We get asked a lot of questions as full time travellers and one question we get asked a lot is “what is your favourite country?”. This is always such a difficult questions to answer as we have experienced so many things in each country we have visited that it seems impossible to choose just one. So we have both shortlisted the best countries In Europe in a campervan and why they have made the list.
Turkey
Turkey is a country we both agree on being in our top three. Firstly we found the Turkish people to be some of the most kind, welcoming and generous people we have met. Everywhere we went we would be approached by someone who would be very interested in us and our journey. On a whole we noticed people to be excited to have us in the their country and eager to share their culture with us. Not only were the Turkish people kind and welcoming, they were also generous. Everywhere we went we would be offered çay (tea). Being a mostly muslim country çay is a very large part of socialising within their culture. So to be offered çay felt as though we were being accepted.
Further to the generosity, we would often meet local people happy to share what little they had, whether it be çay, food or wisdom. We met a local man who offered us fish from his catch that afternoon for no other reason than sharing his bounty with visitors to his country.
It’s difficult not to love turkey as it has such a diverse and exciting landscape. Yes, there is a plentiful supply of stunning beaches with white sand and crystal clear waters, but Turkey is more than just beautiful coastline. From Cappadoccia to Pamukale, from the Eternal Flames to Istanbul and its bazzars to name just a few. Off the beaten track roads leading you to quaint market towns and secret hide aways you certainly won’t get bored.
Spain
Spain will likely forever be in Will’s top three of the best countries in Europe in a campervan. Though he does have a deep connection with Spain having been brought up there as a child, his roots are not necessarily what ranks this country so high in his mind. As an adult traveler he was able to enjoy the country in a much different way than a child growing up on the Costa del Sol. We were fortunate enough to spend around eight months in Spain during Covid-19 both travelling and living temporarily in Will’s childhood home. Sun, sand and sea is what springs to mind when one thinks of Spain and they’re not wrong. With vast stretches of coastline it’s certainly not short on stunning beach get-aways which lends a relaxed atmosphere that explodes into a fiesta as night falls.
Now Spain isn’t all about it’s beaches, it also has a great deal to offer with dramatic mountain scapes, wine regions, cultural towns and cities, and picturesque traditional villages. And we can’t forget the tapas! Need I say more? Forget the sandy beaches, we loved sitting at an unknown bar, in a beautiful village hidden in the mountains drinking great wine and nibbling on some of the best tapas. Delicious and budget friendly!
Switzerland
Switzerland was somewhere I had always wanted to visit. I had an image in my mind of what it would be like with soaring mountains, deep valleys and green pastures. It did not disappoint. So it must remain in my top three (for now). Everywhere we looked there was a beautiful sight, whether it be the Swiss Alps, deep lakes, or authentic Swiss pine architecture. There is something so cosy and welcoming about the sight of log cabins atop rolling green hills. And lets not forget the festive feeling with the magic of Swiss Christmas markets. For all its beauty however there is a large price tag. It is a very expensive country on all counts, fuel, food shopping, eating out and other activities. So we sadly couldn’t stay for as long as we would have liked on our measly travellers budget.
As expensive as it is I can’t talk of Switzerland though and not mentions the food. Hearty raclettes, fondus, Swiss cheese and of course the Swiss chocolate. All delightful delicacies. Take me back!
Serbia
Reaching Will’s top three is Serbia. Just like most of Eastern Europe the people here are very welcoming to visitors and are very interested to hear your stories and share their own. One thing Will liked most is the Rakia and coffee culture which acts largely as a social point. Sipping a glass of Rakia alongside a coffee in the morning whilst chatting about the day ahead. Rakia is not only a morning drink but also an afternoon, evening and night drink. Basically it’s always a good time. This custom was brought to us when we needed some work doing on our van and met our (now good friend) mechanic who each time looks after us and always goes the extra mile.
The country its self has a great deal of beauty with it’s vast landscape. Though it is a land locked country it isn’t worse off for being so. With lakes and rivers, mountains and valleys, castles and medieval architecture, Serbia has a lot to offer anyone who chooses to visit. With all the substantial scenery came a freedom to park anywhere which added to our love of this country.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
And last, but not least in the best countries in Europe in a campervan. I found that Bosnia and Herzegovina had the same if not more of the beauty of Switzerland but without the price tag and on a much larger scale. With it being a significantly poorer country it felt more relaxed, down to earth and authentic. It may not be a haven for the rich but is doesn’t lack in rich culture and scenery. As with a lot of the balkan counties there is a long and turbulent history of war but the country is slowly repairing. For those interested in both long forgotten and recent history, Bosnia as it in spades.
From Mostar to Sarajevo, the two worlds seem far apart. Mostar having such a rich culture and long history you can visualise merchants in the medieval era with the Ottoman and medieval architecture. Sarajevo has a stark contrast with old and new after the wars in more recent years. It’s sad history still clings to the city as it fights to remember and not forget it’s past, whilst building a brighter future.
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