Whoever said a picture is worth a thousand words was right on. These days, photos that capture a destination without a caption have become more than just a photo; they have become full-blown marketing campaigns. Social media influencers are paid a good price to photograph some of the most beautiful places in the world, helping brands increase their online awareness. Sounds crazy right? Well, think of it this way…have you been on Instagram or Facebook and seen a photo so beautiful that you automatically put it on your bucket list? That’s what I’m talking about! These social media worthy destinations are sprinkled everywhere around the world, but no other location has such a concentrated list of places like Europe. If you’re planning a trip to Europe and want to snap the perfect shot for your ‘gram, check out the list of destinations below:
Eiffel Tower, Paris
This should be a no-brainer. The Eiffel Tower is one of the most photographed and most beautiful landmarks in the world. It’s stunning both day and night and the park that sits next to it offers the best views around. Setting up a picnic shot with a bottle of wine, baguette, brie & a beret and you’ll be insta-famous in no time.
The Dolomites, Italy
This mountain range in Italy is home to some of the most insane and stunning hiking trails in Europe. It’s also a popular spot on the tourist trail, made very famous by one little lake. Lake Braies looks like a painting. With the mountains reflecting on the still water, bright sunny days, and colors that dance off the surface, it’s no wonder this place is one of the most photographed locations in all of Italy. The two little boats tied to the dock are a perfect prop, whether standing along or you using it to paddle out into the stillness.
Cinque Terre, Italy
The five villages that make up Cinque Terre rest upon a hillside on the Italian Riviera coastline. The vibrant colors of the villages integrate within one another, making this place look more like a fairytale than a real-life destination. Need more enticing? The area is also filled with vineyards, superb seafood, and is the birthplace of the pesto sauce. Take the Sentiero Azzurro trail to visit the linking villages and grab one heck of a photo.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Unless you’ve been hiding in a hole for the last four years, you will know that the TV show Game of Thrones rules the world for three months out of every year. For those fans who can’t wait until the next season, I have a great idea for you…visit Dubrovnik. This city has been featured on the show every season as King’s Landing, and in real life, it’s just as awesome. Walk Old Town’s city walls, gaze out at the endless Adriatic Sea, eat beautiful food, browse the shops, admire the cobblestone streets, and just immerse yourself in history. Dubrovnik is not only famous on TV, it’s also a top-spot to snap photos. The bright-red tiled roofs in Old Town are synonymous with the area and not to mention are very photogenic.
Greek Isles
Speaking of rooftops, you know where I’m going with this. The all-white houses with the blue round roof tops in many of the Greek Isles look unbelievable when the sun hits the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Greece has long been a photographer’s dream and since social media hit the ground running, Greece continues to show up in everyone’s feed as the place where dreams are made of. The images encompass pure relaxation; something we all wish for on vacation.
Rhododendronpark Kromlau, Saxony Germany
This name is crazy, but this location is something to experience. The largest park in Germany also has the most beautiful and perfect bridge. Known as the Devils Bridge, this photogenic destination was built back in the 1860’s for a knight. It was purposely built to create a perfect circle with the help of the reflection on the water. Nestled amongst the foliage, this little bridge produces big photos, and inspires many to visit Germany.
Trolltunga, Norway
The photos of Trolltunga (The Troll’s Tongue) give me goosebumps. This location is for the adrenaline-searching traveler. A massive full-day hike gets you up to the rock, while others stand back and take photos across the way of you doing your yoga poses, jumping in the air, or just standing there in straight terror. Either way, the view is breathtaking.
