Whether you prefer magical waterfalls and breathtaking gorges or historic landmarks and medieval old towns, there’s a UNESCO site or a national park with your name on it. Thanks to our variety of destinations, you can fly directly into UNESCO stamped cities or be put just a stone's throw away from some of the most stunning national park scenery on the continent. So, where will you visit first?
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
One of Croatia's most visited and most loved attractions is the Plitvice Lakes National Park. You tick off both national park and UNESCO site when you visit here! It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979 thanks to the extraordinary array of waterfalls that link the astonishing lakes together.
Within the dense forest, you’ll find 16 crystalline lakes rolling into one another, all lined by 11 miles of wooden footbridges and narrow pathways. Each walkway weaves around the edges of the falling water, so from every direction, you're exposed to the beauty of the national park. The Plitvice Lakes alone make a visit to Croatia a must on everyone’s bucket list.
Valletta, Malta
While Valletta may be Europe’s smallest capital city, it’s big on historic sites to visit and panoramic views to admire. That’s why it’s one of the most picturesque UNESCO sites you can visit. You’ll find narrow, cobbled streets flanked by sparkling Mediterranean waters which are perfect for exploring.
Admire buildings lined with green shutters, the towering, protective city walls and the historic St. John's Cathedral during your visit. The dome of the Basilica of Our Lady Mt Carmel dominates Valletta’s skyline! Venture to this landmark during your stay and delve further into the city’s history to see why it’s been a treasured UNESCO site for more than 40 years!
Krka National Park, Croatia
Croatia might just take the crown for the most impressive national park line-up. If the Plitvice Lakes didn’t take your fancy, then circle back to Krka National Park and try again, because this place is bound to blow you away. There’s a magical mix of crashing waterfalls and impressive canyons and gorges to feast your eyes on during a visit here.
The Krka National Park is easily accessible from the Dalmatian Coast, thanks to its proximity to the coastal city, Sibenik. During your visit, prepare to be captivated by the lush landscape. You’ll discover endless flora, as more than 800 species of plants call this national park home!
Sierra Nevada National Park, Spain
This rugged, extensive mountain range is located in the heart of Andalusia. Home to vast gorges, large lagoons and glacial lakes, the 15 mountains that make up this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve are primed for exploring! You’ll find 25 official footpaths across the Sierra Nevada, making this a hot spot for hikers. But if you’d rather tour on two wheels, there are also 13 different cycle routes to explore!
If you’re visiting in the summer, keep your eye out for the vibrant flora that inhabits this area and see if you can spot the olive and apple trees that sprout in the warmer seasons. But don’t write this mountain range off during the winter! It’s one of the most southernly places you can ski, and you can spot the snow-topped mountains for miles!
Kotor, Montenegro
Nestled between mountains on the Adriatic Coast, you’ll find the Montenegrin masterpiece, Kotor. The bay of Kotor is quickly climbing to the top of holidaymakers’ must-visit lists, but it’s the historic Old Town that’s earned this turquoise and terracotta town its UNESCO stamp of approval. Cosy courtyards, cobbled winding streets and quaint churches are the norm here, with the towering Kotor Fortress standing sentry over the whole town.
Peel back Kotor’s history by visiting the baroque monuments, breathtaking cathedrals and the staggering city walls. But don’t forget to put the exploring on pause to admire the red-clay rooftops, limestone cliffs and dramatic mountains that line the glistening coast.
Ancient City of Nessebar, Bulgaria
Located on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coastline, the city of Nessebar is more than 3,000 years old and houses remains dating back to the Hellenistic period! You’ll discover the city’s acropolis, a temple of Apollo and a fortress from the Middle Ages on your explorations here. The city was once a Greek colony and many of the structures still reflect that time period.
Thanks to its historic and cultural heritage, the Ancient City of Nessebar was recognised as a UNESO World Heritage Site and attracts tourists from all over the world to take a trip back in time.
Rome, Italy
There’s no denying that the beauty of Rome is breathtaking. From impressive structures like the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain to globally appreciated landmarks like the Colosseum and St Peter’s Basilica, this Italian city boasts some of the most impressive architecture you’ll find. But it’s the universal value that Rome offers which earned its well-deserved UNESCO status.
When you pay this magnificent capital a visit, you’ll be swept away by its spellbinding charm. Meander through the cobbled streets and spot awe-inspiring structures at every turn. Grab a gelato and explore the sights or pull up a chair in Piazza Navona and sip away on an Aperol Spritz… days here are truly unrivalled.
Posted: 1st Aug 2024.