Europe is one of the most appealing continents to visit with there being so many unique experiences that can be enjoyed no matter the country. It has some of the best cities that are explored by hundreds and thousands of travellers every year like Madrid, London and Rome. However, these destinations aren’t for everyone, as some people prefer more serene environments where they can relax and take in the scenery.
There’s many extraordinary green escapes located across Europe that allow travellers to find new and exciting sights that haven’t been unearthed by many people. Getting away from some of the most popular green spaces in Europe like Kew Gardens in London, you will see some of the most pleasant gardens in the hidden gems located on the continent.
This guide will help you unearth Europe’s most extraordinary green spaces, so that you can experience some of the continent’s most beautiful environments. Continue reading to find out more.
European Green Spaces
Giardini di Ninfa (Lazio), Italy
Italy is a country rich with history and culture. It’s home to some of the most beautiful cities and towns in the whole of Europe, but what sets it apart from the rest is its green spaces.
Giardini di Ninfa in Lazio is the most underrated in the country as it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, charming terraces and a tranquil escape from the crowds. Thanks to its unique microclimate, Ninfa has over 1,300 species of plants and trees from all over the world, giving it a beautiful aesthetic.
D’Hane-Steenhuyse Garden (Ghent), Belgium
The D’Hane-Steenhuyse Garden in Ghent is part of the Hotel d’Hane-Steenhuyse, a splendid 18th-century mansion that can be visited by tourists all year round. The interior garden, completed in 1773, offers a serene escape from the bustling Veldstraat.
It was historically an ornamental garden with an orangery, greenhouse, grapevines and rose gardens that has now been transformed into a beautiful Belgian garden.
Jardim Gulbenkian (Lisbon), Portugal
A superb example of modernistic landscaping from the 1960s, Jardim Gulbenkian covers an entire city block and is full of micro-landscapes where visitors can escape the city noise to enjoy a nice, serene environment. Designed by Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles and António Viana Barreto, it’s internationally recognised as a significant work of Portuguese landscaping, featuring a subtle geometry that creates a sense of peace and discovery. Despite this, it’s still considered vastly underrated and is definitely one to add to the bucket list.
Benrath Palace Park (Düsseldorf), Germany
This stunning 18th-century Pink Palace boasts 150 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, impressive lakes and two museums dedicated to garden art and natural history. A significant portion of the park is designated as a nature reserve, home to over 60 types of plants, more than 80 species of birds and over 300 species of beetles. It’s a fantastic spot for birdwatching and enjoying serene natural beauty that’s always appreciated by solo women travellers.
The Floating Gardens of Amiens (Hortillonages), France
These unique gardens have been cultivated since the Middle Ages on 300 hectares of marshland. You can explore them by boat, bike or on foot, giving you many ways of taking in the breathtaking French scenery. Despite being right on the edge of the city of Amiens, the Hortillonnages provide a serene and peaceful escape.
The calm waters and lush greenery invite contemplation and relaxation. You can spot a wide variety of flora and fauna, including waterfowl like great crested grebes, swans, mallards and coots.
El Generalife (Granada), Spain
This Spanish green space is a masterpiece of Islamic garden design, with intricate water features, fountains and serene courtyards that offer a tranquil escape from the bustling crowds of the main palace.
A combined ticket for the Alhambra and Generalife is definitely worth the price and gives you an experience like never before. The Patio de la Acequia is the heart of the Generalife, featuring a long pool with water jets crisscrossing above, surrounded by meticulously arranged flowerbeds. It’s a prime spot for photography.
Bodnant Garden (Conwy), United Kingdom
Managed by the National Trust, Bodnant Garden spans 80 acres and features a diverse range of green spaces, from formal Victorian terraces to shrub-filled glades. It’s particularly famous for its incredible collection of rhododendrons and magnolias that give the area a unique glow that feels like you’re in a completely different country.
Created over 150 years ago by the vision of the McLaren family and their head gardeners, the garden continues to evolve with new areas like the Winter Garden and Far End recently opened.
Orvydas Garden (Salantai), Lithuania
This unique garden is less about botanical beauty and more about a profound artistic and historical statement. It’s a fascinating collection of sculptures made from natural materials, making it one of the most sustainable in the entire continent. It’s off the beaten path but incredibly memorable, especially for tourists looking for a completely new experience. It is also home to carved tree trunks resembling Lithuanian folklore characters that have been created using electric chainsaws.
Final Thoughts
Europe’s most extraordinary green spaces offer far more than just beautiful appearance, as they deep dive into the historical elements of each city that they are home to.
You will get to experience all of their cultural narratives and improve your enduring connection to the natural world. Each visit promises a journey into the heart of what makes these green spaces unforgettable.
