If you’re heading to Europe, you may have a list of places you want to visit, and that list may be a mile long! But if you don’t have much time you’ll need to narrow that list down so you can see the highlights. Here are our picks for bucket list destinations in Europe:

Lapland

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably always wanted to see the Northern Lights, the gorgeous multicoloured show which lights up the night sky like a lava lamp. Northern Scandinavia is known as Lapland, and you’ll be able to see the lights during the months of September to April. With ice hotels, snowmobiling and husky sledding available, you’ll have plenty to do while you’re waiting for those lights to show up.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen continues to rise in popularity, and it’s an excellent place for a city break or even a week or two. With free walking tours which visit major attractions like Amalienborg Palace, Stroget and Tivoli, the famous little mermaid and the Crown Jewels in the Rosenborg Castle, you’ll be wishing you could stay for longer.

Tenerife

The weather in Tenerife is one of the reasons why it’s so popular, particularly with Brits hoping to escape winter. The Teide National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you can take one of the famous cable cars up to the highest mountain in Spain, Mount Teide. Don’t forget to bring your camera as the views are outstanding. Playa Del Duque is a must-visit beach with pale white sand, high-end shopping and cute cafes, and for those who like to dive you’ll find some incredible volcanic rock formations.

Innsbruck

The capital of the Alps is a vibrant city combining urban, alpine and historical components while offering a myriad of activities for visitors. With alpine scenery surrounding the city, incredible architecture and gourmet restaurant, this picturesque place is often overlooked but is really a top-notch destination for those who like the outdoors.

Innsbruck

Portugal

Theres a reason why Portugal continues to be one of the most popular destinations for people around the world. The history in Lisbon, views in Madeira, cruising on the Douro, cafes in Coimbra and peace and quiet of Sintra makes Portugal the best choice for anyone wanting history, beaches, great shopping, excellent food and plenty of activities.

Bordeaux

The city of Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and for anyone interested in french lifestyle, culture and wine, this stunning region is a top gourmet and wine tasting region. Located on the River Garonne, this is the best base for those interested in exploring wineries in the area, and is just 2 hours from Spain and 3 hours from the Pyrenean ski slopes.

Barcelona

Barcelona is well known for its shopping, but is also a destination for foodies and those who love music. In fact, you’ll find some of the best DJs in the world in Barcelona, along with live bands, tapas and great wine.