Overview of Western Europe

Quick Overview

Countries of Western Europe

• Azores: Better known for its anticyclone than for holidays, the Portuguese archipelago still has its share of aficionados. Beyond a few colonial vestiges and specific traditions, it offers great hiking opportunities in beautiful landscapes, as well as ocean-focused activities, which are never far away.

• Germany: While many visitors limit their discovery to Berlin and Bavaria, the country has many other attractions: natural (Baltic and North Sea coastlines, the Alps, Black Forest), historical and cultural (numerous castles...), and even industrial tourism, a specialty of Germany.

• Andorra: Beyond its "image" as a tax haven, the small co-principality nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees is highly appreciated for its winter sports resorts and, above all, its duty-free products (especially alcohol and tobacco), which attract several million visitors each year, mostly French.

• Austria: At the heart of Europe, Austria is a complete tourist destination, offering stunning Alpine landscapes, numerous outdoor activities, and a rich historical and cultural heritage. For all tastes...

• Belgium: Between Flanders and Wallonia, the "flat country" (or nearly so) is more than just its capital and a few clichés. It is a full-fledged tourist destination that will delight culture lovers.

• Canary Islands: Off the coast of Morocco but more European than African, the archipelago is a major destination. Visitors come for its landscapes, nature, tranquility (in some areas), or, conversely, to party or enjoy all-inclusive resorts that have been built there.

• Denmark: Often seen as a mere "transit zone" between Scandinavia and the rest of Europe, Denmark still boasts beautiful coastal landscapes and a rich history with well-preserved landmarks.

• Spain: For decades, it has been one of the world’s top tourist destinations. While its Mediterranean coast is the main draw for millions of visitors, the country is not just about the Costa Brava. Remarkable landscapes, varied activities, strong local cultures, and an exceptional heritage—this is also Spain.

• Faroe Islands: Almost unknown to the public, this archipelago with a harsh climate between Scotland and Iceland will delight lovers of wild nature with its cliffs plunging into the ocean, dormant volcanoes, and grassy valleys.

• Finland: The "nature-country" par excellence! While not as extraordinary as in other regions, nature is omnipresent here, with countless lakes, rivers, marshes, forests, and coastal areas, shaping Finnish culture and way of life.

• France: Consistently at the top (or nearly so) of global destinations, France is one of the most complete countries for tourism, always delighting nature lovers, cultural travelers, or those simply seeking a relaxing holiday.

• Gibraltar: Between Spain and Morocco, on the edge of the strait of the same name, the "Rock," as this British overseas territory is nicknamed, offers visitors a curious mix of cultures...

• Great Britain: While London and, to some extent, Scotland dominate tourism, the British Isles have much more to offer visitors.

• Ireland: One of Europe’s most "endearing" countries, with a unique nature and culture that have attracted millions of people for decades.

• Iceland: Somewhat "apart" in Europe, Iceland remains a unique discovery that will undoubtedly appeal to nature and adventure enthusiasts, thanks in particular to its exceptional landscapes on a continental scale.

• Italy: While beach tourism is less developed than in Spain or France, Italy can rely on its stunning sea and mountain landscapes and, above all, its incredible cultural wealth in terms of heritage to remain one of the world’s top tourist destinations.

• Liechtenstein: Like other European micro-states, this one is better known for finance than tourism, though its Alpine setting gives it a certain charm.

• Luxembourg: More renowned for finance than tourism, the Grand Duchy still offers beautiful cities (including its capital), lovely countryside to explore on foot or by bike, and several medieval castles.

• Madeira: With its subtropical climate, forests, and spectacular landscapes, the Portuguese island of Madeira has attracted tourists who come primarily to hike along the "levadas," irrigation channels dug here for centuries.

• Malta: At the heart of the Mediterranean, the Maltese archipelago traditionally attracts visitors for its tranquility, heritage, and history, and, in recent years, its language stays, which welcome more and more young people from all over.

• Monaco: Between Nice and Italy, the small principality attracts hundreds of thousands of "curious" visitors each year, whether for luxury stays, day trips, or, increasingly, cruises.

• Norway: According to many, Norway’s majestic landscapes, starting with its fjords, are among the most beautiful and impressive in the world. It is a unique destination that will delight nature and outdoor activity lovers. The only downside is the budget required to explore once there...

• Netherlands: Often reduced to Amsterdam, the Netherlands has much more to offer, both historically, culturally, and even naturally, especially when heading north to the province of Friesland and its islands.

• Portugal: Mediterranean at heart, even though the country only has Atlantic coastlines, Portugal is a complete destination for all types of travelers and trips. No wonder nearly 15 million visitors flock there each year.

• San Marino: This micro-state entirely enclosed within Italy is the world’s oldest republic. Visitors come mainly out of curiosity or to discover its small medieval heritage.

• Sweden: Less spectacular than its Norwegian neighbor, this vast and pleasant country still has plenty to charm visitors with its wild nature, perfect for countless hikes, as well as a rich history and heritage found in its capital, Stockholm, and its southern region.

• Switzerland: While not necessarily the first holiday destination that comes to mind, Switzerland has enough cultural and, above all, natural heritage—between lakes and mountains—to make for a pleasant stay.

Tourism

Europe has always been the world’s most visited continent, thanks primarily to its western part. In 2018, it welcomed half of global tourism, with 710 million visitors (+5% year-on-year), generating $570 billion in revenue. In the "Top 10" global destinations, five European countries appear every year, including France (first place), Spain, Italy, Germany, and Great Britain.

While cities in Northern Europe like London, Berlin, or Amsterdam constantly attract countless visitors, and countries like Sweden benefit from regional tourism, or Germany is a major international transit hub, it is quite logically Southern Europe—whose image is associated with holidays, sun, and beaches—that welcomes the most visitors in purely tourist terms.

(): reference year - Sources: UNWTO and others