Planning your summer getaway? Don't book anything until you've seen Lonely Planet's top 10 European holiday destinations for 2019.
The experts at the top travel website have visited remote coastlines, buzzing cities and off-the-beaten-track regions to keep us ahead of the travel curve. It's now released its Best in Europe 2019 list so we know what to book now for the best breaks this summer, from bear-stalked forests to vineyard-ringed towns.
The list features the top 10 destinations for holiday in Europe this summer, with High Tatras in Slovakia taking the top spot. Heralded for its 'mythical landscapes', it's described as 'wild and rugged' and highlights include bear spotting and stunning hiking opportunities.
Don't want to go too far? The UK’s northernmost point, the Shetland Islands, have also bagged a place on this year’s European hotlist, coming in at number six. Cut adrift in the North Sea, Shetland is left largely to the hardiest of adventurers. But those who make the journey to this enchanting archipelago, which can be reached by plane, or an overnight ferry from Aberdeen, will be rewarded with 'awesome coastal trails, wicked wildlife watching, and fabled fish and chip shops'.
Check out the top 10 European hotspots for this summer below.
1. High Tatras, Slovakia
A mythical landscape where 'snow willow blankets the ground and fearsome beasts patrol the forests.'
2. Madrid, Spain
The city’s nightlife, always among Europe’s best, 'just keeps improving' and 'an emphasis on sustainable living has led to wide-scale pedestrianisation, bicycle lanes and rental schemes, widened footpaths, and new emissions controls transforming the city'.
3. The Arctic Coast Way, Iceland
Wowing with the natural wonders for which Iceland is rightly famed – thunderous waterfalls, colossal glaciers, steaming fumaroles – and endless opportunities for snow sports, wildlife watching and wilderness adventures… the best of Iceland minus the crowds.
4. Hercegovina, Bosnia and Hercegovina
Potter around the streets of medieval Počitelj, explore the Vjetrenica karst wind tunnels, hike to the traditional mountain village of Lukomir, and take a trip along the CIRO cycling trail – all will provide a new perspective on this picture-perfect region.
5. Bari, Italy
Bari has 'a spring in its step…a reinvigorated old town sets the tone, the boarded-up shop fronts replaced by family-run eateries…cultural spaces are reopening, from the ornate Teatro Piccinni theatre to once-condemned heritage hotels like the Oriente.'
6. Shetland, Scotland
Adventurers to the UK’s northernmost point will be rewarded with 'awesome coastal trails' can 'spot otters and orcas from craggy headlands' and enjoy 'fabled fish and chip shops'.
7. Lyon, France
Set to become the new French darling of international visitors as it steps into the global spotlight hosting the finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in July. 'Beautiful', 'food-obsessed' and 'cultured', Lyon has also recently received a nod from the EU for its efforts to make tourism accessible and sustainable.
8. Liechtenstein
Walk around an entire country in a weekend thanks to the Liechtenstein Trail. Created as part of the celebrations marking 300 years since Liechtenstein became a sovereign nation, this scenic 75km hiking path 'twists over peak and pasture' through all 11 municipalities.
9. Vevey, Switzerland
Held just once every 20 years, Vevey will be popping more corks than ever as the three-week wine festival, Fête des Vignerons, comes to town in June. Visitors can line their stomachs at one of the Old Town’s myriad quality eateries, offering everything from 20-course tasting menus to cheap-and-cheerful fondue, before working off their food with a swim in the lake.
10. Istria, Croatia
Offering history (Pula’s imposing Roman Amphitheatre and Poreč’s Unesco-listed mosaics for starters), beaches, gourmet cycle tours during spring, music festivals in summer and truffle-hunting excursions come autumn, expanding European flight connections make this heart-shaped peninsula easier to reach than ever.
8 of the best holiday deals websites
Best for beach breaks: On the Beach
If you're after sun, sea and sand, look no further than On the Beach for holidays that cover last-minute, package, cheap, adults only and even clubbing. Some of the top destinations to grab a bargain include the Balearics, Sardinia, Portugal and Greece.
Best for choice: Booking. com
There's a reason that Booking.com is the go-to accommodation site for most travellers. It's not just that it offers a wide range of hotels, apartments and hostels all around the world, but backs this up with a price match promise, too. It also gives you flexibility with its free cancellation up to a week before your stay.
Best for luxury travel deals: Secret Escapes
Members-only holiday deals site Secret Escapes offers up to 60 per cent off luxury trips, whether it's UK breaks, romantic breaks or beach getaways. If you're in need of inspiration, the current deals page is the place to start, while its extraordinary escapes will take you to the Northern Lights or Machu Picchu for less.
Best for surprising bargains: BA Holidays
It might not be the first place you think of for a cheap holiday deal but BA Holidays offers some pretty terrific discounts on packages. Think beach holidays from £189, American trips from £414, European city breaks from £109 and even business class flight and hotel offers from £311.
Best for something different: SRPRS. ME
On a budget and not sure where to go? SRPRS.ME does the hard work of sorting your trip. Just choose how much you want to spend, what you're looking for in a holiday, your departure airport and the type of accommodation you'd like, and the rest will be taken care of. Your destination will be revealed once you get to the airport.
Best for last-minute bookings: Lastminute. com
Just as its name suggests, Lastminute.com is your one-stop shop for last-minute flights, holiday packages, theatre tickets, experiences and more. You can search for deals for this weekend, get up to 40 per cent off mystery hotel stays and browse its flash sale offers.
Best for genuinely good deals: Travelzoo
With Travelzoo every deal is checked to confirm it's still live and offering the great value it claims. Whether you're jetting off to Ibiza or going to the theatre, you can rest assured that you're bagging the best deal. Be sure to sign up to the Top 20 email, which lands in your inbox once a week.
Best for spa deals: SpaBreaks. com
Looking to treat your mum to a spa break, organising a hen do for your group of girls or looking to treat yourself to a blissful retreat? Spabreaks.com has a whole host of spa days, gifts and mini-breaks for less. There are last-minute overnight getaways, brilliant group booking deals and even dreamy spa trips abroad.
