About
Southern Europe is a region of warm climate that takes in Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal and parts of the Balkans. It is sometimes called South Europe or Mediterranean Europe, names that point to the sea that links much of the area and shapes its daily life.
What the region offers
- Ancient history: the region is known for its long past, and visitors come to see the traces of it that remain across its countries.
- Coastlines: the shoreline is among the region's best-known features, and it draws people to its beaches, bays and harbour towns.
- Mediterranean cuisine: meals built around local produce, olive oil and seafood are a central part of a visit.
Planning a visit
Because the region spans several countries, a trip here is best thought of as a choice of route rather than a single destination. Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal each have their own cities, landscapes and traditions, and parts of the Balkans add further variety. Travellers often build a journey around one country or move between a few of them, going from coastal stops to inland towns as their interests take them.
Whether you come for the history, the sea or the food, Southern Europe rewards slow travel. Taking time to sit at a table by the water or to walk through an old town is a good way to understand what the region is known for.
