Captivating the World’s Lens: Visit Cascais Reveals the Most Instagrammable UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe

France

The Palace of Versailles in France is one of the oldest UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, first receiving its inscription in 1979. The former royal residence features breathtaking architecture and stunning expansive gardens, so it should come as no surprise that this is the most Instagrammable site in the list by far, with more than 1.9 million Instagram posts at the location. One of the largest  French royal châteaux, the Palace of Fontainebleau, also features in the list, ranking 16th.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is the European country with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the ranking, with five sites considered some of the most Instagrammable in Europe. The Tower of London is the UK’s most Instagrammable World Heritage Site, with 844,000 Instagram posts snapped at the historic castle. The tower is an extremely popular tourist site, particularly for those with an interest in the British monarchy. 

Blenheim Palace and Durham Castle and Cathedral are other iconic buildings in the United Kingdom that can be considered some of the most Instagrammable, with 391,000 and 83,350 Instagram posts respectively. The idyllic Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew rank in the top five, with the gardens being home to the largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world, so there is certainly no shortage of plants and foliage to photograph! The Neolithic monuments of Stonehenge and other associated sites also feature in the ranking, with an average of 110,775 Instagram posts.

Greece 

The Acropolis in the capital city of Athens is an ancient citadel, thought to have been constructed in the fifth century BC. The iconic columns of the buildings are unmistakable as a pivotal feature of Ancient Greek architecture and have led to more than 675,000 Instagram posts, ranking third in the list. Much restoration is still being carried out on the Acropolis, ensuring it’s still standing for generations of photo snappers to come.

Italy

Italy is the country with the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, currently home to 58 sites. Therefore it’s unsurprising that several of these are considered some of the most Instagrammable in Europe. The Amalfi Coast has surged in popularity in recent years, for those desperate to lead “la dolce vita” as shown in popular movies such as The Talented Mr. Ripley. The protected area ranks fourth in the list of most Instagrammable sites in Europe, with 461,000 posts.

Other Italian sites that feature in the top 20 are the 16th-century Villa d’Este in Tivoli, the ancient archaeological areas of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata and the 13th-century citadel and castle, Castel del Monte in Andria.

Spain

There are three Spanish UNESCO World Heritage Sites that can be considered some of the most Instagrammable in Europe. The Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudí, is considered one of the country’s most influential designers, with a number of his works still in existence for people to witness firsthand. Arguably the most notable is La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, which is still not completed, more than 140 years after construction began. On average, the works of Gaudí have garnered more than 414,000 Instagram posts.

The Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial in Madrid, a historical residence of the King of Spain, ranks tenth in the list, whilst the palace and fortress of Alhambra in Granada ranks 13th.

Czech Republic 

The Czech Republic has just 15 cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with the Historic Centre of Český Krumlov revealed to be the most Instagrammable, with over 234,000 posts at the location. The town was built around a 13th-century castle which features Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque components and is a prime example of a medieval town with architectural heritage that has remained intact over a number of centuries.

Portugal 

Four of Portugal’s cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites are considered some of the most Instagrammable in Europe, with the Historic Centre of Oporto, the Luiz I Bridge and the Monastery of Serra do Pilar as a combined site revealed to be the most photographic, with an average of 222,000 posts across these locations. The area, built along the hills overlooking the mouth of the Douro River, is considered an “outstanding urban landscape” with a rich history.

Other sites such as the Hieronymites Monastery in Lisbon and the University of Coimbra are also considered some of the most Instagrammable World Heritage Sites in Europe, ranking 11th and 15th respectively.

The Cultural Landscape of Sintra is the only area in the world to be classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its cultural interest and natural beauty. Located just a 20-minute drive from Cascais, the town of Sintra has long been a royal sanctuary, with the site including a number of fairytale palaces that make for the perfect Instagram snap. The Sintra Mountains at the heart of the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park are also part of the World Heritage Site, with the mountains formerly known as the Mountain of the Moon due to their natural magnetic properties. The site ranks 18th in the list, with an average of more than 87,000 Instagram posts.

Inês Oliveira, Press & PR Manager offers her thoughts on why the Cultural Landscape of Sintra is such a popular World Heritage Site to share on Instagram:

“The area of Sintra has many beautiful locations that make for the perfect Instagram photo, whether it’s because they show the romantic landscape of the town, or simply because they showcase the natural beauty of Sintra that is so unique in Portugal. There are a number of very Instagrammable sites in the area, as well as the looming mountains. 

Monserrate Palace features breathtaking architecture, as well as botanical gardens that are a beautiful example of landscaping in Portuguese Romanticism. The 16th-century Capuchos Convent is a minimalist construction and is known as one of the most mystical locations in Sintra. And of course, Pena Palace draws photographers from all over the world as one of the seven wonders of Portugal. The palace is the second highest point on the Sintra Mountains and is an exceptional expression of 19th century Romanticism.”