Planning a European holiday but not sure where to go?
The Schengen Area offers a huge variety of destinations, from romantic cities and historic landmarks to beautiful mountains and Mediterranean beaches.
Whether you are planning your first Europe trip from the UK or looking for a new holiday destination, choosing the right country can make your trip much more enjoyable.
Here are some of the best Schengen countries to visit in 2026.
1. France – Perfect for First-Time Visitors
France is an excellent choice for travellers who want a combination of culture, food, history and famous landmarks.
Paris is the main attraction for many visitors, with highlights including:
- Eiffel Tower
- Louvre Museum
- Arc de Triomphe
- Seine River
- Montmartre
France can also be combined with nearby destinations such as Belgium or the Netherlands.
2. Italy – Great for History and Food
Italy is one of Europe’s most popular destinations for culture, architecture and cuisine.
Rome
Discover ancient landmarks such as the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Pantheon.
Florence
Perfect for art, history and Renaissance architecture.
Venice
Famous for canals, bridges and romantic scenery.
Travellers can combine several Italian cities in one holiday, depending on their available time.
3. Switzerland – Best for Scenic Holidays
Looking for mountains, lakes and spectacular scenery?
Switzerland is an excellent choice.
Popular destinations include:
Zurich
Lucerne
Interlaken
Zermatt
Geneva
Switzerland is particularly attractive for couples, families and travellers who enjoy photography and scenic journeys.
4. Netherlands – Ideal for City Breaks
The Netherlands offers a very different European experience.
Amsterdam is famous for:
- Canals
- Historic buildings
- Museums
- Cycling
- Parks
- Vibrant city life
Amsterdam is also convenient to combine with France and Belgium, making it a useful destination for a multi-country European itinerary.
5. Spain – Great for Culture and Beaches
Spain is a strong choice for travellers who want a mixture of city sightseeing and relaxation.
Barcelona
Enjoy architecture, food and the Mediterranean atmosphere.
Madrid
Explore museums, historic attractions and shopping areas.
Seville
Experience beautiful architecture, local culture and traditional Spanish atmosphere.
Spain can work equally well for short city breaks and longer holidays.
6. Germany – History, Culture and Modern Cities
Germany offers a mixture of historic attractions and modern European cities.
Popular destinations include:
Berlin – History and culture
Munich – Architecture and Bavarian culture
Cologne – Famous cathedral and city experiences
Frankfurt – Business and city travel
Hamburg – Harbour and urban attractions
Germany can also be combined with France, Switzerland or the Netherlands.
7. Greece – Perfect for Mediterranean Holidays
For travellers dreaming of sunshine, beaches and ancient history, Greece is an excellent choice.
Popular destinations include:
- Athens
- Santorini
- Mykonos
- Crete
You can combine sightseeing in Athens with a relaxing island stay, depending on your travel season and itinerary.
Which Country Should You Choose?
The best Schengen country depends on your travel interests.
For couples: France, Italy and Switzerland
For history lovers: Italy, Greece and France
For mountains: Switzerland
For museums and culture: France, Italy and the Netherlands
For beaches: Greece and Spain
For first-time Europe travellers: France, Italy and the Netherlands
There is no single destination that is best for everyone. Your choice should depend on your budget, travel dates, interests and available time.
Can You Visit Multiple Countries?
Yes, a carefully planned European holiday can include several Schengen destinations, provided your visa and travel arrangements allow it.
When travelling to multiple Schengen countries, your visa application generally needs to correspond to your main destination and genuine travel itinerary.
For short stays, the standard Schengen framework generally works around a 90-day stay within a 180-day period, subject to the conditions of the applicable visa.
Plan Your Flights, Hotels and Insurance
Choosing destinations is only the beginning.
You also need to organise:
- Flights
- Hotels
- Travel insurance
- Visa documents
- Transportation
- Daily budget
- Travel itinerary
SchengenTravellers helps UK residents with Schengen visa assistance, flight bookings, hotel reservations, travel insurance guidance and tailored holiday packages.
Start Planning Your European Holiday
From the streets of Paris and historic Rome to the mountains of Switzerland and beaches of Greece, Europe has a destination for almost every type of traveller.
Choose your destination based on what you actually want from your holiday, then build a realistic itinerary around your time and budget.
Planning your next European adventure? Contact SchengenTravellers for visa assistance, flights, hotels and customised travel planning.
