the symbol of the country, and the Casa Batló, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, both in Barcelona and architected by Antoni Gaudí; the much used Plaza de Espanã, in Seville; and the Muslim art preserved in Spain as a World Heritage Site, the Mosque of Córdoba.
1st country: France
Finally, the first place in the ranking of countries that receive more tourists not only from Europe, but also from the world, is France with about 84.7 million visitors each year in its capital, Paris. Known worldwide as the city of love and the Capital of Fashion, the elegant city has countless activities to know, enjoy and especially fall in love. From the heart of Paris, the enchanting Eiffel Tower, to the iconic Arc de Triomphe monument, together the largest representation of all Paris, from Paris’ most important boulevard Champs Élysées to the bridges over the beautiful Seine River, from the incredible Obelisk commemorative monument to the famous Louvre Museum, the sights are numerous and dmirable, and there is still so much more to see in Paris!
But France is a beautiful country that goes far beyond its capital, there are other incredible places that are also worth visiting. Some of these places are the French cities of the Côte d’Azur, also known as the French Riviera, to enjoy the sun along the beautiful landscapes of the region, the cities from Provence to Normandy with their villages and inland villages full of charming houses with medieval buildings and eye-catching colors, as well as several wineries scattered around, and also the Lavezini group of islands, with warm waters and transport, peaceful environment and pleasant scenery.
WHICH COUNTRY WERE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN VISITING?
Now that you know which are the 5 most visited countries in Europe and their main sights that attract millions of people to them every year, we’re sure you understand why so many visits and even more, as they also want to know them on their own, right? How about on your next trip you give this vast and magnificent continent a try? You just need to know what it takes to travel to Europe in 2023!
But obviously we can’t say that one country is better than another because it’s below or above in the ranking, or even those that perhaps didn’t appear on the list. All of Europe, as well as the five countries mentioned here, have unique beauties and attractions, each with its cultural, culinary and scenic richness. The tourist spots that attract more or less visitors, although all fascinating, are the result of personal preference or the great world influence they have. So, did any attract more of your attention? Did you think a country would be here that wasn’t mentioned? Perhaps it could be among the best places to visit in the European winter, come check it out.
GOING ON A TRIP IN EUROPE?
Don’t forget to check How are the Europe borders: what do you need to know and do to travel to Europe in the pandemic
