European travel destinations – Let’s explore here

Table of Contents

Take a look at the European travel destinations below to see if there is anywhere you’d like to explore. Click on either the map or the countries below to find further information and tips for overland travel.

There are also many large islands in the Mediterranean that are listed under their respective countries, such as Corsica, Sardinia, Sicily.

A bit about Europe

The continent of Europe covers almost 7% of the land area on the planet, and has about 10% of the world’s population. Each country has an incredible richness to its history, and historically there is no part of the world that has not been affected in one way or another by those in power within the continent.

The diversity of the continent is astounding, reaching from those countries within the Arctic circle in the north, down to those in the south that are now affected by desertification from the Sahara. The Mediterranean area is astoundingly beautiful, and the mountainous Alps hold some of the best driving roads on the planet.

There are over 50 countries on the continent of Europe at present and the majority have adopted a common currency. A large block of countries – the Schengen Area – have also abolished internal border and immigration controls.

Eight of the top ten most visited countries in the world are in Europe, with France being the most visited. As far as European travel destinations go, there are vast areas on the eastern fringes of the continent that still remain mostly undiscovered in the main, e.g. in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Kazakhstan.

Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.

We’re constantly updating information on countries that we visit, so keep referring back to the info as it evolves. We’re also posting the routes we’ve travelled through on our road trips, as well as blogs when we have time.

A bit about the history of Europe

Ancient Civilisations

Europe’s history dates back to ancient times, with the rise of the first civilisations such as the Minoans and Mycenaeans in the Aegean. Ancient Greece, from the 8th century BC, became a major cultural and intellectual force, developing democracy, philosophy and the arts. Following Greece, the Roman Empire rose to dominate much of Europe, bringing engineering, law and military organisation. The empire eventually split and fell in the 5th century AD, leading to the formation of various barbarian kingdoms.

The Middle Ages

The fall of Rome led to the Middle Ages, a period marked by feudalism, the spread of Christianity, and the rise of monarchies. The Holy Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire were influential powers during this time. The Vikings raided northern Europe, and the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 reshaped British society. The Crusades, spanning from the 11th to 13th centuries, were military campaigns aimed at reclaiming Jerusalem and spreading Christianity.

The Renaissance and Early Modern Period

The Renaissance, which began in Italy in the 14th century, brought a revival of interest in classical culture, science and the arts. This period saw the rise of influential figures such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Galileo. The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century, led by Martin Luther, challenged the Catholic Church and led to religious conflict. The Age of Exploration saw European powers, such as Spain, Portugal, and later England, France and the Netherlands, establish vast overseas empires.

The Enlightenment and Revolution

The 17th and 18th centuries were marked by the Enlightenment, a philosophical movement that promoted reason, individualism and liberty. This period laid the groundwork for political revolutions across Europe. The French Revolution in 1789, inspired by Enlightenment ideals, led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon’s empire spread across much of Europe before it collapsed after his defeat in 1815.

The Industrial Revolution and Social Change

The Industrial Revolution, which began in Britain in the late 18th century, transformed Europe from agrarian societies into industrialised nations. New technologies, such as the steam engine, revolutionised production and transportation. This era also saw rapid urbanisation and significant social changes, including the rise of the working class and the growth of socialist and labour movements.

The World Wars

The early 20th century was dominated by two world wars. World War I (1914–1918) was triggered by political and military alliances and led to significant loss of life and the downfall of several empires, including the Austro–Hungarian, Russian, Ottoman and German empires. World War II (1939–1945) was caused by unresolved issues from the first war, along with the rise of fascist regimes under Adolf Hitler in Germany, Benito Mussolini in Italy and militarist Japan. The war resulted in massive destruction, the Holocaust, and the eventual defeat of the Axis powers.

The Cold War and Division of Europe

After World War II, Europe was divided into two spheres of influence. Western Europe, including countries such as the UK, France, and West Germany, aligned with the United States and the capitalist bloc, while Eastern Europe, including the Soviet Union and its satellites, adopted communism under the influence of the USSR. This led to the Cold War, a period of tension, nuclear arms race, and ideological conflict between the two superpowers, which lasted until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

European Integration and the European Union

In the post war period, European nations began to pursue greater economic and political integration to avoid future conflicts. This led to the creation of institutions like the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957, which later evolved into the European Union (EU). The EU aimed to promote economic cooperation, human rights and political stability across Europe. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 symbolised the end of communist rule in eastern Europe and furthered European integration.

Modern Europe

Today, Europe consists of a mix of powerful economies, such as Germany, the UK, and France, alongside smaller nations with strong political and cultural identities. The European Union continues to play a major role in regional cooperation, though challenges such as economic disparities, migration, and the rise of nationalism have tested European unity. The continent remains a central player in global affairs, with strong political, economic and cultural influence.