Take a look at this article for some simple go-to facts about great destinations within Europe! Learn about their currency, time status’ and the opportune time to visit…
Austria
Currency: Euro
Language: German
Population: 8,300,000
Capital: Vienna
Size of Country: 83,855 sq km
Visit during the winter and experience a wonderland of snow-draped beauty. Enjoy the world-famous ski resorts, hurtling down the mountains on a board, skis or toboggan. Alternatively, head to flatter areas for cross-country skiing. If you’re not into the cold, places like Vienna are year-round destinations and have plenty to offer throughout all seasons. Summer Alp exploration is also a great way to get your hike on and see the sights of the mountains without the frostbite!
Belgium
Time difference: GMT + 1 (Central European Summer Time +2)
Currency: Euro
Language: Dutch and French
Population: 10,450,000
Capital: Brussels
Size of Country: 30,520 sq km
Belgium has plenty of Christmas Markets to wander around, with hot coco (or mulled wine) in hand. Although, if you prefer less layers, we advise going in the warmer months and embracing the sightseeing under the sun.
Bulgaria
Time difference: GMT + 2 (Eastern European Summer Time +3)
Currency: Lev
Language: Bulgarian
Population: 7,600,000
Capital: Sofia
Size of Country: 110,994 sq km
If you don’t like melting while sightseeing, we advise avoiding the heat wave temperatures of Summer. Spring and Autumn are ideal times to visit for this kind of trip. Although if you’re headed to the beach then you should fully embrace the sweltering temperatures. Winter will inevitably bring snowfall, which is great if you’re travelling to the ski resorts!
Croatia
Time difference: GMT + 1 (Central European Summer Time +2)
Currency: Kuna
Language: Croatian
Population: 4,500,000
Capital: Zagreb
Size of Country: 56,538 sq km
If you’re looking for a water sports adventure, head here during summer. Although bear in mind that accommodation may be busier and more expensive. June and September, on either side of the Summer, are still great times to go and means you’ll avoid the crowds.
Czech Republic
Time difference: GMT + 1 (Central European Summer Time +2)
Currency: Koruna
Language: Czech
Population: 10,300,000
Capital: Prague
Size of Country: 178,864 sq km
Should crowds not be your thing, then head to places like Prague during winter – although be aware that much of the Czech Republic closes during this time. May to September is usually when the main bulk of the crowds will come.
Denmark
Time difference: GMT + 1 (Central European Summer Rime +2)
Currency: Krone
Language: Danish
Population: 5,400,000
Capital: Copenhagen
Size of Country: 43,075 sq km
Denmark has super dark winters and doesn’t really have that many winter sports. It’s best to go between May and September if you’re looking for sunny, warmer days. Although prices of accommodation will spike during these months!
Estonia
Time difference: GMT + 2 (Central European Summer Time +3)
Currency: Kroon
Language: Estonian, Russian
Population: 1,350,000
Capital: Tallinn
Size of Country: 45,200 sq km
Estonia will be covered in snow during the winter – but is still absolutely beautiful. If this isn’t your thing, head to places like Tallinn during the Spring or Autumn, as sometimes summers can be wet.
Finland
Time difference: GMT + 2 (Central European Summer Time +3)
Currency: Euro
Language: Finnish
Population: 5,300,000
Capital: Helsinki
Size of Country: 338,145 sq km
Although a snowy season, Finland’s winter isn’t necessarily Christmassy. Head here in spring and summer to get the best out of places like Helsinki.
France
Time difference: GMT + 1 (Central European Summer Time +2)
Currency: Euro
Language: French
Population: 60,000,000
Capital: Paris
Size of Country: 543,965 sq km
Of course the south of France is perfect for a summer visit. Whereas the Alps are a winter wonderland. Other places, like Paris, are great all-year-round although many argue that it’s best in springtime. Visit the west coast in the Autumn if you’re looking to surf.
Germany
Time difference: GMT + 1 (Central European Summer Time +2)
Currency: Euro
Language: German
Population: 82,500,000
Capital: Berlin
Size of Country: 357,868 sq km
Berlin is another all-year-round destination. There are also festivals throughout Germany during most seasons. If you’re there for winter sports, head to Munich. If visiting during early Summer, get some sightseeing done under these perfect conditions. Autumn is a great time to city-hop if you’re avoiding crowds.
Greece
Time difference: GMT + 2 (Central European Summer Time +3)
Currency: Euro
Language: Greek
Population: 11,000,000
Capital: Athens
Size of Country: 131,957 sq km
Greece pretty much shuts down during winter – as do its islands. But if you’re adverse to hot temperatures, you might find places like Athens more palatable out of the summer season.
Hungary
Time difference: GMT + 1 (Central European Summer Time +2)
Currency: Forint
Language: Hungarian
Population: 10,000,000
Capital: Budapest
Size of Country: 93,030 sq km
Spring and Autumn can be wet, although perfectly pleasant times to visit. August is the month you want to go to get the hottest temperatures – although bear in mind that this is the month that a lot of businesses close, so you might want to visit during the months around then.
Iceland
Time difference: GMT +0
Currency: Krona
Language: Icelandic
Population: 300,000
Capital: Reykjavik
Size of Country: 102,820 sq km
If you’re going for the Northern Lights, head here between November and February for your best chances.
Republic of Ireland
Time difference: GMT + 0 (Irish Summer Time +1)
Currency: Euro
Language: English
Population: 4,300,000
Capital: Dublin
Size of Country: 70,282 sq km
You should definitely visit the Republic of Ireland on St Patrick’s Day (17th March) – although not for the weather. Summer can be wet, as can winter, spring and autumn…so either way you may need to pack an umbrella. Although during July and August it is least likely that there will be a downpour.
Italy
Time difference: GMT + 1 (Central European Summer Time +2)
Currency: Euro
Language: Italian
Population: 59,000,000
Capital: Rome
Size of Country: 301,245 sq km
Italy’s main cities can become overbearing in the heat during the peak summer months. Spring and Autumn are best if avoiding heat. But if that’s your thing then make sure you head to the country’s top beaches and soak up the rays!
Latvia
Time difference: GMT + 2 (Central European Summer Time +3)
Currency: Lats
Language: Latvian
Population: 2,200,000
Capital: Riga
Size of Country: 63,700 sq km
Head here during the country’s two extremes: sunkissed summer or winter wonderland. Riga is a perfect Christmas destination.
Lithuania
Time difference: GMT + 2 (Central European Summer Time +3)
Currency: Litas
Language: Lithuanian
Population: 3,400,000
Capital: Vilnius
Size of Country: 65,200 sq km
Although its summer is short, it is beautifully bright. Head here during spring or summer for the best days.
Luxembourg
Time difference: GMT + 1 (Central European Summer Time +2)
Currency: Euro
Language: French, German and Luxembourgish
Population: 460,000
Capital: Luxembourg
Size of Country: 2,586 sq km
Luxembourg is great to visit whatever the season. The only things you need to think of are what services are available during particular times of the year and to check ahead before you travel.
Netherlands
Time difference: GMT + 1 (Central European Summer Time +2)
Currency: Euro
Language: Dutch
Population: 16,300,000
Capital: Amsterdam
Size of Country: 41,526 sq km
The Netherlands hosts an absolutely enchanting spring. The summers are mild with peak months being July and August.
Norway
Time difference: GMT + 1 (Central European Summer Time +2)
Currency: Krone
Language: Norwegian
Population: 4,700,000
Capital: Oslo
Size of Country: 323,878 sq km
Norway travel is totally dependent on what you want out of your trip. The midnight sun shows up between June and August, although it may not necessarily be hot. During the winter months you are able to partake in cross-country skiing although you need to bear in mind how short the days will be.
Poland
Time difference: GMT + 1 (Central European Summer Time +2)
Currency: Zloty
Language: Polish
Population: 38,000,000
Capital: Warsaw
Size of Country: 312,683 sq km
Spring is a great time to visit as it’s less likely to rain, than in Summer, and hosts much more palatable temperatures. Although if you’re headed to a ski resort you will want the winter months.
Portugal
Time difference: GMT + 0 (Western European Summer Time +1)
Currency: Euro
Language: Portuguese
Population: 10,600,000
Capital: Lisbon
Size of Country: 88,940 sq km
The south coast is accessible pretty much all year round, as are Portugal’s cities. The best months are probably spring (from February) and early Autumn if you want to avoid the heat but still experience the best of the country.
Romania
Time difference: GMT + 2 (Eastern European Summer Time +3)
Currency: Leu
Language: Romanian
Population: 21,500,000
Capital: Bucharest
Size of Country: 237,500 sq km
Given that Summer and Winter can be extremes of each season, Spring and Autumn are ideal times to visit.
Russia
Time difference: GMT + 3 (Eastern European Summer Time +4)
Currency: Ruble
Language: Russian
Population: 143,000,000
Capital: Moscow
Size of Country: 17,075,400 sq km
Again, Russia is best during Spring and Autumn. Although the winters are quite mild in places like St Petersburg.
Slovakia
Time difference: GMT + 1 (Central European Summer Time +2)
Currency: Slovak koruna
Language: Slovak
Population: 5,400,000
Capital: Bratislava
Size of Country: 49,035 sq km
A Slovakian summer is a great season to experience. Visit places like Bratislava then.
Slovenia
Time difference: GMT + 1 (Central European Summer Time +2)
Currency: Euro
Language: Slovene
Population: 2,000,000
Capital: Ljubljana
Size of Country: 20,257 sq km
As most people visit for outdoor activities, you should go between May and October. Unless you’re there for specifically winter sports – in which case head from December to March.
Spain
Time difference: GMT + 1 (Central European Summer Time +2)
Currency: Euro
Language: Spanish
Population: 44,700,000
Capital: Madrid
Size of Country: 504,782 sq km
Surprisingly, places like Ibiza are quite popular during off-peak months. Spanish city destinations are generally accessible all year round. Head to the beaches for the summer, or during Autumn if you’d prefer cooler weather.
Sweden
Time difference: GMT + 1 (Central European Summer Time +2)
Currency: Swedish krona
Language: Swedish
Population: 9,000,000
Capital: Stockholm
Size of Country: 449,964 sq km
If you’re after warmer weather, visit between May and September. For snow, head to Sweden between November and March. Although it’s a country that can more than cope with any winter hindrances. The country is great to visit all year round, but if you’re after the midnight sun, visit in June or July.
Switzerland
Time difference: GMT + 1 (Central European Summer Time +2)
Currency: Swiss franc
Language: German, French, Italian, Romansh
Population: 7,500,000
Capital: Bern
Size of Country: 41,293 sq km
It really depends what you want out of your visit as to when is best to travel to Switzerland. For winter sports, head between December and March for the snowiest conditions. Although the resorts are just as accessible during summer with hikers and bikers aplenty.
Turkey
Time difference: GMT + 2 (East European Summer Time +3)
Currency: Turkish lira
Language: Turkish
Population: 74,000,000
Capital: Ankara
Size of Country: 779,452 sq km
A great destination to visit during Spring and Autumn if you’re looking to avoid the Mediterranean climate of the summer. Winters are rainy and fickle.
United Kingdom
Time difference: GMT + 0 (British Summer Time +1)
Currency: Pound sterling
Language: English
Population: 60,000,000
Capital: London
Size of Country: 244,082 sq km
Much like the Republic of Ireland, the rainfall can be common and unpredictable. Winters can experience snow but this is not a certain. For the best temperatures, head during spring or summer if you want to avoid the rain clouds.