Lonely Planet: Greece’s Peloponnese best European destination in 2016

Peloponnese in Greece is the best European destination for 2016, according to leading travel guide lonelyplanet.com.

Its travel experts combed the continent of Europe to create the ultimate selection of European destinations to see this year.

They particularly praise Peloponnese in Greece as follows:

“Travellers to Greece tend to flock to the myriad islands or marvel at the iconic Acropolis, but one of the country’s most diverse, vibrant regions is often forgotten: the Peloponnese. It remains an affordable enclave of magnificent ancient sights like Olympia, Mycenae and Mystras, which are scattered across a rich landscape of stone villages, teal seas and snow-capped mountains.

2016 brings the chance to hike the Peloponnese’s new Menalon trail or take a tipple in the Nemean wine region, with its vintages gaining prominence around the globe. You can dive shipwrecks off the Navarino coast or visit the wild and remote Mani, home to ancient stone towers converted into boutique luxury lodgings. Beautiful Nafplio blends contemporary art with atmospheric architecture and classic town squares, ideal for a long, lazy lunch.

Now more than ever the Peloponnese is the perfect destination for absorbing traditional Greek life, compelling history and inspiring landscapes. Download your free PDF guide to the Peloponnese to find out for yourself.”

The complete list of the best European destinations for 2016 includes:

1. Peloponnese, Greece

2. Aarhus, Denmark

Head to Denmark's second-largest city, Aarhus, on the east coast of the Jutland peninsula, for a colourful mix of both the historic and the new

3. Venice, Italy

Although there are times when tourists outnumber locals by two to one, visitors are never more than a bridge or an alley away from a secluded square or Gothic palazzi in the Italian city. Pictured is the Basilica, San Marco

4. The Dordogne, France

The Ch?teau de Castelnaud, which was constructed between the 13th and 17th centuries, looms over the Dordogne Valley

5. Lviv, Ukraine

Ranking at five in the Best in Europe list is Lviv in Ukraine, which features quaint cobbled streets, a host of cosy coffeehouses and rattling trams

6. Warwickshire, England

The historic town of Warwick lies on the River Avon and one of its main attractions is the grand Warwick Castle (pictured) which was was established in 1068 as part of the Norman conquest of England

7. Extremadura, Spain

Nestled in the heart of old Spain is the medieval treasure, Extremadura, which has featured highly on the Lonely Planet's best picks and includes wonders like the old town of Caceres. Pictured is the San Francisco Javier church

8. East Coast Tenerife, Canary islands

The Canary Islands are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and those in the know head for the east coast of Tenerife with its low-key beach towns and scenic mountain ridge

9. Texel, Netherlands

Offering 18 miles of sandy coast line, Texel island in the Netherlands is a haven for beach lovers from around the world, but there is plenty to do besides. Why not climb the 153 steps of Texel's crimson-coloured lighthouse for views across the islands

10. Northern Dalmatia, Croatia

Travelling along northern Dalmatia's historic 'Master's road' is a spectacular way to experience the best of the Croatian scenery

If Lonely Planet’s top-10 tickles your fancy, you can download their free ebook, Secret Europe, for even more swoon-worthy locations; or discover your ideal beverage from abroad by taking their Best in Europe quiz.