Best spiritual destinations in Europe
Best spiritual destinations in Europe
Medieval abbey ruins and quiet historic walking routes in Europe
Europe's spiritual side goes back much further than its cathedrals, and many travelers are just as drawn to stone circles, quiet islands and old pilgrim towns.
Stonehenge in England is the best-known ancient site, and thousands of people gather there to watch the sunrise on the summer solstice. Assisi in Italy, the hometown of Saint Francis, has a calm, gentle feel that many visitors notice even if they are not religious. Mont-Saint-Michel in France rises out of the sea like something from a dream, especially when the tide comes in around it. For real peace and quiet, the small island of Iona in Scotland has welcomed pilgrims for more than a thousand years and still feels far away from the modern world.
The famous sites get very crowded in summer, so going early in the morning, staying overnight or visiting in spring or autumn makes a big difference to the atmosphere.
Lists by region
Town in Portugal
Fátima
Spiritual pilgrimage center amid serene landscapes
Three shepherd children reported six apparitions of a lady in white at Cova da Iria in 1917. The first was on 13 May. Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims gather on 13 May and 13 October each year. The Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity has a 213 foot central tower.
Town in France
Lourdes
Pilgrimage heart, serene mountain sanctuary
Bernadette Soubirous was 14 when she first saw a lady at the Massabielle grotto on February 11, 1858. She reported 18 appearances in all. The Catholic Church had recognised 72 healings as miraculous as of April 2025. Pilgrimage is concentrated from March to October each year.
Island in France
Mont Saint-Michel
A Medieval Island Rising from the Sea
Legend says the archangel Michael appeared to Bishop Aubert of Avranches in 708. Tides differ by up to 46 feet. The island rises 302 feet and has 23 residents. Since 2001 the Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem have lived on the mount. A bridge replaced the old causeway in 2014. Over three million visit yearly.
Town in United Kingdom
Glastonbury
Mystic abbey shadows, festival spirit alive
Legend says Joseph of Arimathea planted a staff here that flowered into the Glastonbury Thorn. Chalice Well, a spring at the foot of the Tor, has been used for at least two thousand years. Its water has a reddish tint from iron oxide. The Tor rises 518 feet above the Somerset Levels.
City in Spain
Santiago de Compostela
A Pilgrimage Through History and Charm
Pilgrims have walked the Way of St. James to this city since the 9th century. A medieval legend says a hermit named Pelagius found the apostle's remains here after following a star. The Old Town became a UNESCO site in 1985. Over 200,000 pilgrims arrive each year.
Town in France
Carnac
Ancient Stones and Sunny Beaches
More than 3,000 standing stones were raised here around 3300 BC, though some may be older. Ménec has eleven converging rows. Kermario has about 1,029 stones in ten columns. Kerlescan has 555 stones in 13 lines. Fences have protected the main rows since 1991 and visits are limited to organised tours.
City in Italy
Assisi
Hilltop Saints, Frescoes and Peaceful Views
Construction of the Basilica of San Francesco ran from 1228 to 1253 after Francis was canonized. An earthquake on 26 September 1997 collapsed part of the vault and destroyed a Cimabue fresco. Restoration took two years. The Porziuncola chapel restored by Francis is nearby. UNESCO inscribed the town in 2000.
Historic Site in United Kingdom
Stonehenge
Mysterious Ancient Stones of Wonder
Work began around 3100 BC and continued until about 1600 BC. The outer sarsen stones are about 13 feet tall and weigh around 25 tons. The smaller bluestones came from the Preseli Hills in Wales. On the summer solstice the sun rises roughly over the Heel Stone. English Heritage allows access at solstices and equinoxes.
Archaeological Site in Ireland
Newgrange
Ancient passage tomb shrouded in winter light
Builders raised this passage tomb around 3100 BC. It predates the Great Pyramid. At dawn on the winter solstice sunlight enters through a roofbox and lights the chamber for about 17 minutes. About 60 people win a lottery to attend. Everyone else takes a guided tour from Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre.
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