- \n
- Basis of selection:<\/strong> Over 3,000 drone flights in 82+ countries since 2018 \u2013 from the Mavic Air to the DJI Mini 5 Pro \u2013 have formed the 20 best spots in Europe.<\/li>\n
- Northern Europe Podium:<\/strong> Lofoten (Reine, Hamn\u00f8y) are number one; also Faroe Islands with M\u00falafossur, Trolltunga, Geirangerfjord and Lapland's Northern Lights from the air.<\/li>\n
- Southern European classics:<\/strong> Santorini, Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast and the Benagil Cave in the Algarve \u2013 iconic motifs with clear flight windows and rules.<\/li>\n
- Hidden gems & mountains:<\/strong> Kotor Bay, Meteora and Cappadocia's balloons provide variations; the Dolomites, Matterhorn, Tre Cime and Kjerag crown the mountain category.<\/li>\n
- Practice per spot:<\/strong> Each entry includes GPS coordinates, best time of year and country-specific drone rules \u2013 including 250g limits and airport checks before each flight.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>
In this guide, I share my 20 absolute favorites \u2014 sorted by region, with specific GPS coordinates, best time of year, drone regulations, and my personal tips for the perfect shot. I have personally flown and tested each spot.<\/p>\n
Northern Europe \u2014 pure drama<\/h2>\n
1. Lofoten, Norway \u2014 The king of drone spots<\/h3>\n
The Lofoten Islands are the best drone spot in Europe. Period. The combination of rugged mountains plunging into the turquoise sea, the iconic red fishermen's cabins (rorbuer), and the light\u2014midnight sun in summer, northern lights in winter\u2014is unique. My favorite: Reine and Hamn\u00f8y from above, when the morning sun bathes the mountains in golden light.<\/p>\n
Best time:<\/strong> September-October (autumn colors + chance of seeing the Northern Lights) or June-July (midnight sun). Drone law:<\/strong> Norway allows drones under 250g without registration in most areas. Caution: Do not fly over nature reserves or closer than 5 km to airports. The Lofoten Islands have a small airport near Svolv\u00e6r \u2014 check your GPS coordinates before takeoff!<\/p>\n
2. Faroe Islands, Denmark \u2014 Wild & Untouched<\/h3>\n
The Faroe Islands are what Iceland was 15 years ago\u2014dramatic, sparsely populated, and completely unspoiled. The M\u00falafossur waterfall, plunging directly over a cliff into the sea, is one of the most iconic drone shots ever. Add to that Mykines with its puffin colonies and Tr\u00e6lan\u00edpa, the lake above the sea.<\/p>\n
Best time:<\/strong> May-August (but even then: rain jacket mandatory). Drone law:<\/strong> Under 250g no permit required, but bird sanctuaries are strictly protected \u2014 for Mykines only with a permit and outside the breeding season.<\/p>\n
3. Trolltunga, Norway \u2014 The Tongue Rock<\/h3>\n
Trolltunga (the Troll's Tongue) is a rock outcrop that juts 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. Filmed from above with a drone, it looks as if a stone tongue is growing out of the mountain. The hike there is 28 km long and challenging (10-12 hours) \u2014 but the drone footage makes any muscle aches worthwhile.<\/p>\n
Best time:<\/strong> June-September (in winter only with a guide and winter equipment). Tip:<\/strong> Start the drone flight BEFORE the rock outcrop, not on it. The wind conditions at the edge are unpredictable.<\/p>\n
4. Lapland, Finland \u2014 Northern Lights from above<\/h3>\n
Filming the Northern Lights with a drone is technically demanding (long exposures in sub-zero temperatures, battery management at -20\u00b0C), but the results are breathtaking. DJI Mini 5 Pro<\/a> Night mode allows exposures of up to 2 seconds \u2014 enough to capture the Northern Lights. Store batteries in your jacket pocket instead of the drone until takeoff \u2014 at -20\u00b0C they lose 40% capacity in minutes.<\/p>\n
Best time:<\/strong> October-March. Location:<\/strong> Inari or Saariselk\u00e4 (low light pollution).<\/p>\n
Southern Europe \u2014 Mediterranean Magic<\/h2>\n
5. Santorini, Greece \u2014 The Classic<\/h3>\n
Santorini is the most photographed place in Europe\u2014and for good reason. The white houses with their blue domes, set against the backdrop of the volcanic caldera and the deep blue sea, are even more spectacular from the air than from the ground. My spot: Oia at sunset, when the sun bathes the white walls in golden and pink light.<\/p>\n
Drone law in Greece:<\/strong> ATTENTION \u2014 Greece has had strict drone regulations since 2023. Flights near archaeological sites (Acropolis, Delphi, Meteora monasteries) are prohibited. In Santorini, flying over Oia is theoretically permitted, but the authorities are vigilant. Drones under 250g do not require registration, but obtaining flight authorization via the HCAA app is recommended.<\/p>\n
6. Cinque Terre, Italy \u2014 Colorful villages on the steep coast<\/h3>\n
The five villages of the Cinque Terre (Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore) cling to the cliffs of the Ligurian coast like colorful Lego bricks. A drone shot from above is breathtaking. Each village has its own unique charm, but Manarola at sunset is the shot you'll want.<\/p>\n
Drone law in Italy:<\/strong> Drones under 250g (category OPEN A1) do not require a permit. ENAC registration has been mandatory since 2024, even for drones under 250g. Registration can be completed online in 5 minutes.<\/p>\n
7. Amalfi Coast, Italy \u2014 Positano from above<\/h3>\n
Positano, with its pastel-colored houses cascading down the mountain to the sea, is a dream from above. The winding Amalfi Coast road stretches like a ribbon between mountain and sea. Ravello offers views across the entire coast. A drone paradise\u2014when the wind is right (the cliffs generate strong updrafts).<\/p>\n
Best time:<\/strong> April-May or September-October (fewer tourists, milder light). In summer the coast is so crowded that you'll hardly find a launch site.<\/p>\n
8. Benagil Cave, Algarve, Portugal<\/h3>\n
Benagil Sea Cave is a vast sea cave with a natural skylight in its ceiling. When the midday sun shines vertically through the opening and illuminates the beach inside, it creates one of the most magical drone shots in the world. It is only accessible by kayak or swimming.<\/p>\n
Tip:<\/strong> Launch the drone in front of the kayak and fly it along the coast to the cave. Flying inside the cave is risky due to GPS loss\u2014it must be done manually and only with experience.<\/div>\nEin kleiner Einblick in die Vielfalt der Drohnenfotografie \u2014 Luftaufnahmen aus aller Welt, die zeigen, wie unterschiedlich unsere Erde von oben aussieht.<\/em><\/p>\n
\n\n- \n
- \n
![](\"https:\/\/max-haase.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/karibik-kreuzfahrt-reisebericht-st-lucia-barbados-drohne_g1_t.jpg\")
<\/a><\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n- \n
- \n
![](\"https:\/\/max-haase.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gfx2-fuerte-r2-c1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n
- \n
- Northern Europe Podium:<\/strong> Lofoten (Reine, Hamn\u00f8y) are number one; also Faroe Islands with M\u00falafossur, Trolltunga, Geirangerfjord and Lapland's Northern Lights from the air.<\/li>\n
![](\"https:\/\/max-haase.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gfx2-fuerte-r2-c2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n![](\"https:\/\/max-haase.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/karibik-kreuzfahrt-reisebericht-st-lucia-barbados-drohne_g2_t.jpg\")
<\/a><\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n![](\"https:\/\/max-haase.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gfx2-phil-rep2-c2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n![](\"https:\/\/max-haase.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/gfx2-phil-rep2-c4.jpg\")
<\/a><\/dt>\n<\/dl>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n