15 Amazing Places in Europe I’d Return to in a Heartbeat

15 Amazing Places in Europe I’d Return to in a Heartbeat

(For those who prefer to read)

I love discovering new places in Europe.

There’s something exciting about arriving somewhere for the first time, wandering down unfamiliar streets, exploring new trails, and wondering what you’ll discover around the next corner.

But you know what else I love?

Going back to places I’ve already visited.

Because returning to a destination doesn’t mean repeating the same trip.

In fact, I often find that my second, third, or even sixth visit is just as rewarding as the first.

When I talked with Renee Hannes of Dream Plan Experience about slow travel, we touched on this idea of returning to places we’ve already experienced.

And it’s something that has stuck with me.

Each time I return, I get to peel back another layer — dig a wee bit deeper.

Maybe I discover a trail I didn’t know existed.

I might explore a village I missed on a previous trip.

Or I simply spend more time in a place, getting to know it and its people better.

There’s also something comforting about familiarity.

Knowing where the supermarket is, having a favorite cafe, or remembering a beautiful walk that you can’t wait to do again.

So I started thinking about the places in Europe I’d return to without hesitation.

And I came up with 15!

Now, I did give myself one rule: I had to have visited each destination at least twice and still want to go back again.

There are plenty of places I’ve visited once that I’m eager to return to, but those are for another day.

For now, let’s find out about 15 places in Europe I’d return to in a heartbeat.

#1 Alpe di Siusi and Castelrotto, Italy

I’ve visited Alpe di Siusi and the nearby village of Castelrotto 6 times.

Yes.

You read that correctly.

6!

And I would happily go back for a seventh visit (and eighth and ninth).

Alpe di Siusi is a stunning alpine meadow in the Italian Dolomites, filled with walking trails, mountain huts, and incredible views of the surrounding peaks.

No matter how many times I walk these trails, I never get tired of the scenery.

I have the photos to prove it.

Sometimes I follow a familiar route.

Other times I connect trails in a different way and discover something new.

I’ve also experienced this area in different seasons, including September visits when fresh snow dusted the mountains.

And Castelrotto, or Kastelruth in German, is one of those villages that simply feels comfortable to me.

My take: Alpe di Siusi is one of the most accessible places to experience the beauty of the Dolomites. You don’t have to tackle difficult hikes to enjoy extraordinary mountain scenery.

#2 San Vigilio di Marebbe and Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, Italy

Another favorite in the Dolomites is the little village of San Vigilio di Marebbe and nearby Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park.

I’ve been here 5 times, and I’m quite certain there will be more visits.

San Vigilio is a lovely Ladin village with a strong connection to the traditions and culture of this part of South Tyrol.

It’s not a big place, but that’s part of its charm.

I love wandering through the village, walking along the stream, and heading into the mountains to explore the beautiful Fanes and Sennes plateaus.

And I have to mention Hotel Olympia, where Marco and Camilla always make me feel welcome.

Returning here feels a bit like wrapping myself in a warm, comfortable blanket.

My take: Stay in San Vigilio for a few nights rather than rushing through. It’s a wonderful base for exploring the nature park, and you’ll have time to appreciate the village itself. Be sure to check out the church!

#3 Florence, Italy

This might surprise you as being on the list.

After all, I’m not typically a city person.

And Florence certainly attracts plenty of visitors, making it very busy a lot of the year.

But after 3 visits, I know I’d return again.

There’s the magnificent Renaissance art and architecture which I simply love.

But what I particularly enjoy is wandering through the neighborhoods and finding quieter corners of the city.

On my most recent visit in 2024, I stayed in the Oltrarno neighborhood, across the Arno River from the historic center.

I also spent time working in a coworking space, which gave me a completely different experience of Florence.

And there are still places I haven’t explored, including the Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens.

My take: Spend some time in Oltrarno. It’s a great way to experience another side of Florence beyond its most famous sights.

#4 Verona, Italy

Oh, Verona.

I do love this city!

I’ve visited 3 times, and it’s one of my favorite Italian cities for simply wandering around with my camera.

There’s so much history, beautiful architecture, fascinating churches, and a wonderful atmosphere.

Yes, Verona has become more popular over the years.

But I’ve found that crossing the Adige River and exploring neighborhoods away from the busiest parts of the historic center can be incredibly rewarding.

During my 2024 visit, I also worked from a coworking space tucked away in the heart of the city.

It was another opportunity to experience Verona in a slightly different way.

And I know there’s still more to discover.

My take: Don’t spend all your time around Juliet’s Balcony and Piazza delle Erbe. Cross the river and wander. Some of my favorite Verona experiences have come from simply exploring without a particular destination in mind.

#5 Paris, France

If you’ve followed Wander Your Way for a while, you know Paris is my favorite city.

I never get tired of it.

I’ve experienced Paris in winter, autumn, late spring and mid-summer.

And each visit has been different.

There are always more neighborhoods to explore, museums to visit, gardens to enjoy, streets to wander, and more photos to take.

And, of course, there’s French cheese and wine!

One of the things I particularly love about Paris is that you can return again and again and still discover something new.

Stay in a different neighborhood.

Walk in another direction.

Visit a museum you’ve overlooked.

Or simply sit in a cafe and watch Parisian life go by.

My take: Late October was a wonderful time for my visit in 2025. I’d happily return in autumn again, especially after experiencing the summer heat of 2026!

#6 Kenmare and Killarney National Park, Ireland

Kenmare might just be my favorite town in Ireland.

I’ve returned several times, and it holds some wonderful memories, including time spent here with my parents.

I love Kenmare because it feels like a nice blend of locals and visitors.

It’s lively without feeling overwhelming.

And it’s a fantastic base for exploring nearby Killarney National Park.

There are beautiful lakes, woodland trails, historic sites, and mountain scenery.

On my 2024 visit, I finally explored Ross Castle and the ruins of Muckross Abbey.

And I walked the nearby Gap of Dunloe which is technically not part of the park, but close enough that I’m counting it.

I also discovered a little local woodland park in Kenmare that I’d somehow missed on previous visits.

See?

There’s always something new!

I’d also love to return and explore the Killarney lakes by kayak.

My take: I prefer staying in Kenmare rather than Killarney town. It’s a lovely base with good restaurants and pubs, and you’re still close to the national park.

#7 Connemara, Ireland

There’s something about Connemara that keeps pulling me back.

Maybe it’s the wild landscapes.

Or the combination of mountains, boglands, coastline, and small villages.

Whatever it is, I love this part of western County Galway.

I’ve visited 4 times, and each experience has been different.

The changing seasons bring different colors to the landscape, from flowering gorse in spring to hints of purple heather later in the year.

And there are so many little coastal roads, villages, and quiet corners that I still want to explore.

It’s the kind of destination where you could spend a week and still feel you’ve barely scratched the surface.

My take: Give Connemara time. Don’t simply drive through on a day trip from Galway. Stay for a few nights and explore some of those smaller roads and coastal communities.

#8 Westport, County Mayo, Ireland

Westport is just plain fun.

I’ve been here 3 times, and every visit reminds me how much I enjoy this colorful town in County Mayo.

There are great pubs, cafes, shops, and a lively atmosphere.

And then there’s the Quay area along the waterfront, which has a different feel from the town center.

On my last visit, I enjoyed watching and listening to locals having a bit of fun while wild swimming.

It’s those little moments that make travel memorable.

There’s also plenty to explore nearby, including Croagh Patrick, which I’ve climbed twice.

I think twice might be enough for that one!

My take: Make time to wander down to the Quay. And don’t treat Westport as simply a place to sleep while exploring County Mayo. The town itself deserves some attention.

#9 West Cork, Ireland

West Cork is one of my absolute favorite parts of Ireland.

And I really need to get back!

I love the rugged peninsulas, little coastal villages, rolling green hills, and slower pace of life.

There’s also some excellent food in this part of Ireland.

But one of the things I particularly love as a photographer is the light.

There’s something special about the way the light falls across the landscape and coastline here.

And there are so many places I still want to explore, especially around the Mizen Head and Sheep’s Head peninsulas.

I had hoped to return in 2024, but simply couldn’t fit it into that trip.

Next time!

My take: West Cork is ideal for travelers who enjoy exploring small villages, coastal roads, and beautiful scenery without feeling the need to rush from one major attraction to another.

#10 St Andrews and the East Neuk of Fife, Scotland

Now we’re heading to Scotland, my heart home.

And we have to start with St Andrews and the East Neuk villages of Fife.

I’ve spent quite a bit of time in St Andrews, thanks in large part to my wonderful friends Bo and Eric, who have generously welcomed me into their home.

And I never get tired of being here.

St Andrews is so much more than golf.

There’s the university, the cathedral and castle ruins, beautiful beaches, and the Fife Coastal Path.

Then there are the charming East Neuk fishing villages, including Crail, Pittenweem, and St Monans.

I love exploring these villages, walking along the coast, and discovering more of this beautiful part of Scotland.

It has become a place that feels very much like home.

My take: Even if you have absolutely no interest in golf, St Andrews and the East Neuk deserve a place on your Scotland itinerary. History, coastal walks, and lovely villages make this a wonderful area to explore.

#11 Pitlochry and Blair Atholl, Scotland

The Perthshire region has really captured my heart over the past few years.

And the area around Pitlochry and Blair Atholl is one I keep returning to.

Pitlochry is a lovely town with shops, cafes, restaurants, and easy access to some wonderful walks.

Blair Atholl, just a short distance away, is smaller and quieter.

What I love most about this area is the scenery.

There are beautiful woodlands, rolling hills, some bigger peaks, rivers, and plenty of opportunities to get outdoors.

Add in Blair Castle, the Blair Athol Distillery, and some lovely nearby drives, and there’s a wonderful mix of experiences.

I’ve spent quite a bit of time here, including several weeks in late 2023 and early 2024.

And I think that’s part of why it feels so familiar now.

My take: Pitlochry can get quite busy, so consider visiting outside the peak summer months. Blair Atholl is another good option if you’d prefer somewhere a little quieter.

#12 Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

Oh, the Cairngorms!

This is one of those places where I could keep returning and still have so much left to explore.

Cairngorms National Park is enormous.

And its different areas offer wonderfully varied landscapes.

I particularly love the eastern side around Braemar with its dramatic mountains, glens, rivers, and beautiful scenery.

But I’ve also spent time exploring the western side around Aviemore, Glenmore Forest, and Kingussie.

There are wonderful walks, ancient forests, lochs, wildlife, and fascinating historical sites.

And the mountain scenery never gets old.

The more time I spend here, the more I realize just how much I haven’t seen.

My take: Don’t try to see all of the Cairngorms in a couple of days. It’s not possible! Choose one area as a base and explore it properly. Then come back another time to discover a different part of this magnificent national park.

#13 Northwest Scotland, Scotland

Northwest Scotland absolutely blew me away the first time I visited in 2017.

And when I returned in 2023, I fell in love with it all over again.

This is a landscape of dramatic mountains, rugged coastline, remote roads, and tiny communities.

It’s wild, beautiful, and wonderfully remote.

I’ve explored parts of the western side of the North Coast 500 route, particularly around the Gairloch to Lochinver area.

But there’s still so much I haven’t seen.

I’d love to spend more time exploring the coastline and venture farther into the interior.

This is one of those destinations that makes me want to stop the car every few minutes to take another photograph.

Which means I never get very far!

My take: Allow far more time than you think you’ll need when exploring northwest Scotland. Distances can be deceiving, and you’ll want plenty of opportunities to stop, walk, and enjoy those incredible landscapes.

#14 Isle of Mull and Iona, Scotland

I can’t believe it took me until 2024 to visit the Isles of Mull and Iona.

Because once I did, I knew I had to return.

And in 2026 I made it happen.

Mull has so many things I love about Scotland — mountains, coastline, wildlife, beautiful scenery, and winding single-track roads.

Then there’s the wee island of Iona.

Iona feels completely different, with its beautiful beaches, fascinating history, and peaceful atmosphere.

I love both islands for different reasons.

And even after two visits, there’s still so much I want to explore.

In particular, I need to spend more time on the southern part of Iona.

My take: Don’t underestimate how long it takes to explore Mull. Those single-track roads mean you’ll travel slowly, and that’s actually part of the appeal. Give yourself several nights rather than trying to squeeze everything into a quick visit.

#15 Strontian and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, Scotland

Last, but certainly not least, is Strontian and the Ardnamurchan Peninsula in western Scotland.

This is one of those places that feels very remote, even though it’s connected to the mainland.

There are forests, mountains, sea lochs, coastal scenery, wildlife, and tiny communities connected by winding single-track roads.

And it’s incredibly peaceful.

I’ve returned to Strontian and stayed at the same lovely B&B, but I know I need to explore farther along the peninsula.

The problem?

You know the answer — I keep stopping to take photographs!

Between the scenery and the narrow roads, it takes me forever to get anywhere.

But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

My take: If you’re looking for a quieter corner of Scotland and enjoy slow travel, consider Ardnamurchan. Just be comfortable driving on single-track roads and allow plenty of time to explore.

Final thoughts on 15 amazing places in Europe I’d return to in a heartbeat

So there you have it.

15 places in Europe I’ve visited more than once and would happily return to again.

Some are places I’ve been to 5 or 6 times.

Others I’ve only visited twice.

But every one of them has something that keeps pulling me back.

And I think that’s one of the beautiful things about travel.

We often feel pressure to keep going somewhere new, adding another destination or country to our list.

But travel doesn’t have to be about collecting places or checking them off a list.

Sometimes returning gives us the opportunity to experience a destination in a completely different way.

We already know some of the basics.

We feel more comfortable.

We can slow down, explore more deeply, and discover things we missed before.

And sometimes we return simply because we love how a place makes us feel.

So here’s something I’d love you to think about.

What places have you visited at least twice that you’d happily return to again?

And perhaps more importantly, why do those places keep calling you back?

I’d love to hear your answers!

Because I think the places we return to often tell us something about what we truly value when we travel.

And there are certainly more places in Europe I’ve only visited once that I can’t wait to return to.

But that’s a story for another day.

So stay tuned for a future podcast episode where I’ll share those destinations with you!

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