Britannica Sources used in this answer

What are the major peninsulas of Europe?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Map showing the countries of Europe with national capitals and surrounding bodies of water, including the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Black Sea. — Europe Political map of Europe.

Europe is characterized by its highly indented coastline and several prominent peninsulas that extend into the surrounding seas. The major peninsulas of the continent include:

Scandinavian Peninsula: A large promontory in northern Europe occupied by Norway and Sweden.12
Iberian Peninsula: Located in southwestern Europe, this region is occupied by Spain and Portugal.32
Italian Peninsula: A major southern European peninsula that comprises much of Italy, San Marino, and Vatican City.42
Balkan Peninsula: Situated in southeastern Europe, this region includes several states such as Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, and others.52
Jutland: A peninsula forming the mainland of Denmark.62
Crimean Peninsula: Located in Ukraine, this peninsula extends into the Black Sea.2
Peloponnese: A peninsula forming the southern part of Greece.2

Would you like to learn more about the geographical features or the historical significance of any of these specific regions?