After 5 Years in Europe, These Are My 5 Favorite Countries 🩵

After living here in Europe, one of the questions I get asked all the time is: “Okay, but what are your favorite countries?”

And honestly… it’s a hard question. Europe is full of incredible places, cultures, landscapes, and food. Over the years I’ve visited dozens of cities and countries, and narrowing it down has always felt impossible. I like them all, truly!

But as I prepare to leave Europe (which still feels surreal to say), I finally sat down and thought about the places that truly stuck with me and the ones I’d recommend again and again, especially for fellow solo female travelers. I narrowed it down by which countries I’d go back to and the amount of cities I’ve enjoyed in each one.

These are the countries I keep going back to for the people, the scenery, the culture, and the overall feeling they give you when you’re there.

Here are my top five!

1. Croatia 🇭🇷

Croatia completely surprised me the first time I visited, and every trip since has only confirmed how special it is. I didn’t travel to Croatia till my third year here in Europe because it’s an easy drive from my home here in Italy. Since then, I’ve been back about four times with family, with friends, and solo.

The Adriatic coastline is stunning with turquoise water, charming old towns, and some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see. If you go in the summer, pack some water shoes because the beaches are rocky but makes for super clear water.

But what really stood out to me was the kindness of the people and the incredibly rich culture. Croatians are welcoming, proud of their traditions, and always happy to share recommendations (usually involving a hidden beach or a family-run restaurant you would never find on Google Maps).

And let’s not forget the wine. Croatia produces some amazing local wines that you rarely see outside the region, which makes discovering them there even more fun…and also very easy to accidentally order “just one more glass.”

Cities I recommend:

1. Rovinj – One of the most picturesque towns on the coast. Colorful buildings, winding streets, and a romantic harbor.

2. Dubrovnik – Yes, it’s popular, but the old city walls and views of the Adriatic are unforgettable. Game of Thrones fans will also recognize about half the city.

3. Split – A perfect mix of ancient history and lively seaside energy.

Between the beaches, the food, and the laid-back coastal grandma lifestyle, Croatia is a dream destination.

Split, Croatia

2. Switzerland 🇨🇭

Switzerland almost doesn’t feel real Every train ride looks like a screensaver on your parents’ old Microsoft desktop with dramatic mountains, crystal-clear lakes, alpine villages, and endless hiking trails. If you love being outdoors, this country is pure magic.

It’s also one of the easiest places to travel solo thanks to the incredible transportation system and how safe and organized everything is.

Cities and regions to visit:

1. Interlaken – A base for adventure and incredible alpine scenery.

2. Lucerne – A storybook city with a beautiful lake and historic bridges.

3. Ascona – A charming town in the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland with a Mediterranean vibe.

The first time I drove through Switzerland, I had to pull over for a herd of cows crossing the road. Each one had a large bell around its neck, and as they slowly passed by, the sound of the bells echoed through the small valley. I rolled down my window and just sat there listening, completely mesmerized. It was one of those simple moments that felt so peaceful, beautiful, and uniquely Swiss.

Interlaken, Switzerland

3. Italy 🇮🇹

Italy might be the country I talk about the most and for good reason. It also has a big piece of my heart after living here for 2 years.

The food. The wine. The culture. The people. The lifestyle.

Italians TRULY have life dialed in. Meals are long, conversations are animated, and evenings revolve around aperitivo with friends. No one is rushing. No one is eating lunch at their desk. Everyone is just… living. There’s an energy here that makes you want to slow down and savor everything.

It’s honestly the best reminder that life is meant to be enjoyed.

My favorite places:

1. Rome – History everywhere you turn. It feels like walking through a living museum (with really good pasta).

2. Florence – Art, architecture, and incredible Tuscan food.

3. Venice – Completely unique and magical. There’s no city in the world like Venice.

4. Milan – Stylish, vibrant, and full of amazing restaurants and aperitivo spots.

5. Sicily – Dramatic landscapes, incredible seafood, and rich cultural history.

Italy is a bit chaotic, beautiful, delicious, and I never get tired of it. Someone will absolutely have to drag me onto the flight in June.

Burano, Italy

4. France 🇫🇷

France is a country I’ve found myself returning to again and again.

At first, I thought it was just Paris pulling me back but the more I explored, the more I fell in love with French culture as a whole. The appreciation for good food, beautiful surroundings, and taking time to enjoy life really resonates with me.

Also, the French have somehow mastered the art of making even a simple coffee and croissant feel like an event.

Places to visit:

1. Paris – Classic for a reason. Cafés, museums, neighborhoods full of charm.

2. Strasbourg – Half-timbered houses and canals that make it feel almost magical. Favorite Christmas market as well!

3. Colmar – One of the most picturesque towns in all of Europe.

4. Champagne region - Rolling green hills filled with vineyards, historic houses, and family-run wineries.

Fun fact for the wine lovers (and Swifties): one of Taylor Swift’s favorite wines, Sancerre, also comes from France. You can even spot her sipping it in The Eras Tour documentary which makes enjoying a crisp glass of French white wine while traveling here feel even more on theme.

France is elegant, romantic, and full of places worth revisiting — which is exactly why it takes my #4 spot.

Paris, France

5. Ireland 🇮🇪

Ireland is the country where I’ve repeatedly thought: “I could live here.”

The people are some of the friendliest you’ll ever meet. Walk into almost any pub and you’ll find conversation, laughter, and someone willing to tell a story.

The pub culture isn’t just about drinking either, it’s about community, music, and storytelling and somehow leaving the night with three new friends.

And of course, the pints of Guinness somehow taste better here.

Favorite Spots:

1. Galway – Colorful streets, live music, cozy pubs, and a great base for exploring the west coast.

2. Dublin - Of course! So fun and lively. A ton of really niche art and history here as well.

3. Cork - friendly, artsy, chill pub culture here.

Ireland has a warmth to it that’s hard to describe but impossible to forget. I have specifically looked at Visa options here for after retirement.

Honorable Mentions

Two countries that absolutely deserve recognition:

1. Spain – Incredible food, vibrant culture, beautiful cities, and amazing nightlife.

2. Greece – Island life, turquoise water, and some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Europe.

Both are great destinations and they just barely missed my top five.

Final Thoughts

Living in Europe for almost five years has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life. It’s a place where cultures shift quickly, landscapes change dramatically, and every train ride can take you somewhere completely different.

But these five countries are the ones that stayed with me the most.

If you’re planning a trip (especially as a solo female traveler) you truly can’t go wrong with any of them. And if you have the chance to explore Europe slowly… do it. Some of the best moments here happen when you’re wandering without a plan.