f you’ve got the opportunity to go on a girls’ trip to Europe with your girlfriends, you definitely want it to be big and exciting. Perhaps, you all want to eat great foods, experience fantastic weather, and take up as many fun activities as you can. The good news is, most European destinations can offer all these and more. But the biggest dilemma is in deciding which places to visit given the many options waiting for you. To help make things a little bit easier for you, here are some of the top places in Europe for a girls’ getaway.
1. Dublin – Ireland
Ireland’s capital city offers tons of exciting activities for a fun and exciting getaway with the girls. Although it’s a great city to visit at any time of the year, it’s even more beautiful in summer with warmer weather and longer days.
Gather your beer-drinking girlfriends and visit the Guinness Storehouse to learn about the history of this famous beer. After you’ve had your fill of this renowned drink, visit the Dublin castle and marvel at the imposing St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Ireland’s most prominent and tallest church. For a more thrilling experience, join the Dublin Dark Side Tour. This evening tour will take you through the city’s supernatural ghouls. Or better yet, join an exciting pub crawl, including stops at the city’s best bars and pubs
When it comes to accommodations, Dublin has plenty to offer. Stay at the Shelbourne Hotel, a smart and stylish hotel with Victorian charm in every corner. It also has its own luxurious spa where you can bond with your girlfriends after a whole day of exploring Dublin.
2. Split – Croatia
As Croatia’s second-largest city, Split has tons of exciting things on offer for a fun getaway with the girls. Located on the glistening shores of the Adriatic Sea, it’s home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. Moreover, the city has an incredible history, lots of shopping, and great restaurants where you can unwind and exchange fun stories over sumptuous Croatian specialities and exquisite wine.
Split is an ideal place for girls who love outdoor adventures. From here, you can take a day trip to Krka National Park, famous for its enchanting seven waterfalls. You can also go on a boat trip to Hvar, a beautiful port town that’s home to 13th-century walls, a hilltop fortress, and a charming square.
When it comes to planning your Croatian getaway with the girls, make sure you book the best accommodation. Consider staying at a roomy villa that can accommodate everyone in the group. Some of these luxury Split villas are open to the stunning views of the sea and have an infinity pool, where you can bond and relax after a day spent outside.
3. The Algarve – Portugal
Algarve is a beautiful region located in the southernmost part of Portugal. Home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, it’s an excellent destination for a beach getaway with your girlfriends. The waters in Algarve are calm and clear, and its coast is dotted with majestic rock formations.
Although Algarve is famous for its beautiful beaches, there is so much more to discover in this sun-kissed region of Portugal. Nature-lovers should explore the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, an estuary of marshlands, canals, and islands. Most visitors would come here for the wildlife, as its coast provides habitat to a wide range of wildlife species. Explore the Serra do Caldeirão, a hilly area with beautiful rivers and streams if your girls are into trekking.
4. Dordogne – France
Dordogne is one of France’s best-kept secrets. So, if you’re looking to escape to some off-the-beaten-path destinations with your girls, then you should head to this charming French region. Set between the Pyrenees mountains and Loire Valley, Dordogne offers idyllic landscapes providing some of the most scenic wild camping in Europe, along with a laidback pace of life where you and your girlfriends can relax away from the hustle-bustle of city life.
Spend a few days glamping in the French countryside of Dordogne, surrounded by rolling terrains and beautiful rivers. Of course, take time to explore the surroundings as well. The town has plenty of historical sites, including the Vezere Valley, with prehistoric cave paintings similar to Lascaux Cave. Head to Périgueux and check out the Périgueux Cathedral. Dedicated to Saint-Front, the cathedral is known for its Byzantine tower-topped domes. The town is also home to the Vesunna Museum, built within the Roman ruins.
Explore the beautiful village of Collonges-la-Rouge, one of the most beautiful villages of France. This village is famous for its unusual red sandstone buildings, surrounded by lush countryside and dotted with walnut trees. Check out Gouffre de Padirac, and marvel at the cave’s impressive stalactites.
5. The Highlands – Scotland
The stunning scenery that makes up the Scottish Highlands will make your girls getaway even more memorable. With its rugged coastlines, sky-high peaks, and miles-long lochs, the Highlands is a haven for nature lovers. In addition to its massive mainland, the region encompasses four clusters of equally stunning islands located miles off the north and west coast. While you will probably spend most of your time exploring its natural splendour, you should also make room for cultural experiences.
Head to a pub, grab a pint of beer and sample some haggis, a Scottish delicacy made of minced meat and different spices. Visit the great Scottish castles, such as the Balmoral Castle, which is the private home of the royal family. Visitors are allowed to view the exhibitions in the Castle Ballroom and wander through its charming gardens. End your day visiting one of the many whisky distilleries that dot around the region.
If you visit from early summer to early autumn, witness the Highland games where kilt-wearing Scots will be competing in some traditional games that have been around for many centuries. With its stunning landscape and deep commitment to its culture and history, the Highlands are sure to leave you and your girls completely smitten with Scotland.
