Best Destinations for Nature Escapes in Europe
Escaping the bright lights and busy cities and embarking on a nature holiday allows you to press pause and reset. Nature escapes are less about leaving your phone behind and going off the beaten path, and more about taking advantage of the remarkable landscapes often on our doorstep. And don’t worry, you can take your phone with you to snap shots of the scenery along the way.
From volcanic vistas to glistening lakes and sprawling green valleys, Europe is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders, all just a direct flight from London Luton Airport. We’ve gathered a list of our top spots in Europe for nature lovers, perfect for planning your next escape away from the hustle and bustle.
We are not in any way affiliated with the activities mentioned in this article and provide no endorsement of their services. LLA bears no responsibility for the services provided and cannot comment on the safety of these websites, the accuracy of the content, or the reliability and value of any goods or services advertised. We recommend that you conduct your own research prior to booking any of the services mentioned below.
Madeira, Portugal
Where to fly to?: Madeira (FNC)
Flight time: 3 hours 50 minutes
Fly with: easyJet and Jet2
Best time to visit: all year round
Natural landscape: lush forests, mountain trails and volcanic pools
Known as the “Floating Garden of the Atlantic”, Madeira’s volcanic archipelago is home to world-class hiking trails, subtropical greenery, and dramatic coastlines, offering a complete escape from urban living. Follow the tracks through the Laurisilva ‘living fossil’ forest or walk along the Cabo Girão skywalk, on one of the world's highest sea cliffs, for breathtaking views of the island’s unique setting.
Lapland, Finland
Where to fly to?: Rovaniemi (RVN) and Kittilä (KTT)
Flight time: 3 hours 25 minutes
Fly with: easyJet
Best time to visit: November - February
Natural landscape: snowy peaks, spruce forests and colourful auroras
Whether you are ice floating under a starlit sky or enjoying a traditional wood-fired sauna, Finnish Lapland offers an authentic connection to the elements for a restorative nature holiday. The winter months transform the landscape into a serene, snow-covered wonderland under the vibrant northern lights, with husky-sledging and winter sports offering the opportunity to connect with your surroundings.
Lucerne, Switzerland
Where to fly to?: Zurich (ZRH)
Flight time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Fly with: easyJet
Best time to visit: June - September
Natural landscape: crystal-clear lakes, alpine peaks and mountain panoramas
Lucerne is the gateway to the heart of the Swiss Alps, where the scenery looks like a postcard come to life. Lake Lucerne, surrounded by iconic peaks like Mount Rigi and the Stanserhorn, offer a quintessential Swiss experience, and a journey up the Queen of the Mountains via cogwheel railway reveals 360-degree views of snow-capped summits and emerald valleys. Hikers can explore a labyrinth of trails that lead to hidden alpine huts serving fresh cheese and bread, while the lake itself is perfect for a quiet morning of paddleboarding or a slow boat cruise.
County Kerry, Ireland
Where to fly to?: Kerry (KIR)
Flight time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Fly with: Ryanair
Best time to visit: May - September
Natural landscape: ancient woodlands, coastal paths and mossy rock formations
County Kerry, tucked away on Ireland’s Atlantic coast, is the perfect nature break for those looking for a blend of wind-swept scenery and sea views. Visit the Killarney National Park, home to the MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range, explore the coast of Slea Head and spend an afternoon dolphin spotting for a revitalising experience of Kerry’s historic natural landscape.
Tromsø, Norway
Where to fly to?: Tromsø (TOS)
Flight time: 3 hours 35 minutes
Fly with: Wizz Air
Best time to visit: November - February
Natural landscape: snow-capped mountains, wintry peaks and serene fjords.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of unspoilt wintry landscapes in Tromsø. During the day, enjoy a dog sledge ride as you glide across the tundra, or go whale-watching on the fjords with deep blue waters and jagged peaks. By night, spot the dancing colours of the aurora borealis for the ultimate nature holiday destination.
Innsbruck, Austria
Where to fly to?: Innsbruck (INN)
Flight time: 2 hours
Fly with: easyJet
Best time to visit: December - April
Natural landscape: alpine ranges, mountain lakes and sloping valleys
Innsbruck, a town of two halves. Be in a sophisticated city centre one minute, and then be 2,000 meters above sea level the next. The Nordkette cable car whisks you from the golden-roofed Old Town directly into the heart of the Karwendel Nature Park, with easy panoramic paths for families and challenging trails for seasoned climbers. In the warmer months, e-bikes make exploring the high alpine pastures and traditional wooden huts a breeze, and in winter, the surrounding ski resorts offer world-renowned slopes.
Brasov, Romania
Where to fly to?: Brasov (GHV)
Flight time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Fly with: Wizz Air
Best time to visit: May - September
Natural landscape: forested mountains, limestone gorges and wild habitats
Brasov is the gateway to the Carpathian Mountains, Europe’s third-longest mountain range. The Carpathian Mountains offer striking trails through primaeval forests and limestone gorges, where the peaks are home to brown bears, wolves and lynx. Hiking through the Zarnesti Gorge and the Piatra Craiului National Park feels like walking through a fairytale, or for an unmissable wildlife experience, visit a safe forest hide with a local guide for a chance to see bears in their natural habitat.
Inverness, Scotland
Where to fly to?: Inverness (INV)
Flight time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Fly with: easyJet
Best time to visit: June - September
Natural landscape: glacier-carved mountains, freshwater lochs and heather moorlands
As the capital of the Scottish Highlands, start exploring the UK’s pristine natural landscapes from Inverness. To the south lies Loch Ness, a vast and mysterious body of water surrounded by the ruins of Urquhart Castle and steep, wooded hills. To the east, the Cairngorms National Park offers vast plateaus and ancient Caledonian pine forests. For animal lovers, The Moray Firth is one of the best places in Europe to see bottlenose dolphins in the wild.
Reykjavik, Iceland
Where to fly to?: Reykjavik (KEF)
Flight time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Fly with: easyJet
Best time to visit: October - February
Natural landscape: volcanic plains, geothermal springs and glacial waterfalls
Reykjavik is not one to miss for those looking to experience nature at its most powerful. Known as the Land of Fire and Ice, Iceland’s geothermal wonderland of black sand beaches and glacial waterfalls reflects the island's turbulent, volcanic construction. Along the Golden Circle, visitors can stand between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, or visit the Reykjanes Peninsula, a UNESCO Global Geopark, for steaming mud pools and neon-blue thermal waters.
Discover things to do in Reykjavik.
Isle of Man, British Isles
Where to fly to?: Isle of Man (IOM)
Flight time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Fly with: easyJet
Best time to visit: May - September (we fly there in June)
Natural landscape: heather-clad hills, coastal cliffs and winding rivers
Nestled in the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man is a natural haven that holds the prestigious title of a UNESCO Biosphere. With a patchwork of rugged cliffs, purple-hued glens, and hidden coves, the island's fairytale landscape is the perfect escape for those looking to unplug from daily life. Keep your eyes on the horizon for basking sharks and Atlantic grey seals, or look to the skies at night for some of the best stargazing spots in the British Isles.
Immerse yourself in the natural world
Europe’s natural landscapes provide the ultimate escape from everyday life. Whether you are drawn to the high-altitude peaks of the Alps, the ancient forests of the Carpathians or the volcanic shores of the Atlantic, these nature holiday destinations offer a chance to step away from your day-to-day and reconnect with the great outdoors.
Explore the full list of destinations from London Luton Airport and book your nature holiday today!