Top 5 wildlife getaways in Europe: Bucket list destinations

When it comes to wildlife getaways, often Africa takes the spotlight. But Europe also has lots to offer in terms of thrilling wildlife experiences. Home to diverse and exotic creatures, many of which can be easily spotted just a short drive from major cities, you will have close encounters with these animals, without the need for anti-malarial medications or long flights. Read on to find out more.

Just a short drive from Nice, will take you to Mercantour National Park that is home to a small population of wolves. You can opt to hike through the rugged mountains with a specialist guide to track these elusive creatures to experience the true sense of adventure. While the wolves are hard to spot in the wild, a visit to the park’s wolf sanctuary guarantees sightings and offers fascinating insights into wolf behaviour. You can visit this place any time of the year.

Just a short drive from Nice, will take you to Mercantour National Park that is home to a small population of wolves. You can opt to hike through the rugged mountains with a specialist guide to track these elusive creatures to experience the true sense of adventure. While the wolves are hard to spot in the wild, a visit to the park’s wolf sanctuary guarantees sightings and offers fascinating insights into wolf behaviour. You can visit this place any time of the year.

The Carpathian Mountains of Transylvania are home to the elusive lynx. Spotting these majestic animals in their natural habitat will require the expertise of a guide, so take one for optimum experience. Along the way, keep an eye out for other wildlife like bears and wolves, making this a rewarding experience for nature lovers. Best time to visit this place is March and April.

Iceland’s Eastern Fjords may not be on every tourist's radar, but they attract puffins in large numbers. The island is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with reindeer grazing on hillsides and wildflowers adding to the picturesque setting. Summer tours are the best time to spot seals, whales, and the famous puffins that frequent the cliffs and shorelines. Best time to visit is from May to September.

Did you know that the west coast of Scotland is rich with wildlife? Yes, this place offers you all the golden opportunities to see animals like dolphins, minke whales, and sea otters, Golden eagles and flocks of grouse can be seen soaring overhead. There are organised sea safaris available to take you closer to action. The best time to visit this place is from late April to late September.

Svalbard is again one of the best places to spot wildlife, especially polar bears in the wild. You can pick the summer cruises to increase your chances to spot polar bears roaming, as well as seals, Arctic foxes, and more. Take help of experienced guides to lead your way. Summer months are the best times to visit this place.