Europe has an amazing history, and plenty of culture and literature to go alongside it. If you’re big on reading, or simply want to experience the setting of your favorite book, check out these literary destinations across Europe.
Lake Geneva, Switzerland
Whilst it has been used in several books as a stunning, dramatic setting, Lake Geneva is also the location where Mary Shelley came up with the idea for her novel Frankenstein. Legend has it that in the summer of 1816, in the Villa Diodati on the shores of Lake Geneva, Mary and her husband Percy were holidaying with Lord Byron and Dr John Polidori. As the famed writers told each other ghost tales around the fire one night, the idea for Frankenstein came to Mary and she began writing the classic Gothic novel.
Cephalonia, Greece
This beautiful Greek island is described in luscious detail in Louis de Bernières novel Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. This touching novel is set during the Italian and German occupation of the island in World War Two, so reading it also helps you learn about Cephalonia’s recent traumatic past. Stroll along beaches, dine at sea-view bars, and take in the Greek culture and lifestyle on this gorgeous island.
Verona, Italy
One of the most famous love stories of all time is set in this ancient Italian city. Although it’s unclear whether Shakespeare ever actually travelled to Verona, you can visit ‘Juliet’s Balcony’, a beautiful ornate carved balcony where it is easy to imagine the young woman scanning the garden for a sign of her lover. The city’s association with Romeo and Juliet mean that it is a hotspot for romantic getaways, and with the stunning streets, gorgeous cafes, and beautiful river running right through the city, it’s easy to see why.
Whether you’re seeking a literary adventure, or just want a beautiful setting where you can start reading a new book, it’s easy to see why writers and thinkers have been drawn to these beautiful places over the centuries.
