Santorini Dave I'm Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a short article on tips for visiting Santorini with kids. We're now a small team of writers and researchers dedicated to providing the best travel content on the internet. We focus on Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, and Greece, offering recommendations for top hotels, neighborhoods, and family-friendly hotels worldwide. I can be contacted at dave@santorinidave.com.
### SantoriniDave.com

# Where to Go in Europe – My Favorites

SD › My Favorite Places in Europe

Updated: November 6, 2023

### See Also

Paris, France.

The banks of the River Seine in Paris.

## The 15 Best Places to Visit in Europe

Map of Best Places to Go in Europe

Best place to go in Europe.

The fantastic Borough Market in London is one of my favorite foodie destinations in Europe.

Best island in Europe.

### About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave I'm Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a short article on tips for visiting Santorini with kids. We're now a small team of writers and researchers dedicated to providing the best travel content on the internet. We focus on Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, and Greece, offering recommendations for top hotels, neighborhoods, and family-friendly hotels worldwide. I can be contacted at dave@santorinidave.com.

1. Santorini Hotels with Few Stairs

Hi Dave,

Myself and a friend are looking at a two week holiday in May – we were thinking of spending a week in Santorini and then possibly another nearby close island? We would like to stay in a hotel with Caldera view, however mobility with steps is an issue! Do you know of any mid range hotels in Oia or Imerovigli that have few or no steps to access rooms etc. i appreciate that being built into a mountain this is probably a challenging request! Mobility on flat ground is not an issue. Many thanks

1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

   Fira has several good hotels with few or no stairs: Aria Suites, Atlantis, and Aressana are a few I recommend. In Imerovigli Kasimatis is another favorite of mine with very few stairs. In Oia try Aspaki by Art Maisons.

2. Europe Travels

Come and visit Bulgaria! The country of yogurt and rose oil. Doesn’t matter what will be the season. Mountains and beaches. Visit the oldest city in Europe – Plovdiv. The oldest country in Europe. Some of the places offered here are not that much good as they present them. Travelling years already and have been visited all the European countries. My opinion for some countries. From 1 to 10: Spain 8, France 6, Netherlands 6, England 6, Italy 7, Turkey 7, Portugal 7, Greece 6, Germany 7.

1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

   Wonderful. Thanks for sharing.

2. Best Places in Europe To Go for a Short Visit

Hi Dave, I’m planning a trip to Germany for this coming October but would like to spend a few days (2 to 3 days) in another city or country at the end of the trip before returning to the US. What would your top suggestions be for places to visit if you only have a few days?

Thanks!

1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

   Paris would be right at the top of my list. Amsterdam, London, Florence, and Barcelona are all personal favorites too (and many more). I recommend looking at flights and connections to see what works best for your itinerary and use that as a tie-breaker.

2. The Best Cities To Visit In Europe

What are the best cities to visit in Europe for a first-time solo female traveler?

1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

   For first-time visitors to Europe my top recommendations would be Paris, Florence, London, Amsterdam, Rome, and Barcelona. I’d recommend visiting at least one smaller place to get a more local feel of European life. Good suggestions include Galway, Perugia, Utrecht, and Seville – although the list of quality places is very long.

2. Southern Europe in April and May

Hi Dave. Do you think it would be too cold to go Greek Island hopping in April/May? And how many nights per island do you think would be required?

1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

   April is too cold for swimming. Early May can start to have some warm/hot days when swimming is possible though the water will still be cool. But if by island hopping you mean sightseeing and exploring the islands then late April and early May are wonderful on the Greek islands. The weather is great, crowds are smaller, and costs are cheaper.

2. Best Beaches in Europe

We are looking for a beach holiday destination for September. We want good weather and wonderful beaches. Good food and a fun atmosphere (but not big parties) are also important. Where would you suggest?

1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

   The Greek islands have the best beaches in Europe. If you want to ferry hop around several islands then the Cyclades (Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Santorini, and several more) are best. If you only want one island (with great beaches) then go with Naxos, Mykonos, Crete, or Rhodes – or smaller islands like Ios, Sifnos, Antiparos, or Ikaria.

2. Best Places in Netherlands / Overnight Bike Trips from Amsterdam

We have a week to spend in Amsterdam as part of our honeymoon. We plan on 3 or 4 days in Amsterdam but would like to do an overnight bike trip outside of Amsterdam – probably two days but could also do a three day trip if needed. We’re in decent shape (can easily walk 5 to 10 miles in a day) but are only on a bike a few times a year. What bike trips would you recommend outside of Amsterdam?

1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

   My two favorite bike trips from Amsterdam are:

   Amsterdam to Edam – Start by taking the free ferry from the train station across the canal to North Amsterdam. From there it’s a 90 minute ride to Edam (be sure to ride through the small town of Broek in Waterland.) Stay at the Hotel and Restaurant de Fortuna (idyllic location on a small canal, plenty of bike parking) in the center of this charming town. The restaurant at the hotel is fantastic. The next morning catch the ferry from Volendam to Marken and then return to Amsterdam along the sea coast.

   Amsterdam to Utrecht – This ride is a bit longer (about 2.5 to 3 hours, one way). If you put Amsterdam to Utrecht into Google Maps you’ll get two different bike routes (mostly on opposite sides of the canal but departing a bit more close to Amsterdam), take one route to Utrecht and the opposite route back as they feel very different (but both wonderful rides). Utrecht is a medium-sized college town with nightlife, local attractions, and lots of restaurants along the main canal. Stay at the Grand Hotel Karel V (center of town, plenty of bike parking) which is fabulous.

   Both of these rides are wonderful and highly recommended.

2. Best Way To Get From London to Paris to Rome

Traveling from London to Paris and then Rome. What is the best, easiest, fastest way to get between the 3 cities – fly, train, or car rental?

Sam

1. Santorini Dave The Hotel Expert

   From London to Paris take the Eurostar. From Paris to Rome get a cheap flight – probably with Ryanair or Easy Jet.

### Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked *

Comment *

Name *

Email *

Website

Δ

****Contact: Dave@SantoriniDave.com****