Top Cheese Lover Vacation Spots Around the Globe

Because, yes, it is perfectly reasonable to plan an entire trip around your favorite cheese.

Is there anything better than cheese? After all, cheese pretty much goes with everything. It’s amazing on bread or with fruit, vegetables, pasta, chocolate, wine or beer, or even just on its own.

The best thing about cheese, besides that it simply exists, is that there are so many varieties made all over the world. You can get a mild Brie in France, a flavorful goat cheese in Tuscany, or a pungent (dare we say, stinky) blue cheese in Asturias that’ll knock your socks off (or at least smell like them). Many cheeses can be found in particular places around the world, where cheesemongers have been perfecting their craft for generations.

Who wouldn’t want the perfect excuse to roam around France, eating every morsel of Camembert, Brie, and Beaufort in sight? Or around Italy, where you can sample Gorgonzola, pecorino Romano, and classic Parmesan? There are also cheesy excursions in Spain, and the actual town of Cheddar for some real-deal cheddar goodness. And if you want to stay stateside, don’t worry. There are plenty of places to visit in the U.S. as well.

Cheesy travelers might be reaching for their passports when they read about these amazing cheeses — and the destinations that created them.

Bordeaux, France

France is a cheese utopia, and some of the best in the world come from Bordeaux. Try regional favorites such as Tomme des Pyrénées (made from cow’s milk), Barousse (made from cow’s or sheep’s milk), and Ossau-lraty (made from sheep’s milk) while you’re in the area. Not only are there tons of varieties of cheese shops you can explore — like Le Chèvrefeuille, a factory specializing in rich goat cheeses — but there’s also Baud et Millet, a tiny cheese restaurant inside a cave.

Normandy, France

Normandy is renowned for its creamy French cheese, especially Camembert. Visit La Maison du Camembert, a cheese museum designed to resemble a Camembert wheel, and the President Farm, where you can savor fresh cheese and learn everything about Camembert, from its historical beginnings to the cheesemaking process.

The French Alps

Along the borders of France, Switzerland, and Italy, you are bound to discover delicious cheeses, such as Reblochon, Beaufort, Abondance, Bleu de Sassenage, and Tomme de Savoie. Additionally, you can enjoy these delights while admiring gorgeous views.

Asturias, Spain

This region of Spain is often called “El Pais de los Quesos” (The Land of Cheese). The most popular cheese from Asturias is the strongly blue queso de Cabrales. Cheese lovers can explore its historical and cultural significance through the special Cabrales Foundation.

La Mancha, Spain

La Mancha isn’t just the home of Don Quixote, it’s also the home of the famous Spanish cheese: Manchego. This buttery cheese is made from the milk of Manchega sheep that are herded in the provinces of Toledo, Cuenca, Ciudad Real, and Albacete.

Sardinia, Italy

You can find nearly every type of Italian cheese in Sardinia, from pecorino to blue cheese. However, what makes Sardinian cheese particularly unique (and perhaps a little risky) is an illegal cheese made with live maggots called casu marzu. Featured on an episode of The Amazing Race, this cheese is said to taste like a strong Gorgonzola but should be consumed with caution due to potential health risks. It’s advisable to stick to safer choices during your trip to avoid any unpleasant souvenirs.

Pagazzano, Italy

Cheese enthusiasts should definitely visit Pagazzano, home of gorgonzola. One of the best companies producing traditional Italian cheese, Arrigoni, is a must-try for its exquisite offerings.

Reggio Emilia, Italy

Ever wondered where your favorite cheese, which pairs wonderfully with everything, originates? We’re talking about parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano. Turns out, this delightful cheese was created in the Middle Ages in the Italian province of Reggio Emilia, and it’s a must-visit destination for cheese lovers.

Somerset, South West England

Cheddar originates from the town of Cheddar in South West England, where the famous Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company is the sole cheesemaker left, crafting this deliciously sharp treat.

Gruyeres, Switzerland

Where else would you find good gruyere other than Gruyeres? This medieval town has been producing cheese that’s perfect for pairing with your favorite fruits for centuries.

Torjulvagen, Norway

The best cheese in the world (no, really) is a strong blue cheese variety called Kraftkar, made in the Norwegian town of Torjulvagen since as recent as 2004. At the 2016 World Cheese Awards in San Sebastián, Kraftkar was awarded the title of “World Champion” across all categories.

Alkmaar, The Netherlands

If you’re looking for the best cheese markets in Europe, you must visit the Netherlands. These medieval markets offer a variety of cheeses, including Edam and Gouda. Consider stopping by the Alkmaar Cheese Market located in Waagplein Square.

Santa Rosa, California

You don’t have to travel to Europe for exceptional cheese, as there are plenty of delicious domestic varieties found around the U.S. In 2021, the top five cheese-producing states were Wisconsin, California, Idaho, New Mexico, and New York. If you plan to visit the West Coast, Santa Rosa hosts an artisan cheese festival every spring at the Sonoma County Event Center, attracting cheesemongers from all over the country. Among the festival’s participants are local cheese makers from the San Francisco area, including Cowgirl Creamery, Cypress Grove (known for tangy goat cheeses), and Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co, making this festival a prime location to sample some of the best offerings available.

Madison, Wisconsin

Wisconsin is a must-visit for cheddar enthusiasts. While you’re there, check out Fromagination in Madison, where you can sample various types of cheeses, enjoy tastings (including melty raclette), learn about cheesemongery, and take home cheese baskets as souvenirs.

Cabot, Vermont

Cabot is home to one of America’s most popular cheese makers, Cabot Creamery. The dairy farm is famous for its white, extra-sharp cheddar, found in virtually every U.S. grocery store, with opportunities for tours available at the creamery.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This city is not only known for its cheesesteaks; Philadelphia features an array of fantastic restaurants offering numerous cheeses. Visiting the Reading Terminal Market is a must, where you can find the Riehl Cheese Shop and Deli, owned and operated by a Pennsylvania Dutch family that specializes in Colby, pepper jack, and rich cream cheeses made locally in Lancaster County.

Toronto, Canada

While Canada may not be globally renowned for its cheese, it does have a variety of excellent restaurants and markets, such as St. Lawrence Market. This impressive farmer’s market has a wealth of organic foods and quality cheeses. Don’t miss the Alex Farm Products stand, offering seasonal and artisanal cheeses from all over Canada, featuring both local and imported options from various European and American locales.

Oaxaca, México

If you enjoy Oaxaca cheese, the mild, salty type that elevates Mexican cuisine from flavorful to unforgettable, you’ll be pleased to know it’s readily available. Just like mozzarella, Oaxaca cheese (also known as quesillo or queso de hebra) is sold in little balls, making it an essential finding at many Mexican food stands and restaurants, plus you’ll surely want to take some home.

Pag Island, Croatia

The hard and salty Paški Sir cheese comes from sheep raised on this little island near Croatia, where they graze throughout the day along the salty shores and are milked every few days. This enchanting island is truly a paradise for cheese lovers.

Adelaide, Australia

While you’re Down Under, you should certainly try the finest cheese Australia has to offer. Woodside Cheese Wrights provides an extensive variety of cow and goat cheeses, carefully crafted by hand and offered seasonally.