A European escape to the country

Beyond the big smoke

London is an iconic destination, bursting with energy and attractions for every age. But, if you want to get out of the busy city for the day, these places are ideal for unwinding and experiencing the charm of England’s countryside:

• Oxford – Oxford tops our index with a score of 25 out of 35, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a bit of everything. Scoring high for beauty, dining options, and outdoor activities, this university town offers plenty to explore. Plus, with the highest score for transport accessibility, Oxford is ideal for a short break from the city.
• Cambridge – Just over an hour outside of London via public transport, Cambridge is another picturesque city to visit. From the impressive campus of Cambridge University to the serene River Cam, there’s plenty to see – and to take pictures of! With 241 outdoor activities, including 138 hiking routes, you can also enjoy lots of time in the great outdoors.
• Lewes – Lewes is our highest scorer for outdoor activities, making it perfect for nature enthusiasts. Boasting over 500 hiking and 150 cycling routes, there are many ways to explore the region's stunning scenery. Travel blogger, Tom Bourlet, suggests finishing your day by “stopping off at a country pub, sitting down by a fireplace (unless it’s the summertime, at which point you can enjoy the beer garden) and having a Sunday roast”, a truly British tradition.

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Honorable mentions

• Whitstable – With the highest average restaurant rating of 4.41/5, Whitstable is the ultimate location for foodies, especially if you like seafood!
• Rye - Scoring high on our beauty index with over 1 million Instagram hashtags, Rye is an idyllic beach destination, complete with cobbled streets and historic architecture.
• Hertford – Perfect for family road trips, the market town of Hertford is less than a two-hour drive from central London and gives you a glimpse into England’s past.
• Brockenhurst – With over 80 cycling routes to discover, this little village is a great base for exploring the New Forest, one of south England’s largest national parks.

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Discover the beauty of Iceland

Reykjavík offers all the comforts of a bigger city, with a thriving arts and music scene, gastronomic hot spots, and interesting museums. However, no visit to Iceland is complete without venturing outside the capital and seeing the natural wonders that await.

Here are our favorite destinations to visit near Reykjavík:

• Vík – With a score of 25 out of 35 on our index, this scenic destination claims the top spot. Boasting 351,042 Instagram hashtags, the seafront village has the highest activity and beauty score on our list – and it’s not hard to see why. Iceland-based writer, Carolyn Bain, recommends to "check out the stunning view over the town, black beach, and Reynisdrangar rock formations from the hilltop church area. And at the black beach itself, look for puffins overhead in summer."
• Hveragerði – With a score of 22 out of 35 on our index, Hveragerði ranks joint second. Just 29 miles from Reykjavík via the famous Route 1, it's the most accessible location on our list. The area's geothermal activity is a big drawcard, and plenty of visitors experience it by hiking to the hot springs in Rekjadalur valley.
• Geysir – This iconic location is home to the Great Geysir, a popular stop on the Golden Circle route ranking joint second. This area has a high beauty score with over 200,000 Instagram hashtags, so don’t forget to bring your camera. Geysir also has the second highest number of outdoor activities on our list (123), with plenty of hiking routes in the surrounding Haukadalur valley.

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Honorable mentions

• Snæfellsnes – Best accessed by car or on a day tour, the Snæfellsnes peninsula truly highlights Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. With a high restaurant score, it’s also a great place to enjoy some Icelandic delicacies including fresh-off-the-boat seafood.
• Hvalfjörður – This spectacular area also has hiking routes for every experience level, so it’s perfect for exploring Iceland’s stunning scenery or visiting a waterside geothermal pool. While you can’t reach Hvalfjörður by public transport, it’s just a 57-minute drive from the capital. Plus, it’s a great spot to go northern lights hunting.
• Laugarvatn – This tiny hamlet is home to the Fontana Spa, a beautiful lakefront spa with geothermal baths. It’s the perfect place to unwind for the afternoon!
• Borgarnes – This small town has deep Viking roots and you can visit one of the interactive museums to learn more about this country’s ancient past.

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The rural side of Rome

History, culture, food – Rome has it all!

When you’re done exploring the capital, we suggest spending some time exploring the surrounding Lazio region.

• Tivoli – Our top rural retreat, Tivoli has a score of 27 out of 35 according to our index. It scores highest for car accessibility, under 50 minutes’ drive from Rome, and highest for beauty thanks to its pretty old town and UNESCO-listed sites like Villa Adriana and Villa d’Este.
• Grottaferrata – This elegant little town is just 12 miles from the center of Rome and is the most public transport-friendly place on our list. It also has the highest number of outdoor activities, with just under 50 hiking routes to choose from.
• Bracciano – Famous for its lakeside medieval castle, Bracciano is a fantastic day-trip destination at just over 20 miles from Rome. Travel expert, Kirstie McConnell, says that the best way to enjoy Italy is to “Do as the Italians do. Embrace cornetto (pastry) for breakfast, dress for the weather, always have a glass of local wine.” As the area with the second-highest restaurant ratings on our list, Bracciano is a perfect spot to eat and drink like a local.

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Honorable mentions

• Nemi – Just an hour’s drive from central Rome, Nemi is perfect for spending an afternoon out of the city. Enjoy a mix of stunning hilltop views and charming local shops and restaurants.
• Orvieto – With the second-highest beauty score, there’s lots to see in Orvieto, from the rolling hills of the nearby vineyards and olive fields to the medieval town center’s cobbled piazzas and winding streets.
• Calcata Vecchia – Sitting atop a limestone formation, this medieval fortification overlooks the Treja Valley Natural Park, providing beautiful views of the lush greenery.
• Bagnoregio – Another hilltop town with ancient origins, Bagnoregio has the highest restaurant ratings, making it a great place to try local delicacies and popular dishes cooked in the traditional Italian way.

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Explore the Emerald Isle

A dynamic city known for its rich heritage, friendly locals, and vibrant music events, there’s always something going on in Dublin.

If you need a break from the lively capital, these locations are ideal for taking some time to relax and seeing the renowned beauty of the Irish countryside:

• Malahide – Malahide stands out with a high beauty score and being just a short 40-minute drive from the capital. Will Hatton, CEO and Founder of The Broke Backpacker, shares why he loves this beautiful coastal spot: “Malahide offers the perfect balance of the historic charm of the Malahide Castle, the relaxed atmosphere of the beach, and the relaxing walks through the Malahide Demesne. [It’s] the perfect getaway from the bustling streets of Dublin.”
• Howth – Coming in second place, this charming coastal village is an enchanting destination that should definitely be on your travel list. With a high beauty score and a good average restaurant rating of 4.31/5, there’s plenty to see and do here for a whole day. But, if you’re short on time, Howth is also a great getaway for the afternoon since it’s only 11 miles from Dublin.
• Wicklow – Scoring highest for beauty, restaurant ratings, and outdoor activities - there’s lots to like about Wicklow. However, with limited public transport options and a longer driving time than other locations on our list, Wicklow comes joint third place with Skerries according to our index.

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Honorable mentions

• Skerries – With a high restaurant rating, this coastal town near Malahide is filled with places serving up delicious seafood dishes, fresh from the harbor.
• Kildare – At just 27 minutes away on public transport, you can take a trip to Kildare for a quick bit of respite from the busy energy in Dublin.
• Dalkey – This seaside resort town is a brilliant place to escape to and spend a few hours wandering through the narrow streets lined with local stores and seafood restaurants.
• Enniskerry – Regarded as ‘the gateway to Wicklow’, this quiet village is a good place to stop off on your way through the county. Just make sure to save some time to explore one of the area’s 162 hiking routes!

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Switch off in Spain

Barcelona is the capital of Spain’s Catalonia province (Madrid is the national capital) and is known for its warm weather, stunning architecture, and delicious food.

If you’re looking for a more chilled-out experience during your visit, here are some local destinations that will give you a taste of the Spanish countryside:

• Sitges – Set against the Parc Natural del Garraf, this coastal town is at the top of our list, with a near-perfect 31 out of 35. With top scores for beauty and restaurant ratings, this vibrant town has plenty going on, but generally has fewer tourists than Barcelona. Only a 35-minute commute from central Barcelona, it’s easy to spend a morning or afternoon here, or you can stay the night and enjoy the lively bar scene too.
• Tossa de Mar – With the second-highest number of outdoor activities, visiting Tossa de Mar is great for taking in the Catalonia countryside. Travel expert, Michael Sawyer, tells us why this is one of his favorite regions in Spain: “There is nothing quite like it, from the breathtaking scenery to the sights, sounds, and even the smell, there is something truly magical about the Catalonian countryside.”
• Montseny – Just over an hour’s drive from Barcelona, Montseny is a fantastic natural wonder near the city. A highlight is the Montseny Biosphere Reserve and National Park (both UNESCO sites), complete with several hiking routes ideal for the whole family and for more experienced hikers.

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Honorable mentions

• Montserrat – This scenic mountain range grants spectacular views of Catalonia. No wonder it has the second-highest beauty score on our list with over 1 million hashtags!
• Begur – For beach lovers, don’t miss the shores of Begur. With azure waters and beautiful natural surroundings, this slice of paradise also has plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy.
• Alella – Under 30 minutes’ journey by car, there’s no reason not to make a trip to this town located in the wine region of the same name.
• Rupit – History buffs will enjoy a trip to this medieval town. Be sure to stay for lunch as this area has the second-highest restaurant rating on our list.