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The 27 Most Beautiful Places in Europe

By Caitlin Morton

It may be one of the smaller continents, but what Europe lacks in size, it makes up for in variety: The most beautiful places in Europe range from luxurious beaches, fields of bluebells, and limestone cliffs, to some of the best mountain views on the planet.

The options are seemingly endless—which is what makes planning a trip a challenge. We know it isn't easy to choose between chasing waterfalls in Bosnia and Herzegovina, staying awake for the midnight sun in Finland , and hiking your way through the dramatic Dolomites. So, to help you start narrowing things down, we've rounded up just 27 of the most beautiful places in Europe. We know that an international jaunt might be off the table at the moment, but hey—that'll just give you more time to plot out your next trip.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

The Azores, Portugal

Roughly 900 miles off the coast of Lisbon , this Portuguese archipelago can inspire wanderlust with a single photo. The verdant valleys, steep ocean-side cliffs, rows of blue hydrangeas, and scattering of waterfalls make the Azores a paradise worth exploring —just make sure you visit before everyone you know beats you to it.

Caucasus Mountains, Georgia

After decades spent out of sight and out of mind for many travelers, due in part to limited infrastructure and intermittent conflict with neighboring Russia, this former Soviet republic is attracting travelers tired of crowded mountain trails in the Alps or reservation-only vineyards in France. The best way to witness the diversity of Georgia’s terrain is on its hiking trails , which wind through the Greater Caucasus mountain range dividing Europe from Asia.

Biarritz, France

Swimming in turquoise waters, sipping rosé at sunset, breathing in scents of lavender: The South of France is the embodiment of French glamour and sophistication. The area includes idyllic locations such as Biarritz, a resort town whose wild beaches are hugely popular with surfers, royals, and celebrities (you might also recognize it from Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises ).

Kravica Waterfalls, Bosnia and Herzegovina

You've undoubtedly heard of Croatia's Krka National Park, whose waterfalls are so popular that the country is limiting how many people can visit . Thankfully, neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina has plenty of gorgeous waterfalls, too: The wide expanse of falls and emerald pools of the Kravica waterfalls, surrounded by green forests, are a pilgrimage-worthy sight. And, unlike in Croatia, you’ll often have them all to yourself. 

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Las Salinas de Torrevieja, Spain

Pink sand beaches are reason enough to hop on a plane to the Caribbean—but in Spain, you can swim in pink water. This rose-tinted lake located in Valencia is part of the gorgeous Las Salinas de Torrevieja National Park. It's home to thousands of flamingos during breeding season, but most locals prefer to think of it as their natural spa—thanks to its high salt content, a quick float is both detoxing and exfoliating. Plan to visit on a bright, sunny day when the water is at its pinkest, making it hands down one of the most beautiful places in Europe. 

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Few places exemplify the raw, untamed beauty of Ireland ’s west coast like the Cliffs of Moher, a natural wonder that reaches 702 feet at the highest point. And while you might recognize them as the Cliffs of Insanity from The Princess Bride , this wonder is hardly fiction—the cliffs are located just a 90-minute drive south of Galway. To get there you can rent a car or catch a shuttle bus from Doolin that will take you directly to the cliffs. 

The Dolomites, Italy

A less glamorous (but no less gorgeous) relative of the Alps , the Dolomites stretch across the northeastern part of Italy . Aside from its pristine trails for local skiers come wintertime, the mountain range makes for one of the world's most breathtaking alpine drives. For some of the best views, head to the stylish but sleepy resort town of Bolzano, where rolling green hills juxtapose beautifully against the sawtoothed peaks behind them.

Eastern Carpathians, Romania

Romania may be best known for its medieval castles and Gothic churches, but the country also has some of the most enigmatic landscapes of southeastern Europe—particularly in and around the Carpathian Mountains. The range's dense forests are beautiful no matter where you are, but they somehow feel even lovelier when you come across sites like the Lacul Roșu (Red Lake), pictured here.

Capri, Italy

By reputation, Capri is by far Italy's most glamorous island—and most dramatic. From the the iconic Faraglioni rocks settled in the azure Mediterranean to the scent of the island's many flowers, it's almost sensory overload. Start your journey in the colorful Piazza Umberto, the perfect kickoff point for your day of exploration. Sites like Blue Grotto may be crowded with fellow travelers, but locales like the Punta Carena Lighthouse and the Certosa di San Giacomo offer a bit of respite from crowds. At the latter, you’ll find well-preserved cloisters, frescos, and gardens even as exhibition spaces and a library modernize the former monastery.

Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

Legend has it the Giant's Causeway, with its thousands of hexagonal basalt columns rising from the sea, was the remains of an actual causeway built by giants. Science says it was formed by a volcanic eruption some 50 to 60 million years ago—but whether you choose to believe the fable or the facts, there's no doubt that this otherworldly site showcases nature at her most incredible.

Kirkjufell, Iceland

This dazzling "Church Mountain" near the town of Grundarfjörður is one of Iceland's most photographed sites, and for good reason—it's among the best places to see the Northern Lights in the country. It also offers an added bonus for Game of Thrones fans: The landmark served as a very important filming location in Season 7.

Lapland, Finland

With its stark white landscapes, frequent Northern Lights displays, and a reindeer population that outnumbers its human residents, Finnish Lapland feels like something out of a fairytale. We suggest cozying up at the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel , where you'll be welcomed with a hot mug of glogg (mulled wine) and can spend hours gazing through the northern facing, floor-to-ceiling windows. Visit in the summer to catch a glimpse of the midnight sun as well.

Las Médulas, Spain

You can attribute the unusual landscape of Las Médulas—which is about a four-hour ride from Madrid in northwest Spain—to the ancient Romans, who essentially devastated the mountains here while extracting gold during the 1st century A.D. The miners built a complicated system of aqueducts and channels to force running water through the area, leaving the scattered, reddish peaks you see today.

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Just off of Norway's northwestern coast, you'll find the Lofoten Islands , a majestical untamed area well known for its surfing beaches and viewing of the Northern Lights. The archipelago is made up of many islands, but no matter which you head to, you'll find clear blue waters that rival the Mediterranean and craggy mountains that are reminiscent of Iceland—right beside unparalleled fjords and beaches.

Micheldever Wood, England

Located about five miles from Winchester in Hampshire, Micheldever Wood is a lovely forest with beech trees, woodland birds, and wandering deer. Come springtime, the place becomes even more sensational, thanks to bluebells that blanket the forest floor.

Vatnajökull, Iceland

Home to one of the largest glaciers in the world, Vatnajökull National Park is one of our favorite places to explore ice caves . But there's more than just frozen ice rivers to see at Vatnajökull, which covers much of Iceland's eastern half. It holds two of the island's most active volcanoes, herds of reindeer around Mt. Snæfell, and a number of breathtaking waterfalls, including Svartifoss, Dettifoss, and Selfoss.

Moravian Fields, Czech Republic

The Moravian Fields look like an oil painting, but these pastel-colored hills are as real as it gets. The Czech Republic's easternmost region is often referred to as Moravian Tuscany, due to its uncanny resemblance to the eponymous rolling hills in Italy. Even better? The area is an easy day trip from Prague . 

Meteora, Greece

As if still-standing monasteries from the 15th century weren't impressive enough, the buildings of Meteora are famously situated on almost inaccessible sandstone peaks in central Greece. Brave travelers can pay a visit to the Monastery of the Holy Trinity—one of six monasteries that are still standing—via a 140-step staircase cut into the side of the cliff.

Swiss Alps, Switzerland

Switzerland is easily one of the most beautiful countries in the world—particularly if you visit during the winter, when the Swiss Alps become a luxury skiing playground and thick snow turns the mountain range into a true wonderland . There's also something about spotting the iconic Matterhorn peak that stops us dead in our ski tracks every time.

Hillegom, Netherlands

Google “spring flower pictures” and your screen will be flooded with photos of tulips— tulips in Holland , to be precise. The flowers bloom throughout the region, although some destinations are definitely more tourist-packed than others. We suggest heading to Hillegom in the western countryside, which is a quieter alternative to the very popular Keukenhof gardens.

Zlatni Rat, Croatia

Of all the beaches in Croatia , Zlatni Rat on Brač Island stands out for its unusual shape, which changes depending on the current. The so-called "Golden Cape" gets its name from its shape and color, but it's also a popular spot for windsurfing, jet-skiing, and stand-up paddleboarding. If you want to simply sit back and marvel at the Adriatic Sea's impossibly turquoise waters, though, we won't judge.

Faroe Islands, Denmark

Located in the North Atlantic Ocean near Scotland are the Faroe Islands. Literally translating to “sheep's island," the mountainous region is made up of 18 islands in total and is home to 70,000 sheep, outweighing the number of locals. But the island is strikingly beautiful, too, with picturesque mountains, jagged coastlines, and green forests. Don't miss the Mulafossur Waterfall, which looks straight out of a fairytale, with water falling over rocky cliffs and a tiny village in the background.

Hallstatt, Austria

Majestic glaciers, lush meadows, and glassy waters are just part of this ancient village's appeal. Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is also known for its ancient salt mine with the oldest wooden staircase in Europe (three thousand years old, to be exact). It's also a popular skiing and snowboarding destination during winter months, thanks to heavy snowfalls and small crowds—the local population is just 800 people.

Champagne-Ardenne, France

As its name suggests, Champagne-Ardenne is the birthplace of bubbly and one of the most beautiful regions in France. The area is covered with idyllic valleys and vineyards, of course, but also ancient castles, chateaus, and abbeys. Make sure to visit the capital city of Troyes for splendid churches from the Middle Ages, and Reims for underground wine cellars and the masterpiece Cathédrale Notre-Dame .

Isle of Skye, Scotland

With fairy pools and endless undulations of hills, the magical Isle of Skye is the stuff dreams are made of (regardless of whether you've binge-watched Outlander yet). While the nature here is timeless, the island also has a food scene that's totally modern—we can't think of a more beautiful place to sample Michelin-starred cuisine.

Lake Bled, Slovenia

There's a reason Lake Bled is one of Slovenia 's most popular sites. With its emerald waters, church-dotted islet, views of the Julien Alps, and Disney-like castle on a hill, you won't be short of picture-perfect views. Pro tip: Take your sweetheart on a boat ride in a pletna , a traditional wooden rowboat, to the lush island in the middle of the lake. (Legend has it, visiting the island’s church and ringing its bell will make all your dreams come true.)

Rakotzbrücke (Rakotz Bridge), Germany

Hidden in Kromlau's Rhododendron Park, Rakotzbrücke is a 19th-century bridge that creates a perfect stone circle when reflected in the waters below it. Rakotzbrücke is often referred to as "Devil's Bridge," since the structure seems so impossible that it must have been built by, well, the devil.

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30 Wild and Beautiful Places in Europe

Look beyond the continent's cities to these natural wonders.

Keeping to the urban areas of Europe means missing out on the continent’s diverse landscapes. From rugged mountain systems to lakes linked by waterfalls, these European national parks are sure to impress.

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There simply is no way to tour Europe and not be awestruck by its natural beauty, epic history and dazzling artistic and culinary diversity.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

La Sagrada Família

L'Eixample

The Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família (Expiatory Temple of the Holy Family) is considered to be the symbol of Barcelona by many residents, and the…

Kungliga Slottet

A massive structure with more than 600 rooms on 11 levels, Kungliga Slottet (the Royal Palace) dominates the north end of Gamla Stan. The official…

Van Gogh Museum

This wonderful museum traces Van Gogh's life and artistic development via the world's largest collection of his work. More than 200 canvases are on…

Stiftsbibliothek

Northeastern Switzerland

If the greatest masterpieces on earth are wrought for the glory of God, St Gallen’s Stiftsbibliothek (Abbey Library), is like a living prayer. Religious…

Jungfraujoch

Bernese Oberland

This is the big one. At 3454m above sea level, Jungfraujoch is Europe’s highest train station: a once-in-a-lifetime trip, with views of the deeply…

Museo del Prado

Welcome to one of the world's premier art galleries. More than 7000 paintings are held in the Museo del Prado’s collection (of which only around 1500 are…

Museumsinsel

Museumsinsel & Alexanderplatz

Walk through ancient Babylon, meet an Egyptian queen, clamber up a Greek altar or be mesmerized by Monet's ethereal landscapes. Welcome to Museumsinsel …

Windsor Castle

Windsor & Eton

The world’s largest and oldest continuously occupied fortress, Windsor Castle is a majestic vision of battlements and towers. Used for state occasions, it…

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Dizzying Aerial Images of Europe’s Cityscapes and Parks

Posted: February 12, 2024 | Last updated: February 12, 2024

Stunning sky-high shots

Faroe Islands, Denmark

Denmark’s Faroe Islands, an 18-island archipelago located in between Norway and Denmark, are home to an abundance of untamed landscapes. But in the tiny village of Eiði, on the island of Eysturoy, you’ll find an altogether more surprising landmark: a soccer field perched right on the edge of a perilous cliff. Although it’s no longer used for soccer as it’s been transformed into a campsite, it certainly makes for an unusual sight.

Tower Bridge, London, UK

Positano, Italy

The seductive southern Italian village of Positano, with its colorful buildings perched atop vertiginous headlands, is a photographer’s dream. Pictured here, the main beach makes for a striking sight from the skies, its satisfyingly symmetrical rows of white parasols standing out against golden sands and azure seas, while beach-goers’ brightly colored towels and inflatables provide pops of color.

Grüner See, Austria

Porto Moniz, Madeira, Portugal

Dolomites, Italy

Snaking through snow-capped woodlands in this enchanting aerial photograph, the Great Dolomites Road passes through the Dolomites from Bolzano to Cortina d’Ampezzo, offering plenty of sublime views. Built between 1895 and 1909, the ribbon-like stretch of road encompasses serpentine bends, dizzying climbs and perilous drops galore. 

Plateau de Valensole, Provence, Southern France

Las Salinas de Torrevieja, Spain

The candy pink tones of southern Spain’s natural salt lakes come from the combination of a type of bacteria, halobacterium, with a type of seaweed, dunaliella salina. During the spring, the region is crowded by flamingos which come to feast on the water’s algae, harmonizing perfectly with the rosy-hued water. 

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Florence, Italy

Surrounded by Tuscany’s rolling hills, Florence is a hub for Renaissance architecture and art, set within its labyrinthine streets and dusty-hued buildings. While it may not be possible to wander these storied streets right now, we can gaze upon the likes of Brunelleschi's Dome, its iconic cathedral, the spires of the Piazza della Signoria and Palazzo Vecchio, and its patchwork of pretty terracotta rooftops. 

Henningsvær, Lofoten Islands, Norway

Home to the second ultra-remote soccer pitch in our round-up, Henningsvær is a traditional fishing village located on the southern side of Norway’s Lofoten Islands. With its idyllic wooden houses perched atop a rocky finger of land reaching out into ice-cold seas, this far-flung village is as secluded as they come.

Salt Pans, Gozo, Malta

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its vertiginous cliffs, rocky coves and dainty, colorful houses, northern Italy’s Cinque Terre is made up of five villages: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso. Pictured here is Riomaggiore, the region’s easternmost village, its pastel-toned rooftops and colorful wooden fishing boats set against deep blue waters.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The medieval walled city of Dubrovnik has earned film star status thanks to its appearance in movies and TV series including Game of Thrones , but it doesn’t need duels and dragons to bring it to life. Captured from above in this awe-inspiring shot, with its patchwork of terracotta buildings cradled by ancient limestone walls, the city looks as though it’s been plucked straight from a fantasy book. 

Burano, Venice, Italy

Cappadocia, Turkey

While there's some debate about whether Turkey is technically in Europe or Asia, the towering, raspberry-ripple peaks of Cappadocia’s volcanic landscape are too stunning to leave out of our list. Not just a geological beauty, Cappadocia’s pleated valleys are also home to impressive architecture, including the Göreme Open-Air Museum with its churches carved into the rock, and a number of “cave hotels”. Around a hundred hot air balloons fly over each morning giving the region a fairy-tale feel. 

Transfăgărășan, Romania

Weaving its way through Romania’s Fagaras Mountains, the legendary Transfăgărășan road is a stomach-churning mix of hairpin bends, taking in panoramic mountain views, thick forests and dramatic valleys. Regarded by motoring enthusiasts as one of the world's must-drives, this storied highway looks all the more impressive from above.

Meteora Monasteries, Kalabaka, Greece

Gullfoss Falls, Iceland

Zelenci Lake, Slovenia

Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland

Colonia Sant Jordi, Mallorca, Spain

Keukenhof, Netherlands

The perfectly symmetrical stripes of Keukenhof’s colorful flowers, of which an enormous seven million are planted each year, look almost as if they’ve been painted onto the ground. Located in Lisse, between Amsterdam and the Hague, Keukenhof is the largest flower park in the world and home to a vast array of pretty blooms, including tulips, daffodils, roses, irises and lilies. 

Oulanka National Park, Finland

Santorini, Greece

Hverir Geothermal Area, Iceland

Iceland is known for its geothermal activity – in fact, geothermal power currently accounts for one-quarter of the country’s electricity production. Yet this renewable power source also happens to be exceptionally beautiful, too: just look at this aerial shot of Hverir Geothermal Area in northern Iceland, a mesmerizing mix of striking mineral hues, mud pools and bubbling groundwater. 

Lake Eibsee, Bavaria, Germany

Arc de Triomphe, Paris, France

Many tourists clamber up the 284 steps of the Arc de Triomphe to peer out at 360-degree views across Paris, but perhaps they’re missing a trick. The 19th-century arch itself looks pretty spectacular from the skies, sitting in the center of a circular plaza, the grand avenues radiating outwards from it to create a 12-pronged star. 

Path of the Dragon, Laax, Switzerland

This July, the Swiss ski resort town of Laax gained a stunning new attraction: the Path of the Dragon. This 0.97-mile walkway, perched as high as 92 feet above the ground at the highest point, is the world's longest treetop walkway. It's the perfect spot for admiring the region's breathtaking alpine views – but it's also a sight to behold from above, with the wooden path spiraling its way through a thick carpet of greenery. 

Route des Crêtes, Gorges du Verdon, France

Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic

Eixample, Barcelona, Spain

While the oldest streets of Barcelona may be an eclectic web of Gothic, modernist, and whimsical Gaudí architecture, in stark contrast, the layout of its Eixample district is extremely orderly. Owing its grid pattern to Spanish urban planner Ildefons Cerdà, who wanted to overcome the city’s overcrowding problem during the 19th century, the octagon-shaped blocks were designed to maximize sun exposure and improve air circulation around the streets.

Now see other parts of our wonderful planet photographed from above

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Swifties are following Taylor Swift to Europe after finding cheaper Eras Tour tickets

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Taylor Swift is at the centre of a tourism firestorm. Photo / Getty Images

Thousands of ride-or-die Taylor Swift fans who missed out on her US concert tour last year or didn’t want to buy exorbitantly priced tickets to see her again found an out-of-the-way solution: Fly to Europe.

The pop star has kicked off the 18-city Europe leg of her record-setting Eras Tour in Paris and planeloads of Swifties plan to follow Miss Americana across the pond in the coming weeks. The arena where Swift is appearing said Americans bought 20 per cent of the tickets for her four sold-out shows. Stockholm, the tour’s next stop, expects about 10,000 concertgoers from the US.

A concert might sound like an odd raison d’etre for visiting a foreign country, especially when fans can watch the Eras Tour from home via the documentary now streaming on Disney+. Yet online travel company Expedia says continent-hopping by Swift’s devotees is part of a larger trend it dubbed “tour tourism” while observing a pattern that emerged during Beyoncé's Renaissance world tour.

Some North American fans who plan to fly overseas for the Eras Tour said they justified the expense after noticing that tighter restrictions on ticket fees and resales in Europe made seeing Swift perform abroad no more costly — and potentially cheaper — than catching her closer to home.

“They said, ‘Wait a minute, I can either spend US$1500 ($2488) to go see my favourite artist in Miami, or I can take that $1500 and buy a concert ticket, a round-trip plane ticket, and three nights in a hotel room,” Melanie Fish, an Expedia spokesperson and travel expert, said.

That was the experience of Jennifer Warren, 43, who lives in St. Catharines, a city in the Niagara region of Ontario. She and her 11-year-old son love Swift but had no luck scoring what she considered as decently priced tickets in the US. Undeterred, Warren and her husband decided to plan a European vacation around wherever she managed to get seats. It turned out to be Hamburg, Germany.

“You get out, you get to see the world, and you get to see your favourite artist or performer at the same time, so there are a lot of wins to it,” said Warren.

The three VIP tickets she secured close to the stage — “I would call it brute-force dumb luck” — cost €600 ($1073) each. Swift subsequently announced six November tour dates in Toronto, within driving distance of Warren’s home. “Absolute nose-bleed seats” already are going for 3000 Canadian dollars ($3637) on secondary resale sites like Viagogo, Warren said.

Tour tourism: Is it really a thing?

Hard-core fans trailing their favourite singer or band on tour is not a new phenomenon. “Groupie” emerged in the late 1960s as a somewhat derogatory word for the ardent followers of rock bands. Deadheads took to the road in the 1970s to pursue the Grateful Dead from city to city.

More recently, music festivals like California’s Coachella and England’s Glastonbury, and concert residencies in Las Vegas by the likes of Elton John, Lady Gaga and Adele, have attracted travellers to places they wouldn’t otherwise visit, Fish noted.

Travel and entertainment analysts have also spoken of a pent-up consumer demand for “experiences” over material objects since the Covid pandemic. Some think the willingness of music lovers to broaden their fandom horizons is part of the same mass cultural correction.

“It does seem like it’s more than a structural shift, maybe a personality transformation we all went through,” said Natalia Lechmanova, the chief Europe economist for the Mastercard Economics Institute.

As Swift hopscotches across Europe, Lechmanova expects restaurants and hotels to see the same boost that Mastercard observed within a 4km radius of concert venues in the US. cities she visited in 2023. The US. dollar’s strong value against the euro may also increase retail spending on apparel, memorabilia, beauty products and supplies for the friendship bracelets fans exchange as part of the Eras Tour experience, the economist said.

Former college roommates Lizzy Hale, 34, who lives in Los Angeles, and Mitch Goulding, 33, who lives in Austin, Texas, already had tickets to see the Eras Tour in LA last summer when they decided to try to get ones for Paris, London or Edinburgh, Scotland, too. They saw a Europe concert trip as a make-up for travel plans they had in May 2020 to celebrate Goulding’s birthday but had to cancel due to the pandemic.

Goulding managed to secure VIP tickets for one of Swift’s three Stockholm shows. He, Hale and two other friends scheduled a 10-day trip that also includes time in Amsterdam and Copenhagen.

“As people who enjoy travelling and enjoy music, if you can find an opportunity to combine the two, it’s really special,” said Hale.

For Stockholm, 120,000 Swifties can’t be wrong

The local economic impact of what the zeitgeist has termed “Swiftonomics” and the “Swift lift” can be considerable. It’s no wonder the exclusive arrangement Singapore’s Government made with Swift to make the city-state her only tour stop in Southeast Asia earlier this year aroused regional jealousy.

No European governments have complained of their countries not being among the dozen selected for the Europe leg of the Eras Tour, although some fans have expressed surprise that Gelsenkirchen, a city with a population of about 264,000 is one of the three cities in Germany that made the cut.

Airbnb reported Tuesday that searches on its platform for the UK. cities where Swift is performing in June and August — Edinburgh, Liverpool, Cardiff and London — increased an average of 337 per cent when tickets went on sale last summer.

Not to be outdone when it comes to trend-spotting, the property rentals company cited the demand as an example of “passion tourism,” or travel “driven by concerts, sports and other cultural events.”

In Stockholm, 120,000 out-of-towners from 130 countries — among them 10,000 from the US — are expected to swarm Sweden’s capital this month, Stockholm Chamber of Commerce Chief Economist Carl Bergqvist said. Stockholm is the only Scandinavian city on Swift’s tour, and airlines added extra flights from nearby Denmark, Finland and Norway to bring people to the May 17-19 shows, he said.

The city’s 40,000 hotel rooms are sold out even though prices skyrocketed for the tour dates, Bergqvist said. Concert visitors are expected to pump around 500 million Swedish kroner, or more than $73.8m million, into the local economy over the course of their stays, an estimate that does not include what they paid for Swift tickets or to get to Sweden, he said.

“So this is going to be huge for the tourism sector in Sweden and Stockholm in particular,” Bergqvist said.

Nightclubs, restaurants and bars are seizing the opportunity to cater to fans with Taylor Swift-themed events, such as karaoke, quizzes and after-concert dance parties.

Houston resident Caroline Matlock, 29, saw Swift more than a year ago when the Eras Tour came to the Texas city. Now she’s making more friendship bracelets and trying to learn a few words of Swedish as she prepares to see the 3 1/2-hour show in Stockholm. The idea of seeing Swift in Europe was her friend’s, and Matlock needed some persuading at first.

“I was like, ‘I only want to go if it’s a country I haven’t been to. I’ve seen Taylor Swift,’” she said.

Visiting the Scandinavian cities of Oslo and Gothenburg is on their itinerary. The concert is the last night of the trip and Matlock looks forward to interacting with Swifties from other countries: “Americans tend to have a very obsessive culture, especially Taylor Swift-related, so I’m curious if the crowd will be more toned-down.”

Will tourism endure after Eras?

It remains to be seen if the music tourism trend has legs as long and strong as Swift’s and Beyoncé's, and if it will carry over to Billie Eilish, Usher and other artists with world tours scheduled next year. Expedia’s Fish thinks other big-name artists in Europe this summer will prove that booking a foreign trip around a concert is catching on.

Kat Morga, a travel consultant based in Nashville, isn’t so sure. Morga saw Swift perform in Nashville last year and helped two clients with school-aged children book European family vacations this summer that include seeing Swift in concert. But she thinks the difficulty of navigating ticket purchases through language barriers, currency conversions, international banking regulations and the risk of cancellations will limit the appeal of regular gig getaways.

“I think this is an anomaly,” Morga said. “People aren’t typically going to build their $20,000 huge family vacation only because Taylor Swift is there. She’s the one-off. She’s special.”

Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel, whose company operates Booking.com, priceline.com, agoda.com, Kayak and OpenTable, is even less enthusiastic about concert tours as a tourism instigator. The Swift Effect causes a “little blip” when the superstar goes to smaller destinations, but for the worldwide travel industry, “one star touring around does not make a difference,” he said.

“It may just shift it a little bit. A person was going to go to the Caribbean for a week vacation. Instead that person [says], ‘Let’s travel to the Taylor Swift thing,’” Fogel said. “It doesn’t increase it. It just moves it from here to there.”

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Experience europe’s finest cities via post-olympics travel.

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Paris readies to host the Summer Olympic Games.

The “City of Light” will be abuzz with activity from July 26 to August 11 as the Summer Olympics come to Paris. Officials estimate that 15 million visitors will attend The Games, along with the 10,500 athletes competing for glory.

For many people, The Games will serve as a starting point for an extended holiday with plans to travel throughout Europe after the Olympics conclude. Occurring only once every four years, this year’s Olympics present an ideal opportunity for people to experience Europe coupled with one of the world’s storied sporting events.

These European cities are located a reasonable distance from Paris, either by train or plane.

Piccadilly Circus is a must-see London attraction.

London , UK (1.5 hour flight or 3.5 hour train ride from Paris)

After the adrenaline and celebrations of Paris, London offers visitors an air of sophistication in a city renowned for its historic sites. Guests can experience such iconic landmarks as Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and more. For a relaxing night out head to the famed West End for dinner and a show. Be sure to include Piccadilly Circus in your plans, a vibrant section similar to a smaller Times Square. The Stafford London is an elegantly designed luxury hotel offering guests an inviting atmosphere to take in the decadent interiors, charming service and rich royal history. Guests can enjoy one of the few remaining ‘American’ cocktails bars, The American Bar, a historic and legendary 380-year-old wine cellar, along with the classic British restaurant, The Game Bird, helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen. Travelers looking to be a part of quality service and old-school charm can appreciate the hotel’s refined Afternoon Tea, taking guests through British culture.

Celebrating 100 years of regenerative agriculture with a series of joy-filled centenary experiences and events rooted in nature, this summer is the perfect time to embrace the great British outdoors at luxury countryside retreat, Heckfield Place . Experiential happenings including a Home Farm Cooking Experience with Lunch , Foraged Cocktail Making Workshops, produce sales, talks and screenings. Hotel guests can further take advantage of the property’s outdoor playground through wild swimming, relaxing picnics underneath the willows, boating on the serene lake and going on a peaceful bike ride to explore the estate.

Fans of SSC Napoli celebrate on iconic Piazza del Plebiscito,

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How to watch real martha baby reindeer interview with piers morgan, a ukrainian sport plane drone just flew 800 miles into russia to blow up an oil refinery, naples, italy (2 hour flight from paris).

With intriguing history, rich cultural attractions, delectable cuisine, an unrivaled scenic setting and welcoming natives, Naples is the perfect Italian city to spend after the Olympics. Visitors can see the iconic Piazza del Plebiscito, enjoy a show in San Carlo Theater, shop on Via Toledo and Galleria Umberto I, see the historic Spanish Quarter and beautiful Naples Cathedral, bask in stunning coastal views and feast on authentic Neapolitan pizza. For unmatched views of Mount Vesuvius and the island of Capri, ROMEO Hotel is the ultimate modern luxury five-star hotel. Completely redesigned by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange & Associates, the immaculate 79 rooms and suites offer stunning views. From an exciting new restaurant to debut this summer to over 1,000 Italian wine labels to explore in the Wine Cellar, guests can enjoy excellent F&B options.

Amsterdam is one of Europe's most picturesque cities.

Amsterdam, Netherlands (1.5 hour flight or 3.5 hour train from Paris)

Spend a few days meandering through Amsterdam’s iconic canals by foot or bicycle, or immerse yourself in the rich art and culture that the city has to offer visiting the landmarks in Museum Square. The city is about to celebrate its 750th anniversary in October, so it is the ideal time to visit this Dutch city. Conservatorium Hotel stands proudly in Museum Square in the epicenter of the city’s many beloved cultural hotspots and iconic landmarks. Originally built in the 19th century and opened as a hotel in 2011, the extravagant property exquisitely tells the stories of the past, fusing elegant Dutch architecture and beautifully restored design by Piero Lissoni with the simplicity of the present and intrigue of the future to provide guests with inspired moments at every turn. Discover some of the best culinary offerings Amsterdam has to offer at Taiko Cuisine, Taiko Bar, Barbounia and The Lounge, all under the direction of Dutch chef Schilo van Coevorden.

Andermatt offers natural beauty and alpine adventure.

Andermatt, Switzerland (1 hour flight or 6.5 hour train from Paris)

A true hidden gem in the Swiss Alps, Andermatt is a picturesque destination that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and alpine adventure. This idyllic Swiss village, with its traditional chalets and stunning mountain landscapes, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. This five-star property offers year-round activities, including world-class skiing, biking, fishing and golfing along with countless mountain passes to explore. The Chedi Andermatt , the region’s premier hotel, sits at 4,747ft above sea level and features 119 spacious rooms and suites all boasting fireplaces and large balconies. The hotel boasts five exceptional restaurants and bars, a modern Health Club with an exceptional Spa showcasing the longest indoor pool in the Alps and an outdoor pool in the lush courtyard.

Bruges is home to many unique tourist attractions.

Bruges, Belgium (1 hour flight or 2.5 hour train from Paris)

Bruges is one of the most charming and popular must-visits during a European summer. Here you’ll find true romance via lazy canals, horse-drawn carriages and tons of green space, with so much to explore in the warm, dry weather. This summer, climb the Belfry, relax on the nearby beaches and learn about and view some of the world’s most famous art works and the vibrant street art for which the city is famous. Only 50 meters from the Place du Marché, the Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage is an excellent choice for accommodations. This 19th century building is the ideal starting point to explore on foot, by carriage or boat. On returning to the Heritage, relax in the lounge bar, Le Magnum and savor local cuisine at Le Mystique (est.1869), where you will be privy to the delights of a 14th century wine cellar.

Over 15 million visitors will attend The Games.

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US Soldier Bucked Army Rules Before Arrest in Russia

FILE PHOTO: Gordon Black, a U.S. serviceman detained in Russia, poses for a selfie in this picture obtained from social media, in an unspecified location, released on February, 2023. Gordon Black Via Facebook/via REUTERS/File Photo

By Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Before his arrest in Russia, U.S. soldier Gordon Black not only broke Army rules by traveling to the Russian city of Vladivostok without authorization, but he did so after passing through China, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.

Details about Black started to emerge on Tuesday of risk-taking behavior that saw the 34-year-old Army staff sergeant's luck run out after he followed his girlfriend to Russia while he was on personal leave from military service.

Russia has charged him on suspicion of theft. His mother says she thinks he was set up by his Russian girlfriend.

The case presents yet another diplomatic headache for the United States, which has warned U.S. citizens against travel to Russia and has been wrestling with other high-profile detentions there.

That includes a drugs case against basketball star Brittney Griner, who was freed last year in a prisoner swap, and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who has been detained on espionage charges, which he and his employer deny.

Black enlisted in the Army as an infantryman in 2008 and had been assigned to Camp Humphreys in South Korea. He was set to return to Fort Cavazos in Texas, the U.S. Army said in a statement.

"Instead of returning to the continental United States, Black flew from Incheon, Republic of Korea through China to Vladivostok, Russia, for personal reasons," the Army added.

The Army said there was no evidence that Black planned to stay in Russia after his personal leave ended.

Black's mother, Melody Jones, told ABC News that she had a conversation with her son before he left and told him that she was uncomfortable with him going to Russia, but he went anyway.

"I knew something was going to happen. I felt like he was being set up by her," Jones said.

Black's case is the latest headache for the U.S. Army, after U.S. Army Private Travis King was held in North Korea for over two months after his surprise dash across the heavily militarized border dividing the Korean peninsula. King is now back in the United States.

The Army said the Russian Interior ministry informed the U.S. embassy in Moscow on May 3 that Black had been arrested in Vladivostok the day earlier for "theft of personal property."

Black, who has deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, is currently in a pre-trail detention facility, the Army said.

"He will remain in detention until his next hearing pending determination," it added.

The Russian interior ministry in Vladivostok said a 32-year-old woman had filed a complaint against Black.

The two had met in South Korea, the ministry said. The American had come to Vladivostok to visit her, the two had an argument, and she later filed a police report accusing him of stealing money, it said. He was arrested in a hotel, having bought a plane ticket to return home.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said the case had no political element and there were no allegations of espionage.

Separately, Moscow's court service said on Tuesday that a court had remanded a U.S. citizen whom it named as William Russell Nycum in custody for 10 days for "petty hooliganism."

(Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart. Additional reporting by Susan Heavey; Editing by David Gregorio, Alistair Bell and Stephen Coates)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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Ukraine war latest updates: Ukraine was 'prepared' - after Russian forces tried to 'break through' in Kharkiv

Ukraine's president has said its forces were prepared for a Russian attack in Kharkiv. It follows a source from Ukraine's defence ministry earlier saying its forces were continuing to repel attacks. Submit a question for our experts below.

Friday 10 May 2024 14:07, UK

• Ukraine 'repelling Russian attack' after attempt to 'break through'  
• Ukraine was 'prepared' for Russian attack, Zelenskyy says
• Putin makes pick for prime minister
• Dominic Waghorn: Russia may have crossed the line - but UK move to expel attache increases risk of dangerous escalation
• Ed Conway : Russian oil still seeping into UK - the reasons why sanctions are not working
• Live reporting by Narbeh Minassian

Ask a question or make a comment

In the UK, a British man accused of orchestrating arson attacks on Ukrainian-linked businesses in London on behalf of Wagner Group - a proscribed terror organisation - is set to face trial next year.

Dylan Earl, 20, has been charged under the National Security Act 2023 - the first case to involve alleged offences under the new spy laws.

Today, Mr Justice Jeremy Baker set a date of 2 June 2025 for Earl and four other men to appear in an eight-week trial.

Earl is accused of being in contact with a handler in Wagner before checking out targets "in relation to activity intended to benefit Russia".

The Wagner Group, whose former leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed in a plane crash last summer , is a proscribed terrorist organisation in the UK.

After news emerged of the charge, the Foreign Office said it had summoned Russia's ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin.

Court documents show Earl is accused of recruiting and paying others to carry out an arson attack at an industrial unit in Leyton, east London, on Ukrainian-linked businesses owned by Oddisey and Meest UK.

A fire on 20 March needed 60 firefighters to bring it under control, and the alleged target of the fire is labelled as "Mr X" in the charges.

The charges: 

• Earl, of Elmesthorpe, Leicestershire, is charged with aggravated arson reckless as to whether life will be endangered, contrary to section 1 of the Criminal Damage Act 1971, preparatory conduct to an act endangering life or a person or an act creating a serious risk to the health and safety of the public in the United Kingdom contrary to section 18 National Security Act 2023, and assisting a foreign intelligence service contrary to section 3 National Security Act 2023.
• Jake Reeves, 22, of Croydon, south London, is accused of aggravated arson reckless as to whether life will be endangered, contrary to section 1 of the Criminal Damage Act 1971, and agreeing to accept a material benefit from a foreign intelligence service, contrary to section 17(2) and (11) of the National Security Act 2023.
• Paul English, 60, of Roehampton, southwest London, and Nii Mensah, 21, of Thornton Heath, south London, are both charged with aggravated arson reckless as to whether life will be endangered, contrary to section 1 of the Criminal Damage Act 1971.
• Dmitrijus Paulauska, 22, of Croydon, is accused of having information about terrorist acts, contrary to section 38B of the Terrorism Act 2000. 

Paulauska was released on conditional bail while the other four defendants were remanded into custody.

Russian shelling of Vovchansk, in the Kharkiv area, has killed one civilian and injured another five, according to the region's governor.

Another was killed in a nearby village, Oleh Synehubov adds.

As we have reported today, Ukrainian officials say fighting is intensifying in the Kharkiv region, with Russian troops trying to "break through" and create a buffer zone (see our 12.32pm post).

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, meanwhile, has just told a press conference Ukraine's forces were prepared for a new Russian ground assault on the borer of the northeastern Kharkiv region.

"Ukraine met them there with troops - brigades and artillery," he said, adding Russia could send more troops to support its attempted advance.

More now from Kharkiv, where fighting appears to be intensifying.

Ukraine's defence ministry says its forces are repelling an attack in the Kharkiv region, with Kyiv sending reinforcements after an attempt to "break though" at about 5am this morning.

A high-ranking Ukrainian military source says Russian forces have advanced 1km near Vovchansk, in the Kharkiv region.

The source, who declined to be named, said Russian forces are aiming to push Ukrainian troops as far back as 10km from the border to create a buffer zone.

Russian attacks on the region may be a sign Moscow is seeking to open a new front in the war, with reports of a recent build-up of troops in the area suggesting Russia wants to divert and spread Ukraine's depleted defensive forces.

"At approximately 5am, there was an attempt by the enemy to break through our defensive line under the cover of armoured vehicles," the ministry said.

"As of now, these attacks have been repulsed; battles of varying intensity continue."

Russia's Victory Day celebrations yesterday, which every year commemorate the Soviet Union's defeat of Nazi Germany in the Second World War, was "reduced in scale", according to the UK's ministry of defence.

In an intelligence update shared on X, the MoD says parades were cancelled in 24 cities this year, primarily in regions bordering Ukraine, likely "due to poor security".

This compares to 21 cancelled parades last year, the ministry adds.

The major parade was in Moscow, with "less modern military equipment on display when compared to pre-war parades", although the fly-past was reinstated.

Of the 30 units on show, the MoD says, two-thirds came from military academies and youth and veteran groups.

There was also an "absence of heavy armoured vehicles", with just the one battle tank leading the procession - a Second World War-era T-34 tank, which traditionally kicks off the parade.

There were 20 battle tanks in 2020, the MoD says.

"With the significant losses in Russian personnel and equipment as a result of the Ukraine war, there was no opportunity for Russia to use the parades to use demonstrate military strength," the MoD concludes.

Russia is capitalising on Ukraine's shortage of weapons and ammunition to seize the initiative on the battlefield.

After two years of protracted attritional warfare, Russia is once again on the front-foot in Ukraine.

If the West is to deny President Putin a strategically important success in Ukraine, it will need to find new ways to combat Russia's aggression.

To date, the West has limited Ukraine's ability to strike back at Russia by restricting the use of Western weapons - particularly long range missiles - to Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory, for fear of escalating the conflict.

However, Ukraine needs the maximum flexibility possible if it is to prevail over its numerically superior adversary - this is one of the core topics covered by our  military analyst Sean Bell in this week's RedMatrix podcast .

Russian momentum

The US's $60bn package of military aid to Ukraine was finally agreed at the end of April after months of delay.

As Bell highlights, President Putin is capitalising on Ukraine's shortage of weapons to intensify his offensive operations in the Donbas, where his forces are gaining momentum and seizing numerous small settlements.

Whether these tactical gains can develop into a strategic breakthrough remains to be seen, but momentum is a vital component of warfare - and Russia has it.

Securing approval in the US for the $60bn of military aid was not a simple process. 

Understandable concerns over the relative priorities of domestic issues amid support for a non-NATO nation thousands of miles away divided opinion; it was no coincidence that US secretary of state Antony Blinken highlighted the delivery of US military equipment and ammunition had created "jobs for the US".

No strikes on Russia

The aid package also included a number of long-range missiles - the US Army ATACMS.

These systems have the range to threaten all Russian forces in occupied Ukraine, and could be crucial in helping Ukraine turn the tide of the war back in Ukraine's favour.

However, defence secretary Lloyd Austin reiterated these weapons could not be used to target within Russia itself.   

Wars on this scale consume vast resources. Russia relies on its oil exports to provide revenues to invest in its national defence industrial base, and also purchase vast quantities of munitions from North Korea and Iran.

Therefore, President Zelenskyy has deliberately targeted some of Russia's immense oil refining capacity to reduce Russia's oil revenues.  

However, any reduction in global supply of oil inevitably increases the price. Austin was questioned on this point at one of the defence department hearings, where it was suggested this was one of the reasons that the US placed limitations on the use of US weapons.  

Putin's sabre-rattling

In contrast, during a visit to Kyiv earlier this month, Lord Cameron announced it is up to Ukraine to decide how to use British weapons and insisted it has the right to strike targets on Russian territory .

This notable shift in stance from the UK prompted the Russian foreign ministry to claim this would have "catastrophic" consequences.

As Bell notes, President Putin knows strategic success in Ukraine relies on deterring increased Western support for Ukraine, and to date, his sabre-rattling has successfully tempered Western political appetite for an escalation.  

Regardless of the political rhetoric, the West faces a stark choice.

Ukraine is utterly dependent on Western support to stem the Russian invasion. President Putin knows this, so he is using all tools at his disposal to deter increased Western involvement.

However, should Putin prevail, what next?

If a nuclear superpower is at liberty to attack any non-nuclear power without consequence, that has profound implications for global security.   

But how far is the West prepared to go to stop Putin's brutal offensive?

Russian sabotage groups tried to break through into Ukraine, according to Kharkiv's governor, as Moscow steps up its shelling of the region.

Oleh Synehubov said the attempts were rebuffed by Ukraine's armed forces, who "confidently hold their positions" and have not lost "a single metre".

He said shelling continued in the town of Vovchansk throughout the night, but the Russian group "does not pose a threat to Kharkiv".

"Its forces are sufficient only for provocations in the northern direction," he claims.

But he did call on residents to stay in shelters as Russia "makes no difference" between military and civilian targets.

We reported this morning that Ukrainian officials say a Russian missile attack injured two people and set three houses on fire in the northeastern city of Kharkiv (see our 9.04am post).

Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-biggest city, lies 30km from the Russian border and is particularly exposed to aerial attacks. 

Pictures from the scene appear to show badly damaged homes from the latest round of airstrikes.

Moscow's mayor says anti-aircraft units intercepted a drone over the south of the city early this morning.

Nobody was injured and no damage was caused by falling debris, according to Sergei Sobyanin, who says the drone was downed over the Podolsk district just south of the capital.

Russia's defence ministry claims a total of five Ukrainian-launched drones were destroyed overnight over the Moscow area as well as over the Bryansk and Belgorod regions bordering Ukraine. 

The governor of Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine, said there was no damage or injuries as a result of the attack.

According to a NATO official's estimate last month, Ukraine has disrupted 15% of Russia's oil refining capacity as it steps up drone attacks across the border.

Just yesterday, Kyiv claimed a drone travelled 1,500km into Russia to hit a major oil processing plant in Bashkortostan, also known as Bashkiria, as we reported earlier (see our 8.48am post).

Drone attacks targeting Moscow, however, are rarer.

By law, the government in Russia had to resign just before Vladimir Putin was sworn in as president for another six-year term on Tuesday.

This means there was, at least in theory, the possibility Mr Putin could shake things up, but it now appears he is not planning any significant reshuffle.

Analysts say he is looking to project an image of stability and satisfaction with his team's progress, as the Russian parliament Speaker all but confirmed Mikhail Mishustin will remain in post as prime minister.

The Duma's approval of the low-key Mr Mishustin is nearly certain, as there is virtually no opposition in parliament.

"President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin submitted to the State Duma a proposal on the candidacy of Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin for the post of chairman of the government," the speaker of the Duma, Vyacheslav Volodin, said.

"Today, deputies will make a responsible decision on behalf of their constituents on this issue."

No political ambitions

Mr Mishustin, a career bureaucrat, was said to have no political ambitions before Mr Putin tapped him as prime minister in 2020.

With no background in the security services, he is not part of the so-called siloviki (strongmen) faction of intelligence veterans close to Mr Putin.

While keeping a low profile, however, Mr Mishustin has been credited with keeping Russia's economy afloat after Kyiv's allies hit the country with sanctions.

Before becoming prime minister, Mishustin headed the federal tax service for a decade, where he was credited with more than doubling revenues.

Two people were injured in a Russian attack on residential buildings in the Kharkiv region, Ukrainian officials say.

All 10 drones were downed, the air force said, but not before a fire broke out at the buildings targeted.

Russia also launched two anti-aircraft guided missiles, the air force added.

Oleh Sinehubov, governor of the Kharkiv region, said three residential houses were set on fire and about dozens damaged as a result of the attack, which he said targeted both infrastructure and residential areas.

Photos appear to show houses badly damaged.

Two people, including an 11-year-old child, were shell-shocked and were receiving medical help, Mr Sinehubov added.

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