UNESCO

In common with many countries, France’s identity is framed by its rich cultural heritage. The gorgeous landscapes, majestic coastline, ancient towns and mighty rivers all play a part.

Europe is home to five of the top-ten smallest countries in the world, and if you want to explore these micro-nations, then camping could be the perfect way to visit.

The Alentejo forms around a third of Portugal's landmass, yet it has just 6% of the population, and few visitors can claim to know much about it. This is one of Europe's least densely populated regions and a sorely overlooked holiday destination.

Each of France's regions has its unique allure: endless beaches, majestic châteaux, historic cities, undulating vineyards, wild rugged garrigue. The choice is vast.

Sometimes on holiday, you reach a moment where you need a change. You’ve relaxed and devoured that book, and just fancy a fresh diversion to pique your interest before diving into the next blockbuster.

Deeply ingrained in Britain's culture and history, the UK's UNESCO sites demonstrate pioneering Victorian industrial heritage and mining culture. In the south, Stonehenge and the Jurassic Coast make up the share of natural sites.

We will be covering 454 of Europe's UNESCO sites over four blogs; sorted into northern, southern, western and central/eastern Europe starting with the northern states. We hope to inspire more people to visit more UNESCO sites when travelling.

With its wealth of scenic and cultural interests, Germany is a land of contrasts. From the flatlands of the north to the mountains in the south, with forests in the east and west, regional characteristics are a strong feature of German life and present a rich variety of folklore and customs.

There are some impressive places on the list in France, as you can well imagine, such as Chatres Cathedral, the Palace of Versailles and the fortified city of Carcassone. So why not plan your next trip across the Channel to visit some of these sites, they’ve been given this status for a reason, so you know you’re in for a treat!

We will be covering 452 of Europe's UNESCO sites over four blogs; sorted into northern, southern, western and central/eastern Europe starting with the northern states. We hope to inspire more people to visit more UNESCO sites when travelling.

As of 2021, there are 43 UNESCO sites in Spain, four of which are located in the Canary Islands, one in Ibiza and one in Mallorca (we've only included mainland sites). Spain joined the 8th Session in 1984 and inscribed five sites; Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption, Córdoba, The Alhambra and the Generalife, Granada, Burgos Cathedral, Monastery and Site of the Escorial, Madrid and Park Güell, Palau Güell and Casa Milà, Barcelona.

As of November 2021, there are a whopping 58 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Italy - more than in any other country in the world! The first site to be inscribed was the Rock Drawings in Valcamonica in 1979.

Europe is home to over 450 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Southern Europe alone has over 130. We'll be journeying through Greece, Vatican City, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Malta this week, so hold on tight!

We will be covering 454 of Europe's UNESCO sites over four blogs; sorted into northern, southern, western and central/eastern Europe starting with the northern states. We hope to inspire more people to visit more UNESCO sites when travelling.

From the breathtaking scenery of Ardennes to the captivating vitality of Luxembourg City, this charming country has plenty to offer...

There’s a great drama about some of them – the magnificent château at Chenonceaux spanning the Cher, the deep gorges...

Poets have often written of Ireland’s emerald hills and sparkling waters, lighting the imagination with depictions of the country’s beauty...

From Château d’Anet in the North to Culan in the South, they offer some of the most spectacular architecture in the world. A magnificent illustration of French thought and design, each of the Loire châteaux tells a story of the region.