Published on October 10, 2025
In 2024, France agreed pinch Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece, Portugal, and much arsenic UK travelers boosted tourism crossed Schengen countries. The easiness of recreation wrong nan Schengen Area and nan entreaty of divers cultures and climates made these countries apical UK destinations. From nan romance of Paris to nan sun-kissed beaches of Spain, nan rich | history of Italy, and nan vibrant civilization of Greece, British visitors were drawn to nan assortment and charm of Europe. The seamless recreation acquisition allowed for easy exploration crossed borders, creating an irresistible attraction for UK visitors seeking some relaxation and adventure. As these Schengen countries welcomed millions of UK travelers, nan tourism manufacture successful Europe flourished, cementing nan region’s position arsenic a favored recreation hub for nan British.
France: The Romance Capital for UK Travelers
France is 1 of nan astir visited countries by UK tourists, and successful 2024, its entreaty remained strong, pinch 1.8 million visitors successful Q1, 2.4 million successful Q2, 3.2 million successful Q3, and 2.1 million successful Q4, totaling 9.4 million. The state offers an alluring operation of art, history, romance, and gastronomy that attracts millions each year. Paris, known arsenic nan “City of Love,” continues to beryllium nan apical draw, pinch nan Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and nan Louvre Museum opinionated arsenic symbols of nan country’s taste riches. But France’s entreaty doesn’t extremity successful Paris—regions for illustration Provence, Normandy, and nan French Riviera, known for their stunning landscapes and relaxed atmosphere, proceed to pull UK visitors. For foodies, France’s culinary bequest is unbeatable, offering everything from street-side baguettes to good eating successful Michelin-starred restaurants. With predominant and convenient formation options and obstruction connections, France is conscionable a short travel from nan UK, making it a premier destination for some speedy getaways and longer vacations.
France Country Guide:
- Capital: Paris
- Language: French
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Famous Landmarks: Eiffel Tower (Paris), Notre-Dame Cathedral (Paris), Palace of Versailles, Mont Saint-Michel
- Cuisine: Croissants, Baguettes, Escargot, Coq au Vin, Bœuf Bourguignon
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October for nan champion upwind and less tourists
- Travel Tips: The TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) strategy is an fantabulous measurement to recreation betwixt cities quickly and comfortably.
Spain: A Sun-Soaked Getaway for UK Tourists
Spain continues to beryllium a premier recreation destination for UK tourists, offering everything from sun-soaked beaches to rich | taste experiences. In 2024, nan UK saw important numbers of visitors to Spain, pinch 2.9 million successful Q1, 5.2 cardinal successful Q2, 5.7 million successful Q3, and 3.9 million successful Q4, totaling 17.8 million arrivals passim nan year. Whether visiting nan creator treasures of Madrid, nan vibrant civilization of Barcelona, aliases nan iconic beaches of Costa Brava, Spain provides an appealing blend of activities and scenery. With businesslike formation connections and a wide assortment of recreation options, British visitors tin easy research Spain’s divers regions. The Spanish measurement of life—characterized by leisurely meals, flamenco dancing, and endless fiestas—also resonates pinch UK visitors. Additionally, Spain’s Mediterranean ambiance makes it a cleanable year-round destination, though outpouring and autumn connection nan astir pleasant upwind for exploring cities and coastal resorts. Whether it’s indulging successful tapas, soaking up nan vibrant atmosphere, aliases discovering ancient history, Spain remains 1 of nan apical European destinations for UK travelers.
Spain Country Guide:
- Capital: Madrid
- Language: Spanish
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Famous Landmarks: Sagrada Familia (Barcelona), Prado Museum (Madrid), Alhambra (Granada), La Rambla (Barcelona)
- Cuisine: Tapas, Paella, Jamón Ibérico
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October for mild upwind and less crowds
- Travel Tips: Spain is easy explored by high-speed trains, making it elemental to travel betwixt cities for illustration Madrid, Seville, and Barcelona.
Italy: A Journey Through Time for UK Tourists
Italy’s operation of art, history, and cuisine has agelong made it a favourite among UK tourists. In 2024, Italy saw 774,000 visitors successful Q1, 1.4 million successful Q2, 1.8 million successful Q3, and 835,000 in Q4, reaching a full of 4.8 million UK arrivals. Whether exploring nan ancient ruins of Rome, nan canals of Venice, aliases nan Renaissance treasures of Florence, Italy offers an immersive acquisition that appeals to each benignant of traveler. The country’s divers landscapes, from nan rolling hills of Tuscany to nan melodramatic cliffs of nan Amalfi Coast, make it perfect for some relaxation and exploration. In addition, Italy’s culinary segment is renowned worldwide, pinch iconic dishes for illustration pasta, pizza, and gelato drafting visitors to effort location specialties. Italy’s operation of history, art, culture, and cuisine creates a rich, unforgettable experience. Furthermore, Italy’s well-connected obstruction strategy makes it easy for UK visitors to recreation betwixt cities, making nan state an accessible and compelling destination for immoderate traveler.
Italy Country Guide:
- Capital: Rome
- Language: Italian
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Famous Landmarks: Colosseum (Rome), Leaning Tower of Pisa, St. Mark’s Basilica (Venice), Vatican City
- Cuisine: Pizza, Pasta, Risotto, Gelato, Espresso
- Best Time to Visit: April to June and September to October for pleasant upwind and less crowds
- Travel Tips: Italy’s high-speed trains make it easy to explore, from Milan to Naples, offering scenic views on nan way.
Germany: Culture and Innovation astatine Every Corner
Germany stands arsenic a state of heavy history, rich | culture, and modern innovation, which makes it a go-to destination for UK travelers. In 2024, Germany welcomed 561,000 UK visitors successful Q1, 672,000 in Q2, 1.1 million successful Q3, and 907,000 in Q4, totaling 3.2 million. Germany offers a compelling operation of old-world charm and modern appeal. Berlin’s move culture, museums, and vibrant arts segment are an enticing draw, while nan Bavarian Alps connection picturesque landscapes and nan celebrated Oktoberfest. The country’s extended carrier network—especially nan high-speed trains—makes walking betwixt destinations for illustration Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg easy and convenient for UK tourists. Additionally, nan country’s beardown culinary traditions, from bratwurst and pretzels to hearty stews, guarantee that nutrient enthusiasts will person a satisfying experience. For history buffs, Germany’s castles, memorials, and museums supply a fascinating glimpse into its past, while modern cities for illustration Berlin showcase Germany’s forward-thinking spirit.
Germany Country Guide:
- Capital: Berlin
- Language: German
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Famous Landmarks: Brandenburg Gate (Berlin), Neuschwanstein Castle, Oktoberfest (Munich), Black Forest
- Cuisine: Bratwurst, Pretzels, Sauerkraut, Schnitzel
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-November) for pleasant temperatures and festivals
- Travel Tips: Germany’s Deutsche Bahn offers an businesslike and scenic measurement to recreation nan country, and nan Christmas markets are not to beryllium missed successful winter.
Greece: The Land of Gods and Stunning Views
Greece continues to enchant UK travelers pinch its ancient history, idyllic islands, and stunning landscapes. In 2024, Greece saw 116,000 UK arrivals successful Q1, 1.1 million successful Q2, 1.9 million successful Q3, and 612,000 in Q4, totaling 3.8 million UK visitors. The operation of ancient ruins, for illustration nan Acropolis successful Athens, and nan pristine beauty of islands for illustration Santorini and Mykonos makes Greece a apical destination. Whether you’re exploring nan ruins of Delphi, lounging connected nan beaches of Crete, aliases discovering nan beauty of nan Aegean Sea, Greece offers thing for each traveler. The Greek cuisine, known for its caller ingredients and flavors, adds an other magnitude to nan recreation experience. With a favorable Mediterranean climate, Greece is simply a awesome destination for those seeking sunshine, ancient history, and a rich | taste experience. Whether connected a quiet land aliases successful a bustling city, UK travelers find Greece to beryllium a cleanable operation of relaxation and adventure.
Greece Country Guide:
- Capital: Athens
- Language: Greek
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Famous Landmarks: Acropolis (Athens), Temple of Olympian Zeus, Santorini Caldera, Ancient Delphi
- Cuisine: Moussaka, Souvlaki, Greek Salad, Baklava
- Best Time to Visit: May to October for lukewarm upwind and lively land festivals
- Travel Tips: The Greek islands are easy accessible by ferry, and Athens is champion explored connected ft to admit its humanities sites and vibrant thoroughfare life.
Portugal: A Growing Favorite for UK Tourists
Portugal continues to seizure nan hearts of UK travelers, pinch 3.7 cardinal British visitors successful 2024. The country’s blend of rich | history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes makes it an progressively celebrated destination. From nan historical streets of Lisbon and Porto to nan sun-kissed beaches of nan Algarve, Portugal offers thing for each type of traveler. The country’s delicious cuisine, including caller seafood, pastéis de nata, and good wines, adds an other furniture of charm. With a mild climate, particularly successful nan outpouring and autumn, Portugal remains an perfect destination for some relaxing holidays and taste exploration. Its easy accessibility from nan UK, mixed pinch affordable recreation options, ensures that Portugal remains a apical prime for visitors seeking a operation of adventure, relaxation, and rich | taste experiences.
Portugal Country Guide:
- Capital: Lisbon
- Language: Portuguese
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Famous Landmarks: Belem Tower (Lisbon), São Jorge Castle (Lisbon), Pena Palace (Sintra), Porto’s Ribeira District
- Cuisine: Bacalhau (salted codfish), Pastéis de Nata (custard tarts), Caldo Verde (green soup), Portuguese wine
- Best Time to Visit: May to October for warm, pleasant weather, and less crowds
- Travel Tips: Portugal is easy explored by train, particularly on nan scenic Douro River Valley. Renting a car is recommended for exploring nan Algarve’s coastal beauty aliases nan Douro vino region.
Other Popular European Destinations for UK Tourists successful 2024
- Türkiye: 4.1M UK visitors successful 2024
- Portugal: 3.7M UK visitors successful 2024
- Poland: 2.9M UK visitors successful 2024
- Netherlands: 2.7M UK visitors successful 2024
In 2024, France welcomed 9.4 cardinal UK visitors, joining Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece, Portugal, and much arsenic UK travelers boosted tourism crossed Schengen countries. The easiness of recreation wrong nan Schengen Area and divers attractions made these destinations apical UK choices.
Conclusion
In 2024, France, on pinch Spain, Italy, Germany, Greece, Portugal, and different Schengen countries, agreed to use from nan influx of UK travelers, importantly boosting tourism crossed nan region. The seamless recreation acquisition wrong nan Schengen Area, coupled pinch nan divers cultures, climates, and rich | histories of these destinations, made them apical choices for UK tourists. The operation of easy access, vibrant atmospheres, and unsocial attractions continues to thrust tourism, making Schengen countries a favored recreation hub for British visitors.