The Ultimate Europe Bucket List For Nature Lovers

Skiing across the snowy Alps under bright blue skies and marvelling at the captivating northern lights are undoubtedly some of the best things to do while exploring Europe’s gorgeous natural landscapes. However, incredible experiences like these can be quite expensive, so as you save up for them, why not fill your Europe bucket list with other just as exciting, but more affordable, adventures? 

As a continent filled with easily accessible beauties stretching from the cool waters to high hills, you can find yourself surrounded by picture-perfect places featuring the right mix of heart-pumping and relaxing environments without breaking the bank. Discover the magic of the Mediterranean or the theatrical travertines of Turkey and fall in love with Earth all over again. 

As someone in her early 20s, I know a thing or two about how to travel on a budget and some of the most wonderful destinations you shouldn’t miss if you are an outdoor adventure seeker. The best part? All the activities I share in this post cost under £50!

Ten Nature-Loving Experiences For Your Europe Bucket List

Blend Peace And Party At Barceloneta Beach

The magic of Barcelona comes from the city’s ability to find balance between its peaceful and partying atmospheres, and therefore balance between metropolitan and natural backdrops. This is where to go if you’re hoping to spend the morning windsurfing in the warm breeze, the afternoon sunbathing on golden sands and the evening drinking sangria – all without having to move more than a few steps! If there is one part of the city that showcases why Spaniards are generally so happy, it would be here. 

Best time to experience: between April and September
Cost: free

Cycle The Dutch Flower Route a.k.a. The Bollenstreek, Netherlands

Perhaps the most notable thing to do in Europe each spring season is visiting South Holland for its floral frenzy. As tulips, hyacinths, and many other flower varieties brighten up Lisse and the surrounding towns, visitors are charmed by one of the most fascinating displays of the region’s beauty. Bring yourself up close to endless rows of vibrant flower fields by cycling the famous Dutch Flower Route, a.k.a. The Bollenstreek. The winding roads and rural paths are a paradise at the heart of historical South Holland and it 35kms of blooming bliss. 

Best time to experience: last two weeks of April
Cost: £0 – £12 depending on if you have to hire a bike

Discover The Volcanic Island Of Nea Kameni, Greece

While visiting the lovely, white-washed setting of Santorini is at the top of many Europe bucket lists, few mention Nea Kameni which lies nearby. The uninhabited volcanic Island is the perfect example of the nation’s famous, but somehow untouched wonders that make great day trips for hikers. At the centre of the Santorini caldera, you can climb a volcano and admire active, smoking craters and lava formations created over the last few centuries. Several sulphurous hot springs can also be found off the shoreline, which you pass by if you take a cruise around the islands.

Best time to experience: between April and October
Cost: £20+ depending on the tour you book

Snorkel Around The Amalfi Coast, Italy

Taking a cruise of Italy’s incredible coastline always holds a high spot on Europe bucket lists because there is nothing better than having the sun warm your skin while on deck and being mesmerised by the colourful hill towns from afar before jumping into the crystal-clear Mediterranean to live underwater with the diverse marine life. Mixing the beauties of coastal village life with the thrills of water sports is not something you can do everywhere in the world, and the Amalfi Coast does not shy away from projecting its immense magnificence to those who visit. Who wouldn’t want to swim by hidden beaches and quiet caves anyway?

Best time to experience: between May and September
Cost: £50+ depending on the tour you book

Hike Through Ria Formosa Nature Park, Portugal

Undeniably the most underrated landscape in The Algarve is Ria Formosa Nature Park. Stretching for 60km along the coast in Faro (and surprisingly close to the airport), Portugal’s Seventh Natural Wonder is a paradise of diverse ecosystems, sandy trails, and beautiful boardwalks. As tourists tend to visit Algarve purely for the blue flag beaches and dramatic caves, the park often feels like a hidden attraction and lets you escape into a serene setting for the day. Besides the lovely hiking / cycling trails, there are also a few barrier islands to explore that protect the delicate nature of Ria Formosa. If you want to visit the southernmost point of continental Europe, don’t miss a trip to Ilha Deserta.

Best time to experience: between October and April
Cost: £0 – £10 depending on if you take the ferry to the barrier islands

Explore And Relax In The Travertines Of Pamukkale, Turkey

Alright, this is a little bit of a cheat, considering Pamukkale is in Asia, but I feel that most of us who explore Istanbul always visit other parts of Turkey – and this is one the best destinations in the country to travel to.

Pamukkale, meaning “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, is a place like no other, and the town’s impressive travertines are without a doubt, the most notable attraction you will find here. Blending history and folklore with the phenomena of nature, the shimmering terraces and thermal waters bring simultaneous peace and excitement to those who make the journey to uncover their splendour. Arriving at sunrise or sunset offers the perfect opportunity to explore a whimsical setting in the best light and without the crowds.

Best time to experience: between May and September
Cost: £15

Walk The Viking Coast Trail From Broadstairs To Margate, England

At the very edge of the Garden of England, the 10 km walk from Broadstairs to Margate via Botany Bay is one of the most beautiful in the country. Part of the 50 km long circular Viking Coastal Trail around the Isle of Thanet, the hike unveils the beauty of some of England’s most underrated coastal towns alongside scenic bays and chalk cliffs. While England is definitely not a ‘beach holiday’ destination, exploring Kent is perfect for anyone searching for nature in its most tranquil form and a setting that exudes a retro feel.

Best time to experience: between September and October
Cost: free

Kayak In And Around Benagil Cave, Portugal

While Ria Formosa Nature Park might be the region’s hidden gem, Bengail Cave is Algrave’s most iconic feature. Along the coast of the quaint fishing village of Benagil, within the gorgeous town of Carvoeiro, lies a remarkable collection of unique sea caves rising from the cool Atlantic waters which draw attraction throughout the year. The best way to explore Benagil Cave and the surrounding grottos is in a kayak, which is in itself, one of the best ways to enjoy any of the waterfront topographies of Europe. 

Truthfully, while kayaking in and around Benagil Cave is an activity to be enjoyed year-round thanks to Portugal’s near perfect climate, many who have this experience on their Europe bucket list make the mistake of planning their trip for the summer. Avoid insufferable crowds and large ships by making your journey in January and have the crystal-clear blues and greens encompassing empty beaches all to yourself.

Best time to experience: between January and March
Cost: £30

Sail Yourself Around Copenhagen’s Canals, Denmark

In one of Europe’s safest cities, it’s no surprise sailing yourself down its many canals is exactly that – safe. Grab some snacks and rent an electric GoBoat to explore the Danish capital from the water at your leisure. It’s a fun, intimate experience and is particularly special if you travel to Copenhagen with a group of friends. I adored how removed you feel from the rest of the world as you float over the constant roll of waves, but still connected to the other sailors around you.

Best time to experience: between May and September
Cost: depends on the size of your groups

Wander Around The Biggest Botanical Garden In Europe – Kew Gardens, England

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew a.k.a. Kew Gardens, is not only the biggest botanical garden in Europe but is also one of London’s more beloved attractions. The lush UNESCO world heritage site consists of over 50,000 living plants spread across beautiful glasshouses, Mediterranean and Japanese gardens, a 100-ha arboretum, a unique tree-top walking trail, and so much more to display the varied beauty of the city’s often disregarded greenery.

Best time to experience: between March and October
Cost: £17

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A post shared by Sanika l London-based Kenyan Travel Blogger (@saunterwithsanika)