The 22 greenest European vacation destinations

This part of Luxembourg is often called “little Switzerland” as it’s a fantastic hiking area. It is also heavily forested, and thanks to the damp climate, it is green most of the year. So, if you’re planning to be near the Grand Duchy, make sure to take a trip north! 

You could pick any county on the Emerald Isle and be rest assured the region would live up to its name. However, Kerry is great for travelers as it has a variety of landscapes. There’s the tree-filled forest in Killarney National Park, the verdant coastlines of the peninsulas, and, of course, classic rolling green fields.

Outside of winter, most of Iceland is quite grass-filled, and one of the most beautiful places to appreciate this is Thingvellir National Park. It is located in the south of the country, just a 50-minute drive from Reykjavik. Green mountains hide cascading waterfalls and volcanic landscapes, perfect for hiking or horseback riding!

These self-governing islands (technically part of Denmark) are having a moment on Instagram. The first thing you’ll probably notice is how nature-filled the Faroe Islands are. Similar to Ireland, that’s due to a rainy climate, which creates great locations for outdoor activities — just bring your Gortex!

The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland's most iconic images, and they’re located in the beautiful county of Clare. In addition to the cliffs, this western part of the country is full of great pubs on country roads amongst verdant landscapes.

Slovenia is a little slice of hidden nature in Europe as most visitors opt for neighboring Italy or Croatia. If you like hiking, head straight for Triglav National Park, just past Insta-famous Lake Bled. Choose from numerous paths and base yourself in Lake Bohinj, Bled’s less-busy neighbor.

Georgia is technically in Europe, even if it doesn’t top most travelers’ minds. It’s a hiker’s paradise, and nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the looming Caucasus Mountains.

Two of the main cities in the region, Rennes and Nantes, are often referred to as the greenest cities in France. Sure, they’re eco-conscious, but there are just so many trees and plants throughout both places!

In the northwestern part of the country, Bihac isn’t visited by international tourists much. But if you’re looking for an amazing outdoor destination, you can’t beat this area, home to Una National Park and giant waterfalls.

Switzerland is popular amongst hikers thanks to its abundance of outstanding mountains. If you want a verdant background, one of the best places to visit is the Lauterbrunnen Valley, home to many trails, car-free villages, and glaciers.

In a country famous for wet weather, it’s no surprise that there’s no shortage of greenery. If you want a particularly color-filled trip, head north to Friesland, where the beach dunes are filled with tall grass, and inland bike trails pass hills similar to Ireland.

It may be called the Black Forest, but the region is filled with Pine, Birch, Oak, and Fir trees. It gets its name because at night, due to the thick forestry, it can be hard to see without lights.

One of the largest forests in the country, Rold is similar to the Black Forest in that it can be a bit eerie at night and has inspired fairy tales. It is located in the north of the country and is an ideal respite from busy Copenhagen.

North Macedonia’s capital city is best known for the astonishing amount of newly built monuments around town. If you look past the oddly imposing statues, you’ll notice the city is in the shade of Mount Vodno. In fact, you can walk (or take a bus/cable car) to trails right from the city center. Enjoy treks that are an easy distance from town, where you’re rewarded with fantastic views of a tree (and monument) lined city.

France and Switzerland have the most famous Alps, but mountain enthusiasts shouldn’t sleep on Germany. In the south of the country, near Munich, there are some of the best peaks in Europe. Additionally, the snow melts in spring and summer, giving way to grass-filled and tree-lined trails.

One of Portugal’s most popular beach destinations is also a great verdant place as well. The green hills and cliffs above the sandy shores are a hiker’s paradise, but temps are much warmer than, say, Ireland or the Netherlands.

Most travelers enjoy the Highlands during winter when snow coats the area in a holiday-themed postcard scene. However, if you visit when the weather is a bit warmer, you’ll enjoy the hills covered in green, with grazing animals and great trails for walking.

In a country most often associated with sunny beaches, Galicia, on the northwest Atlantic coast, stands out. The Celtic area feels very different from the rest of Spain — from the different accents to the green valleys and forests, it’s a great place to escape crowds.

Southern Albania’s beaches receive all the attention, but the north is where those looking to relax in greenery should head. Shkodra Lake (split between Albania and Montenegro) is a great place to paddleboard, swim, or hike in the Albanian Alps. And it’s mostly verdant throughout the year.

Nope, this bizarrely named location isn’t in Switzerland. It’s a national park in the north of the Czech Republic, about an hour and a half drive from Prague. Some of the best hiking in the region is located here!

This part of the country is best known as the inspiration for “Dracula” and home to the famous castle. However, it’s also full of lovely forests.

Italy is popular for beach and food destinations, and Tuscany has great cuisine and wine. However, don’t forget all those photos you see of rolling green hills in the area. Once you’ve sampled the region’s food and drink, take a walk and admire the beautiful nature.