5 Destinations for a Girls’ Getaway in Europe

Use the power of sisterhood to fuel your adventures. Traveling as a group helps make your trip more economical and comfortable by splitting the costs of services like private tours and transportation. Family vacations are great, buy why not share those perks with your best friends too?

 

Friendships are built around common interests, and that’s why friends make ideal travel companions. Whether you prefer to spend your time at museums or Michelin-starred restaurants, it’s always more fun to do it with pals who appreciate the same hobbies as you. The only hard part can be deciding where to go!

 

If you love the idea of getting your girlfriends or the women in your life together for a trip, take inspiration from your favorite activities, and check out these destination ideas …

 

For Gourmet Goddesses : Lombardy, Northern Italy

 

The north of Italy presents a fantastic option for a gourmet getaway with your girls. At the foothills of the Alps, the region of Lombardy comprises the fashion capital of Milan, the stunning Italian Lakes, and foodie gems like Bergamo and Monte Isola.

 

Start by getting your fix of high fashion and big city energy in Milan. The Duomo is a must-see, as well as the Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade. Don’t leave without a stroll around the innovative Porta Nuova district to have a spritz at 10 Corso Como and visit the massive Eataly store, an overview of products from around Italy.

 

Then it’s time to go deeper into the gastronomic culture of Lombardy. With its cooler climate, this region is known for comfortingly rich dishes with creamy polenta and risotto, aged cheeses and cured meats like bresaola and salame.

 

From Milan, it’s an hour drive to either Como or Bergamo. The attractions of Lake Como are readily apparent, but Bergamo is not as well-known, perhaps even a ‘hidden gem’ yet. Bergamo is a real treasure of cobbled-lane medieval charm, and UNESCO lists it as a Creative City of Gastronomy, especially for its cheese-making tradition. Also, stracciatella gelato was invented in this very town! It’s worth booking a table – or even a room – at Da Vittorio, a dreamy countryside villa hotel with a gourmet 3-star Michelin restaurant.

 

Another area getting attention as a culinary hotspot is Monte Isola, Europe’s largest inhabited lake island, in the center of Lake Iseo. The island is known for its typical products like salami and sun-dried sardines. Monte Isola’s delicate extra virgin olive oils are renowned across Italy, and you can visit the olive oil mill in Carzano to understand why.

 

Photo by Michael Martinelli from Unsplash

 

 

For Wine Mavens : Portugal

 

A trip to Portugal promises incredible sensory experiences from vibrant tiled buildings to the plaintive strains of Fado to warm golden sands, but for the wine lover, the opportunities for unique tastes are the most exciting. Portugal is home to some of Europe’s oldest vineyards, boasting grapevines that survived the devastating ‘phylloxera’ pest that wiped out European vines in the 19^th century.

 

The northern city of Porto has a new wine museum, the World of Wine (WOW) set in Vila Nova de Gaia, the historic area on the opposite bank of the River Douro, where the port wine industry had its first beginnings. The complex is about much more than just wine, and makes a great place to get started on your Portugal adventure.

 

Next, you can go to the Douro Valley, the country’s most popular wine region, with rolling hills and terraced vineyards. The area is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site and has several options for scenic wine hotels. From here, you may also explore the wine region of the Alentejo spread around Évora, or the Vinho Verde makers in the far north.

 

Photo by Maksim Goncharenok from Pexels

 

 

For Sun Seekers : Croatian Islands

 

Croatia is perfect whether you want to be more adventurous or take it easy. Split and Dubrovnik are the country’s major centers of tourism, and they make great bookends to an Adriatic beach vacation. However, the islands are the ultimate highlight of a Croatian summer. Think rocky beaches under the pine trees to spread your towel, and jumping from a boat into turquoise waters.

 

A one-week small-ship luxury cruise makes it easy to see several islands in one trip. You could also charter a yacht with your group – this allows you to visit more remote, unspoiled islands that bigger boats can’t reach. You may also plan a driving itinerary with your own rental car or the services of a private driver. Day trips by boat from Split can take you to the islands of Hvar, Vis, Brač and the Pakleni archipelago. Farther south in Dubrovnik, discover Lokrum island and the Elaphiti archipelago.

 

Photo by RODNAE Productions from Pexels

 

 

For Outdoor Lovers : Slovenia

 

Anyone who loves being out in nature will fall in love with Slovenia, right next door to Croatia, but more under the radar. This peaceful small country is blessed with pristine natural beauties, as well as old world architecture in its capital city, Ljubljana. Set on a curving river with picturesque bridges and delightful green spaces, it’s the perfect gateway to Slovenia’s emerald charms.

 

The country’s top natural spot is Lake Bled, with its romantic pletna boats, castle and tiny island church, but there are actually many scenic lakes in the Slovenian Alps. Hiking and biking trails lead around lakes and rivers. Rent a row boat or stand up paddle board, or visit in the winter for alpine skiing. A different type of outdoor experience is a visit to the Lipica Stud Farm to see the magnificent Lipizzan horses, a legacy of the Habsburg empire.

 

Besides the nature, Slovenia’s culinary strengths deserve a special mention. It is home to one of the world’s best restaurants, Hiša Franko, set in the remote but lush Soča Valley, and run by a female head chef, Ana Roš. Follow the culinary trail east to the city of Maribor, an architecturally beautiful city, and awarded the title of ‘Best Culinary Destination in Europe’ by European Best Destinations.

 

Photo by Freepik

 

 

For Chic Shoppers : Rhodes, Greece & Bodrum, Türkiye

 

If your perfect vacation is a combination of ‘shop & swim’, then this Mediterranean getaway is for you! Experience the best of the Greek and Turkish Aegean on the ultimate beach-going and shopping trip with your girlfriends. The best part – you’ll be able to easily hop between two countries to get even more bang for your buck.

 

Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands, neighbors of southwestern Türkiye. This island is a blend of ancient and medieval history and incredible beaches – plenty to choose from thanks to its size. There are a range of shopping options in the Old Town of Rhodes, the New Town of Rhodes, and the pretty village of Lindos. Find gold and silver jewelry, handmade sandals, mountain thyme and honey, objects carved from olive wood, pottery and scarves with typical Greek designs.

 

A 2.5-hour ferry ride will take you across to Bodrum on the Turkish coast. This is Türkiye’s most popular summer resort, and it also covers a large area – an entire peninsula of beaches and towns to explore. The region attracts a well-to-do crowd arriving on yachts or to their summer houses, so you can find high-quality clothing and decorative items along with traditional Turkish souvenirs. In the center of Bodrum’s Old Town, browse the street vendors selling handicrafts, mosaic lamps, jewelry and ceramics. The most upscale shopping is at Yalıkavak’s Palmarina luxury high-end stores, while the Midtown Shopping Center offers everyday Turkish and international brands.

 

Photo by gokhan polat from Unsplash