Wildlife Holidays in Europe:

Top European Animal Encounters

Europe is famed for its culture, but beneath the layers of human activity the continent’s beating heart swells full with wildlife. Wildlife holidays in Europe rival those anywhere in the world. Discover breath-taking encounters with animals in Europe.

Adventure Across Europe: Wildlife Holidays

Wildlife holidays in Europe are rarely famed in the same way as safaris in Africa or rainforest treks through the Amazon, but in reality, the experiences on offer are just as enthralling - if you know where to go. Our guide to the best wildlife in holidays takes you across the European continent in search of some once-in-a-lifetime animal encounters. From bears to whales, you’ll be surprised what you’ll find on wildlife holidays in Europe.

Best Marine Wildlife Holidays in Europe: Whale Watching in Iceland

Whale watching in Iceland isn’t just some of the best in Europe, but is fast becoming regarded as one of the best places to whale watching the world. Over 100,000 whales visit Iceland every year, with June to August proving to be the most successful months for sightings. Many whale watching tour groups report success rates of up to 99% during peak season. A wildlife holiday in Europe to remember, you’ll be in for a chance of seeing, killer whales, blue whales, fin whales, humpback whales and sperm whales, with a whole host of other Cetacea on show as well. For your best chances of encounters, you’ll want to head to the west and northern edges of Iceland. 

Best Coastal Wildlife Holidays in Europe: Swimming With Turtles in Greece

Swimming with turtles is a bucket list activity coveted the world over. While you’d be forgiven for thinking a trip to the Caribbean or tropics of Asia was a requirement, you’ll actually find wildlife holidays in Europe can offer exciting opportunities. During the summer months of May to August, hundreds of loggerhead turtles head to the Greek island of Zante to lay their eggs. During this time they’re found all around the coastal waters of Zante, particularly Laganas Beach (a popular nesting ground). One of the best wildlife holidays in Europe, swimming with sea turtles off the coast of Zante is not to be missed.

Best Wilderness Wildlife Holidays in Europe: Searching for Bears in Finland

Home to over 2000 brown bears, Finland offers the best wildlife holidays in Europe for bear watching. The central lakeland area is a favourite stomping ground of brown bears, particularly in the dense forests. Between May and September, you’ll be able to camp out at bear hides and watch for the animals. During the summer, lakeland, the largest lake district in Europe, is absolutely breath-taking, making it well worth the trip even without the bears. But, the bears are here, and with so many around, a visit to Finland promises one of the best wildlife holidays in Europe. 

Best Thrill-seekers Wildlife Holidays in Europe: Wolf Watching in Romania

3000 grey wolves roam the snow-dusted woodlands of Romania, and the Central Carpathian Mountains is where you’ll find most of them. Wolves are here all year round hunting their prey. Some of the most deadly animals on the planet, to encounter wild wolves is guaranteed to get your blood pumping, offering some of the most exciting wildlife holidays in Europe. Finding wolves in Romania is a thrill in itself. It involves travelling deep into forests with trained trackers, watching for footprints in the dirt or snow, and listening out for those tell-tale howls under the moonlight. 

Best Birdwatching Wildlife Holidays in Europe: Watching the Skies for Eagles in Spain

Andalusia, the southernmost region of Spain, is a paradise for bird lovers, and home to one of the best wildlife holidays in Europe. Of particular significance is the Sierra Morena mountain range. Here you’ll find golden eagles, Iberian eagles, booted eagles, short-toed eagles and Bonelli’s eagle. Thousands of powerful birds of prey swoop through the skies in search of a meal. With fantastic mountain towns to visit and stay in, and eagles soaring all around, if you’re an avid birdwatcher, there is unlikely to be a better wildlife holiday in Europe.

Best Adventure Wildlife Holidays in Europe: Polar Bear Trekking in Norway

Polar bears are undoubtedly the most powerful land predator alive today. Weighing in at one metric ton, these 1000kg monsters could easily outmatch a lion, tiger or even a grizzly. Nothing can match the thrill of seeing an apex predator the polar bear out in the wild, and on a wildlife holiday in Europe, that’s exactly what you’ll get. The Svalbard Archipelago is a stunningly beautiful destination in its own right. Home to the northern lights, glaciers and true, rugged arctic wilderness, adventure seekers will find themselves home here out on the ice. The Svalbard Archipelago is also one of the only easily accessible locations in the world where you can see polar bears. During May to September, around 3,000 polar bears will pass through Svalbard, making the chances of sightings very high.