Catch a glimpse of the glamorous lifestyle of the rich and famous by traveling to luxury travel destinations. Perhaps no other continent has the most exquisite and luxurious tourist spots than Europe. If you have the money to splurge, European destinations are the perfect places to escape from the realities of your everyday life. Forget about the typical European destinations like Paris, Madrid, London and Berlin for a while –let’s get to know some of the glamorous destinations Europe has to offer:
1. Monaco, French Riviera
If you’re familiar with the prestigious Grand Prix motor race, you’ve probably heard of Monaco. It’s the second smallest country/independent state in the world (the Vatican is the smallest), but this small place oozes with glamour. Besides the aforementioned annual racing event in Monte-Carlo, Monaco is also known for its upscale casinos, yacht-lined harbor and expensive high-rise hotels. This glamorous place attracts the wealthy and the high-rollers, so it’s always filled with luxury cars and super yachts. Get a taste of luxury on its fancy hotels, nightclubs, boutiques and restaurants.
2. Sveti Stefan, Montenegro
Once a fishing community, Sveti Stefan is now a luxury resort island that has been a popular vacation destination for celebrities and royalty. It’s a small yet stunning island on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro, and is connected to the mainland by a narrow bridge with stone houses tightly placed together on top of the island. The resort, known as Aman Sveti Stefan, is an ultimate blend of elegant, rustic and romantic. Guests can either stay in individual rooms in the hotels, or entire villas with private pools and terraces with a magnificent view of the sea. And as mentioned by Sophia Loren, “It’s just as if I have returned to town from the most beautiful fairy tale of my childhood.”
3. Capri, Italy
The charming island of Capri in Bay of Naples, Italy, is famous for its rugged landscape, luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants and upscale shopping boutiques. And every year, the island hosts an art film festival where directors screen films that are yet to be shown in cinemas. You may even meet one of your favorite film directors here! These glamorous destinations are just a small part of Capri’s wonder – this island will also amaze you with the wonders of nature. One famous natural site here is the Blue Grotto, a dark cavern where the sea glows electric blue as sunlight passes through the underwater cave.
4. Ibiza, Spain
If you’re a party animal, Ibiza might be the dream destination for you. It’s the ultimate party getaway for youngsters who love to dance and drink the night away, being the forefront of Europe’s dance music and clubbing scene with its legendary super-clubs and bars. After a wild night out, you can relax in its quiet villages and hang out in its deserted white-sand beaches and turquoise Mediterranean sea. There are also yoga retreats, shops and hotels lined all around the coast. And speaking of hotels, get ready to splurge and live glamorously for a while as you won’t find hotels with lower than five-star rating here.
5. St. Barts, Caribbean
While not technically in Europe, this lovely island is very popular with Europeans. St. Barts is famous for its white, sandy beaches that capture a breathtaking view of the mountains, green hills and glistening bays. It’s a tropical paradise with a sense of glamour and sophistication with its exquisite boutiques, luxury yachts, fine dining restaurants with incredible views and indulgent spas. It’s a favorite retreat of the rich and famous – it would be easier to list those who hasn’t visited the island than those who did! When you visit St. Barts, you will notice a unique brand of laid-back luxury, where well-dressed people wearing luxury brands sit beside sandy and barefoot beach goers and no one raises an eyebrow. This Caribbean paradise is fully packed with luxury activities, both indoors and outdoors.
6. Madeira, Portugal
Known as Portugal’s “pearl of the Atlantic,” Madeira is a picturesque location full of tourist attractions such as gardens, as well as historical and religious sites. There’s a lot to do here, like hiking on the beautiful yet challenging mountains, sailing through the coast of Portugal, discovering historic towns, or simply relaxing in the natural sea lava pools and botanical gardens. Madeira has a long history of wine making, so don’t miss the opportunity to taste the exquisite musky and sweet Madeira wine, which is one of the finest in the world.
7. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik is a dazzling city in southern Croatia that faces the beautiful Adriatic Sea and is one of the most prestigious travel destinations in the country. The city is so charming and popular among celebrities as it offers underwater winery, picture-perfect baroque buildings, stunning beaches and a scenic view of the azure sea. Luxurious shops and restaurants also line up its limestone-paved streets. Fans of popular HBO’s fantasy series “Game of Thrones” also know that the city doubled as the real-life King’s Landing.
8. Mykonos, Greece
If you imagine bright white buildings and paradise-like beaches whenever you think of “travel to Greece,” it’s most probably because of Mykonos. Greece is not just the home of the Parthenon and Zeus, it’s also a home to one of the most famous cosmopolitan island in the world. Glamour and simplicity mingles together in Mykonos, as you can dance the night away in world-class nightclubs or explore the island’s rich history and tradition. Other popular tourist activities here include dining in award-winning restaurants, getting tanned in exceptional beaches, staying in luxury hotels and dreamy villas, and hopping on islands through a sail yachts.
9. St. Tropez, France
One of the most glamorous tourist spots in the world and the most expensive destinations in France, St. Tropez is a place where it is common to see sunbathing celebrities, luxury yachts and designer boutiques. Besides these, what makes people love this place is its magnificent beaches, bustling nightlife, and the picturesque charm of its pastel-colored houses, shady squares and cobblestone streets. Located in the French Riviera, St. Tropez is a former humble fishing village transformed as a luxurious seaside resort. French blonde bombshell Brigitte Bardot came to St. Tropez to star in the 1955 film Et Dieu Créa la Femme (And God Created Woman), and forever transformed the fishing village into a playground of international socialites.
10. Lake Como, Italy
One of Italy’s most attractive lake, Lake Como is a piece of paradise in the Lombardy region. This upscale tourist destination is popular for its waterfront villas, lush gardens and pretty villages. Bellagio, the most popular town on Lake Como, is where both arms of the upside-Y-shaped lake meet. This town is lined with quaint buildings, luxe shops, fine café and restaurants, expensive hotels and spas, and public swimming pools. Celebrities like Sting, Madonna, George Clooney own villas in here.
There are many more options to choose all over Europe such as these gorgeous St Ives Homes, high mountain retreats and more!