The Most Visited Countries in Europe

 

Some countries are visited for the historical and artistic works present there while others for their fascinating landscapes. But which countries attract the greatest number of visitors? To help you decide where would you go on your next trip, we’ve compiled a list of the most visited countries in Europe, this time. So, let’s take a look at them!

NOTE: The ranking is based on the latest statistical report provided by the World Tour Organization (UNTWO) and may be subject to changes. Therefore, we invite you to report any corrections in the comments.

country	Number of visitors	Most visited cities
Croatia	18 million	Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik
Portugal	21.2 million	Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, Faro
Russia	24 million	Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan
Greece	27.2 million	Athens, Santorini, Mykonos
Austria	29.5 million	Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, Innsbruck
Germany	37.5 million	Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg
Turkey	37.6 million	Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir
UK	37.7 million	London, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Cardiff
Italy	58.3 million	Milan, Rome, Florence, Venice
Spain	81.8 million	Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Seville, Valencia
France	86.9 million	Paris, Lourdes, Marseille

 

11. Croatia – 18 million per year

In recent years, tourism in Croatia has developed, registering more and more entries. The number of entries increases especially in spring and summer when tourists can admire the famous Plitvice lakes, an immense natural heritage of UNESCO, or enjoy a relaxing holiday on the beaches in one of the many islands like Pag, Krk, or along the coast in Zadar or the beautiful Split. The friendliness and organization of the Croats will certainly amaze you. Plus, the prices are not excessive at all as Croatia is also known for euro-friendly holidays;)

Capital: Zagreb
Most visited cities: Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik

10. Portugal – 21.2 million per year

Located on the border with Spain, Portugal boasts a coastline of 1,794 km between sandy beaches and a wonderful sea, which is the main reason of interest for its visitors.

Unmissable destinations are the main cities such as Lisbon (the capital), Oporto, Odemira, and Faro, which are full of attractions worth visiting.

Although a destination for many tourists looking for relaxation and sea, Portugal also doesn’t disappoint lovers of history and culture, offering them ancient castles and palaces to visit and discover.

Capital: Lisbon
Most visited cities: Lisbon, Porto, Sintra, Faro

9. Russia – 24 million per year

The country expanding on two continents, Europe and Asia, comes on this list in 9th place. Russia, the land of austere atmospheres and grandeur, is undoubtedly one of the greatest empires of the last century. With lots of monuments and places to see, it’s understandable why millions of people visit it every year. Also, there is Moscow, one of the most beautiful capitals in the world, that can’t be missing from your travel list. And, of course, there are the most beautiful girls in the world.

Capital: Moscow
Most visited cities: Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan

8. Greece – 27.2 million per year

When you think of Greece, you immediately think of ancient temples, museums, and beautiful excavations. And, while it’s true that Greece has a rich and valuable historical heritage, it’s also one of the most popular summer holiday destinations.

Mykonos is one of the top destinations among the rich and famous in the world. It’s the home of incredible holidays for singles who live at night between pubs and discos. Then, there is the island of Zakynthos which is ideal for families with children for a relaxing journey in a crystal clear sea of ​​a thousand surprises. There is also Athens, the city that will make you travel in time. And, finally the pearl of Santorini – the ideal destination for married and unmarried couples.

A crystalline sea, white villages with blue windows overlooking the sea, donkeys that will turn into a taxi for the tourists like you and will take you up and down the impervious Greek streets.

Capital: Athens
Most visited cities: Athens, Santorini, Mykonos

7. Austria – 29.5 million per year

It’s one of the favorite destinations for honeymooners due to its romantic atmosphere and 19th-century castles.
Vienna, Innsbruck, Salzburg, scenarios of a thousand and one night both in the summer and in winter, thanks to the snow which gives it truly unique magic.

Capital: Vienna
Most visited cities: Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, Innsbruck

6. Germany – 37.5 million per year

Germany offers types of tourism for all tastes. Greenery lovers will be delighted by the bright colors of nature, the high mountains and crystal clear lakes, and large flowering meadows. Some may even seem to have seen Heidi running through these mountains. Undoubtedly, German nature is a real state of mind.

Lovers of history and culture will have a rich tour of museums and fairytale castles like the famous one in Neuschwanstein. There is also a long list of sights in Berlin for lovers of the Second World War, where the attraction is not only what remains of the Wall of Berlin. World War II is present in all streets.

For folklore lovers, there is the very famous Oktoberfest, the annual beer festival held in Munich. And, finally, there is Hamburg, up in the north, a different kind of Germany, overlooking the Baltic Sea. There is a famous wooden lift from the early 1900s, on which you can load your car and travel a stretch of the city below sea level. Exciting, isn’t it? Don’t you want to try?

Capital: Berlin
Most visited cities: Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg

5. Turkey – 37.6 million per year

Turkey is still resisting, which is evidently much stronger than the events that affect it every year. The country boasts cities such as Istanbul, Antalya, Ankara, and Cappadocia, which are known in recent years for their fantastic balloon rides, the subject of many selfies on social media. These are some of the places you must see at least once in your life.

Capital: Ankara
Most visited cities: Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir

4. United Kingdom – 37.7 million per year

The United Kingdom is one of the most visited European countries in the world for a few reasons. The first one is the monarchy, which is one of the most talked-about and famous in the world. Apparently, the idea of kings and queens still fascinates people. The second reason is the mixture of cultures and the number of different landscapes.

London is ready to kidnap tourists with its royal palace, picturesque London Bridge along the River Thames, world-class museums, and parks famous for their sociable squirrels. South of the city is the very famous archaeological site Stonehenge, one of the most discussed and mysterious places originating from the Neolithic period.

And, of course, there is Scotland – famous for its wild landscapes and for a large number of castles, which makes it an ideal tour for Harry Potter fans. And finally, Ireland, the mother of unique landscapes, towering cliffs, and … let’s not forget the beer!

Capital: London
Most visited cities: London, Liverpool, Manchester, Edinburgh

3. Italy – 58.3 million per year

Italy is a country specific for its small size and boot-like shape, but it never fails to impress tourists. They come from all over the world to visit all the wonders this country offers and Italy pleases all of them.

Lovers of art cities have to plan long holidays to be able to visit all the magnificent cities such as Florence, Venice, Verona, Rome, and Bologna. Mount hikers will be blown away by the alpine arc and its height, woods, and the picturesque villages rising on these peaks. And, finally, the sea! Amalfi Coast, Sardinia, and Sicily are the masters of Italian maritime tourist destinations and make millions of tourists fall in love with the place every year.
Of course, not to forget the Italian cuisine. It’s one of the most popular cuisines in the world and also one of the reasons why tourists love Italy so much.

Capital: Rome
Most visited cities: Milan, Rome, Florence, Venice

2. Spain – 81.8 million per year

Spain is not only a land of fun and lively summer, known for its entertainment islands such as Ibiza and Formentera, but also a country where art and history compete with the maritime resorts.

Lovers of art and history will be impressed by observing the traces Arabs and Christians left on these territories. The most visited cities are Madrid, Valencia, and the colorful Barcelona, which, every year, welcomes tourists looking for fun and to enjoy the architectural works of Gaudì.

Excellent climate, good food, unspoiled landscapes, and beautiful sea are the ingredients that make a trip here a perfect one.

Capital: Madrid
Most visited cities: Madrid, Barcelona, ​​Seville, Valencia

1. France – 86.9 million per year

On the throne of this list, we find France. Its capital, Paris, is the city most coveted by lovers from all over the world who come here to impress their partner. A cruise on the Seine at dusk, an aperitif on the Eiffel Tower, shopping along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, culture at the Louvre Museum, the largest museum in the world… the choices are endless!

There is much more outside Paris, including Disneyland Paris always ready to satisfy young and old and the Palace of Versailles with its impressive and famous rooms and the gigantic park that surrounds it.

The south of France is also exceptional. Just think of the immense lavender fields in Provence, the fascinating seaside towns in the south such as Monte Carlo and Nice, and the famous ski resorts with unique postcard landscapes such as Mont Saint Michelle.

Capital: Paris
Most visited cities: Paris, Lourdes, Marseille